December 2021

update: I’m embarrassed about the year I got my degree

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer who was embarrassed about the year she got her degree because she had failed a class and then gone back to finish until years later […]

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all of my 2021 book recommendations

All year long, I’ve made a weekly book recommendation when kicking off the weekend open thread. These aren’t work-related books; they’re just books I like, mostly fiction. Sometimes they’re books that I’m in the middle of reading, and other times they’re just long-standing favorites. Here’s the complete list of what I’ve recommended this year (maybe […]

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what’s your company doing for the holidays this year?

What’s your company doing about the holidays this year? Last year, many employers simply canceled holiday celebrations because of the pandemic, while others devised creative ways to celebrate — like virtual cocktail tastings and drive-in movies. This year, some parties seem back on, while others aren’t. What’s your office planning for this year?

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updates: the problematic volunteer, the kid comments, and more

It’s “where are you now?” season at Ask a Manager, and I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. My boss wants me to ask a rejected problematic job candidate to volunteer Thank you for your advice! It was very helpful. […]

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updates: the needy colleague, the holiday blues, and more

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. My ex-mentee still comes to me with all of her questions (#2 at the link) I know my question was […]

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update: my team is requiring us to do a diet/exercise/”mental toughness” program

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose team was being required to do the 75 Hard diet/exercise/”mental toughness” program? Here’s the update. Well, here’s a fun update: It turned out that 75 […]

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update: my VP of HR says my service dog is too small

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose VP of HR said her service dog was too small? Here’s the update. I have an update for you, and it’s mostly positive. My meeting […]

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a coworker of the cheap-ass rolls legend speaks out

Remember the letter-writer angry that someone else brought “cheap-ass rolls” to an office potluck when she had already signed up bring rolls herself (#2 at the link)? A commenter recently mentioned that she believed she worked with this letter-writer and — as said letter has become somewhat legendary in these parts — she agreed to […]

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