open thread – December 9-10, 2022

by Alison Green on December 9, 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 other readers.

* If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer.

You may also like:
{ 941 comments }

{ 941 comments… read them below }

  1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

    Hi all, I’ve made the painful decision that it’s time to move on from a job that I really love and have spent most of the last decade at. My department has been severely understaffed for years, and I’ve spent years advocating to get more people to do our very critical work. Our clients increase each year but it’s just two people working. Last busy season it finally broke, we weren’t able to keep up with the bare minimum of our job which involves payments to vulnerable populations so… a pretty big deal that we couldn’t keep up with deadlines.

    We had to work intense overtime to only get about 70% of our jobs done, and we had to deal with angry clients, angry coworkers that represent the clients, and it was super demoralizing. Well, I’ve just learned that leadership has rejected my most recent proposal to increase staff so I’ve finally realized I just need to move on. I’m pretty sad because outside of the busy season, I really love my job.

    But here’s where I’m looking for guidance: We all know that it’s not as simple as snapping our fingers and finding a new job. I have two children and live in a high cost of living area so I’m not in a position to leave without something lined up, nor would I just take anything. I’m starting my job hunt now, but it’s pretty likely that I wouldn’t find another job until after the busy season starts so how do I cope during the busy season?

    I feel like I always start the busy season reminding folks that we are understaffed and it’ll take much longer to get replies from me, and that processing takes longer and they act understanding ahead of time but… when the clients need their money in the moment, people react badly, which I do understand but I’m not a robot. I literally cannot do more than I do. Leadership also tends to have amnesia about all my warnings, and then starts pressuring me to get more work done when we are in the middle of the storm. No one at the org is cross-trained so no one can help us during this time.

    I don’t want to get fired for lack of delivery, so do you have tips on CYA, things to say to higher ups? I don’t want my reputation to hurt too much by being in a situation with unrealistic expectations but that’s what I’m in. They already know that we are severely understaffed but seem to be delusional about how much work myself and the one other person can do. Also, any tips on how to just “let go” and be okay with under delivering? I worked myself into the ground last busy season and it was not appreciated at all, and I know I can’t do that again. I’m really committed to our clients, but I need tips for just drawing better boundaries and accepting that not everything (even important, urgent stuff) won’t get done because of things outside of my control.

    1. Gosh Darn Awful*

      I could have written this. My department is also short-staffed. I asked for help multiple times and was given a pep talk each time. But no help. They threw some money at me at my team. My team also has low morale and look at me as though there’s something I’m able to do to fix it. I can’t. I’m beyond the point of burnout that it’s all I can do to keep the lights on in my brain let alone give my staff some song and dance about how to feel better. To be honest, I feel like I’ve been taken for granted from above and below and it’s a pretty lonely feeling.

      I write all this to commiserate and keep tabs on anyone who responds with some lovely words that will make this not seem so gosh darn awful.

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        I’m so sorry to hear you are dealing with this too, hopefully we both get out quickly and find places with better work/life balance.

      2. Prospect Gone Bad*

        ” My team also has low morale and look at me as though there’s something I’m able to do to fix it.”

        This is one of those huge downsides of management. You’ll do 20 things well and can’t do the 21st and all your employees care about is the 21st items and your inability to change it creeps up constantly

        1. JS*

          Oh I feel this. I was there a few years ago, stuck between higher administration who did not listen and a team worn out. Tbh, it soured me on ever managing again. I think I’ll remain a individual contributor.

          1. Gosh Darn Awful*

            I’m contemplating telling my new boss that I no longer want to manage. I’ve been doing it for a few years, but have been dealing with an underperforming employee and an entitled employee. I am beyond sour at this point.

            1. Prospect Gone Bad*

              It would be so much easier if people in general admitted their flaws. Not saying I don’t have that. But so much of why these things burn people out is becuase you’re dealing with someone who is delusional about their level of performance. Fortunately my most delusional coworker is lateral to me so I don’t have to try to manage him, TBH his issues go way way back, no one manager is going to fix that level of delusion

      3. Grumpy Elder Millennial*

        How honest are you being with your staff about how you see this situation? I can definitely find compassion for managers who are doing their best, but are being blocked by people above them. Only happens when I know that’s the situation, though.

        I’m talking about saying things like that you agree that staffing is inadequate and you’ll push where you can, but that there has been significant resistance from above you. Cut out the song and dance because we can all see through it and I’ve gotten super resentful of management pushing individual ways to “feel better” when the problem is structural. This type of thing will erode my morale further.

        1. Gosh Darn Awful*

          Pretty honest. Everyone knew we were going to be short-staffed and that it would be temporary. (It’s since been resolved). If I’m being perfectly honest, I think the low morale was caused by an increase in responsibility and growing pains that come with learning something new. (They were compensated for the additional responsibilities they picked up) People who wanted more freedom to be creative or work on side projects, felt constrained by the burden of that responsibility. Some of my staff thrived and showed they were capable of doing more. Others did not.

          But, the end result was my entire team had issues with the situation and for the most part now feel they deserve more authority over what they will or won’t work on. But their roles remain as they were before and I’m now left managing several disgruntled people who are not going to get what they want.

          1. Grumpy Elder Millennial*

            Yeah, that’s tough. I can definitely see how it’d be nice to have more authority over what I work on, but that’s just not how things happen in most jobs.

    2. Trawna*

      Having been there, when I stopped running myself into the ground delivering, my firm hired more staff. I really was doing the work of three people.

      I suggest working your set hours and taking lunch and breaks. Set alarms on your phone and block off lunch time and breaks in your calendar.

      If the organization has multiple higher-ups, your organization has the money.

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        This is why I was hoping that after last year they would finally see the light and hire more, because it was literally a dumpster fire but sigh…

        1. Grumpy Elder Millennial*

          I’d be very curious how they would react to someone asking “so, last year we had 2 staff handling [X number of client requests] and had [results]. If anything, we’re expecting more requests this year. What is the plan to make sure things go more smoothly?”

          It’s wild that some employers don’t get that if two people doing X went terribly, 2 people doing more than X isn’t going to work, either.

    3. WantonSeedStitch*

      How is your direct manager acting in regards to all this? If they’re being supportive but their hands are tied on getting more help, maybe they can run interference for you, and do some of the communicating with people higher up the ladder and with coworkers and customers. If they’re not, then I would follow the advice that Alison always gives at times like this: make it clear what you’re capable of doing, and ask your manager to prioritize what they want you to do. Get it in writing! “Boss said I should focus on X, even if it meant not doing Y, so that’s why I haven’t finished Y.” I find that it can help to have statistics: how many hours it takes to do a given task, how many of each type of task tend to come your way, etc. If you can show that the time to complete the workload is literally more time than it’s possible to work, they have very little room to complain.

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        We have a brand new leadership team and my manager is one of them. I’m actually on leave at the moment, but when I originally talked to her about the issues she seemed like it would result in more hires and that is now not the case. I want to get stuff in writing but there seems to be a toxic positivity vibe with the new leaders so I need to be careful how I word it. I need a nice balance of CYA and not too negative.

        1. DannyG*

          Any chance you could borrow a few FTE’s from other places in the organization for the busy season? Train them to do the routine work and regular staff handle the technical work.

    4. LuckySophia*

      I think Alison has written something like, “you can’t care more about serving your clients than your company cares about serving your clients.” And it sounds like your company’s unwillingness to staff appropriately for client needs — tells the whole story.

      I think all you could do at this point is to send out a preemptive memo to the people internally reminding them that last year your staffing was inadequate to meet the need, and that this year’s staffing levels can’t be increased, so they need to expect that results will be the same until/unless someone can be (a) cross-trained or (b) newly-hired.

      Unfortunately that won’t change or help anything– all it does is put people on notice that the whole situation stinks! (But at least they will be forewarned in writing.)

      1. Science KK*

        I think this is the way to go, documentation, but not overly aggressive, very matter of fact. May help with the folks who get angry down the line, and if they forget you can say well I sent that memo out that said this is how it’s going to go down.

    5. Filthy Vulgar Mercenary*

      Man, I feel for you.

      Can you pre-emptively triage and say ‘these are what I see as our 1-n list of priorities. There are 18 things on that list. With the holiday surge, that means thing 1 and 2 take double the time (so 3 hours per client instead of 1.5), meaning coworker and I can only do 3 things each total from December to March. That means items 7-18 aren’t getting done during the busy season at all. If we detailed 1 person to us we could also do items 7-12. Please let me know if you’d like me to prioritize differently or have any other recommendations”

      I did this before by quantifying the numbers of hours something took (it was a swag but a decent educated guess that was defensible) and I even got my super toxic boss to back off me. I even heard him using my math as justification to his boss.

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        Yes, I’ll get something in writing for my manager about this but there is a pressure to be solutions oriented even when given an impossible task, or I’ll be looked at as “not a team player”, so I’ll need to think over my wording.

        1. TeaCoziesRUs*

          I hate to fuel snark, but I gotta say… if you’re “not a team player” for being 2 people doing the work of an ENTIRE basketball (5 starters + 3 back ups min) or football (11 on the field at one time but roughly 40+ total as a minimum) team… then you’re in the wrong game! You can’t play football with a basketball team, and that’s what they’re asking you to do while giving you half the staffing for a golf scramble (4 players).

        2. Filthy Vulgar Mercenary*

          “We’ve made x and y adjustments to the workload after our client load increased by y and our staffing decreased by z. To try to keep up, coworker and I are each working 60 hours per week, and that still leaves us with 260 more work-hour requirements each week that we can’t get to. My recommended solutions are more staff or prioritizing our work differently, and I’m definitely open to anything I’m missing that would help.”

        3. Janeric*

          Could you go to your supervisor and be like “as previously mentioned this is a very busy time of year and we’re short-staffed. Normally we prioritize cases in this way, but when clients are losing services staff and understandably want to have it addressed immediately — but unfortunately we won’t be able to do that with everyone. I’m going to send people who insist that they need to be a priority to you until MONTH.”

          And then do that. And if your manager wants to make you switch tasks, write the person for the first task and say “Manager has asked me to prioritize other tasks over your task so there will be some delay.” and then just shunt as much of the anger and disappointment onto your manager as possible.

        4. miseleigh*

          Maybe try reframing everything as ‘positive’, so you can’t be reprimanded for ‘negativity’? Meanwhile, they can still get actual numbers. “Coworker and I finished items 1-6 today with only x hours of overtime! If nothing new comes in tomorrow, we should be able to get 7-12 done and be caught up. Go team!”

          And then the next day: “Today we completed items 7-10, and reassured clients 11 and 12 that we’ll get to their items as soon as we can. Also, we only had 8 more items today, so if there’s no new items tomorrow, we’ll be caught up by the end of the week!”

          “We saved time today by redirecting clients looking for updates to Boss, allowing us to finish items 11-15 with only x hours of overtime! With luck we can finish items 16-25 this week, and then items 25-40 next week. Thanks everyone!”

          When you’re eventually asked why so much isn’t getting done (or why clients are angry), be positive again. First give them a blank look, and then smile and say “Well, we got x and y done, which means there hasn’t been time yet to get z done, but we’re working on it! We’d love some help so we could get it done sooner though, I wish we didn’t have to leave clients hanging like this.”

    6. Can’t possibly keep up*

      I’m so sorry your situation isn’t any better. You may have to let go of the good reference idea. I’m hearing you’re not going to be able to deliver what they want and keep your mental health intact. If you can put a boiler plate preface on each email request or demand saying, “Our department has made numerous requests for more staffing which have not been filled. Only 15% of requests can be filled. Please contact boss for prioritization.” Or whatever is relevant in your case. Then let it all go. Let it fall. Do not risk your mental health no matter how much you care about your clients. I’ve been in this loosing battle. It’s so hard. Keep looking and I wish you the best in your job search.

      1. TeaCoziesRUs*

        I love this wording! Manage up, put the pressure on where it NEEDS to be, keep your head down and knock out your highest daily priorities while also maintaining your need for breaks and reasonable hours. Before the feathers hit the fan can you give something to your boss that says, “If we choose to hire a temp, this is what they can do (filing, prep, etc) so that I can increase my own productivity by X%”? There might not be enough time to spin someone up completely, but could you delegate easier tasks to a temp to ease you through?

    7. Zweisatz*

      I think your best bet is to get clear in your head what you’re going to do before busy season starts (so great impulse to ask around here!)

      First are there any aspects of your role that don’t have to do with this important core function (getting money to clients) that you can hand off/get started on handing off right now?
      There might not be, but just checking.

      Two, sock away as much money as you can starting now. If at all possible you want to be able to quit on short notice if the alternative is ruining your physical or mental health. It would also have the upside of giving you a chance to actually breath for your job search. I understand you would like to avoid this but having options never hurts.

      Finally, hash out your own boundaries. During the busy season, which work times do you want to commit to that are *sustainable*? Go home when they are up. Just go home.
      Make sure to never ever take on any volunteer tasks & make sure to professionally refuse tasks that are not actually yours to complete.

      If necessary write down a mantra that you cannot care more about your job than your manager/organization does. This really is key.

      Right now people get mad at you. Who is behind these issues? Who would have the power to solve them? Brainstorm a short explanation why you’re unable to fulfill your coworkers’ requests any faster and redirect them to the decision maker who could fix this whole mess. Do it every time somebody gets impatient.

    8. Camellia*

      This probably isn’t particularly helpful, but if there’s only two of you, and no one else is cross-trained and can help…they are not likely to fire you. Because then who would they have to do the work?

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        Good point! It’s a new management and they have laid people off in the middle of huge projects and then left others to pick up the pieces so I have a slight worry that may happen with me.

        1. The Real Fran Fine*

          But there isn’t anyone else to pick up the pieces – you are the piece picker upper, right? Lol

      2. The Real Fran Fine*

        This. My mom is in this exact situation at work and I tell her the same thing. She stopped overworking and just doing what she could in her allotted hours, and no one dares to say anything to her (especially not her manager, who knows exactly why she’s in the position she’s in now, but refuses to do anything about it).

    9. Amchi*

      Let that rope drop. Talk to your manager about what overtime they expect of you during busy season, and then literally do only that amount. It’s so important to remember that client’s not getting paid is NOT YOUR FAULT. Send the angry ones to your manager: +Manager to emails. “I’m looping Manager in on this since they are more equipped to respond.” Send the heat up to where it belongs. You’re doing your best.

      1. Grumpy Elder Millennial*

        THIS. During the ridiculous time, I’d suggest looping your manager in as much as possible, even if it’s more just CCing for her knowledge than kicking things up for her to handle. Make it extremely clear what you’re dealing with. Make her inbox borderline unusable if it comes to that and force her into the chaos.

    10. Amy Farrah Fowler*

      There are several good pieces of advice above mine, but just wanted to re-iterate that while you do have a job to do, you are only one person on a small team and you don’t have more hours in the day than anyone else.

      I agree with the people about setting boundaries. When there are problems getting the work done, redirect people to your boss, to the leadership team and say that their decision to staff at this level is what is creating this problem, not you. In other words, return the problem to sender (your leadership team).

      Depending on the culture or how things work at your company, that may mean having in-person conversations, or copying your manager or the leadership team on replies. If it’s not uncomfortable for the leadership to continue on this path, then they won’t ever deal with the understaffing problem. I’d also document everything to ensure you have records.

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        This is actually one of the reasons I want to leave is that if I were to forward these emails, the new leadership would absolutely lose it (at me, and not reflect at all). It would be received very badly. There is a lot of toxic positivity pressure and to not make leadership look bad.

        1. Trawna*

          That’s definitely the impression I formed of management from your original post. That’s why I suggested changing your own behaviour (leaving on time; taking lunch). Any CYA in writing is going to be manipulated in some way by them, and not to your benefit.

          If for your own soul you need to do more, do volunteer work in your own time.

        2. Kay*

          So here is the thing – they are already reacting badly. Management is already making your life miserable – dig into why you are so willing to make what should be a management problem your own.

          There are lots of ways to say “Hey boss, there is a fire over here and I need help putting it out” without saying “Hey boss, that lit cigarette you just tossed into the wastebasket full of paper caught on fire and is burning the place to the ground – just like I told you but you ignored me you flipping expletive, expletive”.

          You may just need to get your resume in order, save funds, and when you are feeling more comfortable in your exit strategy start to push back. To be honest, I would absolutely start right this minute by setting boundaries, letting things fail if you can’t get to them within your 40 hours, and setting the stage now for presenting the solution of hiring X number of people within Y amount of time because this is the only way to be able to complete Z, which you will have twice as much Z to do in your busy season so best get on this one and only solution now. Any reasonable employer will understand your leaving when you mention your position changed drastically and there were no plans to provide the resources necessary to complete the new role. That is what tripling your work without providing you with robots or time travel is right? Best of luck to you in your search!

          1. Can’t possibly keep up*

            This. Management is bullying you because it makes them look bad that they can’t or won’t fix the problem. The beatings will continue until morale improves. Can you go grey rock? I know it’s hard. I feel for you.

    11. Employed Minion*

      If most of the communications are by email, maybe an auto response would help. Something that states the timeframe of the busy season and the typical turn around time. Something to establish realistic expectations and you don’t have to take energy to do it

      1. Burning Out on Burn Out*

        I did this last year and then got in trouble for doing this as it “made the company look bad” to the clients. No one would reflect WHY I had to have the auto response, it was just treated like I was being an unavailable employee.

        1. The Real Fran Fine*

          Yeah, this is insane that you got reprimanded for doing something super common. You are right to be looking for a new job now. Wishing you luck in finding something better quickly.

    12. Quinalla*

      Don’t run yourself into the ground again for sure. I’d probably put in a little extra effort – busy seasons are a thing in a lot of fields – but don’t try to do 100% when you know you won’t be able to. I’d communicate regularly with your boss and possibly even loop in higher ups as well, maybe a quick “In follow up to my request for more staff, we are now entering our busy season. Last year with extraordinary effort, we only met 70% of requests. Please let us know if you want anything prioritized differently (or whatever makes sense for your work).” And then daily or weekly or every 2 weeks I’d send an update something like

      “We have closed Y cases during Z time period. We have X cases that were not able to be completed in time. We are prioritizing per our guidelines. Please let us know if different prioritization is required or if we will be able to get new staff or cross train existing staff. Thanks!”

      And I’d also make a form response for people who are pissed things aren’t getting done “on time”.

      “As I let you know on X date, we have entered the busy season and requests will unfortunately be delayed. Please contact BOSS if you have any further questions or need something prioritized different than per our guidelines.”

      This may need slight modification depending on your circumstances, but keep throwing it back to your boss/higher ups to find a solution while demonstrating how much you ARE getting done still. It is highly unlikely they will fire you, then they will be getting 35% done!

      1. Zweisatz*

        I would also put straightforward numbers on the tasks. If you say “we completed x amount of tasks” or “x percent of tasks” managament can still act like you are just failing at your workload because what about the open tasks?
        If you say “we have xyz amount of tasks equalling 250 working hours and 80 working hours available. I think of prioritizing abc in those 80 hours. Let me know if you would like to make changes to the priority”, they at least have to come up with a plausible alternative reality where 250 hours of work can be completed in 80 if they are against prioritizing the workload.

    13. Diatryma*

      One thing I say my trainees is that taking breaks is important, and not taking breaks… won’t make a difference. You cannot overwork yourself enough to finish the job. Working yourself to death won’t fix this problem. So you accept that the work won’t get done, and you do the work you can get done, which is caring for yourself and making sure you have enough energy to stay afloat. Martyring yourself won’t do enough.

    14. Roscoe da Cat*

      I just want to say that based on my own experiences, just the fact that you are working on what comes after this should have a positive effect on your mental health. Part of the frustration (for me at least) was being at the mercy of everyone else. Once I was looking for a change, I was making the decisions and that helped pull me through.

      1. Zweisatz*

        For me it also helps to establish a “that’s kind of your problem” mentality, which is very healthy when everything is burning so you don’t feel you should attempt to fix the unfixable.

    15. Momma Bear*

      In discussions about the work, do you document their priorities and what you can reasonably accomplish in x timeframe and what will slip? Not every fire burns at the same temperature. Let the slightly cooler ones simmer a little.

    16. LCS*

      I’m a big fan of auto-reply e-mails for situations like this:

      Thanks for your message. For the period X-Y, I am focused exclusively on processing payment types A, B & C. If you have submitted complete and accurate paperwork you can expect A&B types to be processed within 2 weeks and C types to be processed within 3 weeks. Where submissions are incomplete or inaccurate, timing will be longer. If you are looking for a payment status update, please note that personalized updates can only be provided for payments where the timelines above have already been exceeded.

      If you are looking for support on D, E & F during this time please contact *Manager*; during this busy period my full focus remains on timely output of A, B & C unless specifically redirected otherwise. Messages left for me regarding D, E & F will be addressed once X-Y period has concluded.

    17. Podkayne*

      In a workshop on burnout that I developed in a past life, three quotes had the biggest power for me:
      1. “The graveyards are filled with indispensable people.”
      2. “Do your 8 and hit the gate.” (Attributed to wartime military nurses who HAD to self-care or they would not survive the long haul.)
      3. “Burnout is the result of a CHRONIC mismatch between EXPECTATIONS and results, made worse by trying to cure that mismatch by working harder and harder.” Adrian Savage.

      I get that this doesn’t answer your specific question, but I think you’ve already got the answer; no amount of reframing is going to elicit a different result. … Pull down that oxygen mask for your own self. Burnout is serious sh*t.

    18. Somehow_I_Manage*

      To help get over this speed bump. Re-define your job with yourself. Your job is to deliver as many payments as a reasonable person can within working hours. Internalize that. That’s what success looks like.

      Your job is not to make all the payments. Your job is not to cater to unreasonable customer expectations. Your job is not to do whatever it takes to avoid getting yelled at. Your job is not to be a shield for management.

      While doing your job advances these goals, you alone do not control them.

      Good luck in your search!

  2. Stella70*

    Hello! I am the OP who wrote the story Alison featured on Wednesday (my bullet-pointed write-up of the worst company holiday party I ever attended, which was hosted by me).
    I was unable to respond to comments, but I want to thank Alison and all who read it and were so kind to give me feedback. Have you ever had God or the universe or whatever your higher power is, give you what you need – exactly when you need it? That’s what happened to me when Alison featured my story. My life has been difficult the last few years, to the point it’s been hard to beat back the depression. When Alison requested holiday stories last week, I was very ill, trying to WFH, and for the millionth time this year alone, hoping to find something to lift my spirits. Humor has always been my crutch and writing my catharsis. (To be honest, I have had a hard life, much of it from my own ill-advised and frequent forays into “What’s the worst that could happen?!”. You’ve heard do-gooders say, “If I can save just one person, this all was worth it?” I say, “If I can make someone laugh-snort, I may save on therapy.”)
    I wrote my submission in one draft, flying on DayQuil with a Tylenol chaser. I read it now and cringe over an inferior word choice or wish I had polished a paragraph. But so many of you said I made you happy for a moment, and I can’t describe how that made me feel. I am so grateful to Alison and you all, for that lifeline you tossed me this week. It meant more than I can explain, though I just spent a few hundred words trying.
    Now, answers to your questions:
    * My grandmother’s vintage china teacups lived to see more Christmases, mostly because I developed kleptomania that night, swiping them from the hands of my boozing coworkers every chance I had. One co-worker asked me to hold her cup while she used the bathroom; when she returned, both the cup and I had disappeared. I told our burly body shop manager (who was spinning his cup around his little finger) that his shoe was untied and kindly offered to hold his cup; when he stood up, the cup was gone, but one of my breasts had suddenly become quite misshapen (the fact I forgot it was stuffed it in my bra and not a single person noticed was highly insulting).
    * I found my toaster in the drawer of a bookcase in my living room, but not sure I would have, if my dogs hadn’t been obsessively sniffing around it. Little Sherlocks…
    * SHEILA never apologized for misunderstanding the concept of co-hosting, but I felt she punished herself enough by sleeping with GLENN (two N’s, please – I should have named and shamed him, too). Her marriage didn’t last, his did.
    * For the MN readers, nope – the business owner was not Denny Hecker, the notorious and felonious car salesman. I worked for Melvin, of the just-as-questionable ethics, and not-nearly-as-handsome visage (Denny’s mugshot is one to see; go check, I’ll wait here).
    * Yes, I did clean the house until morning. Confession: I weirdly love to clean and to have my house go from a Lifetime holiday movie set (at the corner of Impoverished and Hovel) to a crime scene and then back to cozy in 15 hours took some epic cleaning skills. (And far more than $20 – damn you, Melvin!)
    * Yes, I did speak to my dogs, but not about the pee ring. I begged their forgiveness, and vowed if I was ever that dumb again, we would swap their Alpo for my dinner for a whole month. (One year to the day later, I intercepted their “2nd Annual Stella70’s Holiday Extravaganza” invites, moments before they sent them out. Little jerks…)
    * Finally, another confession: I must admit it did hurt my feelings a tiny bit that two commenters felt my story was invented. It was not. Every word was true. The only detail I am a bit fuzzy on is that the bread may not have been Wonder bread – I can’t be sure of that, since back then, I could only afford what was on sale. (Which is why bread was the only other food in the house – I blew my budget on appetizer fix-ins.) Since this party was over 25 years ago, I had to guess about the brand. I totally understand the cynicism; you all have no idea who I am.
    But real or invented, I made a lot of you laugh this Christmas, and no gift will top that (apologies to my husband). I am an Office Manager these days and while I love my job, in my heart, I wish I had given writing a chance. Zero confidence, but lots of stories to tell. (I was born under the sign of Murphy – with me, if anything can go wrong, it probably just did.) This party was but a moment in ‘My Life of Why Me?’ [trademark pending] and my mom’s advice for years has been “put it in your book!”. (Have you ever heard of someone’s mom begging them to quit their job and write full-time? At 83, my mom still does.) I’ve not written a book, but this was an equivalent thrill for me. I printed my story and every one of your comments for my mom to read, so the joy you gave me this week, Alison and readers, will be shared with her.
    Thank you, and I wish you all have the most wonderful of holidays.

    1. irene adler*

      It was epic!
      I’m so glad you posted it!

      “2nd Annual Stella70’s Holiday Extravaganza” -um, wow. Chutzpah!

    2. SereneScientist*

      Stella, your comedic voice is truly something! Thanks for even more laughs and hope to see more of your stories around. :)

      2. 1 writer 2 another*

        100% agree! And as a professional writer, I can tell you that if you “cringe over an inferior word choice or wish I had polished a paragraph” – you likely have the soul of a writer!

    3. I need a new name...*

      Thank you for the extra info Stella70! Wonderfully written once again (and it’s never too late you know)

      3. Chauncy Gardener*

        Big vote for the book! I would read it and buy multiple copies as gifts.
        YOU HAVE THE GIFT

    4. The Prettiest Curse*

      Your story was awesome, incredibly well written and will go down in AAM legend. Bravo and THANK YOU for the quality entertainment!

    5. WantonSeedStitch*

      Thank you for the follow-up! This was delightful. I hope your holidays are fun, festive, and free of coworker drama.

    6. Weekender*

      Thank you for the update!!!!

      Your story was magical! I had to re-read parts of it because the laughter it induced was addictive!!

      I hope you have a fantastic holiday :) Keep the stories coming!!

      1. Constantly Learning*

        What a win-win! I really enjoyed your story. I’m now smiling again that the reception to your story brought you joy!

    7. pcake*

      I’m a freelance editor and writer, and I absolutly loved your story. It made me laugh, snicker, chuckle and guffaw, and I occasionally felt a little sad that the younger you had to learn the hard way. And at a couple points, I found myself holding my breath in suspense waiting to see what happened next.

      Thanks for sharing your story!

    8. Corky's Wife Bonnie*

      OMG, offering to hold the cup and suddenly having a misshapen breast??? That’s my favorite part!! Thanks for the story and this update, totally made me smile amongst my excel haze! :-)

    9. pcake*

      I’m a freelance editor and writer, and I absolutely loved your story. It made me laugh, snicker, chuckle and guffaw, and I occasionally felt a little sad that the younger you had to learn the hard way. And at a couple points, I found myself holding my breath in suspense waiting to see what happened next.

      Thanks for sharing your story!

    11. New mom*

      It was so greatly written, I felt like I was watching it all in real time. It reminded me of my own holiday party scenanigans too.

    13. Sarah*

      The teacup in the bra!!! I, too, am often stuffing things in my bra if I don’t have pockets. I worry that some day I will do this in public instead of the safety of my own home.

      This follow up is just as good as the original! Let us know if you ever give writing a chance (even just as a blog) because I’d read it.

    14. Syzygy*

      This update might even be funnier than the original! Stella – you ARE a writer! Look at the thousands of people enjoying your holiday tale. Please keep it up, so we can read more of your adventures. Start a blog and let us know, send your writing to newspapers or online magazines, self publish a series of humorous essays – I want to read it all!

    16. ThursdaysGeek*

      Thank you! I was so concerned about Grandma’s china teacups, and especially enjoyed those little additions of ways they were saved. You definitely made me smile Wednesday and today. Keep writing!

    17. I edit everything*

      Thank you for the teacup update! You’re a magician.

      As an editor, I say: please keep writing. It is never too late. It makes you feel good, you bring laughter and delight to others (or not, if you decide to keep it private), and you’re good at it. Listen to your mother! On this, at least.

      Blessings through the holiday season and the year to come.

    18. Hlao-roo*

      Thank you! I’m glad the china survived, and am greatly amused by your kleptomaniac rescue of the teacups!

    20. Thin Mints didn't make me thin*

      I did enjoy the writeup and I do not think it is too late to do a bit of writing! My first book was published when I was 54, if that’s any help.

    21. Filthy Vulgar Mercenary*

      I think you could take the comments about your story being invented as a compliment. It was so wild and also so well-written that it could be considered fiction. I believed you for the record – you have a very authentic voice – and I was delighted to read it.

      If you can find space for compassion and acceptance of yourself, and any shortcomings, I think that may give you peace around when you mess up or when you don’t do something that’s as perfect as it could have been if you’d worked on it more. You’re allowed to exist and to be delighted in, and to like yourself before you’re perfect.

