December 2023

updates: thermostat wars, the admin work, and more

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. Space heaters and thermostat wars One thing I failed to mention in my original post is that I own the […]

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how to write an out-of-office message

With so many people on vacation right now, it’s time to consider the humble out-of-office message … because there are some really weird ones out there. Some out-of-office messages offer far too much personal information; your colleagues do not need to know that you’re out for fertility testing or dealing with a particularly terrible bout […]

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what does “polished” mean in job postings, I’m not allowed to bring in food to share if I don’t bring enough for everyone, and more

I’m on vacation. Here are some past letters that I’m making new again, rather than leaving them to wilt in the archives. 1. What does “polished” mean in job postings? I’m office temping and looking for a full-time job. I was at first focusing on nonprofits, but after some great experiences temping in the corporate […]

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it’s your Friday good news

It’s your Friday good news! 1.  “I’ve been an AAM reader since at least 2009. In the intervening years, I was laid off in the Great Recession, floundered in Unemployment Land for almost two years, took a series of low-wage jobs, went back to school, finished my bachelor’s and got a master’s, and embarked on […]

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open thread – December 22-23, 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 […]

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