August 2024

I’m pregnant! how do I announce it at work?

A reader writes: My husband and I just found out that I’m pregnant, after trying for several years! I’m extremely excited, but also realized that I have no idea how to announce this at work. I’ve only been at my company for about 18 months and, in that time, no one else on my team […]

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I yelled at my employees and they walked out

A reader writes: I lost my temper with several employees today. I yelled and cussed, but I did not say anything discriminatory. Before I lost it, multiple employees had done the opposite of what I instructed today. I reminded them of who they worked for. I yelled and used the “f” word. We all use […]

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my coworker keeps messaging me about my face during meetings

A reader writes: I am a full-time, mid-level female manager at a large consultancy, and I sometimes work with a senior strategist (a contractor). He has an off-putting habit of utilizing Zoom DMs to make comments that make it clear he is scrutinizing me instead of paying attention to the meeting. Things like, “Something must […]

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my employee doesn’t have what it takes to do the job he wants

A reader writes: I’m in a tricky spot with a long-time employee, “Bob,” and I need advice on how to deliver a potentially devastating piece of feedback: “You just don’t have what it takes to succeed in this role.” Bob is interested in growing from his current position into a more senior role. He has […]

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I was falsely accused of using ChatGPT for my work

A reader writes: I’ve recently taken on a new role that’s a professional downshift so that I can ultimately pivot toward more fulfilling work. It’s fun, varied work that I love, but it does mean that I am earning significantly less, and I have been taking on freelance copywriting jobs to help make up the […]

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weekend open thread — August 3-4, 2024

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: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, by Dorothy Gilman. A bored widow in her 60s walks into the CIA and walks out with a job as […]

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open thread – August 2, 2024

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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