      1. I Wrote This in the Bathroom*

        Tangent: I once submitted a story to a short fiction contest where I blatantly copied a character from a coworker sitting across the cube-farm aisle from me. His looks, his talk, his mannerisms etc. Did not make it to the next round – my story lost points because the character was deemed too unrealistic. Our coworkers. You can’t make them up, but some of them sure do sound like we did!

    23. Koifeeder*

      Stella70, if you could live well and happily on a writer’s salary, I’d be right there with your mom. Unfortunately, that’s not really feasible in this world, but I am delighted you’re willing to share your writing with us anyways.

    24. sagewhiz*

      Another writer/editor here joining the chorus! Both the op and this update are so hilarious my mascara’s gone all Tammy Faye. Do start writing your stories—even 10 min/half a page a day, at the end of a year you’ve got a book. Which so many of us want to read!

    25. Phillippe II*

      I’m always amazed at the people who look good in their mugshots – Denny didn’t, that’s for sure. I know mine weren’t good…

    27. Hen in A Windstorm*

      Oh my goodness, you are a great writer! What a turn for a phrase you have! And I am both sad you’ve had such a hard time recently and thrilled this made you so happy. It was very funny and I realized I have never had a truly raucous party. I’ve had a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-style so packed nobody can sit down party, but I never had to hide from my own guests!

      (I used to live near Minneapolis, but we moved away when I was 14, so I never got to experience the true Minnesota goodbye.)

    28. slowingaging*

      Mom is right, please write. Love the bullet points.
      Just need the next story of how you go about 15 hours of cleaning. Do you remove all trash from the whole house and then do a light clean or, is each room sterilized. I have strong opinions on this.
      Then, of course, further info on the dogs. I can tell they started things, that we need to know.
      “flying on DayQuil with a Tylenol chaser. I read it now and cringe over an inferior word choice or wish I had polished a paragraph.”
      So write it and post on Saturday open thread, next week post your polished version. Then we will discuss with you which we like best.
      I somehow became the family historian and I started writing a few family stories on FB with pics. Cousins chiming in on whether it was Great Uncle Floyd or Great Uncle Lloyd who did what 60 years ago.

    29. Btdt*

      when he stood up, the cup was gone, but one of my breasts had suddenly become quite misshapen (the fact I forgot it was stuffed it in my bra and not a single person noticed was highly insulting

      Oh man I can see that happening like it’s in a movie . I’ve been having a low week and your story made me cackle out loud several times. You have a great writing voice/style!

      1. AGD*

        Yeah, I’m so run over I’ve decided to sit out the holiday party, but this part made me burst into laughter.

    30. Gracely*

      You definitely, definitely need to write all of this down and put it in a book. I love reading those kinds of memoirs, and so do tons of other people. I would absolutely buy a book “from the writer who brought you Stella70’s Holiday Extravaganza”.

    31. Can't think of a funny name*

      I would read your book! That story was amazing, I would have broken down in tears during the party, not sure how you got thru it!

    32. Cookies for Breakfast*

      OP, you sound so cool. And because I missed the opportunity to content on the original post, I’m glad I get the chance today, adding a few things in because of your comment.

      1) “I decided to remain in there with them, until my get-together was either busted by the cops or the Lord called me home. Neither happened.” was one of the funniest turns of phrase I’ve come across this entire week.

      2) Ditto for the idea of you speaking to your dogs. Though my first image was of the landlord accepting it as an answer with an incredibly straight face, leaving you wondering whether he actually thought the dogs would listen.

      3) “Zero confidence but lots of stories to tell” is something I can 100% relate to. Though I wish I had a mother who begs me to quit my job and write fill-time – my mum has always begged me to hang on to a full-time job and forget about writing! (so far, she seems very pleased she’s succeeding)

      Thank you again for a good laugh, I’ve been housebound with a nasty cold all week and really needed it.

    33. Quinalla*

      Awe, thanks for the sweet follow up. It was hilarious and especially well written for being sick and on medication, well done! And hey, maybe you’ll never have a book published, but keep writing even if just for yourself. I am one who dreamed of “one day” having a book published. I have ended up channeling my writing passion into tough emails, technical narratives, etc. for my work, but I still may try to at least write an article for an industry magazine or maybe even write a book someday who knows, but I always write a little bit each day even if just for myself because it brings me joy!

    34. thelettermegan*

      You have the chops! You should give Creative Non-fiction essays a shot. Lots of places will publish short pieces.

    35. Dark Macadamia*

      Your writing style is so funny, I really enjoyed your story!

      I will never understand people who read anonymous content like advice columns and then scream fake. The whole fun/point is to at least treat them as if they’re real!

    36. TeaCoziesRUs*

      Psst… the author of “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” wrote her first book (which was lovely – easier than KonMari, and sweetly tart enough to be talking to a loving grandmother with no Fs left to give) at “somewhere between 80 and 100.” There’s LOTS of time for you to pursue writing! You obviously have a gift for it. :)

      1. Momma Bear*

        Mike Rowe’s mom (lovely woman) published her first book at I think 83 yrs old. I’d love to read more from you, OP.

    37. Former+Retail+Manager*

      Thank you so much for posting again and I would encourage you to write. Perhaps a blog with your funny stories, or even not funny stories. I found your story amusing, relatable (youthful stupidity) and written in a way that I couldn’t wait to see what the next bullet point held. I hope that your holidays are merry and whatever you want them to be and that whatever struggles you’ve been facing subside soon. All the best!

    38. Siege*

      My mother is 84 and still tells me to put it in my book. In my case, my book is called “I Never Have To Make It Up” because I don’t. I was once kicked out of Canada because my passenger was an Australian with two hours left on his visa and “Canada doesn’t like to be used to extend your visa, eh,” but the hitchhiker we met at the bar was fine to enter. I also got in trouble crossing the border (on a different trip) for possession of fresh fruit which is much, much better than the possession of swords we were also eligible for, and I have very successfully stalked rock stars for the low, low price of “driving my coworkers crazy.”

      On the plus side, the trip where I got kicked out was the opportunity for the American border guard to get in his genial kindness for the year by being clearly superior to those Canadian d-bags.

      Stella70, I salute you. If you ever have another holiday party please do not invite me, as the world cannot contain that much awesome that close together and remain structurally stable.

    39. Elle Woods*

      I loved your story and all the details in it. Your gift for writing is a treasure and I thank you for sharing it with us. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and feel better soon!

    40. Lyn+Clements*

      you are incredibly funny — your comment brightened my day! Thank you for sharing your gift of comedy!

    42. anon24*

      And with this post, this just keeps getting better. I wish I knew you Stella, you are hilarious and your story and this comment have made my week. I love the bullet points.

    43. Mimmy*

      You are a terrific writer and, yes, you definitely gave us all a great deal of joy and laughter, something that is very much appreciated these days. I hope that someday you do decide to publish something.

    44. I Wrote This in the Bathroom*

      I somehow missed the story when it first came out, so thank you for this comment because it helped me finally find it and read it! OMG!

      Whoever thought the story was fake, clearly hasn’t ever hosted a party gone out of control. I can think of two in my family off the top of my head:

      – my housewarming, back in Home Country, when I unexpectedly got a studio (1-room, rather – same rooms as a studio would have, but no open plan) apartment from my employer – not super unexpectedly as I was on a waitlist per Home Country’s rules at the time, but most people stayed on it for decades before getting their first apartment, and it only took me 18 months. I was 24, and also the youngest by 10+ years in my work group; with one exception – a 20yo guy whose parents worked at the same place in upper management positions, and who had a big, well-known crush on me, despite me having a fiance and being about to get married. (Fiance was finishing up his college classes at the uni where we’d met, and so sadly missed the party.) I had hardly any furniture, no connections allowing me to buy and prep party food/drinks in a country with a shortage of everything. My “old” 30-something married teammates were VERY helpful and supplied the furniture and almost all of the food. The booze came from the infrastructure dept and was basically rubbing alcohol that they were issued at work, processed so it was safe to drink, and steeped with fruit and/or fruit preserves. It was potent. The party was pretty decent and everyone left around midnight, except for the 20yo guy who had a crush on me. He’d had too much of the rubbing alcohol, got sick all over my bathtub, then locked himself in the bathroom (thankfully the toilet was in a separate one with its own door) out of shame, and refused to come out, then fell asleep there. I also spent most of the night cleaning, while he was sleeping it off in the bathroom. At four AM, like a movie trope, one of my guy coworkers returned to extract Romeo out of the bathroom and take him home. I then cleaned the bathtub and then it was time to go to work – we had strict hours.

      – my younger son’s 20th birthday party. He lived off-campus in an apartment with three college classmates, in a building that was apparently a known party building. He invited “up to 50” people. A total of 200 attended over the course of the night. He did not know most of them. His friend, who DJd for the party, had his stuff stolen while he was working as DJ, blood was found in the bathroom the next morning, police reports were filed by some of the guests, my son never hosted a college-style party again.

      But, like, the culprits in my stories were all in their late teens and early 20s, and yours were fully grown adults? with families and lovers on the side? Minnesota is full of surprises!

      Another thing I wanted to share is that I, too, offered to host a work party after learning that the new owners had refused to give us one. My grandboss supported the idea and said that work would help pay for the food. (He ended up writing a check out of his own account, work helped with nothing.) I invited 50 people, each with a plus one. Then promptly freaked out because, although my house at the time was big, there was no way it could hold 100 people. Luckily only 25 came. It was a pretty lowkey party. Our family dog was terrified anyway and spent the night hiding from the guests. My kids stayed in their rooms doing whatever they normally did on a Friday night. 10/10 would host again haha.

      Lastly, your mom is wise, listen to your mom and get to writing full-time. Thank you again for the story and I wish the most wonderful of holidays to you too!

    45. GoryDetails*

      Thanks so much for the update – and the original post; beautifully written and hilarious! (No pressure if you don’t actually want to try writing a book – though I’d love to read it if you did – but just FYI, my sister had a first novel published this year, and she just turned 65, so… you never know?)

      Am still laugh-crying over the teacup-in-the-bosom bit!

    46. Blinded+By+the+Gaslight*

      Between getting into self-generated predicaments, later telling hilarious stories about said predicaments, having everyone say you should put all your stories in a book (and somehow never managing to do it), and persistent depression, I feel like we’re some kind of “chaotic good” doppelgangers. We should totally be friends, but it’s probably safer for everyone (albeit significantly less fun) if we don’t combine these superpowers.

      Thanking you for your hilarious story and making me feel like I have a kindred spirit out there, and wishing you all the comfort and joy you can handle this holiday season!

    47. random person*

      You had me laughing out loud then, and now again with your update!
      Please, please keep writing because you have a great gift that is needed by so many people!

    48. Seeking Second Childhood*

      Maybe at least propose a column for your local newspaper because you’ve got a real way with words. Humor is HARD–as I learned working on the campus humor magazine –and this followup is as gloriously chuckle filled as your original saga. Brava.

    49. TCO*

      Stella70, I want you to throw another terrible party just so we can all read about it! Thank you for sharing your talent (and assuring us that your teacups survived!).

    52. allathian*

      Thanks for coming back with more bullets! I’m sorry you’re dealing with depression, and I’m glad that knowing your stories made some people’s days a little better made you feel better for a while.

    53. Put the Human Back in HR*

      I never doubted your story was real. I loved it!

      If you want to write, go for it — you don’t have to quit your job. When my younger child started college, I wrote romantic suspense in my spare time. I did get a publishing contract. I didn’t hit the big time, but I did have fun.

    54. Miss+Curmudgeonly*

      I loved your story too, can relate to much of what you say about writing, AND had not even a shred of doubt about its veracity. Fellow midwesterner here, and heck, I remember going to parties back in the day that were pretty much just like that. (In fact, I just read it over, and there’s not even anything implausible in there!)

    55. Former Employee*

      One of the best humor pieces I’ve ever read and I’m a regular reader of Alexandra Petri @ WaPo.

      Maybe just write up anecdotes the way you did with the holiday party and post party clean up.

      Didn’t Erma Bombeck become famous for writing homey type humor?

      Best of luck in the future.

      Happy Holidays!

  3. Not So Super-visor*

    An update (but not a good one)
    Last week, I mentioned my frustration at being given a promotion to a different department but that my current department is dragging their feet on letting me go to my new position and going as far as not even interviewing internal applicants.
    it gets worse…
    a) they have now decided that they are not filling my position until at least mid-February (but supposedly I get to move roles Jan 1?), so it really just seems like they are dragging this out on purpose
    b) my current department has decided to cut me out of all holiday traditions (think Secret Santa, cubicle decorating contest, potluck) since I’m not really part of their department anymore, but I’m still here in the middle of it doing my previous job
    c) between previous boss and the other supervisor, they’ve decided to take all of the holiday PTO time. Normally, we’d sit down and make an arrangement where all of get some time off around the holidays, but now I will be here without any PTO through the end of the year

    1. Sssssssssssssss*

      (b) really sucks. And that’s a morale killer. Honestly. When I won a role that had had six other people backfill for almost 18 months, I invited them ALL to the team Xmas party because without them, the work would have stopped. Two of them took me up on it and were appreciative of being appreciated!

    2. Ama*

      Ugh it’s so hard when people don’t think outside the basic staff hierarchy when making holiday plans. I was victim of that a couple times: for a few years at my current employer I was a department of one, reporting directly to the CEO — there were two consecutive years where she told other department heads to fold me into their department’s holiday plans and everyone assumed someone else was doing it, so no one did. It doesn’t happen now because I’m in a department of five and also report to someone else, but it was unpleasant those two years.

      also your management SUCKS if they’ve taken all the holiday PTO between them.

    3. WellRed*

      Do you want to participate in the potluck etc? Any reason why you can’t just…cheerfully show up or is the location a secret?

    4. Just here for the scripts*

      Might be worth looking for other work OUTSIDE of your company/organization. Window shopping for work is a good way to get perspective on where you are.. and given that this offer isn’t currently happening, and all of your management staff are acting as tools (secret Santa, PTO, etc), you might find something better elsewhere.

    5. time for cocoa*

      My last company threw up so many obstacles to inter-company transfers that multiple people give up and quit. We had 4-6 extremely talented engineers be told “you can’t leave this department until you finish project X” where project X was a years-long boondoggle that was never going to reach fruition. Some managers just love shooting their own feet repeatedly.

      1. Missing person*

        My last company would not let anyone transfer from my site. Period. They encouraged a finance guy to transfer to my site to further his career and, after 2 years, when he wanted to move back to corporate they told him that they never allowed transfers from my site because it was so badly run.

        So they made him quit.

    6. The Real Fran Fine*

      Focus only on a) and the fact that you get to move January 1. The passive aggressive nonsense of your current department leadership will come back to bite them in the ass, trust me. Keep your head held high, know that this will be over soon, and again, reach out to your new team and get ingratiated with that leadership to ensure your move is in fact happening and see what they’re doing for the holiday. When I was in a similar position to you, my new department heads ended up inviting me to their holiday party in advance of my transfer mid-January (I also attended my then-current team’s holiday events, so not exactly like your situation) and I had a great time meeting everyone I didn’t already know. See if you can swing something like that with your new colleagues.

    7. JelloStapler*

      What a bunch of whiny temper tantrums. I’m glad you’re getting out. Remember that through the transition.

    8. Momma Bear*

      I’d go to the new department’s manager and discuss the options for your moving over there and/or being included in holiday festivities in the interim, maybe as a way to get to know the new team better.

  4. Not-So-Chatty Cathy*

    How do you determine how much to talk at work? I regret talking about 60% of the time, both in formal meetings and casual conversations with coworkers.

    If I don’t speak up in meetings, some people act like I’m not contributing, which is fair. If I don’t make small talk with coworkers, then I’d be seen as cold and unfriendly, which is not ideal. That means I make the effort to talk more than I’m inclined to, but it feels like I’m always wasting everyone’s time, presenting incomplete ideas, or oversharing.

    This is definitely a me-issue, and I don’t have concerns about toxicity, weird cultural fit, bullying, etc. Past experiences have given me poor calibration on the topic though, so I wondered how other people gauge when to speak and when to keep quiet.
    FWIW, I have gone to therapy about this, but I’m interested in other people’s successful, practical approaches to striking a balance here.

    1. heather*

      I have a tendency to be way too talkative. If I am in a large meeting (like 10 people or more), my self-imposed rule is that I am essentially able to make one comment. Because if a dozen people all need to weigh in, I can’t keep sharing my own thoughts without monopolizing. I might allow myself a couple more “Yes that makes sense, I agree” sentences, but in general, I get one substantive comment.

      In informal situations, it is much harder. Basically I just try to avoid being someone who talks too much! I don’t really think there’s any such thing as talking too little, as long as you are responding in kind to others. So if someone says “How was your weekend?”– you should not just say “good” and stop the conversation. You should say, “Good, I went out to eat with my cousin! How about you?” But I don’t think you have to go out of your way to INITIATE that sort of conversation in order to be considered friendly. Just smile and respond when other people start them.

      2. Sloanicota*

        I have always struggled with this. I used to hate college courses because the professor would ask a question and nobody would answer, and I found it agonizing to see it hanging there and I’d really want to jump in and throw the professor a bone (plus I usually had something to say) – but I also don’t want to take up too much space and talk more than once or twice! And sometimes I know I got too carried away with my own thought once I started in. I really try to bite my tongue in meetings. The image of Hermione Granger in the early books helps me sit on my hands.

    2. to varying degrees*

      When you do speak up in meetings (or in social environments) what are the responses you get back?

      I’m fairly talkative and outgoing in social settings, but I do tend to clam up in work meetings (though I’m fine in work social settings). I think it’s because I tend to overthink and doubt my contributions. What I have learned (and constantly work at) is reminding myself that those contributions, however much I get nervous and critical about them, are generally well received. As such I am not a reliable narrator and can’t base my inaction/quietness on my own first instinct in these situations. In fact, I probably need to default to the opposite.

      It took a long time for me to get to this point though and something I still have to remind myself.

      1. Not-So-Chatty Cathy*

        That’s definitely part of it! I work with a lot of smart people, and I assume they’ve already thought of any idea I might contribute.
        I get more pushback for staying quiet than for speaking up, although there’s not typically much direct feedback either way.

          1. to varying degrees*

            Totally agree. I think we can sometimes get in our own head and start believing the untruths we tell ourselves (if that makes sense), when in reality, that’s not how everyone else is perceiving us.

    3. Hlao-roo*

      I tend to be quiet when I’m in a new situation/working with new coworkers, and I have noticed a few times people have remarked on that. “Hlao-roo is always so quiet” and similar comments. I talk more once I feel I have a good “lay of the land.” Have you heard similar comments when you speak only as much as you’re inclined to that lead you to believe your coworkers do see you as cold and unfriendly? Because it could be your natural level as small talk could lead you to be thought of as “reserved, but pleasant” or “reserved and warm” or something along those lines.

      Strategies that I use to make sure I’m not talking too much (once I’m comfortable around my coworkers):

      – For small talk with coworkers, I think if my coworkers initiate the small talk (at least some of the time) that’s a sign that they’re not fed up with my social chit-chat.

      – For speaking up in meetings, I try to get a read on if I’m speaking considerably more/ about equal to/ considerably less than other meeting participants (obviously adjust if some people in the meeting are presenters, junior coworkers just sitting in, and other roles that will clearly have more/less speaking time).

    4. T*

      Kindly, I think you might be catastrophizing a bit.

      If you don’t naturally initiate small talk, that’s fine. Normal people will not perceive this as cold. I say this as someone who has been in the workforce for two decades and who has not ever been a small-talk-starter. Just respond warmly if someone else speaks to you, and you’ll be fine. There’s no need to force yourself into being chatty. A good way to make sure you’re coming across warmly (rather than accidentally exuding ‘why are you interrupting me’ vibes) is to smile a little as soon as someone starts speaking to you.

      As for contributing in meetings – this is trickier. I think this is an issue everyone has some of the time. You want to appear engaged, but what if you don’t really have any ideas to contribute?! It’s tough. Here are some of my strategies:
      -Take notes. Even if you end up saying very little, the act of taking notes will make it clear you’re engaged and taking in the information.
      -Ask questions. Sometimes you don’t have the solutions, but you can still be the person asking the right questions. These can be understanding-based questions (“I’m not really familiar with this process, can you give a little background on _____?”) or solution-based questions (“When we say we want to streamline this process, do we want a faster turn-around, or do we want it to be less complicated?”).
      -If you do have an idea you want to bring up but it’s not fully formed yet, just say so. “Forgive me for thinking out loud, but is this a possibility?” “I’m just spitballing here, but if we were to approach it this way…” etc.
      -Speak up in support of other people if you agree with their ideas, concerns, etc.
      -Use this one sparingly, but I’ve found that sometimes telling a (quick, work-appropriate) funny anecdote during a social part of the meeting counts in people’s minds towards contribution. I’ve been thanked by bosses before for being engaged in a meeting when this is literally all I did.

      1. Not-So-Chatty Cathy*

        Kindly, I think you might be catastrophizing a bit.
        Certainly! :) That’s why I’m asking for some concrete examples. From all the helpful responses, I’m talking too much in casual interactions and not offering enough support in meetings. That is good feedback to have and gives me a better sense of what to work on.

    5. Bird Lady*

      One of the things I did early on was this:

      During a meeting, I might keep silent on an open subject I was not responsible for presenting, but expected to contribute towards. I was still learning the balance, and sometimes I was unable to respond in the moment for fear of looking silly. So after thinking about something, I’d bring it up to my manager with a line like, “So I was thinking of… Sorry I didn’t bring it up at the meeting; I wanted to consider it a bit more before suggesting it.” Eventually, I got enough feedback that my ideas were legitimately great, that I asked my manager if I should start bringing these ideas up in the moment at meetings. When she said yes, I took that as permission to be more bold.

    6. Toxic Workplace Survivor*

      To normalize this a little take the case of an extrovert I know. She often talks about consciously trying to refrain from talking during meetings, or knowing when to walk away from the water cooler when a “hey, how’s it going” turns into 15 minutes of chit chat.

      To best position yourself at work it’s often a matter of adapting a little bit by smoothing out some of those edges, whether talking more/less, choosing phone/email to communicate with a boss who prefers one over the other and so on. Obviously this should not be taken to extremes, no one thinks you should pretend to be a different person, but if you think of it like “Linda is working to give others space to talk more while Cathy is working to contribute more during meetings” it can help to take some of the pressure off.

    7. Prospect Gone Bad*

      This may be as simple as you not having anything to say, which is fine. If you have something burning that needed to be said, you wouldn’t be asking this. I see this framed as introverted/extroverted but it could simply be “my job doesn’t lead me to find things that need to be said in meetings.”

      I’m introverted but can speak for an hour in meetings because I naturally come across problems and discrepancies and have been around long enough to see stuff.

    8. aubrey*

      My practical approach was to pick someone who I thought did a good job of this and pay close attention to when she talked and what kinds of things she said. It was kind of reassuring since she definitely made awkward comments sometimes too, but my overall impression of her was still so positive. Sorry past-coworker for probably observing you a bit too closely….

      Also, practice (unfortunately, I hate when that’s the answer). As I got used to speaking more, I got used to gauging this better, and also got used to letting go and not overthinking it.

    9. lebkin*

      For meetings, you don’t have to contribute NEW ideas every meeting. You can speak up by offering support for the good ideas of others. “I think Jim’s concept for the new ad is really great. I support us moving in that direction.”

      This shows you’re engaged, have opinions, and help push the conversation toward a decision. Strong supporter are of great value in meetings.

    10. Marvel*

      Ask people questions! That’s what I do to help curb my own social awkwardness. Most people like to talk about themselves, and they’ll see you as engaged and attentive even if all you do is nod and ask follow-up questions.

      Might not work in meetings; does work for small talk.

  5. Anna*

    Would you take a role where there is travel 1x/quarter (for a few days)? At a start-up in the series A funding?

    I’m interviewing for a this role.

    1. Melanie Cavill*

      I absolutely would, as long as the travel was reasonably reimbursed and there were no terrible airbnbs or having to share a hotel bed with a coworker or anything alarming like that. But I find travel soul-reaffirming.

    2. Kiwiii*

      if it’s truly ~3 days/quarter, that would be absolutely fine with me. Caveats of, I don’t have children, I used to travel about 10% for a previous job and liked it, and my husband doesn’t have to travel for work/can easily watch our pets.

      If you hate traveling, probably don’t go for it. But if it’s just a “what does that look like??”, I would ask about it in the interview and what that all entails/what their travel policy/booking process is, etc. if you’re curious about logistic.

      1. New mom*

        All this! I used to travel quarterly before I had kids and I liked it, I had friends in all the places I’d go or I got to see a cool city. I now have two littles under 2.5 and I wouldn’t be able to do it. I’m stressing over a one night trip that isn’t until June!

        1. New mom*

          Also, where are you traveling? I liked shorter trips but I had two trips from the west coast to east coast and it was brutal. Getting up at 4:30/5 to get to the airport, hours at the airport, flying and then with the time zone is was getting dark by the time I arrived. Also, will they fly you business class or economy?

          1. Sloanicota*

            Agree. If I would be going mostly cool places with many direct flight options, I’d be excited. I’d be happy to go to Chicago or New York and would be confident I wouldn’t get stranded. If I was going to be traveling places I have no interest in and that are hard to get to (so, indirect/multiple flights and then rental cars, meaning means more points of failure in transit) I wouldn’t be very excited. I used to travel for work and it *sucks* to have to spend your Friday night sleeping in an airport, missing your own Saturday plans, and then turn around and work on Monday.

    3. I edit everything*

      There’s so much more to consider! I like travel, so if the job’s a good fit and has travel, I’d be happy with that. But startups are…unpredictable. But if you’re at a stage in your life where you think the experience would be valuable and you don’t need stability/predictability, and the job seems good otherwise (not a toxic workplace, or other orange flags), then the startup nature shouldn’t disqualify the job.

    4. Keeley Jones, The Independent Woman*

      The travel part seems very reasonable. It would be the start up part that would give me pause. But I’m the sole earner now for a family of 4, I couldn’t risk it not panning out. But if you’re in a position that should it fail, you’d be ok, it might be worth considering. Just ask a lot of questions and take whatever they say with a grain of salt because start ups aren’t going to paint their future in the most glowing light possible.

    5. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      Travel a few days once a quarter isn’t something that would have any real impact on my decision to take the role, personally. It’d have to be more often, or for longer duration, or — well, I guess if they tell me that the travel is always last-minute and “hey, you need to fly out tomorrow” like I don’t have time to make arrangements for my non-work needs, that would be relevant. But if they’re giving a reasonable advance notice of the timeframe and details, and we’re sincerely only talking a few days four times a year, that would not even land on my mental pros/cons list as something to consider.

    6. Generic+Name*

      Some advice given to me is that whatever the amount a job posting lists for travel is to double it.

      As for whether or not to take it, that’s a very personal question. Do YOU want to travel for work? In general, the folks I’ve seen who are happiest to travel for work either have no dependents (human or animal) at home or have a spouse who is willing and able to hold down the fort while they are gone AND don’t have small children.

      1. Kiwiii*

        I wonder if that’s just for 10% or more roles, or for all? I took this specific job in part because they mentioned some travel, and the plan ended up being “sometimes, up to a couple days per quarter” but haven’t actually travelled at all in 3 years lol

        1. Generic+Name*

          Good question. The roles I was looking at said “25% travel”, and my colleague said to expect travel about half the time.

      2. Weekender*

        This is great advice.
        I started at a start-up this year — remote and have to fly to go to the office. In the job description it was loosely advertised as once per quarter we would meet at the office. I think I traveled 6 times — there was a 7th I couldn’t do. Which it ended up being fine, but you never know when certain projects may get kicked off/delayed that require travel.
        My company is VERY family-focused and stress that family obligations take priority over traveling to the office. I know for next year they have asked us to cut down on trips to save money, but I am still guessing it will be 5 trips next year.

        I have an older child so it was easier to get coverage. I acquired some pets over the lock-down so now I require a pet sitter.

      3. Prospect Gone Bad*

        Conversely some jobs exaggerate the requirements up front to get rid of less serious candidates so OP may find they never get to travel!

    7. Sara without an H*

      The travel wouldn’t bother me, but I’d be cautious with a start-up. See if you can find out more about the requirements of travel, how tickets and hotel bills are paid, etc. Is there an admin who makes travel arrangements or do they get you a company credit card?

      If they expect you to front travel expenses on your own credit card and submit receipts for reimbursement, be cautious. You do NOT want to be left holding bills for a lot of unreimbursed travel expenses if the company suddenly folds.

      1. Ama*

        This is VERY good advice. One time a quarter isn’t bad as long as there is infrastructure to support it but if they don’t seem to have thought through the process very well I’d be concerned.

    8. Zephy*

      I would want to know their travel budget – what kind of transport and accommodation options do I have, do I need to front the money for a plane ticket/hotel room/etc and get reimbursed, if the travel is within driving distance am I expected to use my own vehicle and/or pay for the gas. I would not personally take a job involving any amount of travel if I was expected to shoulder any part of that cost – if it’s so mission-critical that I physically be somewhere else to do your business, you can pay for me to get there, stay there, and eat while I’m there. Company card 100%, I’m not fronting costs and getting reimbursed. I’ll drive if it’s reasonable, but it’ll be a company vehicle with gas bought on the aforementioned company card.

    9. Qwerty*

      I’m at an early-startup and travel one week a quarter.

      From a general perspective, the amount of do-able travel depends on your obligations. My main issue with work travel is that I have a cat, and my cat sitter is moving away, so getting coverage for quarterly trips + vacations will be tough going forward.

      Questions to ask are how does this travel affect the rest of your work (ex: are you playing catch up when you get back), what kind of hours/expectations are there during the trips, does travel time count as work time or do you lose your weekend as well, etc. The food budget usually has a big impact on a trip – I want to know whether I’ll be able to enjoy a decent dinner with a glass of wine? Some place I’ve been at had really low per-diems or wouldn’t cover alcohol.

      1. Sloanicota*

        True, if the travel was significant, I would definitely negotiate for the top of the salary range because I have always found little expenses add up (I seem to get parking tickets more when I’m unfamiliar with an area, I forget to get receipts for tolls and parking, more wear and tear on my personal possessions) and I can’t be reimbursed for the extra costs at home I would incur, like a house or pet sitter.

