open thread – August 13-14, 2021 by Alison Green on August 13, 2021 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 (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * […] Read the full article →
I secretly moved people’s desks 2 inches and they freaked out, late-night work emails, and more by Alison Green on August 13, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I secretly moved people’s desks two inches over and they freaked out When I joined a new team several years ago, I was told by my new manager that I should move my things to their area on a different floor so I could sit […] Read the full article →
Mortification Week: the county lock-up, the disrupted town hall, and more by Alison Green on August 12, 2021 It’s Mortification Week at AAM and all week long we’ll be revisiting ways we’ve mortified ourselves at work (pulling comments and letters from the archives). Here are 10 stories of other people’s mortifying moments that have been shared here over the years. 1. County lock-up “A while back, we had a huge visit from our […] Read the full article →
Ask a Manager in the media by Alison Green on August 12, 2021 Here’s some coverage of Ask a Manager in the media recently: I talked to Slate about the problems with work activities centered around drinking. I talked to the Washington Post about dating at work. I talked to Kiplinger about how to push your company to allow you to stay remote. I talked to Nerd Wallet […] Read the full article →
tell us your stories of triumphing over work jerks by Alison Green on August 12, 2021 Earlier this week a commenter shared this magnificent story: My first job out of college was a sales job with a very overbearing, bullying boss (he made at least one guy cry while I was there). I am a pretty deadpan guy, especially when I’m nervous, and my boss had a huge personality and wanted […] Read the full article →
can I take a year off work, do I have to use nicknames, and more by Alison Green on August 12, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I got a windfall — how much time off should I take? I have been working in a cutthroat, fast-paced industry for over a decade (part-time during school, full-time ever since). I’ve been extremely dedicated to my work, and was able to rise through the […] Read the full article →
Mortification Week: the sleepover, the angry bees, and more by Alison Green on August 11, 2021 It’s Mortification Week at AAM and all week long we’ll be revisiting ways we’ve mortified ourselves at work (pulling comments and letters from the archives). Here are 15 more mortifying stories people have shared here over the years. 1. The shirt “I was wearing a shirt with sparkles on a dark blue background, that I […] Read the full article →
my employee won’t speak to me by Alison Green on August 11, 2021 A reader writes: I have an employee who recently lost her mother to cancer. We’re a small team, and we covered for her extensively while she took the time to care for her mom at the end of her life. Understandably, she’s still very upset, and we try to be accommodating as possible. However, a […] Read the full article →
Mortification Week: the museum captive, the accidental grope, and more by Alison Green on August 11, 2021 It’s Mortification Week at AAM and all week long we’ll be revisiting ways we’ve mortified ourselves at work (pulling comments and letters from the archives). Here are 15 more mortifying stories people have shared here over the years. 1. Welcome to the jungle “I work at a children’s hospital and was singing to get a […] Read the full article →
my mom is pushing too hard on my job search, I can’t do the work fun scheduled just for me, and more by Alison Green on August 11, 2021 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My mom is pushing me too hard on my job search I am 22 and I recently got a part-time position at my old school, which is a good start since my resume doesn’t show a lot of experience. And with the pandemic happening, it’s […] Read the full article →