do I have to tell my boss where I’m going when I quit? by Alison Green on March 31, 2022 A reader writes: I wanted to ask how one can avoid saying where they are moving to after resigning at their job. An ex-colleague (let’s call him Jake) resigned and the boss insisted on knowing where he was going despite Jake trying to avoid saying. In the end, Jake gave the name of the company […] Read the full article →
update: is it weird to incorporate martial arts at my job? by Alison Green on March 31, 2022 Remember the letter-writer wondering if it was weird to incorporate martial arts at his job? Here’s the update. I clearly could have written that better, since when I explained to my wife why I was asking who Dwight Shrute was she laughed at how far the character is from a match to my personality. I […] Read the full article →
my ambitious, driven self is gone – and I don’t feel like working anymore by Alison Green on March 31, 2022 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I feel like I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I used to love reading your site because I really identified with the letter writers aiming to improve their careers and furthering their professional growth. That’s always been me: self-starting and passionate and dedicated. It […] Read the full article →
new employee refuses to learn technology, pigeon poop drama, and more by Alison Green on March 31, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. New employee refuses to learn technology I’ve been managing a new remote employee for four months and it’s been a daunting task for many reasons. The one I’m writing about is this person’s resistance to learning our basic technology systems: Microsoft, Sharepoint, calendars, Doodle polls, […] Read the full article →
are remote workers more likely to be laid off? by Alison Green on March 30, 2022 A reader writes: Several full-time, long-term employees (with 20+ years of service) are getting laid off at the end of the year and a few others are retiring. This came as a terrible shock to my team but to me the writing has been on the wall for a while now. (I’ve been job hunting […] Read the full article →
the axe thrower, the carpet glue, and other astounding first impressions made by new employees by Alison Green on March 30, 2022 Last week I asked about the most astounding first impression you’ve seen made by a new coworker. Here are some of my favorite stories you shared. 1. The axe We had a guy apply for a staff job. His very first day he was helping clean up brush along the edge of a mountain biking […] Read the full article →
my office contacts me CONSTANTLY while I’m on vacation by Alison Green on March 30, 2022 A reader writes: I’m sitting here rage-typing during what’s supposed to be my vacation. I work at a public health government agency as a department director in a highly visible position. Obviously the last two years have been hectic, and I haven’t taken much time off. I have great bosses who repeatedly encouraged me to […] Read the full article →
I’m managing the mom of the ex-friend who catfished me, and more by Alison Green on March 30, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I’m managing the mom of the ex-friend who catfished me Today I started a new job at a new company, managing a team of five. A member of my team, “Michelle,” has a daughter, “Melissa,” who I was VERY good friends with in high school. […] Read the full article →
my boss won’t stop hassling me about my smoking and my weight by Alison Green on March 29, 2022 A reader writes: I am middle management. My boss has always complimented me both on the way I work and present myself, but as of late she changed her tune. Now she says she really hates that “horrible habit” of mine, which is smoking. Smoking doesn’t impact my productivity, I take little breaks, and the […] Read the full article →
my employee bothers her coworker with constant questions by Alison Green on March 29, 2022 A reader writes: I manage two employees who share an office. Jane is a long-term employee and stellar worker. Katie is a new employee in an entry-level assistant role. Jane has been venting that Katie peppers her with many intrusive questions. For example: “Who was that on the phone?” … “What did you just print?” […] Read the full article →