    10. Sloanicota*

      Honestly between conferences and regional meetings I probably travel four times a year (overnight for one or two nights) for work as a matter of course, and it was never mentioned in an interview or anything, just considered normal. So on it’s own, this wouldn’t affect my decision either way.

    11. AcademiaNut*

      Travel by itself, no problem. The start up part I’d balk at.

      One thing to ask about the travel is whether it is on short notice or not – having to fly out on half a day’s notice is quite different than pre-planned trips. Also, are they asking for extremely long days (get up at 3am to get to the airport, fly somewhere, work 14 hour days, fly back getting home after midnight, and having to be at work the next day).

  6. Melanie Cavill*

    Today, on ASD At The Office things – had to walk away from my desk because the gentleman adjacent to me was having one of his many loud, bitter, and complain-ful personal conversations and my earbuds failed to drown it out. I risked losing it on him or bursting into tears or both (fortunately, I did none of the above). Am planning on speaking with my supervisor as soon as they get in but… man, this did not feel good.

    1. Kiwiii*

      That sounds so frustrating. I wonder if suggesting a quite work area be more enforced would be an option.

      1. Melanie Cavill*

        Maybe! The plan is to eventually move me into my supervisor’s office when we do some new year’s shuffling, so I just have to keep my mellow for a bit longer.

    2. Pool Noodle Barnacle Pen0s*

      Solidarity, my friend. I have a coworker who, despite being a lovely person who I typically enjoy working with, has a terrible habit of not being able to properly control his volume on phone conversations. He’s not even an angry shouter, more just a boomer who seems to think he needs to shout to be understood by a non native English speaker. It’s an enormous anxiety trigger for me, and I had to get up from my desk and walk away yesterday because of it. He’s off today, thank goodness.

    3. Anastasia Beaverhousen*

      I recommend you do not talk to your supervisor about this. This is a matter that you want to talk to your coworker about and not something that your supervisor thinks they needs manage between their subordinates. If they are talking so loud that it is distracting mention it to them, but I recommend using more neutral terms than you did here.

      1. Melanie Cavill*

        This coworker routinely gets into shouting matches with other employees and spends half his day in personal calls complaining about every aspect of this company and anyone who isn’t in his specific age bracket. If he hasn’t learned to manage his communication now, I don’t imagine my comments will make him want to; hearing him yell on the phone to his wife about how accounting-oriented emails I just sent him are making him angry isn’t something I can bring up in a way that doesn’t look extremely petty.

        1. Fran*

          Ya the manager really needs to be talking to him about appropriate voice and topics (if they haven’t already)

      2. Observer**

        What I would normally say the OP needs to do is to ask to be moved to a different spot, but it sounds like that’s already on schedule.

        OP can you ask your boss to do some WFH till the move happens?

    4. Marvel*

      Ohhh I struggle with that too. One of the people I currently supervise on a project is a chronic complainer about anything and everything, and every single time it feels like they’re dropping bricks on my head, emotionally speaking. Even when I’m just listening to it!

  7. L-squared*

    This is a question for the managers out there.

    How have you felt when you offered what you thought was a fair raise and your employees countered for more?

    I’m having my annual review next week. I know my company, and they are fairly cheap. I believe I’ll get a decent, but not great raise. Essentially, I know what I want my raise to be, and I have no faith it will actually be that number. So when my boss gives me the raise, I’ll be countering to ask for more.

    Is this something you typically go in expecting? Does it bother you?

    I have a great relationship with my boss, but being a fairly small company, I know its not fully in her control how much I’m getting. So I’d just like to know what might be going through her head when I do this.

    1. Rowan*

      As a manager, it’s hard to get a raise adjusted after the point where it’s been communicated to someone. By the time you get there, it’s likely been through multiple layers of discussion and approval up the management chain. All the budget has been allocated, so changing one person’s number would be very difficult.
      So I’d say don’t put off the discussion – have a call with your manager now to talk about your desired number, while there might still be time for them to advocate for it.

      2. Somehow_I_Manage*

        Yep. By the time an on-cycle raise gets announced, it’s already been considered as part of the group’s budget, and run all the way up the chain and back. If you wait until you receive it, prepare to wait another six months.

        Every company is different, but generally speaking, a manager/department head is allocated an across the board increase (e.g., 4%) that they can then allocate to their team as they see fit depending on performance and other factors. Raises associated with promotions are normally considered separately.

        The ideal time to discuss salary is about 2-3 months before reviews. Tell your manager exactly what your salary expectations are and why. We track the market and have a good idea of competitor salaries- so if you think that there’s a discrepancy, which does happen occasionally, bring some backup evidence that we can use to advocate for you.

        The other benefit to this is if there’s some experience or responsibility you’re missing that’s holding you back from a promotion, we have time to work with you to rectify that on the fast track before your performance review.

      3. Sloanicota*

        This was exactly my thought. You need to spit out the number you want (or that plus 5K, so they can talk you down) now, to get it on the board, as otherwise your manager is probably thinking “standard 3% inflation” or whatever.

    2. TimeTravlR*

      Just be sure to have your justification ready. They offer X and you counter with Y based on A, B, and C. That is, be prepared to tell them why you deserve more. Sell it!

    3. WantonSeedStitch*

      When my employees get an annual raise after their review, I have very little control over the amount. I can get enough wiggle room within the HR regulations and boundaries to move things up or down a few fractions of a percentage, maybe, but that’s about it. I would LOVE to be able to offer my employees larger raises, but even a large university like the one where I work is still a nonprofit, and they just don’t get that big here.

      If someone counters with a higher number, it just isn’t possible: we simply don’t do annual increases that way. I have no power to make it happen, neither does my upper management, and neither does HR, within our regulations. So for them to get a higher salary, there needs to be either a market adjustment (if their salary is below market range) or a promotion. We try to do market reviews every couple years or so. If they are at market range and want a higher salary, promotion is the only option, and if there are limited options for promotion available, well, that’s when we end up losing an employee sometimes. But because our salaries ARE in line with the market to start with (our kind of role is one that ONLY exists in the nonprofit world, so it’s not like they could get a better salary with a for-profit), and because our benefits are great and it’s just a generally good place to work, it’s not as big a problem as it could be.

      1. Sloanicota*

        I do not care for this system, personally! It suggests that a brand new secretary has the same value as a secretary who has been there for three years and has gained all these amazing new skills as well as specialized knowledge. I suppose it would be okay if there were lots of stepwise promotions (“senior secretary” “secretary grade 2”) but I have not encountered that.

    4. Thin Mints didn't make me thin*

      are you prepared to go get another job? Because I would get some resumes out there. You shouldn’t have to accept a mediocre raise when you could get a much better one elsewhere.

      1. L-squared*

        Yes. Like part of my justification for a raise is that I am getting approached weekly for other jobs looking for my qualifications, and the bottom of the range they are giving me is more than what I’m guessing this raise will be. This will be part of my justification for a higher one. But overall, yes, I’ll willing to leave in the near future.

        1. Sloanicota*

          This is a delicate point to make, IME. You want to press for the raise you want, advocate for the ways you have grown your skills to contribute to the company such that it makes you this valuable, and suggest that you can get it elsewhere, but not make the whole ask based around that last point only – or at least, that’s what I try to do.

    5. Educator*

      I definitely expect it. It actually makes me a little uncomfortable when I offer someone a salary or a raise and they are just like “oh, ok.” I’m a manager, not a dictator–please negotiate with me! It helps me advocate for you.

      I have limits from above me on how much I can offer. So if you make a really good case for why your work is worth more, that makes it a lot easier for me to make the case for why your work is worth more to all the other people who need to approve a higher raise. Written bullet points that we can talk through are particularly helpful, because I can take them with me to my own boss and make similar points.

      The crucial thing is to provide evidence that you are working on a higher level, which merits higher pay. Unfortunately, I can’t do much if you talk about the cost of living–those increases are set–or how you are just doing your job well. I need accomplishments I can point to and say “This person is working beyond what we expect for their role, and we need to compensate them for it”

      1. Weaponized Pumpkin*

        I find this very surprising! Salary offer, sure. But a raise? I would never in a million years think I could counter on a raise that’s already been set. (As other commenters have noted, it may be possible during the process or in an initial request, but not after it’s been decided and presented.)

        1. Educator*

          I’ve been at a few organizations now, mostly nonprofits, where there is a little more push-pull around raises because roles change a lot over the course of a year! So this is probably situation-dependent. But, especially because of how my sector has had to evolve so much recently, most of my employees have had changing responsibilities very different from what they were initially hired to do. I think that is becoming more common these days, and it should definitely make raises negotiable!

      2. Missing person*

        At least you didn’t have me as an employee. During the thick of Covid, I took on 6 different job roles and basically broke my back for the company. We were staffed at 1/3 of the appropriate level and I did everything I could to keep the place afloat. I was ranked the highest possible, as in only 20 people out of the 500 working there were ranked at that level.

        I received a .7% raise that year.

        I laughed in my manager’s face and I refused to feel ashamed about it.

    6. Prospect Gone Bad*

      It depends on how well your company pays. My company pays well so I would be a bit annoyed. If someone was underpaid I wouldn’t care or would even be happy and use is as fodder to raise it up the ladder (if the employee did research about market rates). So it depends

      1. L-squared*

        The problem is, my CEO thinks we pay well, when in reality, its below market. Not like significantly, but definitely below. And he has to approve all raises.

        1. Observer**

          Then you need to talk to your boss ahead of time to see what’s possible. And if what you want is not possible, don’t say anything, but start looking.

    7. OrdinaryJoe*

      You can ask but, as your manager at my company, I have very little control. It’s all above my paygrade and set for by a complicated X/Y grid, where your base salary falls compared to everyone else, how close you are to the ‘top’ of your pay grade, etc. I *might* be able to get a small ($1,000 – $5,000) bonus for a great worker or extraordinary circumstances but even that will take a lot.

      At my company, you’re better off having that conversation when you know reviews are being written because that’s when the numbers are crunched. Once it’s set, it’s … all but set.

  8. time for cocoa*

    Anyone ever do a Gallup phone interview? Any tips? I’ve found a lot of coaching videos on YT but it’s very “bro hustle culture” and I’d like to hear from regular people.

  9. Stuckinacrazyjob*

    Thanks everyone who explained FMLA to me. I realized that I probably couldn’t take two days off ( the treatment involved no driving for 24 hours and like no. That would not work) a week. So I’m taking care of my mental health by finding a new therapist instead. ( Hopefully virtual). It won’t help with the energy problem or that I do not become motivated after doing things problem but it’s enough for now.

    1. Weekender*

      I missed your original post, but there is such a thing as intermittent FMLA for something that comes up intermittently throughout the year (for the same situation/diagnosis). Once you got to the equivalent of 12 weeks, you would be out of FMLA for the year.
      I hope you can find balance and feel better :)

        1. MenolyYoga*

          I’ve taken intermittent FMLA twice in the last 8 years (within the same large aerospace company).

          The first was 4 years ago when my mom had a stroke in another state and I went to take care of her. I was luckily able to work part time from her condo. When the FMLA was running out, my brother helped me bring my mom back to live with me and I hired caretakers for 12 hrs/day; 5 days/wk, so I was able to work during the day and take care of her for the rest. That lasted about 8 months until she decided that she didn’t want to be any more of a burden on me and she essentially gave up on life and let herself pass away.

          The second was 4 months ago when I realized I was too stressed to work full time. I had considered taking 6 weeks Leave-without-pay, but then realized that I’d need to pay my own insurance thru Cobra (which costs a fortune). I had my PCP fill out the FMLA paperwork and ended up working 2 or 3 days/wk until I decided that returning to work wasn’t going to fix anything and – guess what? – after spending several hours reviewing my finances I calculated that I had enough to retire! At 62! So Dec 1 was my last day at work! It’s a happy/sad situation because the cash from selling my mom’s condo was what pushed me to have enough to retire. But I felt the stress sliding off my body that I have been carrying for more years than I want to admit!

          As I was writing this I realized that 6 years ago I was also working less than full time as I was in Chemotherapy treatment for Colon Cancer. My (large government contracting) company required approved charge numbers for you to get paid. But, they had a special number for “intermittent medical treatment”. So, two days every two weeks I stayed home for my treatment. And I had some hours that I was able to use near the end of the 6 months of treatment that I could use just for recuperation, as chemotherapy takes A LOT out of you after successive treatments.

          Best of wishes on your journey.

  10. The Post It Always Sticks Twice*

    My grand-boss started 6 weeks ago and she thinks my team’s newish director is “killing it”. But she doesn’t know he has taken over my, and the rest of the team’s roles. He has cut us out of meetings and communication and doesn’t let us do anything without checking with him. I was chatting with my teammates and we’re having the same experience. With someone on my team, he told them they were hostile and they would discuss it during their next 1:1, but he never said anything more about it. With me and my other teammate, one of the higher ups wanted to meet with us weekly again, and he flipped out. When he created the meeting, he made sure to tell us that he would be running the meetings and it would be optional to attend.

    We’re struggling to see what we can do without shooting ourselves in the foot.

    1. Not So Super-visor*

      yeah, that’s definitely not “killing it.” Unfortunately, it also sounds like there may be communication issues going on as well that would prevent you for being able to raise the issue higher up.

    2. Ama*

      Oof, do you trust one of those higher ups that wanted to meet with you enough to maybe have a discreet conversation with them where you explain what’s going on? They might be willing to be your advocate to the new grandboss.

      I would not be at all surprised if the request to meet with you again is because they *don’t* think your new director is doing that great a job, so they might be willing to help. But go with your gut on whether that is too risky.

      I will say one of my coworkers once had to go straight to our CEO with concerns because her newish boss was doing a lot of similar things to her, and it did end up working out (newish boss was eventually fired), but we’re a small office and our CEO wasn’t new — she knew my coworker well enough to know she wouldn’t come to her with baseless complaints.

      1. The Post It Always Sticks Twice*

        Maybe? But I feel nervous approaching her, I don’t want it to feel I’m I’m/us are putting this on her or bringing her into this mess. Our CEO is a complete moron, she loves our boss, because she doesn’t understand what we do.

    3. Prospect Gone Bad*

      There could be a conversation with grand boss here or even an AAM post. One of the pitfalls of management is doing stuff at your level, what does “at your level” even mean in your company. I’m a Director and have definitely pushed back on the other two Directors at my level in a friendly way when they started diving too hard into every day tasks. I’m fine with going hard into a project here and there to understand how everything works but they shouldn’t be involved in every small piece of mall piece of minutia. Sometimes they need help to see what they are doing and to step back. After all we get paid a certain amount to fix larger things and direct, not get paid $120K to do work $60K employees should do.

    4. Workerbee*

      You’re going to have to meet with your grandboss and any other higher ups without your director there. Don’t ask his permission, don’t tell him about it.

      Last year, I had a director like that. He had to be in Every Meeting that involved any of us and senior leadership. Turned out it was because he not only wanted to control the meeting entirely, but he’d been misrepresenting us and our work to senior leadership in their own meetings, and vice versa. Morale tanked. Fortunately, senior leadership finally noticed that projects weren’t getting done (he also did all he could to stall or detonate projects) and started looking into his actual work, but it still took a couple years. Get your deadweight gone sooner!

      1. The Post It Always Sticks Twice*

        The only solution I can think of is this:
        – Have our team put together a written list of everything he’s done
        – Talk to the higher up we meet with to see what she thinks
        – Talk to our grand-boss about it and show her the written list
        – ??? No idea what will happen after that

        Ahh, this is so stressful!

  11. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

    One of my team members put in his notice a couple weeks ago, and I submitted it for the end of the pay week (tomorrow) and listed his last workday as today … and they deactivated his username/password for all access effective 9am this morning instead of midnight tonight. THANKS GUYS. (His loose ends were all tied up, so rather than hassle with getting them to reactivate him for one more day, he asked if he could just call the rest of the day PTO and pack it in, and I told him if that was ok with him it was fine with me.)

    1. Kiwiii*

      A similar thing happened to me in a temp role several years ago, they deactivated my access at the beginning of the week that was supposed to be my last for some reason??? So frustrating for everyone involved

      1. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

        He joked that IT was kicking him in the butt one more time on his way out the door :P He wrote me a really nice email though — when people say that managers appreciate those heartfelt notes, they’re not kidding, that made my day. :)

    2. Dances With Code*

      I had a situation at a previous job where my key access and IT access was cut off instantly when I submitted my exit survey at 3:45PM. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom without needing to be let back in by another employee, technically a security violation, because the restroom access was in the elevator lobby, outside the key controlled area. And then my supervisor acted like I’d pulled a fast one on purpose to get to leave early on my last day. I said, sure, give me something I can do without computer access and I’ll do it. (Friends, I was and am a software developer.) He realized that wasn’t going to work and let me go after an unwanted hug (he had never hugged me before).

    3. SomebodyElse*

      My IT department is notorious for this. They will often overlook the date and time field in the termination request. I generally tell those who are leaving to have everything closed up the day before their last day. Then on their last day they should plan for a 1/2 day (usually long enough for me to take them to lunch) or whenever IT shuts off their access… could be 8 am could be midnight :)

      My favorite day was when I got in to work on an employee’s last day and my access was shut off. It seems the IT person got a little confused between the terminated employee name and manager’s name on the form. We then got to have a little chat about how I was snottily instructed to submit a ticket… to a system that I didn’t have access to anymore.

      1. Observer**

        We then got to have a little chat about how I was snottily instructed to submit a ticket… to a system that I didn’t have access to anymore.

        That is CLASSIC.

        I still have to remind people that although standard reporting for most IT issues is email, THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUR EMAIL NOT WORKING! You would think that it’s obvious. And to be fair, some people are coming from environments like yours where someone that try to insist that someone use a system that they can’t access to report the problem with access. The rest of the staff always gets a good laugh.

      3. Sloanicota*

        My manager once requested I be upgraded on a new system the day another employee left. Something got crossed and they deactivated my account instead. Manager and I had a good chuckle and she called them … and they told her it was irreversible! They had to create a brand new account for me and somehow I lost all my email history, was assigned a new phone number, and even had to go around with HR about vested contributions and seniority benefits, which had all been wiped away! I was not chuckling for long!

        1. Observer**

          That’s inexcusable. And I frankly don’t believe that it was necessary to do it this way. As for HR? They were certainly being lazy, although they may also have been hampered by bad systems. But you NEVER EVER just wipe away the money in people’s accounts and their vesting. That’s HR 101 and a legal issue to boot.

          1. Sloanicota*

            Oh yes they did restore that stuff once they realized it had happened, I think manually. The rest of it was gone.

    4. Seeking Second Childhood*

      I hate seeing that we were not an isolated incident when that happened in our department! For us the departing employee had NOT finished rolling everything out and backing it all up so corporate IT caused a lot of extra work for local IT.

  12. Bippity Boppity Bummer*

    Good people of AAM, please advise! I’m up for a remote position that had a fairly intense interview process (SIX interviews!). I’m really interested in the position and realllllly desperate to leave my current job, but something popped up late in the process that hadn’t been flagged to me. While the role is remote and people are located all over the country, the company does hold meetings at their headquarters for all employees either quarterly or twice a year, in addition to an annual offsite. Due to some health concerns I likely won’t be able to travel for these as they’re quite far– how prohibitive is this in accepting the position? It’s the only travel associated with the position, and I’m not sure how to communicate my concerns to the hiring team if I am to be offered the position, especially since I got pretty far in the process before hearing about it.

    Separately, I’m still pumping– any ideas on the right time to note that and the need for breaks and/or camera off and mic muted during meetings?

    1. Janey-jane*

      RE: Pumping and new position. I told them after I accepted that I’d need to build in pumping times. My boss said just block your calendar and that was it.

      I’m remote 2 days a week, so not exactly the same, but it was fairly straight forwards. I certainly did have times where I was in meetings remotely (with a board I’m part of, not clients), but those were rare, and it wasn’t unusual to just turn off my camera. I’d just type, “I’m still here” so they knew, and then I didn’t find my headset picked up pump noise, so I’d chime in as needed.

    2. 28dogs*

      The travel thing probably depends on how involved you’d be–if you’re just attending like anybody else, my guess is you could raise it as a reasonable accommodation. There’s no way you’d be the only one at a large company who’d be unable to attend. If this is the case, I wouldn’t raise it except with HR after you have the role.

      If you’re more involved (someone in your job would be expected to present or host a small group or just be more visible), then it gets trickier and I’d talk to the hiring manager about it ahead of accepting the job.

      For pumping, definitely not until after you get the job – just make a note of it to your manager and have a script ready to go if anyone asks. “Oh, I have a baby and need to pump – thanks for understanding!”

      1. Interplanet Janet*

        Yep, I’m a supervisor who has hired employees who pump. I’m GLAD when they don’t tell me during the interview process because although we’re very family friendly, I never want to know anything that could introduce even the perception of discrimination in the hiring process.

        After they’re hired and setting up a schedule, it’s very easy to just make a note that they have a standing break (or breaks) that are firmly scheduled each day.

    3. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      I wouldn’t recommend bringing either of those up before you are offered the job. If you can’t travel due to health reasons, you might be able to get a disability accommodation (IDK if your health concerns would qualify). You would start that process after you are hired.

      I think the same for pumping. That is a conversation for after you are hired and a reasonable company wouldn’t deny breaks and privacy for pumping. Is there a reason you think they won’t be reasonable in accommodating either request?

      For the travel, if it’s a deal breaker, you could negotiate that at hire like you would compensation or PTO. Maybe something like, “I’m excited about accepting this position, but due to medical concerns I would like to negotiate a permanent waiver on the quarterly/annual travel requirement; I’d certainly still participate virtually if possible.”

    4. Mockingjay*

      We have large quarterly meetings. About half of the teams attend in person; the rest participate via Teams or dial-in. Most companies have video conferencing these days. I’d just have a simple convo about attendance: “Traveling is a bit difficult for me; will there be conferences for most of these meetings?” The annual offsite might be a stickler, but you don’t know until you ask.

      1. Weaponized Pumpkin*

        In that convo, feel out how missing these sessions or being virtual at them might affect your visibility & success in the role. It’s not a direct question, more of putting your radar up, seeing what they say about how many attend or if they talk about the importance of it. If they’re like “sure lots of folks dial in it’s no big deal”, that’s a better answer for you than “well….almost everyone comes and it’s such a great bonding experience”.

    5. Keeley Jones, The Independent Woman*

      I started a new job in July. I’m in the Midwest and everyone else lives on the East cost. They’ve had some in person days but there wasn’t an expectation that I go, since it is more than just driving a few hours and maybe one overnight stay. I will be traveling for the division yearly conference in January (you must have a negative PCR test to go) but even that was “If you can, great! But don’t worry if it doesn’t work” So I’d just ask about health precautions or if attending in person would be mandatory since you live farther away.

      As for pumping, I guess it depends if you have a position where coverage is needed. I work from home but I take breaks when I want to. If I was pumping I’d just block my calendar at those times. If there was an on camera meeting I had to attend, I’d just pump before or after. But I wouldn’t ask about it now. Maybe a more general how meetings are structured type questions.

    6. Kay*

      I know this isn’t the question you asked – but I couldn’t help think as I read this – SIX interviews, then they forget to talk about travel!! – flags a waving!!

      The other advice here is good on how to handle it, but I would suggest being extra careful to watch out for any signs you might be jumping from one situation to another. I hope it is nothing and all works out for you!

  13. southwest*

    I’ve had a shower thought on professional mentoring: I’m in academia, and I’ve had a lot of professional mentors in various capacities. They’re great for practical advice, like how to write grants, how to position myself for faculty positions, how to interview, etc. But I was reflecting a bit last night and I kinda wish I had a professional mentor that was kind of a coach/cheerleader? Like I just hit two professional milestones in my new position, despite still being really new to everything and having a lot of work going forward, and I feel my mentors are all about how to help me do the next thing, and there’s no pause to be like “hey, you’re doing really well for 3 months in. You should feel good about this!” Instead it’s all about “here are the other 120 things you could be doing to get tenure in 6 years.”

    anyone sympathize/have thoughts?

    1. Justin*

      Academia is like that, it’s why I didn’t pursue the field after my doctorate.

      I have to find community in academic spaces with other young/early scholars who are slightly ahead of me (or, I did, when I was in school). And then I try to pay it forward with people a year or two behind me.

      1. southwest*

        yeah, to some extent I’ve started doing that. Even many of my peers around the same stage as me are in this hamster wheel mode, though. But I’ve found a like-minded buddy at the same career stage who alas is an ocean away. We video chat every few months and cheer each other on. And I have a mentee who is early in grad school that I try to cheer on. I think I just wish we got more of this from above.

    2. Hexagon*

      Congrats on your milestones!
      And yes, as someone with a decent CV who is terrified it won’t be enough when I go up for tenure soon, I absolutely sympathize.

      The “never enough” mentality isn’t limited to a academia, but it certainly has a strong hold on that work environment.

      1. southwest*

        yeah “never enough” mentality is a good way to put it! I think it’s absurd, I’ve always felt “never enough” to some degree throughout my whole career which up to this point has been objectively highly successful by a number of typical measures. I want to normalize feeling good enough!

    3. lunchtime caller*

      Do you perhaps just want an industry friend and not a mentor for that? Someone who “gets it” more than out of industry friend/family but not really someone who does the rest of the mentoring stuff.

      1. southwest*

        yeah, a friend who gets it would help. and does help! I have a friend at my stage and I’d say we both lean on each other for this. But in some ways I think it would be SO helpful/validating to have someone senior and experienced to also be encouraging, haha.

        1. Gracely*

          It might be helpful to remember that even senior faculty can have imposter syndrome. My spouse has made it to full professor, and even he worries that he’s not done/doing enough (and he does so much more than most of his colleagues). He’s pretty good about remembering to encourage/celebrate his mentees, but I know that’s not the norm. To be fair, mentoring takes a LOT of work even if it seems like it doesn’t.

          Encouragement is great, but most people are doing good just to be treading water, and they can forget how much the people below them would love to know that they’re doing good. The best way to improve this is to remember it when you become senior to someone, and be the example you wanted. Trying to make someone senior do it for you is probably not going to work (and may well backfire), so definitely look to peer groups and other people in your field/also in academia who understand what those achievements mean to get validation from them. A lot of the validation you get in academia is going to come from you celebrating yourself, honestly.

    4. Sara without an H*

      Justin’s right. For sanity and moral support, as well as encouragement of this kind, you really need a peer group. Senior faculty tend to be fixated on achieving The Next Thing — it’s how they’ve survived in their own careers.

      Can you recruit a couple of writing/research buddies at about your own level of experience?

      1. southwest*

        not just senior faculty! Many of my fellow jr faculty seem fixated on this as well. It’s been tough to identify those that might be like-minded, I think in part because we don’t want to stand out as being less hardcore than our peers. I’ve got one friend at a similar stage that is good for this, but very far away. I hope to identify some peers at my institution for this in the next year. :)

  14. Todaloo*

    This week I accepted a job offer in another state. We’re super excited and already packing. However, I’m not sure how to handle my resignation (and am kind of dreading it honestly).

    My spouse and I work for the same company, and because of weirdness with our company structure we report largely to our grand boss. I’ve wanted to leave the company, while he has not. When I resign, I’m not sure if I should frame it as “I’m leaving because this just isn’t a good fit” or “I’m leaving because we’re moving”. Ideally my spouse would be able to stay on remotely (the different state shouldn’t be an issue, we both work remotely, and they’ve been trying to fill a third position like ours for literally 6 months with no luck), and I want to make sure we frame things in a way to facilitate that. But I also want to make it clear I am leaving.

    I’m also worried that my leaving might have a bit of blowback on my spouse. I’ve only been at this job for about 6 months (spouse has been here for several years), but on my end it really has been a poor fit. I would be leaving even if I didn’t get a job in another state because there are issues with this job that just aren’t going to change.

    Do you have any suggestions?

    2. I edit everything*

      “I’ve gotten a new job, which I’ll be starting on X date. Can we make Y date my last day here?”

    3. Hlao-roo*

      Second Kiwiii to put more focus on the new job. “I accepted a new job at [company] in the [department]” or “I accepted a new job as an accountant. I’ve learned a lot at [current company] but llama grooming isn’t for me and I’m excited to grow my career in a different direction.” Whatever framing works best for your situation, but keep the focus on you/the new job more than your spouse/your current job.

      Your spouse should have a separate conversation with their manager along the lines of “Todaloo and I are moving to [state]. Will I be able to keep working remotely in my current role?”

      1. Todaloo*

        We plan for spouse to have a separate conversation, just trying to minimize the likelihood of a panicked freak out phone call from grandboss.

      2. Keeley Jones, The Independent Woman*

        Yes to the second part. Do not assume that working remotely means they would be fine with moving to another state. If it’s a state they already have a nexus in, it’s likely not an issue. But if they don’t, there’s significant tax issue that come into play.

    4. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      Since you’ve only been there 6 months and it’s been a poor fit, I don’t think you really need to give much of a reason — they may already know it’s been a poor fit. I agree with I edit everything, “I’ve accepted a new job opportunity, beginning on X date. My last day will be Y date and I’m happy to wrap up XYZ or help hand off the project before I leave.”

    5. Thin Mints didn't make me thin*

      All you HAVE to say is “This is to let you know that I am resigning. My last day will be [Jan. 3].” It’s nice to add something like “Thank you for the opportunity to work with a great team” but it’s not required, and you don’t have to answer any questions.

    6. SaltedChocolateChip*

      Others have posted elsewhere and I think possibly Allison has as well, but keep in mind that unless your company already has employees in your new state, your husband may not be able to continue working at your current company due to tax laws and nexus rules. They could look into it if they’re desperate to keep him on, but the cost and barrier to entry can be very high for employers and they might decide doing it for one employee isn’t worth it.

    7. Camellia*

      Pleeeeeeze double-check this statement: “Ideally my spouse would be able to stay on remotely (the different state shouldn’t be an issue, we both work remotely, and they’ve been trying to fill a third position like ours for literally 6 months with no luck)”!

      Just because you work remotely doesn’t mean that you can move to any state and continue to work for your company. There are many tax and licensing issues, to name a few. Alison has even posted on this lately.

      1. Todaloo*

        Yes, I realize this. Our company, and even our team specifically, operate across multiple states including the one we are moving to.

