did I overreact to my argument with a coworker? by Alison Green on March 19, 2020 A reader writes: I have a question about a situation I encountered in my previous job. I am a software engineer. Like many tech companies, my previous office made heavy use of Slack, including several automated notifications, aka bots (for example, if an error showed up in the logs, we might get a notification from […] Read the full article →
update: I ask candidates their salary expectations and don’t feel bad about it by Alison Green on March 19, 2020 Here are updates from three people who had their letters answered here in the past. 1. I ask candidates their salary expectations and don’t feel bad about it I reflected on Alison’s response and many of the comments, and have to admit that the letter I wrote was pretty obnoxious! For that I apologize. It […] Read the full article →
coronavirus and work: an open thread by Alison Green on March 19, 2020 Have questions about coronavirus and work? The comment section below is open for questions and information-sharing on all things COVID-19. We’ll do this every Thursday for at least the next several weeks (and I ask that you post coronavirus-related questions here rather than in the regular Friday open threads, so that those don’t get overtaken […] Read the full article →
we have to send 3 updates a day while working from home, coworker FaceTimes with her daughter all the time, and more by Alison Green on March 19, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. We have to send three updates a day while working from home Like so many others, I am now working from home until further notice. Work from home was previously heavily discouraged and typically only allowed during snow days. On top of this, we have […] Read the full article →
is this the wrong time to apply for jobs? by Alison Green on March 18, 2020 A reader writes: I recently saw a job posting that looks like a great next step in my career, but I’m unsure if this is the right time to apply for and maybe even start new jobs. Things are so uncertain and, well, I am feeling like leaving my current job would be risky until […] Read the full article →
employers can’t expect business as usual right now by Alison Green on March 18, 2020 The coronavirus has turned millions of office workers into remote employees overnight. Companies are sending workers home with laptops and a prayer that business will be able to continue as usual, but things can’t be business as usual. Employers will need to adjust their expectations of how much can truly get done in these circumstances. […] Read the full article →
my coworkers have a crush on my boss … and are taking it out on me by Alison Green on March 18, 2020 A reader writes: I’m the executive assistant for a small company. I’m the direct support for the VP of human resources, “Dave,” who is very charismatic and likable and a generally nice guy. He’s also very good looking. However, he’s very professional with great business boundaries. I enjoy working with him. Two managers in particular, […] Read the full article →
my boss keeps consulting my predecessor, HR told me to wear baggier clothes, and more by Alison Green on March 18, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss keeps calling my predecessor for help I started a great job in September. The person who used to have my job (Jill) got promoted to a different position in the company, but then left for another company. Jill used to be the assistant […] Read the full article →
why do highly qualified people stay at dysfunctional companies? by Alison Green on March 17, 2020 A reader writes: What motivation do good, highly qualified managers have to stay at a company where there’s lots of strife and politics? Nearly a year ago, my large, multinational company hired an Evil VP. He’s located in the new headquarters in the U.S. while our office of 50 people is in a different country. […] Read the full article →
my boss expects me to babysit her rambunctious kid by Alison Green on March 17, 2020 A reader writes: Thanks to your great advice, I landed an awesome job last year! I work as an event planner who runs trainings and conferences and supports two facilitators, one of whom is my direct supervisor (Anne). I work with another woman (Barbara) in my same role. We together support my supervisor. Anne is […] Read the full article →