difficult ex is my new coworker, taking video calls in a coffeeshop, and more by Alison Green on February 19, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My contentious ex is now my coworker Today, my ex (mom of our two kids) showed up for orientation at the hospital were I work (without any heads-up). She’s contentious (especially lately since my new wife and I just had a baby) and she loves […] Read the full article →
should I avoid wearing pricey status items at work? by Alison Green on February 18, 2020 A reader writes: I inherited a watch recently from my late grandfather, and it happens to be a Swiss model which is frightfully expensive — as in over $2,500 new. He purchased it upon his retirement 20 years ago, and its been in the family ever since. Due to its high cost and recognizable brand, […] Read the full article →
how can I stop being so nervous in job interviews? by Alison Green on February 18, 2020 A reader writes: Do you have advice for someone who self-sabotages during interviews? I look very good on paper, and I always get called to interview nearly everywhere I apply. Unfortunately, I have diagnosed PTSD, and my fight or flight instinct kicks in on the morning of my interviews, every time, without fail. Employed-me is […] Read the full article →
I had a secret relationship with a coworker and now I’m pregnant by Alison Green on February 18, 2020 A reader writes: A colleague and I have been in a secret relationship for a couple of months. We work in the same team. He is not my manager but is slightly senior to me in terms of the work we do. He doesn’t have influence over my work, but we do occasionally have to […] Read the full article →
becoming a receptionist against my will, baking for one employee but not the other, and more by Alison Green on February 18, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I think I’m about to become a receptionist against my will A few months ago, I started a new job in an administrative but non-reception role. Part of my offer letter included that I’d provide “assistance” with reception, which I’ve been more than happy to […] Read the full article →
how much stuff can I “move in with” on my first day at a new job? by Alison Green on February 17, 2020 A reader writes: I’m starting a new job in a week and a bit, my first after finishing my PhD. I’m wondering how much stuff it’s acceptable to “move in with” on the first day. I’ve seen the space, it’s a large-ish desk in a three-person office. I don’t want to just show up with […] Read the full article →
my coworker makes mistakes that affect my work by Alison Green on February 17, 2020 A reader writes: I have a colleague who I depend on for data for a recurring project. Every time the update is due, I schedule check-in meetings weeks in advance and make it explicitly clear that I need X by [date] and Y by [date]. And every. single. time. my colleague slips the deadline, running […] Read the full article →
employee quit over a coworker’s email, wiping down my keyboard as soon as someone else uses it, and more by Alison Green on February 17, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My employee misdirected an email criticizing her problem coworker — who saw it and quit I have two direct reports who can’t stand each other but they’ve managed to be civil and professional. Sansa is a mid-top performer with a consistently good work product. She’s […] Read the full article →
weekend free-for-all – February 15-16, 2020 by Alison Green on February 15, 2020 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.) Book recommendation of the week: Followers, by Megan Angelo. In 2016, two friends seek fame, and find it with unanticipated consequences. 35 years later, the government runs a strictly controlled, […] Read the full article →
a Valentine’s Day round-up by Alison Green on February 14, 2020 In celebration of Valentine’s Day, here’s a round-up of some past posts that involved romantic relationships — some good, some bad, and some really weird. My dad is dating my boss, and they want me to go to couples therapy with them (and the first and second updates) I ghosted my ex, and she’s about to […] Read the full article →