    8. Kay*

      Being as you want to keep the relationship as strong as possible I would opt for the age old “An amazing opportunity fell into my lap that I just couldn’t pass up. I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity/I’ve learned a lot/enjoyed working with you/insert whatever marginally true statement you can make”. If this is tough you can think of it as – you do appreciate them paying you so you have money in the bank/you learned this isn’t the position you to/your coworkers are nice/you are thankful your spouse is still employed, etc.

      Good luck!

  15. Holiday penguin*

    Hi all! Does anyone have suggested language to close the loop when you’ve turned down a job offer via email and nobody acknowledged that? I’d be still be interested in working for this organization in the future, so I don’t want to come across as thoughtless, even though I know it’s very unlikely that my email wasn’t received.

    I’m 99% sure Alison has covered this in one of her Inc articles, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere!

    1. Kiwiii*

      Honestly, I would consider that loop closed already, since you sent the email, and leave it at that. If they continue conversations as though you haven’t dropped out, then restate.

    2. I need a new name...*

      Can you clarify how that offer rejection went in your email? It may have been enough to be its own closure. The versions I can think of would all work as a final communication so I’m curious to know why you think it needs a follow-up.

      1. Holiday penguin*

        Hi Hiring Manager,

        Thanks for reaching out, and I’m delighted that I was chosen for this position! However, I’ve actually accepted another opportunity, but I wish you the best of luck in filling this role and I hope that our paths cross again in the future!

        Best,
        Holiday Penguin

        You’re right that it probably is enough closure; it’s just that I’ve turned down a lot of jobs and interview requests over the years, and have always gotten a response thanking me for letting them know (and I’m also pretty sure Alison’s advice in that Inc article was to follow up once more just in case). I’m probably more anxious about this than I need to be, though.

        1. Holiday penguin*

          And honestly, I got offered the job via email without an interview (this is a short-term job, but still), which probably says something about their hiring process.

        2. I need a new name...*

          That sounds very closed to me. It gives all the relevant info, you wish them well and establish that you’re ending this on good terms; leaving a door open for the future.

          I would think that’s plenty for most jobs, but particularly this one as it was offered by email with no interview.

    3. ecnaseener*

      Yeah I don’t think there’s any way to say “just making sure you saw that I’m turning you down, please confirm you understand that I turned you down!” without coming off weirdly. If you knew someone else who might be a good fit, you could refer them – that’s about all I can think of.

    4. Cordelia*

      I think the loop is closed, isn’t it? As you say, it’s unlikely that your email wasn’t received, but if that was the case they would contact you wondering why you hadn’t responded, and whether you were accepting the job. It’s rudeness/incompetence/oversight on their part not to have responded to you, they should be closing the loop, but you’ve done your part. I don’t think there is any good way for you to say “just checking you got my email turning down the job? I’m still turning it down…”

  16. CowBusiness*

    I’ve realized I’m underpaid after some salary research. I’m new to this (niche) field and really in my career. Stupidly, I didn’t negotiate salary. I’ve been here for a year now, and received one very small raise (not anywhere near meeting inflation). The company does raises once a year during the summer (if at all). I didn’t have too many complaints about the pay when I started though it wasn’t great. With the cost of living increasing fast in my area, the role being more advanced than I realized, and looking at comparable roles at other companies, I’m feeling more sour about it. I’ve just had to move, and with the cost of rent and commuting, I can barely afford to work here and support my family. I’m looking for other jobs, but I don’t want to mess up my resume, and I don’t want to leave my field. Do I ask for a raise, knowing it’s outside of their normal schedule? For reference, I make about 33,000 a year, and similar roles around the country seem to pay 42-45. The difference is huge to me. I’m worried since I’ve only been here a year and did get a raise, it will come across as out of touch. However I have taken on a lot of new responsibilities and been very successful.

    1. Lynx*

      I actually asked for a raise in my annual review today because I realized I’m underpaid.

      Do you have a set annual review schedule? I waited to revisit mine until then despite knowing for half of the year that it was something that was coming, but if you’ve taken on a lot more new responsibilities since your last review, I think it could be worth a separate meeting for!

      Here’s how I approached mine: I got great feedback in my review but only a small cost-of-living increase (to be fair, my company is bracing for the potential recession, which my industry would be very affected by). So I said that I wanted to address compensation and that, to be transparent, I’ve been contacted a few times this year about jobs that are basically the exact same thing as what I do now/my title at companies in my city but all of them are looking to pay a base that’s nearly $30k more than what I’m making now.

      I told my boss that I don’t want to go anywhere, but that was eye-opening to me, and further research showed that’s about accurate for my job title in my city. I reiterated that I appreciate all the opportunities this job has given me, I really enjoy working for the company, and I’m looking forward to working on our 2023 goals (all are true!) but that I do also have to keep in mind my career & cost of living in our state.

      I also made sure to ask if there was a path to that salary level with the intent of making him feel less like it’s a “raise me to the new amount now or I’m gone” situation.

      He understood completely that that’s pretty far off the benchmark and said he has to talk to company leadership but would do so! So the conversation went really well even though I was nervous as hell to bring it up. I can’t ultimately say it’s going to work for me, but I feel so, so much better having done it, so I think you absolutely should ask!

      1. CowBusiness*

        My company does do annual reviews, also in the summer. Raises come right afterwards. My review this year coincided with the end of my six month probation period. Just after that, a coworker retired and I took on many of her duties. I may well get a raise at the next one, I’m just not really sure if I should wait until July or if it makes sense to bring it up sooner. I am unhappy in this job and trying to think of ways to make it more bearable until I have been here long enough to leave. The fact that my pay is effectively decreasing with inflation and is harder to live on every month isn’t helping! I really hope things go well with your raise. Good luck!

        1. The Real Fran Fine*

          Raise it now, don’t wait until your annual review. At that point, raises will probably already be allocated, so your manager may not have any room to adjust your percentage if you think it’s too low and wanted a bigger increase.

    2. WantonSeedStitch*

      I think it makes sense: you aren’t asking for a raise based on merit (which WOULD be inappropriate after one year when you have already received a raise), but based on the fact that you’re being paid under market range. You didn’t do the salary research until after you got your raise and realized it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Show them the research. Have as much data as possible. And be prepared to hear “yeah, no way we can do anything like that” and having to start looking for a new position. Hopefully it won’t happen, but it’s better to brace yourself just in case.

    3. Can't think of a funny name*

      Start asking now, you might have to bring the conversation up multiple times. Bring examples of comparable roles. My company usually only does raises once a year as well but 1/2 way thru the year I brought up to my boss that I was being paid under market and was interviewing and willing to leave. I got a substantial raise and I know they proactively gave others raises at the same time…and I just got the “normal” annual raise too.

    4. Somehow_I_Manage*

      “Similar roles around the country” is probably too big a net when comparing salary because of the differences in cost of living. Try to research and prepare some data showing comparable salaries in your market.

      When you ask for a rate increase focus on the market rate for your position, and any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on. Do not bring up your rent, price of gas, family needs, etc. Those things aren’t relevant to your raise, and they’re influenced heavily by external factors that aren’t the company’s responsibility. They should pay you well because the market demands it, and that’s what it takes to retain you.

    5. kt*

      The language I’d use would be around an “off-cycle market adjustment to base salary”. You are not looking for a promotion or merit increase, you want to bring your salary in line with market. Yes, you should ask even if it’s not “on-cycle”. At my company it’s important to make cases for different kinds of raises at different times. Merit-based or career-ladder raises are in a yearly cycle, but we do market and equity adjustments when needed/noticed, not on a schedule.

  17. 28dogs*

    Job interview today!

    It’s the fourth job interview (-_-) for this position — a marketing role at a hospital.

    After 10 years in corporate-land, I’ve gotten used to these multiple rounds of interviews (HR screening interview, Hiring Manager interview, Big Boss interview, at minimum). My wife (an attorney) is always horrified. What field are you in, and how many rounds of interviews is ‘standard’ for your neck of the woods?

    1. Anna*

      Attorney at a federal agency, and we have three rounds of interviews, all within the department (no HR/recruitment interviews), the last with General Counsel.

      1. Mid-sized firm lawyer*

        Also a lawyer, though at a mid-sized private firm. I had just one interview (with the head honcho). I was referred by a senior associate who had recently left. If I had applied with no one vouching for me, I would not have been surprised to have another round.

    2. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      medical administration – in my department, positions with no direct reports usually do 2 interviews (hiring manager and director/grandboss), positions with direct reports do 3 (hiring director, panel of peer managers, exec director/grandboss).

    3. Fmr HigherEd Staffer*

      Higher Education staff here and I think things have gotten worse over the last couple of years. During my search earlier this year, one prestigious university had me go through 10 (TEN!) separate 1 hour interviews, ghosted me for 3 months, then came back and asked me to do another interview. (I declined.)

      Average for a director level staff positions seemed to be 6 interviews, starting with short HR screen and going up the ladder from there.

      I left the field for an industry job that had 3 interviews, and one of those was an extra that I requested.

      1. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

        I’m also in Higher Ed as professional staff, and 10 is a lot unless it were a high ranking position, like Dean! For my department we would probably stay around 4-5 and each round would narrow down the pool until there are 3 finalists — HR screen, hiring manager screen, a panel interview within the department, a panel interview with other stakeholders we work with depending on the role. If it’s a high ranking position there is often even a town hall type presentation/Q&A open to the whole university.

    4. londonedit*

      Book publishing, UK, and two is standard. Phone screens are unusual; usually you apply with CV and cover letter and the first step is an in-person (or video, in Covid times) first interview. Usually that’s with the person who will be your direct manager and someone else in the department, maybe a peer or someone slightly higher than the role you’re going for. Then a second interview would be with the direct manager and someone higher up in the company, like the head of department (say, you’re going for an editor job on a cookery list, your first interview might be with the editorial director and one of the senior editors, and then the second interview might be with the editorial director you met before and the overall publisher for food and drink). And then they make a decision. Occasionally for a more senior role you might have a third interview, but in my experience two is the norm.

    5. MSpaint*

      Graphic designer here! 2 to 3 interviews and a creative test are the norm. Some people get hired right off the bat if they have a killer portfolio but a creative test is standard. The test is something related to the job you’re applying for (ex: designing an ad, website page, or packaging) and the good places will send the necessary assets (fonts, logos, other imagery) when they send the assignment.

    6. WantonSeedStitch*

      I’m in nonprofit fundraising in higher ed (a back-office role, rather than an actual asking-people-for-money one). We usually have only one *round* of interviews at my place of work, but that round consists of multiple interviews with multiple people or groups. For my last promotion, I had six half-hour interviews and one 15-minute wrapup in one day:

      * The grandboss for the position
      * An indirect report of the position
      * A direct peer on a closely related team and a potential direct report of the position
      * The head of a team that collaborates frequently with this one
      * A manager from a team that is an internal client of this one
      * The boss of the position
      * HR/wrapup

    7. Fridaying Fun*

      I’m in fairly senior marketing role at a small/midsize company. I had three interviews – HR phone screen, hiring manager, peer/team interview – and typically do the same for roles I am hiring for.

    8. Chidi has a stomach ache*

      When I was in academia, it was usually 1 panel (virtual or at our major guild conference), and an on-campus, 2 day long affair that included a job talk and/or teaching demo and/or interviews with dept chair, Dean, and Provost/VP. Sometimes also 1:1s with individual department members.

      For my current job, it was 1) phone interview with the principal, 2) virtual teaching demo/panel interview, 3) phone interview with school president.

      I’ve been looking since spring, and I’ve seen a wide range. The last job I was a finalist for in higher ed had 2 interviews and then a presentation/panel interview, then hiring manager interview x2 (I was a candidate for 2 particular positions).

      Currently a finalist for a nonprofit position that has 4 total: HR Screener, hiring manager, panel, and team interview (coming up next week). It’s been one of the more reasonable processes I’ve encountered. One place I applied to (nonprofit consulting) outlined 6 phases and a lot of takehome work (kinda glad that one didn’t progress, to be honest).

    9. cardigarden*

      Higher ed library: 1) phone screen = 30 minute call, and then for the finalists after the phone screen 2) long form interview = half-day to full-day depending on position with sessions with the hiring committee, hiring manager, potential future team, and library director. Certain roles (the ones that require a full day) also have a presentation and an open Q&A with any library staff who wants to show up. Then it’s just reference checks before an offer is made.

      1. TK*

        I’m also in an academic library and it’s basically exactly the same here. The in-person interview is just a half day for hourly positions, but anything salaried is a full day with a presentation/Q&A, and includes lunch at a local restaurant with a group of staff. Sometimes (always for faculty-level positions, and sometimes for staff, depending on various things) dinner with a different group of staff, at a different local restaurant, is included as well.

    10. Cedrus Libani*

      I’m a scientist working in the biotech industry.

      Interviews are almost always one-day events, but they require a solid half-day at minimum. There’s an hour-long presentation for the whole team (it’s our version of a portfolio), often scheduled next to a lunch with said team. There are 3-5 technical interviews; typically it’s the hiring manager, the hiring manager’s boss, another scientist at the hiring manager’s level, and then 1-2 peer-levels. There’s probably a session with HR also.

      There may or may not be a quick phone screen beforehand, to catch obvious misalignments where this process isn’t worth the time of all concerned.

    11. SnowyDay*

      Healthcare-everyone (clinical and admin) has two interviews, plus a brief take home exercise for fields where that makes sense, like data analytics, project management, accounting. More for our CEO position.

      1. Oscar+Martinez*

        Tech/developer often 3-6 rounds
        HR initial screen
        Hiring Manager Screen
        Tech Assessment (live screen-sharing programming/coding)
        Frequently Round(s) with adjacent departments (1-3)
        Frequently Director or VP Screen
        HR Culture Fit

    12. Chauncy Gardener*

      4 to 6. Fully remote software company. But one of those is a peer and one is with a person who does nothing but talk about all the benefits, org chart, culture, etc.

    13. Occasional Interviewer*

      Wow, that is A LOT of interviews. I’m a senior architect and two seems pretty typical for senior roles….usually just one for junior/mid positions.

  18. Tired of backfill*

    For those of you who happen to work in an unionized environment with generous leave plans, how long does HR let a long term leave (sick leave) go before advising the employee that their job will be released and will be posted as a vacancy rather than continuing to backfill it?

    The employee will still have a job at the company should they return, but not the job they used to do.

    At my place, it take take up to three years, which I feel is too long, with no disrespect to the employee on sick leave who may genuinely feel or had hoped they might be able to return sooner.

    After nearly three years as this backfill, I now feel like the job is Mine. (Some other backfill assignments have a fair amount of turnover.) But it’s not. The post was posted as a vacant position but with the union and seniority rules, someone with more seniority applied and could win the job. I support the collective agreement and seniority rules but this *stings.*

    How do other firms handle long term (sick) leaves?

    1. ABK*

      We allow 6 months and not a day more. We have to stick to the union contract, or we are setting a precedent for all future situations.

      1. Tired of backfill*

        That’s interesting. There’s no such limit or wording in our union contract.

        There is wording about a two-year limit to reestablish employment but a careful reading indicated that this was for unpaid leaves. A sick leave is paid.

    2. Billiards15*

      Ours is 24 months. After that, the position can be filled permanently. There person in the position doesn’t have “the right” to the position as they were filling it on a temporary basis. The position will be posted.

    3. SomebodyElse*

      I’ve seen good people get screwed by ‘bumping’

      Person A with seniority’s position is eliminated so they ‘bump’ Person B from their position, now if Person B is lucky they have seniority over someone else and can ‘bump’ them and so on until the jobs run out.

      In the case I saw, Person B worked as a ‘clerk’ in a specialized department for years and Person A worked as ‘clerk’ in a different more generalized department. A bumped B and then had no idea what they were supposed to do, B was lucky enough to bump C in another specialized department, but also had no idea what was going on in the new dept. This was multiplied several times over throughout the company. It was chaos.

      1. Billiards15*

        It’s a little different where I’m at. I’ve been involved with at least half a dozen bumping situations and in each case the person needed to demonstrate they were qualified to perform the position they were bumping into.

        For the OP, bumping is probably why they haven’t filled the position permanently before the 3 years has expired. If they fill it before the 3 years, they run the risk of the person coming back, which now results in a bumping situation, which isn’t pleasant for anyone.

    4. Keymaster of Gozer*

      UK based here but heavily unionised and the limit is 6 months. Technically. We’ve had a few of a year but those were exceptional circumstances.

    5. just a random teacher*

      Here, it’s posted as a one-school-year temporary position if a teacher goes on leave. If that teacher wants another year of leave and is approved for it, that job would be re-posted as another one-school-year temporary position for the following year – it would not be the same job carried over even if it’s the same position vacant (although the person filling it would be able to re-apply if they hadn’t found something else). In the current hiring climate, people in those one-year positions will usually have a permanent teaching job lined up for the next year by the time the temporary position would be re-posted anyway. It’s seen as kind of like a year-long working interview to get your foot in the door with a school district and build a good reputation.

      Another district I used to work in would hold your specific job for a year’s leave, but only guaranteed a position somewhere in the district in general for a multi-year leave.

      Of course, that works well for schools because we have a distinct yearly “hiring season” and a distinct beginning and end of the school year when positions become vacant and people may shuffle around, so that builds different patterns than a workplace where work just kind of rolls forward forever with no obvious break points.

  19. Nervous*

    I took a position as a federal contractor a year and a half ago, and now positions in the same department are opening up for permanent employees. Since there are no openings in my section this would mean moving sections within the department and away from the group I currently support.

    While I’ve been encouraged to apply, told I qualify, and that the move is obviously better than being a contractor, I’m nervous about telling the person heading up my section. He has worked with me from the beginning and trained me up on this job, so it feels like something of a betrayal and like I’m “jumping ship,” even though I would be around to ease someone into my old role adn field questions rather than dumping them into it and departing.

    I think that when I apply I should give him the heads-up out of courtesy, but what do I say? I’m concerned that he’ll resent me for it and I’m also concerned that if I don’t get the job, everyone in my section will just see me as a flight risk from then on even though I want to stay at this agency.

    1. TimeTravlR*

      Most federal supervisors almost expect this to happen. The fed is the one place you can job hop and no one bats an eyelash (not that I think you are job hopping). If he is a good supervisor (sounds like it) then he probably will just say, go for it! I wouldn’t necessarily give a heads up though. It’s not necessary. And HR will work with him on when to release you.

      1. Anna*

        My problem with not giving him the heads up is that if I make it to the interview stage, my section head is one of the people that is going to interview me. She’s going to go right to him to ask him about my past work performance since she’s so new. So I think there’s about a 100% chance that he’s going to hear that I’m interviewing, and I don’t want it to catch him off guard.

      2. Charlotte Lucas*

        I work in state government, & it’s the same. Even if you change agencies, we’re still all working for the state. Consider it a compliment that they want you to try for a permanent position.

    2. Mockingjay*

      Conversion from contractor to government is common; the section supervisor will probably be fine with it. The hiring steps can be a long process, which will give you time for a good transition. Do what you’d do in any role before moving on: work your best while you are still there; document procedures and special knowledge; train coworkers as needed.

    3. Filthy Vulgar Mercenary*

      You could approach it as you know that this means he’ll have to do the work of backfilling you, but of course he was going to be happy for you.

      On my previous team, I had a mix of contractors, federal civilian employees, and military. People moved around all the time, that’s the nature of this work. I always told them I supported them and would be glad to write letters of recommendation for whatever they did next. Because we had a brilliant team with a cool mission but that was also always understaffed, they felt bad when they were considering leaving.

      I always told them that the federal government would make do! We would shift around duties and figure things out. But the only people who could NOT make do are themselves and their families.

      There are many people who can fill the job of being [their job title]. There is only one person who can fill the job of being [their name] to their family and in their lives. They have to prioritize themselves.

      Because everyone knew that I believed this, and backed it up with actions, I always got tons and tons of notice when someone was planning on leaving.

      Since it’s the government and moves at a snail’s pace, we still often had long vacancy periods, but the long notice did allow us to cross train and plan for what we were going to do when they left. It was a win.

    4. Overeducated*

      This sequence is completely normal in government contracting, to the point that I’d consider it structural, not personal. I don’t think you need to give him a heads-up that you’re applying for
      a permanent job, at least not until/unless you think he may get a reference call. And honestly, I don’t think you have to worry you’d be considered a “flight risk” as an individual, but the nature of contracts is generally not long term and it’s expected that contractors may leave for more secure roles if offered.

    5. Someone Online*

      As a supervisor, I never hold it against people if they try to improve their working lot. Better pay and better working conditions or just something new? Go for it.

    6. Observer**

      I’m concerned that he’ll resent

      Why would he resent you? If this is actually likely, you should do everything you can to get out from under, because this would be deeply unreasonable. If, however, he is a reasonable person you have nothing to worry about.

      everyone in my section will just see me as a flight risk from then on

      That’s a terrible term. You are not a prisoner who might break out, or someone on parole who might illegally “flee”. Having said that, if the regular staff, especially your manager, don’t already know that you are going to be looking for permanent positions, they are living in la-la land. After all you’ve “been encouraged to apply, told I qualify, and that the move is obviously better than being a contractor“! Which means that all of the people around your position clearly expect this kind of move. Again, unless you are dealing with people who are just out of touch with reality, they know you’re going to look at other opportunities.

  20. rayray*

    I know a lot of companies are laying off right now. Anyone else work somewhere that’s laying off workers right now? Or maybe you actually were affected? How are things for you or the company?

    Morale is pretty low here. I work in the mortgage industry, so things have tanked the past year. Last mass layoff was back in May and then again this week. I started here in 2020 after being laid off and it was supposed to be a placeholder job but I am struggling to find anything new. I am being picky in my search, mostly because I made the mistake before of leaping from one job to another and hating it. I am going to ramp things up in January since hiring isn’t so hot in December.

    I am not sure how to handle things right now, I feel like it should be obvious that people are wanting to leave but I know I can’t be super blatant about it. I have gotten pretty good at writing and editing resumes and would like to offer out help but not sure how I’d even go about it. We have a mix of people in this department, some young 20-somethings who could probably find a just-as-good job if not better much more easily than some of those who have been in this industry 10 years or more and are in their 50s or older. I’m kinda in the middle as a 33 year old with a college degree and some varied experience.

    It just sucks here right now, and I don’t see this company truly bouncing back.

    1. Baby Yoda*

      rayray, I’ve been in the mortgage biz for over 30 years and sometimes companies can bounce back, sometimes not. But it is pretty normal in this industry to have many jobs on your resume, it’s kind of a given for how you move up — unlike most industries. Best of luck in your search.

    2. Koifeeder*

      Ooooooooh my goodness. This is a friend, not me (thankfully!), but Let Me Tell You Their Story. I was gonna post this as a stand-alone comment but I’m not sure what advice anyone can give them on this situation besides “run” which they are already trying to do.

      Our story is set in fair Verona the Wren Programming Department, which until yesterday contained twenty workers. Dan, the manager, had been sleeping with the only three woman Wren Programmers in the department (yes, all three, at once). Layoffs arrived Thursday, and Dan removed every male Wren Programmer except for one, my friend Dunkle(osteous).

      Things for Dunkle are very nerve-wracking right now! And not only because a department of four cannot handle the workload of the other sixteen. The only quote-unquote good news is that during the layoff conversations Dan made it clear that he wasn’t giving out good references to the folks laid off or else he wouldn’t have needed to lay them off, so Dunkle is not particularly worried about torpedoing a reference since he probably won’t get a good one.

      But also that department is doomed. Because, yanno, four workers, former department of twenty, no reduction in workload coming in. It’s going to be a shitshow.

  21. Sociology Rocks!*

    I recently started a new job, and part of my responsibilities is sending meeting reminders and agenda requests for recurring meetings. Does anyone know of a way in outlook to set a reminder for myself a few days before the meeting, while keeping a reminder of the meeting going off the day off? Or a way to automate a recurring reminder email that I can just get a prompt to check/update details before it sends to the appropriate people?

    1. rayray*

      Have you tried Microsoft To Do? I sometimes use that to write T0-Do lists and if you put in due dates/times, it should give you a notification.

      1. Sociology Rocks!*

        Is there a way to set it to send reminders every 3rd Tuesday of a month or something? Most of the meetings are scheduled to occur in this manner so the specific date of them changes.

        1. Rayray*

          Yeah! If you have it open where it says “My Day”, on the bottom you could type in “X Meeting Reminder” and then on the far right there is a calendar icon with a little arrow thing and you can set that reminder to occur weekly.

          It is hard to explain over a comment, but I am sure if you click around on the program you will figure it out. There’s probably also help guides online.

        2. Just here for the scripts*

          There’s a reoccurrence setting in outlook that may accommodate this: pick the initial date then set it to reoccur on Tuesday once a month.

          Do it just for yourself first and test to confirm it works the way I think it does.

    2. TimeTravlR*

      I just create separate calendar entries to remind myself to do the thing ahead of the meeting. Even things I do every week, I set a reminder because it’s so easy for things to slip when you’re busy!

        1. Lynx*

          I live by my Outlook task list, yes!

          If you put an item on there, you can set it to give you pop-up reminders

    3. Annie Mouse*

      If your company has MS Power Automate you can create a flow to send reminders and agenda requests.

  22. Moi*

    I had someone call my bosses boss to complain about me because… I addressed them by their first name. And instead of my grand boss pushing back on the ridiculous overreaction, she’s getting an apology. FWIW, this is an employee of the same organization not a customer. Ironically, if I had lost it in someone for such a ridiculous reason, my boss (rightfully) would have had serious words with me.

    1. Mississippi*

      Have you talked to your boss about it? They might have some insight into grandboss’s reaction and also might advocate for you.

    2. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      The complainer may be an employee at the same org, but I’m guessing that they are higher ranking than you (and possibly Grand Boss) and there are politics involved. Their insecurity about being called by their first name is their issue, but I would definitely just call them Ms/Dr/Professor LastName; they’re entitled to be called what they want even if it makes them seem silly or out of touch with the culture of your org. I don’t think this is the hill to die on.

      1. Moi*

        Boss is sending an apology for PR reasons. Which I understand but I’m also annoyed that she didn’t stick up for me.

        I’m not going to die in this hill, I’m more venting about the extreme over reaction. Had this person responded with, “please call me ___” I would have switched over and it would have been a non issue. Ironically, if I had treated someone this way, my boss would have had serious words with me. I’m slightly annoyed that the person did not get called out in their ridiculous behaviour. Grand boss does not manage them but def. outranks them.

    3. SoloKid*

      Is this a case of someone wanting to be called Dr. – ? Many women and minorities have put extra emphasis on the title because of being disregarded in the past.

      Of course, being kind is always the best way to go about those kinds of reminders.

    4. Miette*

      I once worked somewhere where senior management expected anyone lower than them (so below VP) to call them “Mr. So-and-so,” including their own assistants, but even back then (the mid-80s! Yikes!), it was odd.

      Are they senior to you in the hierarchy and therefore believe you are disrespecting them? Do they expect everyone to call them “Mrs. Whatever” but no one told you that? Or are you being singled out? If the latter, could this be motivated by your gender/race/sexuality? I think it’s worth understanding what’s going on here–because it sounds pretty hinky.

      1. Moi*

        As per boss the person is grumpy and old school. They expect everyone to call them the same way, however this is not in accordance with the company norms. I’m happy to call people whatever they want but NOT happy that they called my grand boss to complain OR that my management didn’t stick up for me and push back in their ridiculously excessive behaviour especially when there’s clearly defined policies on conflict resolution that were not followed

        1. Kay*

          I think if anything this gives you valuable information about grumpy old school employee as well as management in your org. I’m guessing on a few possibilities – Grump has some political capital/needed skill, your org doesn’t handle conflict as judiciously as the policy likes to state (this is universal though), you are newer to the org, you are younger, there are other issues with Grump & the org so they are trying to keep feathers smoothed, inherent sexism (you are female), etc. It is hard to say what exactly what is going on but I would suggest doing the usual analysis of your relationship with your boss, your recent performance, the general mood of the situation – if all else seems good I would proceed as normal but with the knowledge that your guard is best up Grump.

    5. ecnaseener*

      Ugh, that’s so annoying. Big fancypants person can’t figure out how to say “Please call me Dr. Jones, thanks” ?

      I’ve had dr’s sign messages to me with just their first names and then get annoyed with me for using their first name. Sign with the name you want!

  23. the Cat's ass*

    it’s deductible season here in the US! And everyone who needs care is not going to be out of pocket for those expenses, so there is a stampede. EVERY. YEAR. I have been explaining that we are really trying to get every study and procedure scheduled ASAP, but it’s just awful and folks are terribly rude about it. And no, asking me to call your PCP who then also screams at me about scheduling (which is out of my control) is not a good look. Telling me it’s an emergency when the emergency is so you can go golfing in the Dominical Republic is also not an emergency. Threatening me and verbally abusing my staff is also not fun. Is it any surprise that I’m advising my daughter NOT to go into health care?
    Happy holidays!

    1. rayray*

      We really really need to revamp healthcare in the USA. It’s absolutely ridiculous for so many reasons.

      Good luck to you and your team, hope you can get through the next 3 weeks with your sanity in tact.

    2. Educator*

      Yeah, this is not the fault of your customers, but of a ridiculously broken system. Imagine if we lived in a country where sky-high deductibles did not prevent people from getting the care they need when they need it! Vote for the people who support healthcare access and equality.

      1. Moi*

        I’m in Canada and our very different system is a giant mess too): although everybody can access care regardless of income

    3. bratschegirl*

      The only good thing about breaking a bone at the beginning of February a couple of years ago is that it guaranteed I’d max out my deductible and out of pocket for the year (between the astonishing ER charge, the jaw-dropping ambulance bill, all the PT, etc. etc. etc.) and get some later things fully paid for. Ain’t US healthcare grand?

      1. Double A*

        Yeah we had our emergency visit in November. Really wish my daughter could have waiting until January to spike a fever that caused a seizure.

      2. Ali + Nino*

        Yep, that’s family planning around US insurance – any way we can time this baby to arrive very early in the year?

  24. Lil sebastian*

    I’ve worked in local government for my whole 15 year career– about 6 different positions– and I’ve never had more than 2 interviews.

