how to take vacation when it’s never a good time to leave work by Alison Green on May 29, 2013 If you’re like lots of Americans, you’ve accrued vacation time that you’re not sure when you’ll ever use. You might feel guilty about taking time off when there’s so much work to be done, or just not foresee a slower period that will allow you to get away, or have a boss who discourages you […] Read the full article →
how to use a foot in the door, quitting a job you like, and more by Alison Green on May 29, 2013 It’s wee answer Wednesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Do I have to be paid for attending meetings outside my regular hours? I’m working at a restaurant part-time while I do a bunch of contract work. It’s an hourly + tips job with no benefits in Washington, DC. […] Read the full article →
when there’s an error on your paycheck — in your favor by Alison Green on May 28, 2013 A reader writes: My sister earns $400/week at an office job, but her first deposit for two weeks of work was $3,000. If she doesn’t mention it, would you expect any repercussions on her job if the over-deposit is later discovered? Would you recommend that she just bring it up to her employer ASAP? Yes, […] Read the full article →
my coworker sent a hostile resignation email to our team, and now wants me to attend a going-away party by Alison Green on May 28, 2013 A reader writes: I have a dilemma that I’m not sure how to approach. Recently, one of my coworkers submitted a resignation letter to our manager, then emailed a going-away party invite to me, the manager, and two other coworkers. This employee has worked closely with me and the other coworkers for a while, and wanted it […] Read the full article →
how can I coach an annoying employee? by Alison Green on May 28, 2013 A reader writes: How can I talk to my employee about her tendency to annoy people? She likes to work collaboratively to develop ideas, but it has begun to be burdensome for her colleagues. She seems to be high maintenance, mulling over minor little details and dragging things out unnecessarily. Is there a tactful way […] Read the full article →
tiny answer Tuesday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on May 28, 2013 It’s tiny answer Tuesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. The person who I replaced 15 months ago now wants her job back I applied for an internal lateral move 15 months ago and got the job. The vacancy was there because another worker bid on a higher job […] Read the full article →
cold-calling companies and showing up in person to submit a resume by Alison Green on May 27, 2013 A reader writes: I have read your articles about cold-calling here and here, but I think today’s market is somewhat tougher and I would love to know your thoughts. I am currently looking for a graduate position in architecture field. It is tough without any local experience. Having tried applying advertised jobs and reaching contacts but to no avail, […] Read the full article →
my boss is always making out with his girlfriend at work by Alison Green on May 27, 2013 While visiting my nieces (ages 9 and 12) this weekend, they asked to take a stab at answering an Ask a Manager question … and then clamored to have their answers posted. So the following question has answers from all three of us. A reader writes: We work in a fairly small division of the […] Read the full article →
ask the readers: who should replace the office water cooler jug? by Alison Green on May 27, 2013 This one is interesting, and I’m throwing it out to readers to help with. Here’s the letter: I’m not exactly sure how relevant this is to management, but I’m guessing this is a common source of office drama and was wondering what you and your readers think/do about it. The office water cooler: Who should […] Read the full article →
manager won’t return reference calls, dinged for not being social, and more by Alison Green on May 27, 2013 It’s mini answer Monday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. How can I nicely tell an employee that she needs to be at work more, despite family illness? I have a valued employee who has had two sick parents over the last year. One had cancer and we allowed […] Read the full article →