should I tell future managers about my ADHD? July 27, 2020 A reader writes: Growing up as a child, I constantly struggled to focus. In school I understood the work, but because I lacked focus and could not hold my attention in the classroom. Every parent-teacher meeting was the same: “Your son is so intelligent and can achieve so much, but he is so disruptive and […]
my coworker insults me when I ask questions, talking to my boss about ADHD, and more April 10, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Company ordered people to quarantine, then told them to use PTO for it A few weeks ago, we were informed by a client that they were possibly exposed to COVID and were seeking a test. As a precaution, everyone who works with that client (almost […]
ask the readers: better work habits when you have ADHD January 9, 2014 I’m throwing this one out to readers to help with. A reader writes: I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. I tried medication but found it wasn’t the answer for me. I’ve had five jobs in five years, and I’m pretty sure ADHD is a factor. I’m writing because I’m hoping you or your readers […]
boss constantly talks about her personal finances, coworker is addicted to her phone, and more January 8, 2025 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager constantly talks about her personal finances I am the only direct report to a manager who constantly talks about how much money she is spending in her personal life. Her spouse owns an international company, which allows her to have a pretty nice […]
updates: my coworker says he’s my boss but he’s not, and more December 31, 2024 It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are five updates from past letter-writers. 1. How do I reject a qualified former coworker? (#4 at the link) I have a brief update with a bit […]
boss wants to dumb down my writing, telling a job-hunting relative he stinks, and more November 19, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager wants to dumb down my writing After a long stint in academia, I took a position with a state workforce agency two years ago. While I still teach adjunct at the university and maintain a “collegiate vocabulary,” I am far from inaccessible when […]
succeeding at work if you’re neurodivergent October 24, 2024 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I have ADHD and learning disabilities. I suspect I have autism too. I just got into a new manager position. With the amount of disabilities I have, it’s amazing how far I made it. As I look for advice for succeeding in the workplace as […]
am I too old-fashioned about how I schedule calls, feedback said my enthusiasm can seem too aggressive, and more October 17, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Am I being too old-fashioned about how I schedule calls? I work for a mid-sized media company. My job includes emailing people outside of the office to set up a time for me to interview them for content that I write. I keep an old-fashioned […]
survey asked about my boss’s mental health, avoiding a bone-crushing handshake, and more August 27, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Survey asked how my boss communicates about her mental health My supervisor at work is participating in a company-run training program aimed at helping managers improve their management skills. As one of her direct reports, I’ve been invited to take an (anonymous) survey to provide […]
can my husband hang out in my office, asking coworkers to treat me like “the talent,” and more August 14, 2024 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can my husband hang out in my office at night until I’m ready to leave? I am a woman in my early thirties. If I am going to stay late at night at work, would it be possible to bring my husband to stay somewhere […]