  25. Anecdata*

    So we’re doing anonymous employee surveys, and there’s something that’s bothering me that I’d like advice about wording:

    I wish my manager advocated for our team more. I see other groups, where managers seem to treat it as part of their jobs to eg. cultivate opportunities to work on successful high profile opportunities, or take on a leadership role — our manager will try to give us those opportunities, but only if no one else wants them (so it’s not that our manager blocks us from professional growth, just that we’ll always lose out to people from other groups, including often people who are less qualified). For example, we’ve worked several projects where someone needs to be in a “team lead” type position, we’ve expressed interest, and been left waiting for an answer for months (which delays the whole project) to “see if someone from Y’s team wants that role”

    Also, our manager’s mentioned that his leadership approach is basically “take blame individually, share credit widely” – and that gets applied to how our whole team is presented. So, for example, we’ll be in a position where we say “We need X from team Y, in order to accomplish business goal Z”. Team Y doesn’t come through with X, and our manager will tell leadership “it’s our fault Z didn’t happen” – but if Z does happen, team Y gets all the credit. I get where my manager’s coming from on the leadership philosophy, but I’m worried about the overall effects on our team’s reputation (and tbh, on my personal reputation!)

    Is there any way to phrase this stuff, without it just sounding selfish / like all I’m concerned about is “me getting more credit”?? (Or maybe this is selfishness, and I should let it go?)

    For context, I generally respect my manager and if I could figure out how to word it right, I’d be ok saying this directly to my manager – I’m not super worried about the anonymity aspect

    1. TimeTravlR*

      “I would like to see Manager being more proactive in our professional development.”

      The second issue about sharing credit has me a little stumped. Because I don’t think team Y should get all the credit. Sharing the credit means “Through the efforts of Team A (us) and Team Y, we were able to complete the TPS reports in record time to close out the year” not “Good job, team Y on doing your part in the thing we all had a part in.”

    2. Warrior Princess Xena*

      One thing you could push back on is that this is going to result in some misleading business decisions. If something fails and your manager says “That’s on us” when it was really team Y, then as upper management I might not know that the problem involved team Y at all. Team Y would then get no resources, coaching, or instructions on how to improve next time, and then the next time everyone is in this situation Team Y will probably drop the ball again because the failure was not correctly communicated.

      It sounds like your manager is trying to be ‘nice’ without realizing that they are making management decisions that will ultimately harm the team and the company.

      1. Prospect Gone Bad*

        Agreed and this is why I don’t think OP’s comment needs editing. A manager is completely fine to hear “hey you don’t advocate for your people enough.” It’s not the most pleasant thing to hear but it’s far from an insult. Maybe they just go “yeah I should put more effort into that.”

    3. Anonosaurus*

      I don’t think that it is selfish to want your manager to be proactive about the development of individual contributors or ensuring the team’s achievements are recognized. If someone in my team gave me this feedback I would take it seriously.

      One way of approaching this kind of thing is to ask about it – why did Boss do a particular thing, is there something I am missing? I’d like to understand this more because from my perspective it comes across that you aren’t prioritizing our access to Y opportunities.” You might find out something useful about Boss’ thinking and it’s a nonconfrontational way I to the topic.

      1. Anecdata*

        Thanks all! These suggestions are really helpful

        One thing that makes me optimistic is, when it’s just our team, our manager really is generous about giving us both cover and credit when needed – like if it’s a project just our team did, he’ll go to bat to get the IC who did the work in the room with the csuite to present the results. And if something goes wrong within our team, he takes responsibility as a manager for not giving us the context or background info or whatever it is.

        It’s only when other teams are involved that things feel weird – and unfortunately 90% of what we do is with other teams, and professional advancement opportunities for me and my role now depend more on our execs deciding my team’s role is worth expanding, than my individual boss thinking I’m great at what I individually do – which is why the “external” recognition matters

  26. Cruciatus*

    Should I wait to apply to jobs that really excite me, or move on to another job that is maybe “meh” but that employer has more future options?

    I am ready to move on, though I really like where I am (academic university, almost 8 years, 2 in one position, 6 in another), but we’re on a hiring freeze. Jobs on campus occasionally pop up but not enough that I can or want to apply to. I’m in the library so there isn’t much new to learn (but it’s the best job I’ve had so far all around). Talking with other coworkers on campus, when they have switched jobs they get only a little bit more money, so yeah, eventually I might make a move here but get only a few thousand more. But the jobs at other places (mostly for-profit places) haven’t been exciting, but I keep hearing that if you can get in then after a year wait you can apply to anything else. But I just find I’m having trouble going for it (usually I see a job posted and think, this is it! I must apply!). But the sooner I start a job I *might* find meh, the sooner a year is up and I can look around at other jobs. Any success stories out there of people who did (or maybe didn’t) make the switch in a situation like this?

    1. Riya*

      I think what you need to do is figure out what kind of job you ultimately want, talk to some people who are currently doing that job, and figure out how they got there. If you decide you ultimately really want to be a canvassing director, but the only way to get there is to first take a “meh” job as a canvasser, then it sounds like you should start a canvasser job ASAP. If it turns out that there are other paths to being a canvassing director that would excite you more, you could consider those instead. But it seems like your first step here needs to be to figure out what kind of job you ultimately want in the long term.

    2. Yet Another Unemployed Librarian*

      I’ve worked in an academic library, a government library, and a corporate library. Although mine were separated by time off having babies. What kind of library position do you do now and what are you looking at applying for?

      Do you think you’d feel okay about a not exciting job if it paid well enough and helped you get to your future goals? Some people care more about their daily tasks being interesting and some are willing to sit through more boredom and focus on getting fulfillment elsewhere.

      1. Cruciatus*

        I’m a library staff person–I deal with ILL processing, circ desk, e-reserves. I had a per diem position with the public library a long time ago so I am familiar with this world. I like it but there’s no where to go where I am (If I moved to main campus that would be a different story, but at my campus there are 3 staff positions. That’s it. The other is my level but budgety stuff, and the other is our supervisor. We do have librarians, of course, but that’s a different side of things. They are faculty, not staff).

        I don’t have a career plan. I just usually apply to jobs that sound interesting and hopefully will give me more money and something new to learn. My current job is NOT that interesting, but I have autonomy in it, which I have found I really like having. I’m actually looking at either state jobs or at a local insurance place which is from my city but has offices all over the country. Both have pensions, the ability to move up (not saying it’s necessarily easy but it’s probably easier than my current campus). It’s just confusing because I’m not trying to leave this place because I hate it, I just want more money and more to do. Every other time I’ve left a job it was because I. wanted. out. So I think that is complicating my feelings. What if I end up giving up everything I do like about this job if I land somewhere else?

        1. 1qtkat*

          I think you nailed it on the head – you want a higher paying job with more responsibilities. So I think you do want to leave, you just don’t want to job from a job you’re comfortable at to something new and unknown. But that new job doesn’t have to be unknown if you take the time to think about what you like about your current position – what tasks do you like? And then look and apply for positions that meet those requirements. During the interview make sure you’re asking questions to gauge whether this is the company/position for you. The process doesn’t have to be quick if you don’t have an immediate need for more income, you can take the time to find that new position as you figure out what you want and passively job hunt to find out what’s out there.

    3. Gary Patterson’s Cat*

      If you’re employed and it’s generally OK (as in not totally toxic) I would advise you to keep searching for only the roles that you’re truly excited about.

      If you’re in a toxic environment, apply and interview for a wider range.

  27. IEanon*

    Just thought I would pop in to say that I had the worst interview of my life yesterday for a position that was literally recommended to me by the supervisor for that role.

    UPS attempted to deliver a package during the middle of my virtual conversation and my dog barked (LOUDLY) for the next 20 minutes. It was very distracting and equally mortifying. (And, if I’m being honest, kind of hilarious if you’re not the one interviewing…)

    Please tell me they won’t hold this against me!!

    1. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      I wouldn’t, at least, because I’d have assured you that there but for the grace of God go I, and I have been in those stylish loafers more than a few times myself. :) (Especially not if you were personally recommended for the role.)

    2. TimeTravlR*

      Fortunately, in a weird way, the pandemic helps here because so many of us were forced into a WFH situation that may have been less than ideal. So little kids running in and out, someone screaming, dogs barking… that’s just part of a regular meeting now!

    3. Educator*

      They probably won’t! That likely falls within the expected range of normal background noise.

      But you can sign up to get alerts when UPS, Fedex, and USPS are going to deliver to you, and change the day if needed, for free on all of their websites. (I live in an apartment and have these alerts set up so that I know when to check in with my lobby attendant.) Might save you and the doggo some stress.

    4. Squeebird*

      Given that we’ve all spent at least a couple of years doing video calls, the chances that one of your interviewers has had something similar happen to them is quite high. I would hope that they would have some sympathy!

  28. ThatGirl*

    It’s layoff season, man. My current company had a round last week – 60 people across the org, 11 in my department – which definitely sucks, but isn’t massive. But oh, on Monday I heard about big cuts at my former employer. They laid off 90 people – about 1/3rd of the office’s workforce – and the WAY they did it. Oof.

    On Friday everyone got an email telling them to work from home the entire next week (so, this week) and that everyone would get a call on Monday about their status. And not to talk to anyone else because those calls would continue all day. Like… these poor people spent the entire weekend anxious and then had to spend a good chunk (or all) of Monday anxious too. And it’s a phased layoff, so not all at once – people are expected/asked to work for another 1 to 3 months before their final days. Oof. I was laid off there in 2020 and for me, it was a big surprise; I’d rather that than be worrying all freaking weekend.

    1. rayray*

      I agree with you. We’re also dealing with layoffs here. Fortunately, my department has assured us that this department let go of everyone they were going to and if we are still here we’re safe. I have had a feeling layoffs were coming and by Tuesday, I just knew it was going to hit my team and department. I saw the number of Active Employees subtly dropping since Friday, noticed the closed door meetings, my manager barely emerging from her office, and the overall thickness in the air. I was a nervous wreck. Then, my coworker who’d been at the company for 13 years got pulled away and came back to pack his desk. It was awful. So far I think about 25 people overall have been let go, and likely more will get the news today. I got laid off in 2020 and basically I was tricked into moving my car out of the garage and then once I got back, called in and was given a severance check and had to hand over the parking badge. That sucked too, but it was less brutal than having to spend a whole weekend worrying.

      I also get why they don’t want gossip to start, but when people’s incomes and livelihoods are on the line, they will worry and they will talk. I figured out I poke around on the workday directory to see who disappeared and then check workplace to verify their profile was deactivated. I knew a few names of people laid off before we were officially told.

  29. Princess Trachea-Aurelia Belaroth*

    My good friend has finally quit his corporate job. Unfortunately he had to make the decision to do this without another job lined up, as understaffing and mismanagement resulted in mandatory overtime and productivity demands which, combined with burnout and a medical emergency early this year leaving him with a PTO deficit, meant he had no time for job searching and interviewing.

    I’m trying to support him as far as I can with reading resumes and cover letters and checking job boards. In particular, he would like to take this opportunity to pursue one of his preferred long-term goals and break into non-profit work. He’s interested in social justice, politics, and community organizing in black, lgbt, and low income populations. His recent work history was in finance, but he also has experience in community organizing, public speaking, and research. He’s looking to get a certification in grant writing, but that will take a few months to even enroll in. Currently he’d prefer remote work, but he might be willing to relocate in a few years.

    Does anyone have any tips about what to look for, how to apply, or what certifications/experience to pursue short-term (though I realize this will apply less to his immediate job search) to get into this type of work? He’s a very capable and driven person, and he’d do very well once he broke into a field he was passionate about (I’ve worked with him before).

    1. DashDash*

      Idealist dot org is a job board specifically for nonprofits–your friend could look there for finance or finance-adjacent jobs to get started.

    2. CDFI Grrl*

      Here is my commercial for the CDFI industry! CDFIs are nonprofit orgs that are mission-driven to improve low income and marginalized communities through investments in community programs, small businesses, affordable housing, charter schools, microloans, etc. CDFIs are typically loan funds, banks, or credit unions.

      There are a wide range of jobs attached to this work, from grant-writing and fundraising (as you say he’s interested in) to lending and underwriting, marketing, policy work, admin/accounting, program management, research, etc. There are also jobs on the funding side, usually with foundations, corporate ESG, etc. and with the federal government (with the CDFI Fund (if you’re in DC) and also with regional branches of the Federal Reserve (if you’re in one of those cities).

      Go to OFN dot org to learn more about the industry–they are a membership organization that advocates for the entire sector. They have a job bank your friend can search, as well as a listing of members so you can find one near you, and a free online community where they could learn more if they’d like to lurk (it’s called CDFI Connect). In addition, the Carsey School of Public Policy at U of NH offers a CDFI Practitioner certificate that may be of interest.

      Wish your friend luck!

      1. Princess Trachea-Aurelia Belaroth*

        Ooh, this is very interesting, and also sounds like it might be more likely to exist in our immediate area. Thank you, I will pass this on.

    3. Warrior Princess Xena*

      Depending on what sort of finance he was doing, not-for-profit finance and accounting positions might match up in the short-to-medium term. Not-for-profit financials have some quirks that can make them challenging for newcomers to the field and once you develop an understanding of them you can become very valuable and helpful to an entity.

      1. Princess Trachea-Aurelia Belaroth*

        I’m not 100% sure I understand what he’s been doing in finance or how he can apply it. He definitely works for a financial company under their 401(k) area, it sounds like processing transactions from employee retirement accounts. He’s worked in several different departments doing wildly different things, having being promoted frequently. Finance is not his area of interest, but he’s now worked in it for the paycheck for several years, so he at least has this experience.

        I’ll leave that part of his job search up to him, but I’ll pass on your advice.

    4. Observer**

      There are some decent non-profit related facebook groups that he might find useful. Not all groups will allow in someone who is not already in non-profits, but those that do could be useful.

      I would spend a bit of time just reading for a while, just to get a better sense of the group and of some different aspects of the non-profit sector.

  30. Sister Spider*

    I am completely at a loss for what my next move should be. I have been engaging with my boss for nearly a year now about working towards a promotion in my current position. I am currently underpaid by 15-20% based on my industry and title, and I am the most tenured person outside of my boss and his boss in this department after four years (which isn’t great, we’ve turned over our entire department except for me in the last 3.5 years).

    After taking on multiple extra projects at his direction (I kept our department running during the peak of the pandemic and he was able to work on high visibility projects to get himself a promotion) and never getting a single piece of negative feedback, I cannot get a straight answer as to what else I need to do at this point to move up. I am the only person on this team who has experience working in all of our functional areas, I have two master’s degrees and three professional certifications. All I keep being told is that I need to collaborate with management on what I see for myself in the future – which sounds to me like “continue to take on more work and responsibilities and eventually we might reward you”. My boss will not provide any insight as to how he wants to develop this department and our team and where my talents could fit into that. I’ve seen two coworkers with less responsibility promoted to manager in the last couple of years. I worked while I was on parental leave. I currently manage major compliance initiatives for a multibillion dollar corporation and no one else here is able or qualified to do my job. Nothing I seem to have accomplished prior to this year seems to have merit in consideration for adjusting my title/compensation.

    To make matters more complicated, I am pregnant and due next spring – my boss knows this as well. Do I just drop this whole subject, bide my time until I can job search, and then quit? How else can I get through to my boss? How does a person establish their own milestones for personal development without direction?

    1. Kiwiii*

      Would it be worthwhile to have a discussion with the coworkers that were promoted, to determine which steps (if any) they took that you haven’t?

      1. Sister Spider*

        I have – my coworker that was promoted is completely mystified by the wringer I’m being put through. Her process was really straightforward – she was recognized for doing great work and moved up. I’ve had to agree to take on managing our interns (“for experience”) and working with multiple mentors, in addition to branching out into other areas of expertise. The only thing she can think of is she has way fewer reasons to stay at this company (a few years younger, unmarried, no one to support) than I do (more experienced and fewer positions at my level, mortgage, family who needs insurance coverage).

        1. The Real Fran Fine*

          It sounds like your management has no intention of ever promoting you. They like you where you are, as the workhorse, and because they know you’re pregnant and unlikely to make any impulsive moves like quitting immediately, they’re going to continue to work you like a dog for the foreseeable future. I’m sorry, but it’s time to go. Your colleagues have been promoted for doing much less – that should tell you everything you need to know.

    2. Bess*

      If I were told this, I would presume I was never going to move up for some performance or political reason they are declining to share (which is not great management) and I would job hunt. Also, honestly, I might be explicit and ask if there is something standing in the way of promotion. But it sounds like you’re getting an oblique no and I’d make your decisions from there.

      1. Sister Spider*

        That’s what it feels like – I’ve asked very directly what I need to be working on at this point and not really getting anywhere. My boss is a great manager of projects, but people are another story. Looks like I need to ride this out and start looking around after I return to work from parental leave next year.

        1. Bess*

          It also may not be anything terrible, but they don’t see “x” in you and don’t want to demoralize you because you’re great at so many other things. That’s the most charitable reading of it and sounds like it’s theoretically possible based on what you’ve written (in that you seem like a solid performer). But if you want to move up it still kind of leaves you in the same place.

        2. Observer**

          Don’t wait start looking now.

          You might not find anything, but if you do find a place that will treat you well during an after your pregnancy, that’s worth something. I wouldn’t worry TOO much about parental leave. You may have officially gotten it, but you worked anyway. And no one seems to care.

    3. I edit everything*

      I agree with Bess. It sounds like you might be in a similar position as the letter/update I read the other day about the LW wanting to tell their colleague that she was never going to get promoted.

      You’re going above and beyond while underpaid. If they promote you, they’ll lose your work at your current level and have to pay you more. I think getting out is your best option. And stop doing all the extra stuff.

    4. Mockingjay*

      “I currently manage major compliance initiatives for a multibillion dollar corporation and no one else here is able or qualified to do my job.”

      I have a very strong feeling that this is why you aren’t being promoted. You are EXTREMELY valuable exactly where you are. Try to get what you want in a series of steps.

      First, ask for a raise. Give your boss the market research and point out your special qualifications as rationale. Have a number in mind; boss/company may negotiate, so add wiggle room to the figure. Go in with the mindset that this is happening: “I’m a valuable employee, I’m underpaid, and of course Boss/Company you want your employees compensated appropriately.”

      Second, can anyone else be trained in Compliance so you can move around/up? Point out that having only one person doing this is a single point of failure for something important.

      Third: If the raise isn’t happening and Boss is resistant to cross-training and opportunities, then you have a choice: start job hunting now, or wait until after your baby is born. If you decide to wait, then during your parental leave:
      a) DO NOT DO ANY WORK OR RESPOND TO TEXTS, EMAILS, OR PHONE CALLS. Let them – Boss especially – feel the pain of your absence while you enjoy time with your new baby.
      b) you can look while you are on leave, or look when returning to current job. (No harm in browsing Indeed while Baby naps.)

      I really hope this isn’t a case of “your boss sucks and is not going to change.”

      1. Sister Spider*

        *District 12 salute*

        If I could afford to not get paid for 12 weeks, I’d have no qualms about looking now. 60% salary is better than 0%. America!

    5. New Mom*

      First, congrats on your baby! I’m currently on leave with baby number two. Second, please don’t work during your leave again next time, especially for an organization that is not valuing you!
      I’m in a similar but different boat, I’ve gotten the promotions and pay raises but not the resources. We’ve grown and grown and the work is not sustainable nor tenable at this time. Where we are similar is that I’ve advocated for years to get more help, asked others who were able to get new hires what they did to convince management, hired consultants who created an amazing report about how much we need more staff, made presentations and I think it just finally clicked that they are not going to hire more people and I need to move on if I want a better work-life balance.
      I’m actively job hunting during my maternity leave. My advice to you, is that you should start networking now, reach out to other people in your industry or people who work where you’d like to work. I started volunteering for membership organizations that have people who work in my field but not at my company. I started presenting at conferences and writing Op-Eds so that people can google me and find my work.
      Don’t rush yourself, give yourself time to find a really great job, and don’t wait until you are desperate to go anywhere or you rage-quit. And pro tip, have an updated version of your resume and maybe even a few drafts of cover letters BEFORE the baby is born. I forgot how long it takes to update those things, even without the specific-role tailoring.
      Good luck! I’m also nervous about starting a new job with two littles so I’m going to have very high standards while I look.

    6. Somehow_I_Manage*

      No communication speaks volumes, and it’s a resounding “it’s not going to happen.” Ultimately, the reasons why are irrelevant. If you could change them, they would have said something- you’ve certainly given them the opportunity. If they don’t want to keep you happy, then they can’t expect to keep you. When the moment is right, it’s time to start the job search.

    7. Observer**

      I cannot get a straight answer as to what else I need to do at this point to move up.

      That’s an answer on its own. The translation here is “Not going to happen, but I’m going to tell you that.” Someone else mentioned an employee who was never going to get promoted because she was “too valuable” where she was – you’re in the same boat.

      Start looking now. You don’t have to take a job anyplace that won’t treat you well during / after your pregnancy. But job search takes longer than you expect, your energy level is probably going to drop, so start the process now.

      Don’t tell your boss – they don’t deserve that warning.

  31. Not Mindy*

    I will soon be purchasing an existing service business with a good friend. We are not related, but we have the same last name. He will be primarily be doing the service side of things, and I will be doing the admin side, but helping out with the service side as necessary.
    I would like to send out an introductory email to existing clients. I haven’t gotten very far in writing it because I’m stuck on what to do about the last names.
    “As you may have heard, Sunnydale Slaying was recently purchased. Mindy Harris and Xander Harris are excited to work with you for all of your slaying needs.”
    The wording of it feels funny to me. But if I put “Mindy and Xander Harris” it makes it sound like we are a couple.
    The answer is probably to write something completely different, but I can’t think of a different way to do it for the life of me!

    1. londonedit*

      I’d probably go with ‘Mindy Harris and Xander Harris (no relation) are excited to work with you’. No harm in being totally clear about it, otherwise you might still have people who assume/wonder whether you’re related/a couple.

      3. AngelicGamer*

        Thirding this approach. If anybody asks, just say that’s how others have used it since the 90s (Fictional but it works [Tiny Toons Adventures]).

    2. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      Leave off the last names? “Mindy and Xander are looking forward to working with you etc etc”

      1. T*

        I agree with this, unless it’s such a formal industry that you really can’t.

        People probably will still occasionally make the assumption that you’re a couple or family.

    3. Charlotte Lucas*

      The rule is that you only list last name once for people who are related. So, either say the last name twice or leave it off altogether.

    4. Warrior Princess Xena*

      I would probably phrase it more like “We are excited to work with you for all of your slaying needs” and then put your names & relevant titles in you signature block.

  32. BlueDijon*

    I changed fields earlier this year from higher ed (staff) to tech customer success, and am struggling to unlearn a lot of really unhelpful work expectations. Also doing a lot of personal mental health work for the first time in my life, so it’s all just a great Trying To Make Better Life Habits journey.

    I’m working on my perfectionist and external validation needs a lot, but am having a bit of whiplash. I moved from a field where there was a lot of consistency in the amount of work week to week each time of year, to one where because it’s a lot more project and onboarding based it could be crazy busy one week (which feels normal based on past experience, and sweet relief that I’m being productive and useful) and crickets the next (which makes me paranoid I’m missing something). I have background/learning/professional development low key stuff I can do during slower weeks, but still am struggling to reframe this as not me doing something wrong. Clearly a bunch of imposter syndrome happening, but that’s easy to say and less easy to break down.

    Anyone with similar experiences who found success in reframing expectations and getting through imposter syndrome where you can’t be constantly busy and thus proving your worth?

    1. Ama*

      I have a job that, when the workload is normal, has a lot of ebbs and flows in busy period. But my workload is just now returning to normal after two and a half years (it started in 2019 before the pandemic) where I was completely overloaded and felt like I was working at 110% capacity all the time.

      I do find myself now, on days/weeks when things are quieter getting nervous that I’ve forgotten something or that if I allow myself to take it slower now and just do A project this week and B next week, something will pop up next week to make me wish I’d done A and B both this week. I’m trying to remind myself when that happens that working at 110% capacity for 36 months straight nearly killed me (when I went to my boss to propose the restructuring that has finally, after a rough transition, eased up my workload I was fully prepared to quit without anything lined up if she hadn’t said yes) and that jobs in my field are *supposed* to have time for you to think, organize, plan, or just catch your breath after a busy period. But it’s taken some effort to get myself out of the mindset that having a “quiet day” isn’t slacking off.

    2. Mac 'n Plastic*

      I’m in a different type of role, but I also have the “busy – silent – busy – silent” cycle. I frame it as being engaged to wait until I’m needed, and then hit the ground running as soon as work comes in. For example, I’ve just gone from weeks of killing time with random training videos to now putting in 10-12 hour days. I figure I earn my salary in the busy times, and I think my whole team actually operates like this (our contracts often come in cycles)

  33. Erika22*

    I received a job offer last week – but have I now been ghosted by my future employer? (UK based.)

    I’d received a verbal job offer Tuesday last week, and the formal offer letter came on Friday. I replied a few hours later to the offer letter email (sent by HR) with my acceptance and a couple queries. I didn’t expect a response on a Friday, but by Tuesday I was a bit concerned. I sent a follow up email with a completed form they’d asked me to fill out and confirmed I’d done the other things they’d requested in the offer letter. I also mentioned I was still waiting on the queries. I’ve still not heard anything back.

    As I type this all out, I realise one week from an offer letter isn’t a long time, especially when there’s likely one HR person doing this during a busy hiring period (for them, they have a lot of roles to fill after receiving investment), but I’m still a little worried. I’d discussed with the hiring manager a start date of 9th January, and I have a one month notice period, so already that date will have to be pushed back given I can’t officially give my work notice until I’ve signed my new employment contract. Normally I wouldn’t worry about that, but I needed to give my manager a heads up that I received an offer so I could use her as a reference, and it’s now somehow leaked to my grand boss too. I’m not worried about getting kicked out of my role, just leaving everyone in limbo!

    Does a week of no response seem like a long time from an outside perspective? Will a third email next week seem pushy?

    1. londonedit*

      I don’t think so, especially as we’re in the run-up to Christmas and loads of people are going to be on holiday soon. I’d just phrase it as ‘just to check that everything had been received, would you be able to answer my queries, keen to get everything tied up on this before the Christmas holiday’ etc. I think it’s also valid to mention that you’d discussed a start date of the 9th but that’ll need to move as you have a month’s notice. I’m sure they’re busy rather than ghosting, but I don’t think another follow-up is unreasonable, especially at this time of year when things can slip out of people’s minds.

    2. Cordelia*

      I don’t think you’ve been ghosted, could be the HR person dealing with it has gone on leave or off sick. Or, that the HR person has to contact the hiring manager to get the response to your queries, and that the hiring manager has gone on leave or off sick. Or that everyone is busy and it hasn’t got to the top of the list yet. A week isn’t a long time at all. I think it’s fine for you to contact HR again, but perhaps also contact the hiring manager to have a discussion about realistic starting dates. If they think HR are indeed taking too long, they can chase them up.

    3. Storm in a teacup*

      Agree it isn’t a long time but with Christmas coming up things may have gotten busy.
      If you haven’t heard back in a couple of days it may be worth reaching out directly to the hiring manager stating you’re excited to begin work, have completed HR forms and are waiting on them confirming you’ve accepted the offer and send through a contract so you can resign your current role and you’ll update them with a start date once you’ve done this.

    4. Congrats on the new job!*

      Emails go awry, aren’t read for various reasons, end up in spam folders…..you’ve tried several times, I would give them a call.

  34. Scott D*

    After five years at my current company as a manager, working fully remote and receiving two promotions and always above average performance reviews (and most on my team receiving the same), new management thinks its important for people to be back in the office.

    Because we have written contracts agreeing to us being remote, six months notice is required so we were told to prepare to be in person July 1, 2023, or be terminated.

    The problem: New management REALLY does not understand how difficult it is to hire employees with high-level tech skills. I told the C Suite that it makes no sense to require people to commute to an office to sit on Zoom meetings all day with customers who are scattered around the globe, and that the current system is advantageous because we have employees working in all time zones who can field meetings that might be too early or too late in the time zone where the office is. Sales feels the same way. Upper management’s take is that “if we make exceptions for two groups, we’ll have to do it for everyone.”

    I polled my team and, no surprise, 90% said they would quit if forced to come to the office. Several have left already for new remote jobs. Part of me says “let the new management deal with not having an IT department” but the responsible part of me really does not the company to fail, which I’m 80% sure would happen without an IT or sales group (the sales group may be easier to replace than the IT). Part of me is also selfish–I don’t want to move halfway across the country to do the same job I’ve been doing remotely for five years.

    Any thoughts on other ways to get through to the C Suite?

    1. just another queer reader*

      “Dear C-suite,

      The IT team has been working remote for [10] years, exceeding metrics and successfully supporting the company.

      An in-person requirement would require [50%] of the existing workforce to relocate. In addition, I have surveyed the department and 90% would quit if required to come in person.

      Requiring in-person work would mean rehiring an entire new IT department, resulting in [downtime/ loss of knowledge/ lack of support/ company folding].

      If in-person work is required, I’ll be supportive of my direct reports as they job search, and do my best to remotely interview and hire new staff for in-person work. We would require [$x] more to our budget to facilitate the successful transition to in-person work.

      Please let me know if you’re prepared to support this transition.

      Sincerely,
      Scott”

      1. Gracely*

        Do NOT tell C-suite that you’ll be supportive of your direct reports as they job search. That’s something you do without telling C-suite. Unless you want to be job searching right after you send that letter.

    2. Phillippe II*

      You can’t get through to them, don’t try. First, do not bring up the poll results of your team. Find other sources for your prediction, make the prediction, Repeat the prediction in about 3 months when the first resignations start to come in as people find new jobs, then sit back and watch it come partially true. A lot of people will say, “I’ll quit if X happens!” and when X happens, they don’t. But you will no doubt lose a certain number of people over this.

      Whether you put out an “I told you so” of FAAFO is up to you.

