2012

how much sick leave is reasonable to use?

A reader writes: I work for a company that provides two weeks’ vacation and two PTO days to employees to use as they see fit. Toward the end of the year, the manager of our department will alert each person who still has unscheduled time available and ask that they schedule it. This company also […]

Read the full article →

open thread

It’s our monthly open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything you want to talk about. If you have a question you want me to answer, emailing me is still your best bet, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. Have at it!

Read the full article →

where are you now?

Every December, I publish “where are they now” updates from people whose questions I answered here in the past year. It’s time for 2012’s version, so … If you’ve had your question answered here in the last year, please send me an update and let us know how your situation turned out. Leave no juicy detail […]

Read the full article →

am I missing too much work when my kids are sick?

A reader writes: I am a mother to an 8-year-old and a 19-month-old. My youngest gets sick quite often, when she needs medical attention or simply a home from day care, I dont really have anyone to rely on to help me out (single mom). This usually means I have to miss work when she […]

Read the full article →

should you attend your office holiday party?

I’m a big fan of the idea that office parties and other social events shouldn’t be mandatory — when an event is intended to be a morale-building treat, requiring attendance often rubs people the wrong way. However, that’s advice for employers. On the employee side of things, you’re still left with the question of whether […]

Read the full article →