I think the reasons in my rejection email were bogus by Alison Green on October 24, 2022 A reader writes: I was finally emailed almost two months after being interviewed for a job I really wanted, telling me they decided to go with someone else. Fine. But the reasons they gave were so bogus — what they mentioned, I HAD. Sure, I know they can choose anyone they want. But should I […] Read the full article →
can I ask my boss to coach me on professionalism? by Alison Green on October 24, 2022 A reader writes: I’ve recently started a new job and in, reflecting on my work experience, I’ve realized that I’m not nearly as attuned to professional norms as I would like to be. Given my background, it’s not terribly surprising. My parents are musicians, and there were large parts of my childhood that we spent […] Read the full article →
can an employer require you to be “sexually pure”? by Alison Green on October 24, 2022 A reader writes: I have been working in the nonprofit industry for two years, and I am currently looking for a new job in a new city. Many nonprofits, including the one I currently work with, are affiliated with religious organizations. This is fine with me, even as a person who does not practice religion. […] Read the full article →
my boss is angry that I turned down a job with his wife, wearing a Halloween costume on your first day of work, and more by Alison Green on October 24, 2022 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager seems angry that I turned down a job offer from his wife I work for a big multinational entertainment corporation with much name recognition. For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my job. A while ago, I received a phone call out of the […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – October 22-23, 2022 by Alison Green on October 21, 2022 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Lucy By the Sea, by Elizabeth Strout. As Covid lockdowns begin, a woman and her ex-husband isolate together in Maine. It’s beautifully written. I make a […] Read the full article →
it’s your Friday good news by Alison Green on October 21, 2022 It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I worked for a small company (less than 20 people) for 10 years. Right from the start, it was obvious that the workload would be crushing; my responsibilities and roles were overwhelming, my phone never stopped ringing 24/7, and all this for meager pay. I was young and naïve. […] Read the full article →
open thread – October 21-22, 2022 by Alison Green on October 21, 2022 It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions 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 take your questions to […] Read the full article →
should I tell my boss he’s why I’m leaving, fundraising at work, and more by Alison Green on October 21, 2022 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Is it worth telling my manager that he’s why I’m leaving? I’ve been at my current company for over a decade. I’ve been a high performer throughout, received excellent reviews, I’m at the high end of pay for my role, and have been told that […] Read the full article →
how do I rebuild trust in my incompetent manager? by Alison Green on October 20, 2022 A reader writes: My manager was an amazing individual contributor, but a year in, it’s fairly obvious that management is not a good fit for her. She’s defensive, disorganized, thin-skinned, and quick to blame others. But I love the rest of my job, so I’ve made my peace with this trade-off and found ways to […] Read the full article →
updates: disclosing PTSD, faking interest in a job, and more by Alison Green on October 20, 2022 Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. Disclosing PTSD at work (#2 at the link) Alison kindly responded to my email privately with some extra info, and I thought I’d give an update. I followed her advice and let my supervisors know I’m dealing with PTSD due to complicated family issues. They were extremely […] Read the full article →