my coworker brought seven plus-one’s to a work party by Alison Green on August 29, 2023 A reader writes: I recently planned an office social hour at a local restaurant. My invite said “plus-ones are welcome, including kids, but please note you’ll be paying for your own guests.” One coworker, Pam, brought her four kids, husband, mother-in-law, and nanny. Everyone else came alone or with one guest so, of the 19 […] Read the full article →
a coworker threatened to kill me, extending a work trip to make it a vacation, and more by Alison Green on August 29, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. A coworker threatened to kill me A coworker, Sam, messaged me to say they were going to do something against company policy and if I reported them, they would kill me. Sam is a known bully who will intimidate people and retaliate against them until […] Read the full article →
update: my employee refuses to do her job and leads me in circles about why she won’t by Alison Green on August 28, 2023 Remember the letter-writer whose employee refused to do her job and would lead her in (bizarre) circles about why she wouldn’t? Here’s the update. Thank you for publishing my letter last year. Prompted by a recent question, I thought an update on my Bartleby might be of interest. Though timing meant that I couldn’t take […] Read the full article →
is there a hidden message in that email from your interviewer? by Alison Green on August 28, 2023 “My interviewer said she looked forward to talking soon. Is that a sign I’m getting the job?” “My job interview seemed to go great – but then they said they’d get back to me even if I don’t get the job. Is that a bad sign?” “They said they were looking for someone with more […] Read the full article →
why won’t my company fire my notoriously terrible manager? by Alison Green on August 28, 2023 A reader writes: I was part of a mass exodus from my former employer, and most of us left because we didn’t want to continue working with our director, “Ken.” I can spare you the details, but Ken is completely awful. I saw wonderful coworkers who were otherwise completely pleasant and professional be reduced to […] Read the full article →
family upset that I’m quitting with only two weeks notice, is popcorn an unforgivable temptation, and more by Alison Green on August 28, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Family member is upset that I’m quitting with only two weeks notice Two years ago, I started working for a family member’s business as a favor to them when they were in a tough spot. It was a completely different industry than the one I […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – August 26-27, 2023 by Alison Green on August 25, 2023 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: Maame, by Jessica George. A young woman cares for her ill father while juggling work, an overbearing but absent mom, work, friends, roommates, and […] Read the full article →
it’s your Friday good news by Alison Green on August 25, 2023 It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I don’t remember how I started reading AAM: Probably a link from Captain Awkward. I’ve received so much bizarre and ridiculous advice over the years, and it has been invaluable to have your column to guide me. Reading all of your posts has helped me greatly in advocating for […] Read the full article →
open thread – August 25-26, 2023 by Alison Green on August 25, 2023 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 →
how to handle interrupters/ramblers at meetings, will it hurt my career to quit after taking lots of time off, and more by Alison Green on August 25, 2023 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. How to handle chronic interrupters/ramblers at meetings I’m on a team at work with a coworker who always jumps in with personal anecdotes or non sequiturs whenever we’re in a meeting. Our team lead (not her supervisor but the person who assigns the team work) […] Read the full article →