should employees be paid differently based on where they live? by Alison Green on August 4, 2022 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m curious about your thoughts on a question some of the smartest people I know fundamentally cannot agree on: should a salary be based on the value of the labor, or the subsistence of the laborer? For context, I recently left my last job after […] Read the full article →
my coworker is being a jerk because she’s pregnant, working near a throat-clearer, and more by Alison Green on August 4, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should my coworker be allowed to be a jerk to me because she’s pregnant? My coworker Maria is pregnant and due any day. I have not been pregnant but between family and friends, I know the end stage is deeply uncomfortable and puts people in […] Read the full article →
I own a game store with a terrible manager who I’m afraid to fire by Alison Green on August 3, 2022 A reader writes: I own a small (game store) retail business and the store manager I hired to run my business sucks. The store sales have been terrible. The orders he’s been placing of merchandise for our shelves have been terrible and he’s buying way too many items that we don’t need or won’t sell […] Read the full article →
update: my employer made me a counteroffer, then rescinded it by Alison Green on August 3, 2022 Remember the letter-writer whose employer made them a counteroffer but then rescinded it? Here’s the update. I wound up taking the job at LargeCorp. When I wrote you, it was the same day grandboss had revoked his commitment. The next day, when you published my letter, he told me I could stay, in a job […] Read the full article →
I can’t handle my boss’s stories about her emotionally abusive relationship by Alison Green on August 3, 2022 A reader writes: I’m in my early 20s and I’ve been in my role for two years. It’s my first proper professional job in an office. I’m mostly remote and I’ve met my manager in person only a dozen times (she lives in another state). Professionally and personally, my manager and I click and get […] Read the full article →
can I change teams because of my coworker’s values, I’m working for my parents’ business, and more by Alison Green on August 3, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Can I ask to change teams because of my coworker’s values? I have an issue that’s minor compared to some I’ve read, but it’s big to me. One of my teammates recently got a new dog. Normally this is great; however, he decided to buy […] Read the full article →
my overpaid coworker is rude, rarely here, and calls us “uptight” and “slaves” for caring about our jobs by Alison Green on August 2, 2022 A reader writes: I have a coworker, Cersei, who is “politely” condescending. Her demeanor and tone sound nice, but her words are unprofessional and, quite frankly, rude. She is viewed very poorly by everyone in the department, which has led to multiple venting and complaining sessions, some with me included and others I’ve overheard. Some […] Read the full article →
what to say to employees who ask, “am I in trouble?” by Alison Green on August 2, 2022 A reader asks: I manage a team where, due to the nature of our work, I need to give our employees frequent informal feedback. We employ a young workforce; the bulk of our employees are 18-26 years old. Often when I approach these employees, they start the conversation off with, “Am I in trouble?” This […] Read the full article →
my company wants us to sign a loyalty oath by Alison Green on August 2, 2022 A reader writes: My workplace is incredibly weird and, oftentimes, problematic. In the past there have been issues with religious harassment, sexual harassment, and general abuse all coming from management and administration. You can’t complain to HR because they are part of the harassment as well. They all answer to our CEO, who is also […] Read the full article →
friend says we’re not supportive enough of their business idea, my boss sleeps in meetings, and more by Alison Green on August 2, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My friend says we’re not supportive enough of their business idea I know someone who wants to start their own business in the hospitality industry as their retirement plan (they’re close to that age) — a bed and breakfast. They don’t have any capital, or […] Read the full article →