    3. PassThePeasPlease*

      I think you need to share your findings about the team quitting with your leadership and also present stats about the workforce in the area they are forcing you to commute to. Barring that area being Silicon Valley or the Bay Area (and maybe a few other larger metros), I’d assume that depending on the level of expertise needed, adequately staffing the team could come with challenges. Once you do that unfortunately the decision is out of your hands but at least you could feel like you’ve done your part? These companies are way too short sighted with getting everyone back into the office without investigating if the plan makes sense for everyone in the office or even most of it.

    4. Storm in a teacup*

      Also share costs of hiring and I’m sure there will be a need to pay formal relocation costs if the team are on remote contracts

    6. Observer**

      Any thoughts on other ways to get through to the C Suite?

      Have you explicitly told your upper management that they are likely to lose all or most of their IT staff? And that replacing the majority of the staff from the city / commuting range of the city you are in will be difficult and expensive?

      If you have not do so, tell them. If they dig in, start looking for a new job.

  35. AnonFriday*

    I’m brushing up my CV because I have got to flee my current workplace soon (I feel the familar creep of burnout approaching) and I am pondering about whether I should leave a job I was at for only six months on it or not.

    I’m leaning towards ‘not’ because it was a ‘gotta find a job or will be evicted from my flat’ job, so taken out of desperation instead of me actually wanting to work there, it was the most toxic place I’ve ever worked and the CEO told me on the way out that I am not eligible for rehire because of my tendency to ‘tell lies’ – he means ‘report genuine issues to HR’. I won’t be listing them as a reference even if I leave the job on the CV.

    Problem is it’s a job that utilised all my admin skills, and wouldn’t it look odd if there was a six month gap after eight years at the job before that and the job I’m in now, which I’ve been in for coming up on four years? Obviously it was on my CV when I interviewed for my current job, so should I leave it on?

    Not sure what to do!

    1. londonedit*

      If it’s relevant to the jobs you’re going for now, and it showcases skills that you want to showcase, I’d leave it on there. You don’t have to list that boss as a reference, and you don’t have to say anything about the toxic environment – if you’re asked about it, you can just focus on the skills you used while you were there. If someone asks why you were only there for six months, something like ‘An opportunity to work in [what you’re doing now] came up, and that was something I’d been looking to do, so I couldn’t pass it up’ might work. Or, I’ve got a six-month stint on my CV that was a job that just totally didn’t work out for many, many reasons – my go-to with that one is to use a very genuine, almost regretful sort of tone and say ‘It turned out to be a very different role from the one I’d envisaged. In the end, it really wasn’t the right place for me, but I used the experience as a springboard to move into [something I wanted to do more], which was really useful’.

    2. Kiwiii*

      a six month gap between a job you were at for 8 years and a job you were at for 4 years wouldn’t look strange to most people, imo. gaps are only really an issue if you have Lots of them or when considering much shorter stints. but! if you think that role is relevant/makes you stronger for roles, i would keep it on there anyway.

      1. Miette*

        I had a 6-month gap on my resume once upon a time, but because I was only listing years of employment, not exact months/dates, on my CV and since those 6 months were within the same year, the gap was invisible. Could you do that? Just include the years you were there without further detail?

        1. Miette*

          Reading this back I realize I wasn’t clear lol: I mean to list years if you intend to leave the 6-month job off your CV.

    3. cncx*

      I would leave it. I was in a similar situation, explained my short stint as a “bad fit” (bad manager is more like it) and when pressed, said I was hired to do llama grooming but instead I was responsible for sending tickets to remote llama groomers so didn’t use the range of my abilities.

  36. Polopoly*

    We get lots of comments about people being overworked.
    In my position, 10% of my work is routine – I know what I need to do and when. The other 90% is project based. The projects are short to medium term in general. The problem is… my boss (and my grandboss) rarely ever assign me things to do.

    I hate being bored, so i end up scrounging around for things to do – asking other supervisors if they need help, seeing something that might need to be done and working on it, etc. But I’m new… i don’t know if what I’m working on is relevant or random/ unnecessary (or worse, counterproductive)… When Ive asked about it in the past, if I’m working on the right things or have right priorities, or if I work on xyz, only response I get is “that’s fine”. No feedback beyond that.

    I mean it’s great, in one sense to get to pick and choose…. and in another I’m feeling totally neglected like none of my work actually matters.

    1. Bess*

      They might just be too busy in their jobs and it hasn’t clicked with them to keep your plate full. You could suggest building and maintaining a backlog of projects to work on–they’ll need to dedicate some time to that but shouldn’t take, you know, weeks.

      Otherwise can you work on some professional development when you don’t have a project?

    2. BlueDijon*

      I feel this so hard! Trying to figure this out myself, so I unfortunately don’t have any, like, productive ideas, but just want to voice my commiseration.

      I’m trying to look at this as a personal mental health challenge to just be ok with not being overworked, and to build a habit of seeing professional development activities as something that’s just part of my day, but woof it is whiplash coming from an overworked environment where constant visible productivity is the gauge of worth…

    3. Girasol*

      I’ve seen this so often. Many managers can’t balance a team’s workload well, or will hire to address an immediate panic and never consider what that person will do after the crisis is over. They really don’t always want you to do something. We hit a dry spell during a reorg. The whole team was asking for work and suggesting things we could do, until the manager said, “Stop! Until our new roles are defined, I don’t want you to start anything! And stop asking!!” So if your manager already knows you’re ready and willing, try finding some activity that looks like work: studying something, whether work-related or not, starting a novel, or something like that, to stave off boredom while you wait.

    4. Polopoly*

      I’m creative and resourceful enough to come up with my own projects to do, but it’s just demoralizing. Partly it’s because my skillset (that they specifically hired me for) is a new one for the department and they don’t know how/ where to use me…. and the departments work is new to me so I don’t know where to help.

    5. Somehow_I_Manage*

      Depends on the industry you’re in. If you’re in a service industry in which your time is quantified and billed to clients, and they’re not giving you billable work, this is a problem. If it continues, I’d worry about job security.

      If you’re in more of an administrative position and your work is not billable, I’d be more patient and continue to grow into your role and see if it suits you.

  37. Treponema Pallidum*

    Gotta love temping for the state. I’m getting paid x as a temp, but the budget for bringing me full time is $4 less an hour. Sure, it’s got full benefits, but until I know exactly what they are, holy WOW I am not okay with that kind of paycut.

    How do I stay engaged and upbeat while I job search? I’m getting a terrible case of Yeah I’m Out Of Here Soon-itis.

    1. HR Friend*

      You kinda gloss over the FT benefits, but those may offset a $4/hour decrease. I’d see what those are before searching (if you like the job enough to stay, that is).

      1. Treponema Pallidum*

        Unfortunately, I cannot eat or pay rent with benefits, so they are juuuuust shy of irrelevant in the face of losing seven thousand dollars in pay a year.

        1. Observer**

          What are you paying for medical coverage? That could make the difference between being able to eat and pay rent or not.

    2. Miette*

      The only way I’m able to do this when I am in a similar position is to keep reminding myself I am a professional and I would not want my slacking/lack of engagement/attitude to reflect badly on me. You have to play a long game. You will never know who at your current job will be in a position to recommend or otherwise comment on your performance years from now, so leave them with a good impression.

    3. Govt Worker*

      I think you should view your position as a learning experience where you are also getting a paycheck. Work on as many projects as possible, so you expand your skillset and be an attractive candidate in the private sector. I hire temps at a local government frequently, but we rarely hire our temp employees full time. I tell them upfront this is not turning into a FT position. As a government manager, I have a set budget for staffing. That budget needs to cover everything associated with an employee: salary, benefits, overtime, uniforms, etc. Since I don’t pay those things for a temp, I can afford to pay them a higher hourly wage. Most government jobs require a mandatory contribution to their pension. So even if you get paid the same hourly wage, your take home pay will reflect a pay cut. The expense to my budget for the benefits package is about 38% of the salary.

    4. Molly*

      Do the math. Do full time people get paid for holidays? At least a week of vacation? (probably 2weeks). At a minimum that’s 6 holidays and 10 vacation days. Then there’s health insurance.

      A formula I’ve used for calculating what you’d need as a contractor vs full time is this: contractor hourly X 40 hours a week, then multiply that result by 40 weeks.

      For example, say a full time job pays $40,000 a year. That’s $769.23 a week, or $19.23 an hour.

      If you want to make the equivalent as a contractor, start with $40,000 and divide by 40 weeks, then divide that result by 40 hours a week. That gives $25. an hour. That’s a ballpark of what you need to get the equivalent. As a contractor you pay your own insurance, don’t get holiday or vacation, and if you’re a 1099, there’s more taxes.

  38. Constantly Learning*

    Are there good classes for learning to manage? (Online? A textbook?)

    I work in a professional services industry (e.g, accountants, engineers, lawyers) and have moved from private practice to in-house at a company. My job is mostly managing people and projects (internal to our department and coordiating with other departments) now.

    I’m learning and making it up as I go, but I am longing for a foundational framework to start from or to which I could refer.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. just another queer reader*

      Alison published a book for nonprofit managers! It’s probably a slightly different viewpoint, but I’m confident that it’s mostly the same skillset.

    2. RMNPgirl*

      My mom became a manager when I was a toddler and realized that the books she bought on handling kids actually worked really well for managing people. She’s said that those books helped her more at work than they did with me! It might be worth looking at a few to see if they have good tips.

      1. SomebodyElse*

        If I ever write a how to book, I’m going to title it “All I ever needed to know about managing I learned from Kindergarteners”

        No joke that I’ve drawn on my time as a teacher of school age kids in a day care setting more than any other management training. And this isn’t saying that I treat employees like children, in fact it’s the opposite I treated my kids as little adults (within reason). So the basic tenets are the same.
        -Consistency
        -Clear expectations
        -Praise
        -Specific feedback
        -Immediate (within reason) discipline when needed
        -Coaching/Skill teaching
        -etc.

    3. Toxic Workplace Survivor*

      If you’re a book person, some good ones (a variety here)

      Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most – Stone/Patton/Heen

      The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You — Julie Zhuo (I like this one because it’s more millennial than some other ones that have kicked around for years, this is tech focused)

      The First 90 Days – Michael D. Watkins

      To whatever degree you are interested in Myers Briggs and other personality-style models, they can be really helpful to train your brain to think about what type of person Employee A is when you’re approaching them for a project, for feedback or just trying to engage them more. It gets overused and there are tons of problems with using it as a blanket approach but honestly having the framework to rely on as that reminder that different people think differently, value different styles of management etc.

    4. Somehow_I_Manage*

      Most of these replies are focusing on people management, but it sounds like you might benefit as well from some general project management training. My local professional society/industry group has leadership courses/resources that focus on these things: budgets, contracts, project performance, scheduling, invoicing, cash flow, labor . You could also check with your local community college for coursework. Finally, you might consider sitting for a “Project Management Professional” training and certification. That course covers, people, processes, and business and offers you a relevant certification that some clients value.

  39. Dr. Doll*

    I have a team member who is a very private person and I respect their wishes. “How was your weekend?” is about as far as it goes. They recently told a couple of other team members, but not the whole group and not me, that they *got married*.

    Is it okay to say “Hey, I heard from B______ that you got married! That’s wonderful, I hope you have a super holiday.”

    2. londonedit*

      Yeah, I wouldn’t mention it if you’ve only heard it second-hand from someone else. It’s possible they wanted to keep it really quiet and the person who told you wasn’t supposed to tell.

    4. RagingADHD*

      This is exactly the sort of news that a rather reserved person might tell one or two people with the expectation they will pass it around, so they don’t have to go around announcing it to everyone (which they might feel was too attention seeking).

      Unless you know them to be exceedingly prickly and unreasonable, I think it your proposed wording would be very nice.

      1. Squeebird*

        Same. I did the exact same thing when I got married; it seemed weird and kind of egotistical to make a big announcement to coworkers who barely knew me, so I mentioned it off hand to a few people and let the grapevine do its work. I think your wording is totally fine.

    5. JimmyJab*

      Most of my coworkers didn’t know I was getting married – a couple asked me about it after I put a pic on my desk :) I think if you’ve heard other folks talking about it out loud, your coworker probably isn’t going to be offended by the question!

  40. Miette*

    This one’s low stakes but I’m interested in y’all’s opinions:

    I am a self-employed contractor, and some of my clients prefer me to have email accounts on their internal systems. As a result of this, I am often included in the “All Company” mail list. So here is my question: When there are emails that invite folks to something (e.g. a “lunch and learn”, a training, the monthly staff meeting), do you see them as staff-only situations, or do you consider yourself invited?

    I ask because I ignored a client’s invitation to their holiday party for this reason (and the fact they are a $75 train ride away lol) and was asked why I hadn’t RSVPd. I explained that I wasn’t a member of staff so didn’t consider it a real invitation, but the planner seemed annoyed about it.

    I mean, it’s def going to be a workplace-dependent thing, I’m just interested in others’ experiences.

    1. Kiwiii*

      I would ask up front (at email creation), or upon receiving the first all-staff email that includes you, when possible.

    2. Alton Brown's Evil Twin*

      Keep in mind that not everyone who sends to those all-staff email lists knows that you aren’t really a staff member.

    3. Haven’t picked a username yet*

      No. In fact – as a contractor you should not be included on employee/team events. It blurs the lines between how you are classified.

      I work for a very large financial firm and reminders go out around the holidays.

      I would just ignore them.

    4. RagingADHD*

      IDK how I’d draw that line now, when being fully remote is so common for FTEs. In the past, I’ve worked contracts onsite and fully remote. I’d consider myself included if I were onsite, and not included if I were remote.

      The math is different now, and I think the current default is “assume nothing, always ask’.

    5. Ama*

      I manage a contract employee who has an internal email account with us and we’ve agreed that if an all staff email goes out that she either needs to pay attention to or was intended to include her, I’ll follow up with her and say “hey, just wanted you to note X because it will have Y impact on your work” or if it’s an event “no pressure, but you are welcome to join us for this if you want.”

      I suspect in this case the planner was probably told to include you by someone else and they didn’t think about the fact that you would have no way to distinguish this request from any of the other all staff requests you don’t need to respond to.

    6. Kay*

      I am in a similar position as you in that I have corporate email addresses with clients even though I don’t actually work there. My default position is that these are ignored. I do have one client in particular who I often work closely with (say a couple people in a couple different departments), so I am often invited by multiple people/welcome at the events which are parties and am sometimes onsite when these are happening – those I will occasionally attend. I use my judgement and will typically only participate if I am onsite for other work related business, or if it is an event that might have other external attendees. So – no employee appreciation parties, team building exercises, etc. – but I might join when lunch is ordered for everyone if I am onsite for the day, or there is a party where spouses and vendors are invited (if my clients mention it to me of course). Follow the lead of your closest contact there, exercise prudent judgement/don’t take advantage and you will be fine.

  41. Seal*

    I had surgery a few weeks ago and will be off work for 6 weeks to recover; all of this was planned months in advance. A few days after the surgery, I emailed my boss and her staff (who I also work closely with) and my staff to let them know things went well. My staff all responded with words of support and encouragement, but my boss and her staff didn’t respond at all. This is highly unusual, as other members of her staff have been out with various issues in recent months and gotten supportive responses from colleagues, including me, on our group listserv.

    My boss is new and obviously and very publicly struggling in her position. Unfortunately, she is also very defensive and seems threatened by her managers, shutting many of us out of decision-making processes. Our work environment has become so toxic, I considered putting of my surgery because I was afraid of what would happen in my absence. Regardless, it didn’t occur to me that this woman would be so petty as to not respond to a health update from one of her managers. Does this seem petty to anyone else?

    1. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      It might be petty, or it might be taking “I’m not allowed to communicate with Seal while they’re on FMLA” to an extreme. Automatically assuming the worst of her is definitely a little petty though.

    2. Educator*

      I think you are taking this too personally. If she is new and struggling, she is likely unfamiliar with your office culture and focused on urgent items. She probably read your message, thought “oh good, glad they are doing well, nothing to action here” and moved on. That’s not petty.

      People in leadership positions also need to be really careful what they say about employee health issues–honestly, I don’t want to know any details beyond how long my team member will be out and that it has been approved by HR. While I would be glad on a personal level that an employee’s procedure went well, I could not say much more than “glad to hear that” because, when I am the boss, it is really inappropriate for me to have an opinion about a subordinate’s healthcare.

      I would focus on your recovery and let this one go. Sorry the environment has been so toxic.

    3. Jones*

      It’s so hard to interpret things sometimes. When my husband had a stroke (he recovered fully) I emailed one person in the office to spread the news. We are a verrrry tight knit bunch and they had all rallied round me during a previous emergency, so I was shocked and mortified when no one but the person I emailed sent me messages. After wandering the halls of the hospital feeling hurt for a few days, I verified that she had indeed told people, and finally blurted out that no one had sent good luck wishes or emails saying anything at all. I’m so glad I said something. Turns out my colleagues had interpreted my “no calls” request to mean “no contact whatsoever.” I’m guessing it’s something like that in your case — a misunderstanding, or even just someone who is awkward about medical stuff so avoids engaging — without meaning to be petty or inappropriate. Good wishes to you, I hope you heal up soon.

  42. Trippychick*

    My daughter is 17 and a senior in high school. She’s been working in retail for over a year, but all the standing is causing her a lot of knee pain. She’d like to find a job where she can sit, or sit a lot more. Since she’s in high school it needs to be evenings and weekends. We haven’t been able to think of good options for her to look into, so I’m hoping you all might have some suggestions.

    1. Hlao-roo*

      Maybe babysitting on evenings/weekends? Depends on how bad the pain is and if it clears up when she leaves retail. Also depends on the kids, sometimes babysitting is mostly sitting on a couch while the kids are asleep and sometimes it’s a lot of walking to the park/running around in the backyard.

      Also (again depending on the pain), she could look into lifeguarding in the summer. I know a lot of areas had lifeguard shortages last summer, and that job involves a fair amount of sitting.

      1. Kiwiii*

        Certain grocery stores (Aldi’s) and certain roles at other grocery stores (customer service) often have seating. Alternatively, stocking-type (vs. cashier/checker) roles in retail involve a lot of moving around vs. just standing, which may be an option.

        2. Lady_Lessa*

          I’ve noticed that the employees at Aldi’s tend to do both cashier, restocking and shelf work, so the amount of movement may be too much for Trippychick’s daughter.

          I am glad that they get to sit, and they are very fast at scanning your items. (It helps because they don’t have to bag)

    2. just another queer reader*

      Aldi lets their cashiers sit. (All stores should do this!!!)

      Maybe working the returns desk at a department store? Or do a lap at the mall and observe if any of the clerks have chairs, and apply there?

      I wonder if there are customer service/ call center jobs that would fit her schedule. Taking reservations for a hotel or something.

    3. Llellayena*

      Theater box office or other ticket-taking roles? Restaurant host if the problem is more needing to move around? Second shift on a warehouse job (small piece assembly line or similar where sitting is allowed) or something else that needs 24/7 coverage?

    4. Unkempt Flatware*

      She could look for jobs in retail banking. Tellers can sit in most banks and I’d bet especially with an accommodation request. Being a teller was my first job and it was a good experience for me. Not to mention Sundays and Holidays off.

    5. beccalee*

      In the meantime, I’d look into supportive insoles! I used to get absolutely HORRIFIC knee and heel pain when I worked in retail, and I was also quite young. I got some insoles with high arch support, and it made a WORLD of difference.

      It may also be helpful to look into physical therapy exercises; if standing is causing knee pain, instead of back or heel pain, there might be something muscular that can be strengthened to help compensate.

      1. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

        This! I started wearing custom orthotics in my early twenties when the pain in my feet finally got so bad that I thought it was worth mentioning to my doctor, but would have benefited from them in my teens had I known that was an option. Both seeing a podiatrist for the orthotics and seeing a PT to work on how I could sprain my ankle less often were really valuable for me in terms of being able to stand comfortably for long periods.

      2. Gyne*

        Agree with this – standing for 8 hours shouldn’t cause knee pain. I’d investigate the cause of the pain first before I’d move into a more sedentary position.

    6. fueled by coffee*

      Front desk positions at places that offer after-school programming (rec centers, dance studios, etc.) might be a good option for evening/weekend scheduling.

      Also potentially places like movie theater box offices or other places that do ticketing for events (though if she’ll have to rotate through working concessions, etc., this might still involve a fair amount of standing).

      Tutoring?

    8. Sitting Pretty*

      I have a teen who, on a whim, applied to be a lifeguard at the local community center. They is apparently a real lifeguard shortage right now. There are many reasons for this, one that it’s fairly low wage. But the community center provided all of the Lifeguard training (paid), has regular “inservice activities” every month to build skills (also paid), and is super accommodating of evening and weekend hours.

      Of course, your daughter would need to have basic swim skills and feel comfortable jumping in the water to save people, but 90% of the job is sitting!

      Alternatively, a number of other kids from the high school also work the front desk or doing after-school childcare at the same rec center, so there may be other options like that near you!

      1. Aglet*

        The lifeguards at all the pools near me stand a lot. There’s one lifeguard chair and at least 2 spots where a lifeguard stands, and they rotate during their shifts. The front desk attendants also stand. So ask or check out the places before she applies!

    9. MJ*

      Late reply: at that age I had a job working reception at a real estate office on evenings and weekends. It was mainly answering phones, greeting clients and typing up purchase offers, but that was in the 80s before computers & cell phones, so may not still exist as a separate role these days. But maybe some similar office-based service that’s open evening/weekend hours? (dentist, eye doctor)

    10. WheresMyPen*

      First, make sure she’s wearing supportive shoes. I know they’re often not fashionable but you need something with cushioning and support so your posture doesn’t end up wearing your joints. But if she still wants to sit more, have a look at different stores near you and see what their staff do. I’m in the U.K. and have worked in two supermarkets and both had a fold out seat behind the checkout so I could alternate between sitting and standing.

    11. allathian*

      Maybe a role that requires more movement would work better for her?

      I’m in Finland, and pretty much all cashiers have the option of sitting at the checkout, because the cashier doesn’t pack the groceries. Checkouts have two conveyor belts, one on which customers load their goods and the other behind the cashier, and a sliding divider, and people either pack their groceries after paying, or when we go shopping as a family, one pays and the others pack. When Lidl arrived in Finland 20 years ago, they tried to introduce short checkout desks where the cashier packs, and we were having none of it. The protests were so loud that Lidl was forced to introduce conveyor belt checkouts like every other grocery store here has.

      When I worked retail starting at 17, I was at the checkout most of the time, but I also filled shelves, made sure the right prices were posted on the shelves, took inventory, and eventually even signed off on deliveries and faxed orders to suppliers.

  43. St Paul Ite*

    I work in a field that has always been 100% office based. When the pandemic hit we switched to WFH and nothing was ever mentioned about it being permanent. Five months ago we were called back to the office 3 days a week with Monday and Friday designated as WFH and told this is permanent.

    My coworkers are livid that they can’t WFH permanently and they trash talk the company and other people loudly throughout the day. I disengage myself from any conversation when they do this. There are other teams in the work area and they can hear my coworkers too.

    To make things more difficult, during our COVID mandate to work from home there was a company reorg and our manager was replaced by someone not in our state yet alone our site.

    Every weekly zoom staff meeting these coworkers complain for over 15 minutes about how they should be able to WFH permanently “like the rest of the world.” Last week I think the manager had reached the end of her rope; she said “we’ve been over this dozens of times, this hybrid schedule is permanent and you’ll just have to deal with it. Why can’t you be more like St. Paul Ite?”

    I’m not happy being used as a poster child. Yes, I don’t have a problem with our hybrid arrangement, I never expected we wouldn’t be called back to the office 100% after COVID restrictions lifted. But my managers comment has now resulted in snide and snarky comments from my coworkers and makes any valid work interaction with them very difficult because they constantly bring up the managers comment and how it must be nice to be the favorite etc.

    I want to say something to my manager about how her comment has impacted the dynamics of the team and how I don’t think it had the intended effect. But should I and if so how? I have never mentioned the bitter company bashing of my coworkers to my manager. Do I bring it up now for context on how the managers comment added fuel to that fire?

    I must interact with these coworkers in order for all of us to complete our work. They have all been in their jobs 15+ years, I’ve been in my job 5 years but with the company 14.

    Ideas? Suggestions?

    I just want to do my job professionally and accurately and steer clear of the drama llamas.

    1. T*

      Yikes! The dynamics in this workplace sound very…high school. You’ve been tagged as teacher’s pet.

      I’ll be honest, I don’t know that going to your manager about the comment is going to fix anything. In the environment you’re in, it seems like manager is more likely going to try and discipline everyone else, which is just going to lead to more resentment.

      My genuine advice is to just hunker down and see if you can wait it out, and maybe to job-search.

    2. Prospect Gone Bad*

      Maybe ask your manager to reiterate WHY they want people in the office, since that’s the issue that has nothing to do with whether you are there or not. And some places will have valid reasons. I myself and dealing with lower productivity and balls being dropped managing people who WFH and most get defensive when you make the connection so I stopped doing it. IMO it’s helpful to just remind them, “you did so much more in the office and didn’t make these mistakes” since it’s obvious changing where they sit impacts how they work probably by getting rid of distractions, but they don’t want to hear it. I guess they just want to try really hard to stay motivated and focused while at home.

    4. Alice*

      No advice but sympathy. My great-grandboss has said to me “why can’t they all be like you?” referring to how I show up for my required in-person days and apparently some of my colleaues don’t. I have never had any problems getting info or feedback from them so I truly do not care where they are working from as long as they are not sharing their germs with me. I sincerely hope he is not saying “why can’t you be more like Alice?” to them, for all the reasons you said. I tried pointing out to my immediate boss that of course I (no kids) am going to be sick less frequently than my colleague with two young kids in daycare, but I don’t know if the message got through….

    5. Observer**

      I want to say something to my manager about how her comment has impacted the dynamics of the team and how I don’t think it had the intended effect.

      Don’t do that. Not that I think that your manager handled things well, but the fact is that the issue is not what your manager said, but that you’re apparently working with people who have the temperament and maturity of *bratty* high schoolers (there are plenty of high schoolers who are NOT bratty, and they would not act like this!)

      Is there any way you can look into a transfer?

  44. Whynot*

    In early January, I’ll be starting a new job after several years of freelancing. I’m very excited (and very happy to quit doing my taxes quarterly, and to have colleagues to talk with who aren’t my pets). I’ve been a freelance editor and am moving to an in-house editorial position with a museum, with a hybrid in-office and WFH schedule.

    My question: what do other folks here do to set themselves up for success when starting a new job? All advice welcome, but I’m particularly curious about organizational advice (tips on managing calendars, workflow, etc) and about boundary- and expectation-setting (my new job is 3/4 time, so this is going to be important). If you have a particular software/tool you like for project management I’d also love to hear about that (a friend of mine keeps talking about Airtable).

    Thanks in advance!

    1. I edit everything*

      That sounds like an awesome job. I don’t have any advice, but did want to say I’m a little bit jealous (I might have seen that job posting and would have been tempted to apply for it, if I lived close), and wish you the best in your new role!

      1. Whynot*

        Thanks so much – I’m thrilled about it, and I was sooo ready for a change. Here’s hoping you’ll have some tempting opportunities closer to home in the year ahead, fellow editor!

    2. lebkin*

      Take lots of notes! Notes not just during formal training, but in every meeting. Take them during one-on-one conversation. Document both project content (the walls need to be blue) and office content (blue paint is ordered by Sue). Type up and organize into a consistent format.

      Set project names and use them consistently on all related files and folders. “Smith Drawings”, “Smith Quote”, and “Smith Specifications” all go into the “Smith” folder inside of projects. Mirror this with “Smith” emails in an Outlook folder and with “Smith” documents in a physical one.

      Use a To-Do list to document all your tasks and organize items by priority. This helps both in making sure nothing slips through the cracks and so you are working on the most critical things.Keep tasks to single items (Quote Smith fireplace) rather than overly broad (Quote Smith’s entire house). Smaller tasks means more items you get to check off, which creates a sell-reinforcing loop of success.

      For good boundaries: keep a regular schedule. If you always arrive at 8:00am and leave at 2:30pm, people will be able to adjust to your availability. They will then be more likely to schedule a meeting at 1pm than at 3pm.

      Set the schedule based on what is most effective for the office. I work in a place that is a mix of early and late starters. So the window from 10am to 3pm would be the best time to overlap with the entire staff.

      Regularly take your entire lunch break out of the office. Being interrupted on lunch now and then is fine, but you want to establish that boundary time just like you do mornings/evenings. Knowing you might not be at your desk during lunch will encourage people to adjust to your more reliably available times.

      Good luck!

      1. Whynot*

        Thanks, really appreciate your detailed advice. Schedule-setting is definitely going to be a big part of boundary preservation. I’m already a big note-taker and it sounds like we have very similar styles in setting up and maintaining project files!

    3. Applesauced*

      I second the note taking, and add – try to keep you notes in ONE place so you’re not scrambling for a scrap of paper you just KNOW is somewhere over here.
      Boundaries:
      set up your office hours in your calendar, and don’t feel bad about leaving at 5 pm (or 6, whatever is your stopping time)
      Calendar – I like to schedule focus time. I block out my calendar for an afternoon or a day to work on one project.
      Email – I’m very close to instituting a “no email on Friday” rule for myself.

  45. anon for today*

    Something I’ve been giggling about… I’m looking at applying to internships for Clinical Pastoral Education (the type of training you do to become a certified chaplain), and the application consists of a cover sheet of basic info like your name, contact info, a reference from your faith tradition, what term you’re applying for, plus several essays. The topic for the first essay is, and I quote, “A reasonably full account of your life.”

    It makes total sense that this is something they ask for, given the nature of the work, but it makes me laugh how casually it’s stated. Like, hello, new applicant, tell us EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU, ready set go!

    1. londonedit*

      Oh goodness – this is perfect for the people who turn up to a job interview and launch into a full ‘Well, I was born in London in 1987, my family moved around a bit when I was little but eventually we settled in Surrey with a dog and three cats…’ speech when the interviewer does the standard ‘So, tell us a bit about yourself and your experience’ bit!

      1. anon for today*

        That’s exactly what I thought of! And the irony is, being a chaplain involves way more listening than anything else, so those people… might not be good fits for the work.

    3. I edit everything*

      My husband did CPE when he was in seminary. He has longish brown hair and a beard. More than one patient he visited thought he was Jesus come to take them home, I think.

