interviewer mocked my speech impediment, telling coworkers I’m having a baby unconventionally, and more July 26, 2024 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. My interviewer mocked my speech impediment I recently had a job interview that was extremely unpleasant. I won’t go into the details, but suffice it to say, there were so many red flags that the conference room was practically shrouded in a crimson miasma. I’m […]
asking employee to have their eyes checked, frustrated with daughter’s new job, and more July 15, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I’m frustrated with my daughter’s new job Our daughter is struggling. Her job has asked her not to come in for the rest of the month as they are “giving her time to work on herself.” She is a new employee of a brand new […]
should I apologize for being a bad employee? July 11, 2024 A reader writes: Do I need to apologize to my managers for being a less-than-stellar employee? I’m a contract employee on my second year of employment with an organization that hires its employees on one-year contracts. During my first year, my performance was good — not outstanding, but at least good enough to have my […]
my coworker will quit if I’m promoted, shimmer body oil at work, and more June 4, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My office mate announces all their comings and goings How do I get my office mate to stop announcing every time they enter or leave the office? “I’m going to lunch.” “I’m back.” “So many trips to the copier?” “Okay, I’m going to a meeting.” […]
pregnant employee is lying about work, coworker attacked my boss, and more May 13, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Pregnant employee is lying about doing her work One of my employees is pregnant and has been having a long series of issues at work since the beginning of the year. It shouldn’t matter, but just in case, I am a woman. However, I’ve never […]
boss keeps pulling on my ponytail, boss hates babies and I’m pregnant, and more May 7, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss keeps pulling on my ponytail I started a new part-time job at a restaurant a few months ago. I like it, for the most part, and I like the managers. But one of them, Phil, has a rather odd habit. He semi-regularly tugs […]
can I ask to be reimbursed for my expenses in a driving-heavy job? April 24, 2024 A reader writes: I recently started my dream job — amazing start-up, coveted industry, huge promise, incredibly competent management (a gift I do not take for granted). However, I’m working in arguably the most expensive metropolitan city on earth, one that is notorious for being a literal nightmare to drive or own a car in. […]
coworker wants to withhold PTO as punishment, religious gifts for colleagues, and more March 25, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Coworker wants to withhold PTO as punishment We have a series of educational seminars by coworkers every month. I am expected to attend 80% of these seminars, online or in person (preferred). Attendance is monitored through completion of an anonymous survey with a follow-up page […]
how to ask for a disability accommodation for a job interview February 29, 2024 A reader writes: I hoped you could answer a question –– ideally with a disability/employment lawyer or other specialist –– about disclosing disabilities at the interview stage. Your site is emphatic that disabilities should not be disclosed until an offer is received, due to the possibility for (unconscious) discrimination. This makes sense, but it leaves […]
management talks to us like we’re children, napping in the wellness room, and more February 23, 2024 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Management talks to us like we’re children I am a healthcare professional who works for a home health agency. We are all nurses, rehab therapists, or social workers — educated people with specialized skillsets. We rarely meet in-person but have daily phone calls, so I […]