It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. I’m being thanked way too much I work an admin job for a department that requires a lot of specialization for non-admin employees; it’s not necessarily uncommon for my coworkers to be in situations that could become dangerous. I think I’m decent at my job […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I organize an all-men beach weekend for my coworkers? I work at a bank branch of about 17 people, nine of whom are male. I’m considering inviting all the guys in the office for a weekend at the beach. We all get along and […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Is it okay for me to write other people’s cover letters for them? I do a fair bit of writing and editing for my job, and sometimes friends or family members will ask me for help with their own writing projects — especially cover letters. […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Coworker wants a bigger retirement send-off than we’re willing to fund I work for a state government organization, which means we have no budget for anything extra or perks. When people retire, their office generally comes together to do something for them. It’s very usual […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss wants to do a team outing at a gun range My boss keeps suggesting a team outing at a gun range. I feel very uncomfortable about this prospect as I don’t have any interest in handling guns. Is there a way to gracefully […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. How confidential are job searches? My question is about job searching when you’re already employed. Considering people are well connected to each other in many industries, how confidential are job searches, really? I’ve been applying and get the feeling that my employer knows! I’m suddenly […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My employee won’t stop pushing for a job she’s not qualified for My boss, who oversees the entire division, is hiring for an opening on another team. “Elizabeth,” an employee I manage, wants the job. She has no experience and doesn’t have the education or […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can I ask to work from home when it’s really hot outside? I have a question about asking to work from home in extreme heat. I live in a very pedestrian-friendly city and do not have a car. I have a 15-minute walk to work, […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can I ask for a chance to process things at work before responding? I’m an introvert who works for and with a group of extroverts. When in critical work conversations where my boss is giving direct feedback or asking my input on changes she’d like […]

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. How can I get my coworkers to chip in for snacks? At work we have a kitchen area for employees, and it is my habit to purchase granola bars, soda, coffee, tea, fresh fruit … basically what people need to grab for a quick boost […]