    4. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      I think the “reasonably” part does indicate that they don’t want EVERYTHING about you; just the highlight reel of formative events. You can probably leave out pets, names of schools and teachers, classes you’ve taken and your grades, the name of your first date …unless they figure prominently in your personal development — like your are the oldest of siblings and were the primary childcare of the younger while parents worked, lost a parent or sibling, raised by non-parent family, had to start working at a younger age to help support the family, or family moved a lot so you had a hard time forming long-term friendships and building a sense of community, that stuff.

      1. anon for today*

        You’re definitely right, and there are other clarifying details to narrow the scope of the essay. (They want to know about people and events that have impacted your personal development, your family of origin, your current supportive relationships, etc.) The phrasing just strikes me as funny, and unusual in comparison to the broader job market and what application questions are appropriate for most kinds of work vs this kind.

    5. S*

      And they’re not kidding! I did CPE a couple years back and wrote what I thought was a reasonably full account and yet got comments in one interview that they felt I was hiding things. Which I wasn’t—I just hadn’t realize how much detail they wanted. So if you’re at all reserved or private, write what you think is right and then add at least 10%. Lol.

      Good luck! CPE was very intense but it was also very transformative!

  46. Paranoid*

    Is this a red flag, or am I being paranoid?

    A company I applied to called me on November 30th and December 2nd without leaving a voicemail. There’s an AAM post that says you don’t have to call back if someone doesn’t leave a message, so I didn’t. (I took it as a bad sign that they expected me to drop everything while at work to answer an unknown number or that they possibly expected me to know to call them back even though they didn’t leave a message anyway.)

    They emailed me yesterday, saying just, “Are you still interested in this position? I want to discuss next steps.” No idea if it’s someone from HR or the hiring manager, because they used an anonymous Indeed account and didn’t sign a name. They didn’t mention any timeframe for when they hoped they could talk or ask me for times that would be good for me to schedule a phone call.

    They seem like they’re bad at communicating or bad at the hiring process (at least compared to most other employers who have contacted me). My current job is both very hectic and very toxic, so I very much need another job, but don’t want to waste time or end up in another crappy job. I’m not sure if I should respond.

    1. londonedit*

      Sounds like they could be either bad at communicating or bad at hiring or both, but if you’re interested in the job I’d probably give them another chance to redeem themselves. Maybe the person doesn’t know how to use Indeed and didn’t realise the message wouldn’t contain their name etc? I’d go back to them and say ‘Thank you for your message; I am still interested in the position and would be happy to speak to the hiring manager or HR representative as a next step. I can be contacted via email on [address]; alternatively I am available for phone calls between [time] and [time] on Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th. Looking forward to hearing from you’. It could be that the interview process throws up more red flags, but I’d give them a chance before making that decision.

    2. Someone Online*

      You might be reading too much into things. Plus it could be a company policy not to leave specifics of personnel matters on voicemails.

      Do due diligence about the company, of course. But I wouldn’t consider the above huge red flags.

    3. T*

      If they’re unsure whether the phone is your personal phone or a work phone, it makes sense that they’d avoid leaving a message.

    4. anon for today*

      I think it’s a orangey-yellow flag, but that if the position is interesting to you, it could still be worth responding and trying to set up a phone interview. It’s not great communication, but it’s not so egregious that you should definitely take them out of the running no matter what. If you are swamped with other interviews or the role just seems meh, maybe let this one go, but it’s really up to you.

  47. Cyndi*

    I like my job fine and would otherwise prefer to stay here, but the office is moving locations in May and the new commute would be intolerably worse, so I’m regretfully cranking up the job search machine. So far it’s looking like my current position might actually be the best-paying for my work around here–plus most data entry positions are as contractors assigned to an office long-term by a staffing company, I did that my last two jobs, and it’s a terrible setup I don’t want to go back to if I can possibly help it. Not an encouraging start.

  48. A question*

    I’m an hourly junior employee at a small company and we have a paid week off between Christmas and new year. There’s a good chance I’ll be the on call person (may or may not have the on call phone), meaning I need to stay within our city.
    1. if I’m given the phone (not a typical duty for me or factored into my compensation) what kind of compensation should I be asking for?
    2. Typically, being called in after hours is paid overtime (but normally I’ve actually worked 40 hours that week). I’m not out of line to be expecting to be paid overtime rather than regular if I’m called in when the company is closed, right?
    To be clear, I don’t mind if any of this, but I want to be prepared just in case, since the company has had problems before by being unclear about what exactly provides extra compensation. I’d discuss this with my manager before accepting but want to set my expectations appropriately. Thanks for any advice!

    1. Rick Tq*

      If your travel is restricted this may be an “engaged to wait” situation where you are paid some extra compensation the whole week and not just being paid when you are actually engaged with a call. A talk with your state Labor board may be in order.

    2. Sloanicota*

      Ooh this is a tough one because in most cases I don’t think work is obliged to pay you either overtime or any extra compensation for this at all, but morally they should do something so they are not ruining your – and only your – vacation. They will have to pay you for any time you actually work, if you are hourly. As far as I know they’re not obligated to give you any paid leave at all (they would actually be within their rights to have the week unpaid if the office was closed, although then they couldn’t ask you to be on call for free) and they don’t need to pay overtime unless you work more than 40 hours.

    3. Foley*

      Not that you’re volunteering, but is this something you’d want to clear up now on the theory that you could reasonably be expected to make plans?

  49. Kat Maps*

    One of my colleagues has been very lovely and offering me rides home from work frequently. Additionally, after we finished a large project together that was particularly stressful for her, she gifted me a satchet of tea as a ‘thank you’. Before the holidays, I would like to give her a gift to show my gratutude for the transportation she’s offered me.
    She does not like tea or coffee. She does like wine, and speaks of visiting numerous vinyards often. Admittedly I feel a bit weird about bringing a bottle of wine to work to gift her – 1) because she’d be the only person I’m giving a gift to, 2) is it weird to bring wine to work? and 3) she seems like she knows enough about wine that I’m self-conscious selecting a bottle for her.
    Does anyone have ideas for a small but thoughtful gift I could present to her that are workplace appropriate?

    1. Decidedly Me*

      In my area, there is a “wine passport” which gives benefits at different wineries – maybe there is something like that around you?

    2. SoloKid*

      If she is still giving you rides, during the car trip would be my suggestion as a time/place to give the gift so other people in the office don’t have to see it (if that is what you are worried about).

      I don’t think gifting wine is a big deal in an office. People give 1-1 gifts to others all the time (e.g. for doing extra work on a project or whatnot).

      As for the self conscious part…I personally love wine and if I was gifted a “bad” bottle I could just cook with it and I’d never say a word to the gifter. :)

    3. I edit everything*

      I would be leery of buying her wine, because I have little knowledge myself. How about something that goes well with wine? Good chocolates, cheese, a pair of nice glasses, or something?

    4. anon for today*

      Is there a good local wine shop in your/her area? You could do a gift card to that, or to a vineyard she’s mentioned enjoying. I know some people find gift cards impersonal, but in this scenario I think it could be great because it shows that you a) put thought into she’d most enjoy but b) are self-aware enough to know you don’t know much about the area, and want her to have options.

      1. Sloanicota*

        Also, if I go to a nice wine shop, I will ask the merchant to recommend something in my price range (tell them anything you know about what she might like) and I’ve never been disappointed. I don’t know anything about wine and it’s not something I really go for so I need the help. I would only do this with a knowledgeable-seeming and enthusiastic employee, ideally the owner or manager.

    5. Prospect Gone Bad*

      There is nothing weird about giving a gift to only person or to gifting wine at work. Most people will know you have a special relationship

    6. Toxic Workplace Survivor*

      Nice hand cream works for something like this, too. It’s a little luxury many women don’t spring for themselves plus it’s always handy to keep a bottle at work during the winter months (assuming you are in Northern Hemisphere)

    8. EJane*

      A really nice corkscrew could be a good gift. Something from Sur la Table, Williams and Sonoma, or Crate and Barrel. If your coworker ever complains about hand strength or soreness, go for a winged corkscrew; if not, a waiter’s corkscrew is super classy and is easy to store and carry.

    9. Storm in a teacup*

      I don’t think gifting wine is inappropriate but if she does love wine then she may be more particular about what she chooses to drink. maybe a gift card for a local wine merchant or to a wine tasting. Wine glasses are also a good option or a wine decanter.
      I like the wine passport idea too

    10. WellRed*

      If she likes wine, giver her wine in a gift bag made for wine bottles. Don’t give wine accessories or vineyard gift cards. Ask the wine proprietor for recommendations and bonus if you at least know what type of wine (Pinot Grigio? Cabernet?). Signed, a wine drinker

    11. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      I love fine wine, been on wine-themed vacations, etc. and have never hated or sneered at a gift of wine; so there’s one data point for what it’s worth. If you buy her a bottle of wine, try to go to a wine shop, even BevMo or Trader Joes, rather than the grocery store so that the staff can help you pick a bottle. They should be able to recommend a nice mid priced popular wine. My favorite reasonably priced go-to if you have them in your area is La Crema, especially their Pinot Noir (but I prefer reds) or their Sauvignon Blanc for a white. And there’s really nothing wrong with 2 buck chuck…Charles Shaw wines…it tastes fine.

  50. a mean one*

    Any thoughts on organizing office holiday celebrations when you’d honestly rather chew your own arm off?

    Context: I am a newly-minted manager (department chair) in US K-12 public education. I am also deeply un-festive. This is especially the case around religious holidays – I’m really uncomfortable with, e.g. Christmas celebrations in a (supposedly) secular public school – but honestly I’m not a big holiday person in general, even for things like July 4th or Thanksgiving.

    But. New manager; department that has a tradition of holding a Christmas party during the last week before winter break. I don’t want to be a Grinch, but I also don’t want to be responsible for this party. Anybody been through something similar and have thoughts?

    1. Kiwiii*

      If it’s tradition, any chance that there’s previous years’ plans available and that you can just easily execute “the thing we did last year” without having to have much investment or affection for it?

    2. just another queer reader*

      – get someone else to organize it
      – do an “end of semester potluck” during lunch to keep it low-key and not too holiday focused
      – if you feel obligated to organize an activity, maybe make it professionally relevant. If you’re the science department chair, do a fun experiment/ demo that could be used in the classroom, or invite the biology class snake to the party, etc

    3. Educator*

      I would have also been deeply uncomfortable hosting a religious-themed event when I worked in public education. Your instincts are right. Because it sounds important to moral, I would throw, but rebrand, the party. Other possible themes: Winter, We Made it to the End of the Semester, New Year’s, Thank You for Your Hard Work, etc. Put the new theme on the evite, maybe have a few theme-related decorations, and never say the word “Christmas” at work again.

      In terms of the actual planning, people only really care about the catering. Put your energy there, and keep it easy. Depending on your budget, I would delegate the whole darn thing to a local restaurant if possible. I used cafe-type places rather than dinner places to make events like this affordable. I have also hosted some fun staff parties at cheap venues that included food, like a bowling ally or a diner. I feel like it is my job to name the time and place, make sure there is food, give a two-minute speech about how much I appreciate everyone and look forward to another great year, and pay the bill with my company card. Done.

      I grit my teeth a bit at this kind of thing too, but telling myself that it is a way of thanking people for their work really helps.

      1. WantonSeedStitch*

        This. Make the theme unrelated to the holidays, get good food, tell your team how awesome they are, and let them eat and chat for the rest of the time. That’s all you need. Often, doing more only makes it less fun.

    4. Keeley Jones, The Independent Woman*

      I don’t work in K-12 but I am the head of my son’s elementary school PTO, out of guilt because no one else would do it.

      I am NOT a kid person, nor an overly celebratory type either, but IME people in that world very much love that stuff. So I do what others have suggested, just do what’s been done in years past or have somebody else who’s into it organize it. I don’t have to love it, because it’s for the teachers or the students, and they like it. Thankfully I’ve had two other stay at home parents take over those things, they are doing a coffee and pastry bar next week. I focus more on fundraising (with a no selling crappy chocolate agenda), donations, and over all objectives. So it works out. Every now and then I have to fake enthusiasm for Trunk or Treat, but I get through it.

    5. just a random teacher*

      If you want the holiday party to happen as usual, just without your involvement, then locate That One Teacher who really likes to plan “fun” things and ask her if she’d mind taking the lead. (You can usually tell who this person is because her classroom is decorated within an inch of its life and she’s always sending out emails trying to convince everyone else to join her class in their whatever-it-is project that sounds exhausting. Our building’s person of this nature has attempted to organize everything from cultural slide shows celebrating everyone’s family culture to monthly dress-up spirit days.)

      If you want to pivot it away from religion, try shifting it to a “Welcome back” party in January when people return from break instead. That gives people less to do in the busy pre-Christmas December party schedule, plus gives people a chance to get caught up with their coworkers again after they haven’t seen them for a few weeks.

      1. Flower necklace*

        I agree with getting someone else to do it. I am also a department chair at a K-12 public school, and one of my teachers (of her volition) organized a holiday party. It’s not our tradition at all, but she felt like it would be fun. I ended up sending a lot of the communication about it, like inviting our boss and a few other people, because she didn’t feel comfortable with that aspect. But it was still her idea and she’s doing the bulk of the work.

  51. Ragged and Rusty*

    Beyond contacting the Ethics and Compliance people and my manager, is there any other person I’d need to inform if an ex-coworker is harassing me for information I’d provided while we worked together?

    1. Rick Tq*

      If they still are at the same company notify HR and their manager too. You mentioned Ethics and Compliance so there must be some data protection or privacy rules in place.

      It sounds like you are the Easy Button to get the data they want, assuming they even still have a Need To Know the information with their new duties.

      1. Ragged and Rusty*

        I WAS the easy button; I walked him through the information in recorded teams calls multiple times and process documents.
        He left the company on bad terms and absolutely hated me. He was a bigoted HR nightmare.
        His new company just happens to have a contract for a company that uses a slightly different version of the proprietary program I wrote the process documents for. If he was still employed by the same company I would’ve forwarded the videos and process documents again.

        1. Rick Tq*

          If he is no longer an employee and won’t take no for an answer it is time for a Restraining Order. Block his phone numbers and mark his messages as SPAM..

        2. Observer**

          So you are still at the company and ex-coworker is asking for information about your company?

          Let your manager, Ethics and Compliance people AND HR know that this is still ongoing and that you are going to 1. start blocking him on all methods and 2. let his current employer know.

          And then, DO IT.

    2. irene adler*

      Depending upon the form and intensity of the harassment, security (like if you felt physically at risk) should need to know.

      Maybe IT if you think there’s a risk there.

      1. Ragged and Rusty*

        I did reply to the original message to remind him that I’d be unable to help him anymore as we were no longer coworkers and he escalated to slurs and insults. I’ll go ask security for other next steps because he sounds unhinged.

        1. Rick Tq*

          It may be he presented himself as a Subject Matter Expert when he was interviewing, his probation is almost over, and now it is Put Up or Shut Up time.

          Panic City and it is your fault because you won’t help him like you used to…

          Notifying Security sounds like a good plan.

        2. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

          You could also choose to forward that email to his current boss at his new company, letting them know that they have an employee acting like that, but I’m not sure I can recommend doing that since it might expose you to further drama.

        3. Observer**

          Yeah, talk to IT and security.

          Oh, and change your passwords. ESPECIALLY if any of them are based on anything he might know about.

    3. StellaBella*

      Forward screenshots of messages, all emails etc to his new firm (find him on linkedin then block him there) – to their head of HR, Security, and C level people. Also, check your digital footprint and tighten it down so he cannot find you. Block phone and email too once all this has been forwarded.

  52. Applesauced*

    I think our office manager Patty (f, 50ish) doesn’t like me (f, mid 30’s).

    We’re a small company so Patty is the office manager, reception, and HR all in one.
    She has never been outright rude to me, and this isn’t impacting how we work together, she just….. not as friendly with me as she is with my coworkers.
    You know how you can hear if someone is smiling when you talk on the phone? I can hear that tone in her voice when she talks to other people, but not to me.

    I say please and thank you when I ask for anything, I say hello and goodbye when I come in or out (her desk if by the front door), I ask how she’s doing, I clean up after myself when I use the kitchen or conference rooms…..

    Is this worth looking into?
    Do I ask her if I’ve done something to anger her? Do I mention it to my bosses and have them talk to Patty?

    1. Decidedly Me*

      If she’s treating you professionally, I would leave it alone. This isn’t something to bring up to a boss.

    2. Bunny Girl*

      Since you said Patty isn’t outright rude to you and it isn’t impacting how you work together, I would honestly just let it go. Some people just don’t click on a personal level and that’s not the end of the world. If it does go beyond that, then I’d think about raising the issue, but since she is still being cordial and doing her job, I don’t think there’s much you can do. Keep being a good coworker, and don’t worry about it too much.

    3. Cyndi*

      This would totally worry me too, but I don’t think there’s much you can reasonably do about it. Definitely please don’t ask your boss to ask Patty to enjoy talking to you more.

    4. WantonSeedStitch*

      I’d let it go. If she becomes rude or unprofessional, or if you find her doing things (or failing to do things) such that your work is impacted, it’s worth talking about to your boss. But no, you don’t ask your boss to talk to someone because they aren’t as friendly to you as they are to other people. Absolutely not. You COULD go out of your way to be particularly warm to her, if her opinion is important to you for some reason, as a way of hopefully thawing her a bit. But it sounds like it might be hard to make it come across as genuine.

    5. Mockingjay*

      You don’t have to like everyone you work with. You just have to interact professionally, which the two of you are already doing.

      You said it yourself: “this isn’t impacting how we work together.” Patty isn’t doing anything wrong; she’s doing her job. Please let this go.

    6. RagingADHD*

      Leave it alone. Just continue doing all the correct things you’re doing. In this world, there will always be some people who just don’t warm up to you, for whatever reason (and vice versa).

      No harm, no foul.

    7. Dr. Doll*

      Although I’m going to agree with everyone that you should leave it alone and hopefully you are imagining things, I also want to express sympathy. It’s tough to feel like someone doesn’t like you and you have no idea why! Takes a lot more energy when every time you go to interact, you have to get over the little fear-of-rejection speedbump. But you just gotta fake it here.

      1. Applesauced*

        Thanks for the sympathy! As a type-A overachieving Tracy Flick style people pleaser, I hate when I don’t…. well, please people.

        Patty is professional, and good at her job. I can’t control if she likes me or not, all I can do is be nice to her and try not to take it personally.

        1. allathian*

          Ha, that explains it. I don’t particularly like type-A overachievers either, and while I treat my ambitious go-getter coworkers with respect and I should hope that I’m always professional in my dealings with them, I’ll never feel any warmth towards them, and I suspect that the feeling is mutual. I don’t “get” type-A people on a personal level, because I find it hard to relate to people whose attitude to work is diametrically opposite to my own. I work to live, and I definitely don’t live to work, and I’m not particularly ambitious even if I want to do a good job.

          At the same time, I do get the people pleaser bit. I was a bit of a loner in middle school, and only found my people in high school. I guess I have what I can only self-diagnose as some form of rejection-sensitive dysphoria from not fitting in at school. I feel vaguely uncomfortable during our coffee breaks if I can’t face everyone I’m talking to. Sometimes there are so many people that we sit two deep around the same table, and then my back is always turned to someone, and it’s even worse if someone who’s talking has their back turned towards me. I realize that this reaction is neither reasonable nor rational, so I keep it to myself.

          About 5 years ago there was a group of coworkers who were also friend-friends. I didn’t realize that was the case until one day when I heard them talking about going to lunch and I asked if I could join them, and one of them said something like “you’re obviously more than welcome to join our monthly team lunches, but this time we want to go on a friend lunch” while making it obvious that I wasn’t a friend. That was a bit awkward to be sure. Just after that, my then-manager came the office I share with a coworker, and because she was very people-oriented rather than task-oriented, and because I must’ve looked a bit sad, she asked what was wrong (my coworker wasn’t there at the time). So, I told her what had happened. She said that it was unfortunate but there was nothing she could do about it, lunches are time off the clock, and she can’t tell her employees to invite everyone to go to lunch with them, and obviously I agreed with her when she put it like that.

          Now that friend group is broken up, only one out of the five of them still works in our team. We still WFH most of the time, and we don’t have any days that we’re required to be at the office except our biannual development days, so usually those members of our team who happen to be at the office go to lunch together.

          But there’s a reason why I distrust friend-friendships at work. The only requirement is to be professional and reasonably collegial with your coworkers, personal warmth can be a nice bonus when it happens, but it can’t be forced. Just like I can’t force myself to feel personal warmth towards, say, type-A overachievers, I can’t expect everyone else to feel that sort of warmth towards me, either. And I’m also glad that my then-manager gently reminded me of what I knew in my heart of hearts, that people are allowed to have friends at work, and to choose who they go to lunch with.

    8. Observer**

      The real question here is what do you expect to accomplish here?

      I get that you want people to like you, but you can’t force people to like you. And getting your boss involved is likely to make things worse. It’s also likely to make you look really odd to your boss.

      How long have you been working there? Perhaps if you are relatively new, she just needs time to warm up.

      In any case, keep doing what you are doing and know that if she doesn’t like you, that’s her issue not yours.

  53. Lily Rowan*

    I’ve been somewhat dissatisfied with my job, and the other week thought I would at least check out openings across my institution. Well, I saw one that looked potentially great! It had been posted for a couple of weeks at that point. I submitted an application online over Thanksgiving, and tried to put it out of my head.

    BUT! I actually know the hiring manager a little. Should I send her a direct note?

    I’m not that worried about the timeline, given how slow things move here no matter what, and especially this time of year.

    1. Red Reader the Adulting Fairy*

      As a hiring manager, I actually like when internal candidates (even the ones I don’t know) take the initiative to reach out when they apply to my posted positions, with the caveat that if this is your first impression, please make it a good one – don’t be a jerk, don’t email me fifty times in the next three days asking when I’m going to schedule your interview, etc. But our org culture is one where we really like to move people up our career ladder, and talent development is personally one of my favorite aspects of leadership/management to boot.

      And hearing from someone I already know is just going to make that potential positive impression even more likely to be positive — the last time I had a position posted, someone that I had worked with in the past reached out to ask about it, and even though the conversation we had as a result was unfortunately me explaining why she wasn’t actually qualified for that position (as well as what she could do in the future that might change that for next time, and/or open up similar opportunities for her in other ways), we both still came away from it feeling like it was a very positive interaction, and we’d both learned from each other.

      1. WantonSeedStitch*

        I second all of this! You don’t want to go to the level of setting up an “informational interview” if you’re already applied: the informational interview about a position is more to learn about the job to see if it’s one you might be interested in. If you’re already interested enough to apply, then the interview request smacks of “I’m trying to get around the process.” But dropping me a note to say that you saw the posting, were excited about it, and submitted an application? Absolutely!

  54. So very tired here*

    Working with baby in daycare we’re very fortunate to afford (both sets of parents still working or mentally ill or whatever so that wasn’t an option). It’s more than our monthly mortgage and we make enough, barely enough to cover said daycare (combined total salary roughly $200k). How on earth do parents of 2 or more kids do this? Is the current/next generation one of only children? How do you balance work and kids and stay sane in this current environment (with, y’know, RSV, colds, and all else)? An understanding boss? A flex schedule?

    1. Alton Brown's Evil Twin*

      I think this is a major reason why a lot of people have dropped out of the workforce. Couples have decided they’d rather go back to single earner + stay-at-home parent, rather than deal with the cost and uncertainty of daycare.

      1. Bromaa*

        My husband planned his entire working life around us being single-earner (me!) so he could stay home with kiddo. It means we live a more modest life than both our siblings — but it put us in a very, very good position when covid unexpectedly hit fifteen days before bebe turned 1. I was able to continue working (from home now) without interruption, and we had no daycare to be disturbed. We haven’t had Covid either, which was a nice side effect.

    2. Another parent*

      We had our two kids five years apart because we couldn’t afford two in day care at once, and stopped there. I try not to think about that too much or I get mad.

    3. sometimes*

      Understanding boss, plenty of PTO, flex schedule to accommodate drop-offs and pickups. Also I have not looked for a new position in quite a while, as I’m able to be more successful at this job with my limited mental space while our kid is small, just due to my institutional knowledge.

      For the day care costs, they do decrease as the kids get older so you’ll see some relief, although with inflation your prices might remain steady. With two or more kids in care I understand that many people eat into savings to sustain the day care cost temporarily, or explore a nanny as it starts to get up there. When our plan was two, we expected to be paycheck-to-paycheck and do savings for unexpected costs–we had enough buffer saved to be able to do this for a few years, but might have run it down at the end.

      Day care is absurdly expensive for parents and also doesn’t pay the caregivers very much. Such a terrible system and don’t know how to fix it.

    4. Casper Lives*

      I’m not sure most people are staying afloat. I’ve seen grandma / SAH sibling / other family watching kids; hiring an au pair or nanny share; one parent must become SAH or part time with part time childcare from a religious group.

      My own parents struggled with this too, especially because I was a sick kid. And childcare is more expensive now. They lucked out in paying a SAH mother in our neighborhood to care for us. She had two kids close in age to the two of us. We all got to socialize and it was less than a daycare. (Probably under the table but it benefited all)

    5. MigraineMonth*

      My sister probably wouldn’t have had a second kid if our parents hadn’t covered the second child’s daycare costs.

      One of my friends had to drop out of the workforce when they had their third child because childcare cost more than she could make. As a result, the family dropped out of the middle class and had to move into section 8 housing.

      Some parents are making ends meet, but unfortunately a lot can’t anymore.

      1. Mom of 3*

        We just had our third (see below) and are currently relying on food pantries. Both parents employed.

    6. Sssssssssssssssssssssssssss*

      Also depends on the jobs. I knew a family where he did shifts so some mornings he could stay home with the kids and other days, it was the daycare and other days it was his aunt as well. It was a patchwork system and they made it work but it wasn’t ideal. It can go sideways quickly should the daycare provider decide they’re on vacation on the day you need them, or they’re sick.

      It can get really crazy if the daycare has rules that you child has to be fever-free for 48 hours before returning (or similar), meaning you’re at home or scrambling to find a friend/parent to watch a kid that’s more or less better but still within the 48-hour window.

      I have a coworker who is proactively working extra time for her own very-much needed regular medial appointments to save her sick time for her kid when the kid comes home sick from day care.

      Those first three to five years in daycare and kindergarten are brutal. I was a SAHM and had it easy but man, they still bring home all the germs.

    7. Gracely*

      I don’t have kids, but all of my friends who do have only 1 or 2. And the ones with 2 have them spaced out, or they *both* have really flexible work schedules. I have relatives who have more, but in those cases, one spouse has a really great job, and the other stays/stayed at home until the youngest was old enough for school.

      1. Gracely*

        Oh, and also, everyone I know with 2 or more kids has at least one set of grandparents still around who take the kids at least some of the time.

        One of my friends has said the one unexpected bonus of both her and her spouse’s parents all being divorced is that they have twice as many grandparents to rely on for help. Which…I mean, I guess it is a silver lining.

    8. Pop*

      All of the above. Hoping to have kiddo #2 3-4 years after the first, we’ll probably only need to double pay for one year. Next year when my kid is 2, her daycare costs will go down as infant care is more expensive. My husband works food service so we stagger schedules – kiddo is in daycare part time – but that means we each do a lot of solo parenting and don’t have a ton of time together as a family. We are both at jobs where we’ve been for a while and have goodwill, flexibility, and supportive bosses who have older kids and remember what it was like to have littles. We’ve started to build up a support system of other care options – kiddo LOVES her babysitter who we use every 2-3 weeks. We also try to cut expenses – live in a one bedroom, drive a very old car, hand-me-downs for all of kiddo’s clothes, used cloth diapers from FB marketplace, etc. We make under $100k in a MCOL city and definitely have some stress but are doing okay.

    9. aubrey*

      Of people I know some have dropped out of the workforce, some have nearby grandparent support, one couple both work really high paying jobs and hardly see their kids, and one couple work opposite shifts, so they hardly see each other but pretty much cover childcare between them. None of these are options for everyone or ideal situations for the people involved really. Also I have a family member working in daycare and the pay is so terrible she can’t afford to rent a studio apartment alone. The whole system is so broken!

    10. WantonSeedStitch*

      Hugs and sympathy. My son is in daycare a couple days a week. My husband doesn’t have a regular job (he works a week or so out of state every couple of months), so he looks after the baby most days. He needs some time, though, for some work-related stuff at home and for job applications (and for his own sanity–spending all week chasing a toddler full time is HARD). We are absolutely not having another. That’s not all due to issues of childcare, but it certainly is a big part of the reason. And we’re lucky enough to have my retired-and-healthy parents not far away so my mom can come help out during the times my husband is away.

      For what it’s worth, I DO also have a very understanding boss and a lot of PTO and flexibility in using it. If my husband is gone for, say, a week, I can have my mom come stay with me for a few days and take the rest of the time as vacation. If I have to drop things to take my son to the doctor, my boss is fine with that.

      It’s still hard. I don’t do much else at all besides work, take care of my son, and do household chores. In the evenings, I am too beat to do much besides flop on the couch and watch TV with my husband. Nearly all of vacation time is used in caring for a toddler solo. I can’t drive, so I can’t even bring him to daycare on the days when he’s normally scheduled, if my husband is out of town. Yeah, it’s still hard. But I’m one of the lucky ones, I know.

    11. CheeryO*

      I don’t have kids, but from what I’ve seen with my coworkers and friends, it takes two solid incomes and/or family support, with at least one of the jobs providing a lot of flexibility and/or generous PTO.

      COL factors in too. Until recently, housing was super cheap in my area (it still is, comparatively, but the days of getting a mortgage that’s cheaper than your rent are gone). Add in the opportunity to refinance when interest rates were under 3%, combined with better salaries from inflation and remote work, and you have an absolute cheat code for those lucky enough to have taken advantage of it.

    12. RagingADHD*

      A lot of people have 1 parent stop working and downgrade their lifestyle – up to and including selling their home, moving to a lower COL area, getting rid of a car, hoping the kids earn scholarships, etc.

      Every household budget is build on a certain set of assumptions about what expenses are fixed and what is discretionary. If the budget doesn’t work, you have to change the underlying assumptions.

