I work long hours but don’t want my staff to feel pressure to do the same by Alison Green on February 5, 2019 A reader writes: So, I work a lot. I try to keep a healthy work/life balance, but I really like my job so the scales definitely tip toward the work side. Sometimes it gets a little too tipsy, especially recently due to some fluctuations at my workplace. Recently I have taken over the management of […] Read the full article →
how can I fix my procrastination problem? by Alison Green on January 28, 2019 A reader writes: I have a bit of an issue with procrastination at work. And when I say a bit, I mean I’m extremely anxious and constantly terrified I will be fired and it’s kind of ruining my life. I should probably seek therapy for the anxiety bit, but I would still like to know […] Read the full article →
how can I stop freaking out if I get a curt-sounding email? by Alison Green on January 22, 2019 A reader writes: I’m definitely a relationship person at work and maintain a warm tone in my emails and most interactions with people. I know there are different work styles, but I really struggle with receiving curt-sounding emails. I worry that someone is mad at me or that I’ve done something wrong even when, most […] Read the full article →
how do I stop my desk from looking like a tornado hit it? by Alison Green on January 17, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I have never been someone who is good at keeping tidy. I have what many refer to as “an organized mess.” I know exactly where everything I need is, but my desk is by no means orderly. I’ve noticed that my coworkers are all able […] Read the full article →
do I wear too much black at work? by Alison Green on January 8, 2019 A reader writes: My current office’s dress code is business casual, and I wear black, knee-length dresses almost every day. I typically wear a neutral, light colored cardigan with the dress, and I always have a navy or black blazer on hand in case I need to step up the look unexpectedly. I don’t wear […] Read the full article →
can I refuse to put up Christmas decorations at work? by Alison Green on December 17, 2018 A reader writes: My employer is asking all of us to decorate our offices/work areas for Christmas this year. The decorations are provided, and she thinks it will brighten up the office. I work as an administrative assistant in the front of the office. Because of some difficult personal reasons, I will not be celebrating […] Read the full article →
I’m bored in my first job out of college — but everything except the work is great by Alison Green on November 20, 2018 A reader writes: I am a recent college grad (May ’18) and I have been working at a company since July. The benefits here are great, the pay is good for the industry, I get three weeks off per year and can roll over even more than I can accrue in one year, my commute […] Read the full article →
can I read erotica on work breaks? by Alison Green on November 13, 2018 A reader writes: I came across the discussions of porn at work earlier this year, which got me questioning something I do. I tend to read romance novels and explicit stories from online repositories on my personal phone when I have spare moments, such as on a scheduled break. Other than AAM, this is my […] Read the full article →
my manager said I need more confidence — what does that mean? by Alison Green on November 7, 2018 A reader writes: I just had my probation review for my new job and it went well! They seem pretty happy with me and the work I’m doing. Most of the feedback was stuff I agreed with and wanted to improve on anyway, so that was really great. But there was one thing which they […] Read the full article →
how to be successful without hurting men’s feelings by Alison Green on October 31, 2018 The following is an excerpt from Sarah Cooper’s brand new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings: Non-threatening Leadership Strategies for Women, which is hilarious and wonderful and will make you laugh while also making you dig your fingernails into yourself painfully because of how true it is. You should buy this book. (Text […] Read the full article →