January 2017

open thread – January 27-28, 2017

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about. If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * If you submitted […]

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should I invite my lonely intern over for dinner?

A reader writes: I am a female in my mid-30s who is fairly new to managing. I am currently supervising an intern, “Fergus,” who is a grad student in his mid-20s. His home city is an eight-hour drive away (or a one-hour flight away), which makes it a bit impractical for him to travel home […]

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I feel guilty about having to reject good job candidates

A reader writes: I am a relatively new manager (almost one year) overseeing three full-time employees and one part-time worker. I have hiring/firing authority for all employees in my department. One of my full-time employees gave me a month’s notice, and I will start interviewing people to fill her position soon. I have already been […]

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do I really need to schedule my wedding around work events?

A reader writes: I got engaged in May of 2016. In July, we chose a venue and date (January 2018). When I told my boss the good news, the first thing she said right after congratulations was (in a panicked voice), “But that’s right before our Annual Teapot Gala!” — to which I didn’t know […]

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what to do when you’re put on a performance improvement plan

A reader writes: Yesterday, I was put on a month-long performance improvement plan. I have made some mistakes, and let things fall through the cracks. I take responsibility for them, and the plan is mostly centered on proving I can be dependable. I agree that there are things I need to change and get better […]

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