December 2016

I’m afraid that I don’t deserve my promotion

A reader writes: I work in a technical program where change is very, very slow to occur, if it occurs at all. Most positions have one or two promotions built in to them, with the next step being management. However, management roles are typically only open due to retirements, so they don’t happen often. Most […]

Read the full article →

is my first job supposed to be crappy?

A reader writes: I have a question about job searching as a new grad. I’m currently in the interview process for a job I’m really not so sure about. I haven’t received an offer or anything, but I wanted to ask a question about the standards I should have for my first job out of […]

Read the full article →

update #2: my coworker responds to everything I ask him to do with profanity and “your mom” jokes

Remember the letter from the person whose coworker responded to everything she asked him to do with profanity, name-calling, flat refusals, and and “your mom” jokes? She updated earlier here, and here’s the latest. I wish I could give you a thrilling conclusion! But here’s how the Rude Gaslighting Clerk saga has been going…(also, sorry it’s […]

Read the full article →

how to speak “boss” and decode what your manager really means

Most managers think they’re being perfectly clear when they talk to employees – even though employees are sometimes left unsure about what message is being delivered. Here are eight common things that bosses say that can cause confusion, and how to interpret each of them. 1. “Are you busy?” If your boss drops by your […]

Read the full article →

my coworker is trying to do all the work

A reader writes: I started working in my current position after my now-coworker, Betty, was promoted to a higher position in the same office. I am in her former position. We’re part of a larger department, but our office was just three people: me, Betty, and our supervisor, Wilma. Wilma left our department a few […]

Read the full article →

update: what kind of severance package should I try to negotiate?

Remember the letter-writer in October wondering what to try to negotiate for severance? (#5 at the link) Here’s the update. To preface, the reason I was concerned about negotiating was because this company had pulled a severance offer from the person they let go before me when she tried to negotiate for a few more […]

Read the full article →

weekend free-for-all – December 10-11, 2016

This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. (This one is truly no work and no school. If you have a work question, you can email it to me or post it in the work-related open thread on Fridays.) Recommendation of the week:  A […]

Read the full article →