    13. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

      I have no idea, which is why I have no children. I wanted kids, but I’m single with no plans to find a partner and I just don’t see any way to afford infant care on my salary. If I could just magically stay home until they hit at least preschool-age I could swing it, and my job works well for childcare needs once they get to elementary school age, but those baby and toddler years I just don’t see a way to make it work financially.

      It sucks a lot, since I really wanted kids.

    14. Mom of 3*

      It is really, really, really hard. Our oldest is in kindergarten; public school would save us more than $10,000/year but it’s important to us that our kids attend a private religious school. So for us, we won’t see that financial “relief” parents get once kids enter public school. We also have no family nearby (although even if we did, no one would be available to help us).

      I have a job I really like: WFH, super flexible, great boss. However, I’m an independent contractor – no insurance benefits. I end up taking a LOT of unpaid PTO because otherwise there is no one to take care of the kids when they’re sick/school’s out, etc. The whole family recently got sick so I had to take the whole week off – unpaid.

      The math is so frustrating because I make so little at this job, but I enjoy it, and I really don’t want to be home full-time with my baby and toddler (she loves her playgroup). Full-time work is pretty much impossible as childcare is at most six hours in our area (idk why).

      Honestly, we are facing thousands of dollars in debt right now, due to poor insurance coverage (and temporary lack thereof) during my pregnancy and unpaid parental leave for both me and my husband. And I have no idea how we will be able to make it up. I lie awake in bed at night worrying about it.

      Despite it all, I would still love to add another child to our family. I don’t know if you’d call that being financially irresponsible…but deciding not to have a much-wanted child due to a financial situation that can potentially be improved is not the (irreversible) choice I’d want to make, though I absolutely respect others who make that choice. And we can at least commiserate about how much it sucks that this is even a choice we feel forced to make.

      1. Observer**

        So for us, we won’t see that financial “relief” parents get once kids enter public school.

        If you have not done so yet, talk to your school. Many schools will provide some tuition relief, and it can make a HUGE difference.

      2. BadCultureFIt*

        I cannot imagine being thousands of dollars in debt and still paying for private school. That’s a…choice.

    15. Pulled The Goalie*

      Everyone I know with 3+ children has someone in their house 24/7 whose only job is child care. Usually a parent or other relative, though I’ve seen round-the-clock nanny coverage. Even two kids can push the lowest earner out of the workforce, because they’re not making enough money to justify the sanity cost of trying to make work happen.

      I am only now, in my mid-30s, in a position where it would be even vaguely sane to try for a kid. I’m not sure it would be sane to have a second. And I’m almost the last person who has any business complaining – my husband and I are well-paid computer geeks with the ability to work whenever and wherever.

    16. Rara Avis*

      My kid (now 14) was IVF, so higher probability than average for being twins. Infant care for twins would have been more than my salary (and the caretakers were undoubtedly underpaid). And yet we couldn’t afford housing in our high COL area with only one adult working (both teachers, so on the low end). It is definitely part of the reason we only have one kid.

    17. Erin*

      One of the reasons I was a stay at home parent until my children were school-aged was the cost of childcare and how much time I would have had to take off for illnesses. As to how we afford it now, it would be much worse if we didn’t have access to subsidized care through the military. We make about half of what you do and have 2 kids in care after school and during school breaks.

  55. MigraineMonth*

    Good news!

    The week before Thanksgiving, my workplace sent out an email inviting us to participate in a “holidays weight maintenance challenge”. It’s certainly not the worst challenge I’ve heard of (the hospital who decided to do a “Biggest Loser” competitive weight-loss competition takes the low-carb cake), but it’s still an overstep for an employer, triggering for people struggling with disordered eating, and Christmas-centric.

    I was trying to decide whether to spend political capitol pushing back on it when they sent out a second email canceling the “challenge”. Yay!

      1. MigraineMonth*

        Yeah, I’m saving my political capitol up to suggest discontinuing the “Health and Wellness” newsletter they send out every month with incisive, science-based advice such as “wear a warm coat in below-freezing weather” and “broccoli contains as much iron as steak!”

        1. Prospect Gone Bad*

          FWIW I actually have a dietician and they’ve pushed the protein/iron in vegetables thing very hard and seem to want to get people off of huge amounts of animal protein due to all the health issues they see in people. I’m not sure how pushing back on something like that works? The point might be lost.

          In general I am not sure I would be pushing back on any of this. You’re not being forced to participate. Many people want to lose weight or maintain their weight loss (in which case they’d do the competition with the intention of not winning). It sort of feels like pretending it’s a win to shut down Narcotics Anonymous when you never went to meetings to begin with. I wouldn’t assume your coworkers share your personal preference and if more than a few do, I still don’t think it’s cool to shut down an activity not meant for you.

          1. WantonSeedStitch*

            Why is it my workplace’s job to make sure I am aware of the iron content of broccoli? Why is it their job to encourage me to lose weight?

            1. Hlao-roo*

              It should not be. But because in the US most employers offer health insurance, and the employer’s costs for the health insurance are cheaper if their employees are healthier. So a fair number of companies have “wellness initiatives” and the like in an effort to boost the health of their employees and thus lower their health insurance costs.

              1. MigraineMonth*

                Our health insurance provides wellness initiatives directly, such as giving gift cards for scheduling preventative care or learning about when it’s important to go to the ER instead of Urgent Care. The portal includes a “healthy habits” section where you can earn rewards for losing weight *if a doctor recommends it*, but you can also earn rewards for having better sleep habits or improving work-life balance. My employer additionally reimburses some costs for exercise classes and sports equipment.

                I have no problem with any of that. I do have a problem with Jenny from HR trying to weigh me on the assumption that a) it’s any of the company’s business, b) gaining weight would be bad for my health and c) I will struggle with not gaining weight over December because I’ll be celebrating Christmas.

                1. Observer**

                  have no problem with any of that. I do have a problem with Jenny from HR trying to weigh me on the assumption that a) it’s any of the company’s business, b) gaining weight would be bad for my health and c) I will struggle with not gaining weight over December because I’ll be celebrating Christmas.

                  Yeah, that challenge is gross. And if someone else hadn’t already done the job for you, pushing back on that would be an excellent idea.

                  But why do you care about the newsletter. Nothing you mention there is wrong, nor is it problematic. Some of this is about the level you expect to talk to 1st graders at, true. But I don’t see why I would bur political capital on that.

                2. MigraineMonth*

                  @Observer You’re right, it isn’t worth spending political capitol on. It just seems condescending and pointless.

                  I would prefer that they allocated the money currently spent on the newsletter (both the time spent putting it together and the money to buy the raffle prize you have to read the newsletter to enter) to the gym/exercise equipment fund that always runs out.

            2. Prospect Gone Bad*

              I thought we were talking about a newsletter you don’t have to read, and a contest you don’t have to join? Did I miss the part where someone force you to sit down and listen to a lecture about broccoli?

          2. MigraineMonth*

            Except no reasonable person would look at the data and say “there’s more iron in broccoli than steak”. Based on weight, steak has far more. Based on serving size, broccoli has far more. The only way to say broccoli has more iron than steak is *per calorie*, which was not specified. Not to mention, animal-type iron is more easily absorbed than plant-type iron.

            I’m not pro-steak: I don’t eat any red meat, and recently, I have been trying to raise my hemoglobin levels high enough to qualify for blood donation. Nevertheless, this “fact” is so misleading as to be completely pointless.

            1. Prospect Gone Bad*

              You and other commenters have not been getting that there are audiences for this material. There are some people who actually want to be in a weight loss club or receive health info because it motivates them to get healthy.

              No one is litigating these newsletters they way you are. It’s better to get to the point and say you just don’t like these things instead of couching it in pretending to call out misinformation.

              Just to give you my personal POV. I am someone who ate loads of vegetables and salads and such and suddenly had really high cholesterol and had to get a dietician. It was a real blow to my ego because I felt like I was doing it all right. Apparently I saw slightly overdoing animal protein and maybe too much salad dressing and these little things accumulated into horrible cholesterol. I would love a group or newsletter purely for motivation. Of course you can use this as proof people can make bad decisions based on light info (for example loads of people not eating healthy carbs now because carbs are now “unhealthy” even though they are not) but most people just want motivation and to be a part of the group, not taking every factoid literally

              1. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

                …but why is a mass email at work the way to transmit this information? I’d have no issue with someone signing up for whatever nutrition newsletter suited them, and could certainly see my health insurance provider offering such a newsletter as a thing one could sign up for, but it doesn’t make sense as a thing to send out to the whole company unasked. (My work health newsletters are usually about mindfullness and stress relief, which is one of those things where what they need to be doing is making our jobs less stressful rather than telling us to do even more extra things to destress from our jobs.)

                1. Prospect Gone Bad*

                  Is a mass email at work some private thing where you can filter off everything? Not sure it is. Also I’ve encountered many and am related to a few “my health choices are none of your business” types who fail to realize that no, actually, your choices do impact other people. I think people here and online in general try really hard to create a boundary that doesn’t always exist in real life here. And yes, this isn’t 100% work related. But I and many others have had to excessively cover for sick people or take care of relatives for years (or take care of their houses or yards) for years because they made certain lifestyle choices. When someone puts their need to eat junk, smoke, and not exercise over everything else, yes, it sometimes becomes other peoples’ problems (ever see 600 pound life?), and an email at work that you don’t need to open is the least intrusive way I can think of pointing it out.

              2. MigraineMonth*

                …isn’t the point of facts that they should be literally true? I know lying with statistics and incorrectly citing scientific studies is a pet peeve of mine, but I don’t think it’s crazy to expect health information to be at least generally accurate.

                1. Prospect Gone Bad*

                  maybe if you have a more specific example to argue, add that, and we can talk. The problem with this particular one is that exactly zero people have ever or will ever switch from steak to broccoli because of this. It’s a very hyperbolic type of comment like “hey, remember other things contain protein.” And even if they did, how many people will legitimately be hurt by this? No one. It’s just a bad example to be using here

          3. Irish Teacher*

            I don’t know about the previous commentators but I really don’t think anybody should be giving medical advice without qualifications. Obviously, I don’t know the qualifications of the person creating the newsletter but if they have no medical or scientific qualifications, they could easily unknowingly give inaccurate or even harmful advice.

            And yeah, you would hope adults would know not to get their medical advice from a company newsletter, but…I’ve heard adults cite even more ridiculous sources.

            I don’t think it’s about personal preference so much as that if people are at their ideal weight or underweight, then losing weight will make them less healthy, at least potentially. Maintenance is less of a problem, but could still be triggering to somebody who is recovering from an eating disorder and is starting to gain weight. I am no expert here, but would imagine that if somebody were gaining weight after something like anorexia, it might be stressful to have everybody around them reminding each other not to gain weight and borderline boasting about how they have maintained their weight/not gained anything.

            Yeah, there are people who want to lose weight or maintain their current weight and often this is healthy, but for some people, it is not and could even be harmful and honestly, a lot of people have some level of body image or eating issues. And then there can be subtle pressure. Depending on the workplace, sometimes the person who is at their healthy weight or slightly underweight and therefore should not be participating in a weight loss contest can be seen as “no fun” or “not wanting to be part of the group”. Even maintenance could be a problem for the person who needs to gain weight.

  56. Becky*

    I posted 2 weeks ago that I was deciding between a challenging job in the line of work that I’ve wanted to do for a while, and what I considered to be a safer option in a line of work that I enjoy that is “similar but different”.

    I ended up turning down BigJob because I would have to travel 8-10 hours by plane (across two to three time zones depending on the trip) 1-2 times per month, possibly more on occasion. Because of where I live, I’d also have to fly from a regional airport. I got to a place where I felt that I could handle the intellectual challenge of the work, but I couldn’t get past the travel aspect. I’d have taken it if it was even 1/month, or if the travel wasn’t as far, but they couldn’t guarantee that and I just saw myself burning out mentally and physically. We parted on good terms; at least, they said they understood and hoped to stay in touch.

    And yet…I feel like I caught this really rare fish and threw it back. Without giving too much detail, to use AAM vernacular, I’d have been a (non-academic) researcher in fine china, and instead I’m going to be a financial data analyst for a company that makes teapots. I am currently a business data analyst in general fine china, and I have a master’s in fine china. The “research” part is the part that’s hard to find work in and prove competency for. I feel that my current title and job description positions me better for a future research role than my new title and job description, which is making me very anxious that I’ll never catch one of these fish again. I’ve only been at my current role a few months because, to be intentionally vague, they bait and switched me and caused me to lose my benefits and a chunk of my compensation shortly after I started. I could have chosen to stay, but it’s painful.

    Has anyone been through something like this before? Were you able to realize your goals/get back on track eventually?

    1. 1qtkat*

      Yes. Sometimes what may be a dream job comes at the wrong time or it’s not what you expected.

      I had always wanted a fed job, but those can be hard to get if you don’t go through one of their post graduate pipeline programs. I couldn’t apply primarily because I was in a great long term relationship with my then boyfriend (now husband) and he had just accepted a great position not near any fed job locations and I had just joined him after law school and a clerkship. One of the jobs I applied to and was offered an interview met all of the requirements except the job location was on the other side of the country. I was really disappointed to have to turn it down, because I knew if offered the job my relationship would have suffered so it wasn’t worth it to go through the interview process. Fast forward to 2-3 years later I interview for a state agency position that’s similar to my interests and accept their offer. It gave me some great experience and 2 years later I end up interviewing and accepting a position with the feds.

      So I guess what I have to say is that opportunities can knock twice, you just have to look out for them. Just know that something that may be a dream job may not turn out to be that.

    2. WestsideStory*

      I think you will be fine. Use the mental time you’ll be saving with the meh job to keep up with your field and especially the parts you are most attracted too.

      A long career in “China” is likely to encompass many different facets. While I am one who always supports swinging for the fences, ultimately you know your own strengths and have achieved getting out of a bad job and into a better one. A step forward doesn’t have to be a giant step to be a good step. Good luck!

  57. Tacobelljobfair*

    I can’t believe this guy I “worked” for. First he ignored/ghosted me. When he finally replied he bragged about how busy he is. He won’t pay me because according to him tryouts are unpaid. If it was unpaid I would not have done it. Plus it was 3 hours. Is this a thing? Or is he just being cheap and trying to cheat me out of pay? This is for resturant work. I’m done with local businesses they are always cheating me out of pay.

    1. Warm Gooey Cheap Ass Rolls*

      That’s not normal for restaurant work in the USA. Work is paid. “Tryouts” are not specifically exempt in any laws, and as far as I know “training” is considered work (if you’re an employee rather than a contractor).

    3. NaoNao*

      Restaurant tryouts for chefs are called “stage/staging” and are common, normal, and typically unpaid.
      If this was that circumstance, I’d say you’re SOL. However if this is for, say, host or server, I would consider how much 3 hours of work is worth, invoice him, and if he doesn’t pay up, go to Board of Labor or Department of Labor etc.

      But….3 hours even at $20/hr is $60. Is this worth fighting over? Maybe take the L and next time spell out “Before I do any shadowing, try-out’s, staging, etc, I need to specify I expect to be paid for all work performed.”

      1. Taco+Bell+Job+Fair*

        It was for a dishwasher and I took the job cause I was broke. Also should I tell other people that he doesn’t pay for tryouts?

        1. MigraineMonth*

          Yeah, spread the news far and wide. If it’s not shady, he should be fine with everyone knowing.

        2. RM*

          yeah unpaid “stages” for dishwashing are not a thing!!! Stages are for observing your cooking skills and a reputable restaurant will specify paid vs. unpaid at the very least. Just spread the word far and wide about what a shit this guy is. My city has an active hospitality FB group with lots of job postings, post it there as well as Indeed, Glassdoor etc

  58. Casper Lives*

    Compliance attorney – does anyone do this area of law?

    I’ve had a recruiter reach out. I assume blindly because that’s not my background. But I’ve been wanting to get out of litigation into a new field of law. Litigation is exhausting.

    1. Another Attorney*

      Presumably you have a specialty area of litigation. Whatever that is, a compliance counsel role would involve providing advice on how to – avoid litigation – by developing compliance processes and systems. It is a problem prevention role and would be completely different that plaintiff or defense counsel. My view is that it is always great to investigate opportunities that present themselves to you, even if you decide not to take the role.

    2. 1qtkat*

      So it’s not really an area of law, more of a different kind of role. I’m assuming you must have lots of experience in a particular area of law which is why a recruiter reached out to you.

      It’s more of advising clients how to comply with a particular law. I’m a fed attorney so most of my job is advising the other offices about the nuances of my particular statute.

  59. Schmitt*

    My company has remote employees, three office locations, and one production location, all within a day’s travel of each other. There’s some struggle to come up with a travel costs policy that is fair to everyone and doesn’t break the bank.

    I’d like to hear about your companies’ solutions – what’s your policy, and do you find it fair?

    1. just another queer reader*

      At my company, everyone has a designated “normal work site” which comes with a “normal commute” (distance from your home to the normal work site).

      If you travel to a farther-away work site, you submit for mileage reimbursement. (The IRS sets the rate; you get paid per mile of additional driving beyond your normal commute.)

      If you travel to a site that’s out of state (which would be an overnight trip), the company pays for your hotel, food, etc as well as mileage. The expectation is to keep these expenses reasonable; there are preferred hotels and I think$50/day food expectation. Apparently the company sometimes encourages people to rent a car for this purpose because it comes out cheaper for the company, which is wild to me but whatever.

    2. just another queer reader*

      Also – by my understanding, some of this is required by law (IRS) so I’d recommend consulting someone who’s familiar with the topic while developing your policy.

    3. Kiwiii*

      When I worked for my state, we would often have to travel to regional offices — some of which were a half hour further than the office, some of which were an hour the other way, some of which were 4 hrs or so away. The policy was “mileage from home or from your specific office, whichever is shorter.”

      So if I lived 30 mis north of the specific office I worked at, and a meeting was 50 mis south of me, I’d get paid for the 20 mis between my office and the satellite office. If a meeting was at the satellite office 70 mis north of my home, i’d get paid the 70 mis, but my coworkers who lived south of the office would get paid the 100 mis from our office.

      Not perfect, but certainly workable and concise.

    4. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      When we have to travel, mileage is calculated from our org address to the location, even if the employee travels from home directly to location; so sometimes it works in the employee’s favor because they live closer to the offsite but get mileage from the campus, and sometimes it’s the org’s favor. We get the IRS suggested amount for mileage — I don’t think they HAVE to use the IRS amount, it’s more a guideline. Overnight lodging and transportation is usually booked and paid for by the org directly through our travel company, and then you submit an expense report for meals and other incidentals like parking fees if anything. I think there might be a limit on how much, but I also know they don’t allow certain things to be expensed, like alcohol.

    5. Schmitt*

      I will add that I saw a draft of a proposal which was along the lines of “employees are expected to visit the offices 8 times a year and have a budget of X, anything above that comes out of their own pockets” which… no.

  60. NeonDreams*

    Thank you to everyone who left nice comments about talking to my mom about my job search and interviewing last week. You all made me feel heard and validated.

    I had one with my company for the technical writing on Monday. It went the best it possibly could have. I felt confident and gave good answers. I didn’t tell Mom anything about it, which feels really weird. But at the same time, I don’t want to open up the possibility of rejection because she seems to disapprove of me even looking in the first place. If I do get it, I’m not sure how she’ll react, either. That’s whole other post.

    I’m nervous about my emotional fall out, should I not get this one. My boss was going to have me sign a documentd counseling about my performance, which would lead to a performance improvement plan. If I’m on one of these, I can’t apply internally per company policy. But I’m not sure how that will pan out since my boss is out for personal bereavement. I haven’t signed anything yet. Im so scared of losing this job that I cripple myself with anxiety about it. I’m not sure even an improvement plan would motivate me to do well because I’m barely scraping by as it is.

    I guess I don’t have a specific question in this post. I’m just a ball of anxiety in general.

    1. Observer**

      I hope you get the offer before further issues with your boss.

      But if this doesn’t work out, you can still job search. Just not in your company. Which is fine.

  61. Warm Gooey Cheap Ass Rolls*

    Does anyone remember the post from a woman who was jealous of a coworker? This was NOT the one where the OP wrote back several times after getting support for addiction and an eating disorder. This one involved the LW publicly (at a restaurant? in a bathroom?) accusing her coworker of undermining LW. She may have gone to the coworker’s home to apologize? And then OP shared about being too depressed to get out of bed, and being terminated while in that depressed state.
    I’ve scanned the archives really thoroughly and done a few dozen searches of keywords, but I can’t find it.
    (Asking because it’s directly related to a friend’s experiences right now. Not just for kicks.)

        1. Koifeeder*

          Admire your nearest cyprinid today (or when spring comes, they’re pretty sleepy if you’re in the northern hemisphere) and we’ll call it even.

      2. Bob-White of the Glen*

        This is one I would definitely like an update to. Hope the LW is doing better 5 years out.

    2. Kimmy Schmidt*

      Is it the “I was fired for taking initiative (and undermining my manager)” post from April 2016?

    3. Rick Tq*

      Oh yes. LW was a bully in school with at least one preferred victim (RockStar). After graduation LW went to school for years to work in a specific (dream) industry and applied to the major employer in the industry and the only one in their area. LW had been interviewing but when RockStar heard that LW was being considered for a job she told her management “If you hire LW, I will quit”. So, blackballed from her dream industry and career LW had to get a job out of area. While she was remote her long-distance boyfriend started cheating on her, leading to days of depression and in bed. She was eventually fired from her job for no-call/no-show.

      After all that LW got drunk and berated RockStar in a restaurant for “ruining her life”….

      1. Rick Tq*

        Oh, and RockStar was really that, she was VERY successful and visible at the dream company and in the industry, so her statement carried a lot of weight…

      2. Warm Gooey Cheap Ass Rolls*

        I forgot about the “RockStar” part of it, and the bullying. God, after all the search terms I tried, and ‘bully’ would have found it quickly. Thanks Rick. :)

    4. Hlao-roo*

      I think you’re referring to the “I didn’t get a job because I was a bully in high school” letter from April 25, 2017.

      In the update (December 13, 2017), the letter-writer had been at the same restaurant as her former victim, and had a bit of a meltdown.

  62. New Year, New Job*

    I don’t really have a question for the readers of AAM, but thanks to the years of reading AAM and the reader comments, when I ended up in an absolutely crazy work situation this past year, I knew exactly how to handle it. Thank you everyone!! I started with trying to be the change I wanted to see, then raising issues, and then finally finding and securing a new role.

    One key “highlight” from my past year includes a thoroughly uncomfortable situation where my male manager asked me, a woman, if sexism really exists at our company and how he could avoid being seen as a sexist due to personal disagreements (specifically, the “personal disagreement” he was having with me, which was mostly him not liking me).

    And something that happened just this week: I found out a lot of my coworkers are getting double the bonus I’m getting. Not sure if the management team just expects us to not talk, but my coworkers (the ones getting more money) are actually angrier about the unfairness than I am!

    I’m not going to pursue anything related to that since I just want to wash my hands of the team. I’ve secured a new role in a much better team (though to be honest, it’s harder to get worse) where they actually fought to get me a 15% increase in my salary. I start in the new year. :)

    1. Hlao-roo*

      Congratulations on the new job! And I’m glad you were able to handle those situations at your soon-to-be-previous job!

    2. Casper Lives*

      Congrats!!! I used this site to help my sister update her resume and help job hunt. She’s deciding between multiple offers. It’s great.

  63. lilyp*

    Can I get a bit of reality-check/pep talk about giving someone negative feedback? I have a junior colleague on my team (J) who I’m responsible for guiding and mentoring. We share the same boss (M) but she’s a people manager while I’m technical, so the day-to-day of explaining assignments, answering questions, and reviewing work goes through me. I’ve been underwhelmed with J’s work for a while but have let things slide in the moment (figuring she’s junior, everyone makes mistakes and our product can be legitimately confusing) and have never said anything directly negative to her face. But recently I was doing some long-term planning with M and expressed frustration that our juniors have been taking so long to get up to speed, and we ended up going through a bunch of J’s recent work so I could point out places where I felt like she’d made obvious mistakes, needed more explicit instructions than she should have, or had forgotten/misunderstood something we’d talked about.

    Now M wants to sit down with J and basically have me give the same feedback directly to her next week and I am DREADING it. I’m afraid I’m going to chicken out and soften all my criticisms in the moment and be useless, but I’m also afraid that maybe I’m being way too harsh and my expectations aren’t actually reasonable for someone at her level (like how when you’ve learned something really well it’s hard to remember what it was like to not understand it), or maybe there *were* legitimate reasons she made the assumptions/choices she did and I’m going to look like a nitpicky asshole saying she messed up. I also feel bad because I remember what it was like being a Woman In STEM(tm) right out of college and having a tremendous amount of self-doubt and I hate to think of adding to that for someone. But also the amount of time I’m having to spend on explanations and borderline hand-holding is impacting our productivity and I don’t want to do it forever.

    I’m trying to tell myself that sometimes kindness means honesty with tough messages, and she deserves to know my actual impressions of her but I’m still freaking out a little. Help!

    Also, any tips on delivering feedback that boils down to “you shouldn’t have needed to ask me this question, you should have already known that or been able to figure it out on your own” without discouraging her from asking me questions in general? There are many many things where asking me is significantly faster or the only way to find something out, but also sometimes she asks for guidance on things that are pretty basic. I can’t tell if she really is stuck on that stuff or if she’s just gotten into the habit of coming to me, knowing she’ll get a quick answer.

    1. Educator*

      I really don’t like M’s approach here because it blindsides J, who, if I am understanding correctly, has not yet gotten any feedback from you. I would go back to M and say “Reflecting on our conversation, I realized that I have not been giving J constructive feedback in the moment. That’s on me–I realize that it would be kindest and most helpful to give immediate feedback when her work is not meeting our standards. I would like to try doing that before blindsiding her with a big two-on-one conversation. Would you allow me to take that step first?”

      Then give her very candid and direct feedback the moment you notice anything in her work product that is not up to standard. Don’t worry about the mitigating circumstances to talk yourself out of it–you are having a conversation with a coworker, not passing a sentence from the bench. It’s as simple as “I saw you did this x way–it actually needs to be done y way because of z. Could you fix that and then come back to me for another review?”

      If you get questions she should know the answer to, connect her with the right resources (the process guide, etc.) or ask her back what she might do to figure it out. But you really can’t be frustrated with her work at this point, when she does not realize she is doing anything wrong. Tell her what she needs to do and give her a chance to improve. If she does not, then a bigger conversation is in order. But she needs a chance to receive and act on your feedback first!

      1. WantonSeedStitch*

        This, very much. Having that conversation with J is going to be a big, nasty surprise, and EXTREMELY discouraging and bad for morale! I think Educator has a great way of phrasing things with M. Heck, if I were M’s manager and I heard about this, I would sit down IMMEDIATELY with M to coach them on how to give feedback.

      2. lilyp*

        I have been giving her the factual feedback in the moment (like what specifically she needs to change), but the larger picture is that I’m starting to feel like someone at her level should not need this much guidance or correction after being at the company over a year (which is the part I haven’t said directly to her yet – it feels like a very heavy-handed response to any single issue). The meeting would essentially be a year-end review looking at all her work and I think it would make sense to raise the larger pattern in that context. I do think M and I both need to be there though, M needs to see how she takes the feedback and would be in charge of any growth/performance plans, but she doesn’t have the technical context to explain all the issues or answer questions about them.

        I think you’re right that it could feel surprising/overwhelming for her to go over every issue again though, so maybe the meeting should focus on reviewing the high-level patterns and just give one or two supporting examples, and if she wants we can go through more later or agree on how to flag issues like that going forward.

    2. Prospect Gone Bad*

      I don’t think you should change WHAT you say but HOW and what you follow it up with. Don’t cushion anything. I found what worked best was sort of mentally detaching. Have an attitude of “here is some feedback but this is all unimportant in the larger scheme of life” and deliver it like you have better things to be doing and are sort of bored with it.
      I’m struggling to word this exactly but this is pretty close to how I feel when I deliver feedback that gets taken with open ears

      In the beginning I’d get all fired up for these sorts of meetings and end up making each error sound like it was a big deal, and obviously people would get defensive.

      Now I feel like if I am calm and sort of mentally checked out (not usually good for meetings but it helps here since the meeting isn’t out our feelings) I can tell someone “everything you do sucks” and the agree! So focus on having this laid back vibe.

      Also couch it in longer term goals and reiterate the point of your department. People want the feeling that fixing their mistakes is about being part of something larger and that they are saving their coworkers time in the process, not simply being “checked” for not being a perfect human. So not just “you didn’t catch obvious error last week” but “if you catch all obvious errors and we don’t need to clean up the fall out, we have time and space to redo our other system and get to the pet projects we’ve all wanted to!”

    3. Cordelia*

      It seems like you are wondering whether your expectations of her performance are too high – but aren’t the expectations of her role set out somewhere? Or, what are M’s expectations for her? If these aren’t clear, maybe thats what needs thinking about first, so you are giving objective feedback. What should she be expected to know at this stage? Set this out, then you can be clear about this with her, giving examples (just a couple) of where she isn’t working at the right level and what she needs to do to get there – but thats only fair if she knows what that level is.

      1. lilyp*

        Yes, but it is sort of hard to nail down the details. She’s expected to fix bugs and write code mostly independently, but she’s also expected to need guidance because she is junior. So if she comes to me asking help with debugging something I often find myself asking “shouldn’t a Junior Engineer be able to figure out on their own?” and not really knowing the answer. There isn’t like a directory of every possible problem with an unambiguous map to the level of experience needed to solve it. And my gut says things like “but this is obvious” or “I could’ve figured the out when I only had two years experience” but then I second-guess that because once you have experience it legitimately is hard to remember what it was like not knowing something.

        1. PX*

          It sounds like there are some initiative aspects here that are bugging you as well? Like, if she comes with a question – has she already tried basic thing X or Y?

          I know Alison has answered some similar questions on that kind of topic in the past and you can probably use them as guidance.

          From your comments, maybe its an exercise you can do with your own peers of – what kind of questions would/should a Junior engineer be coming with? Like you say, maybe you are worried its your expectations that are off – in which case sense checking with others and having some documentation for future reference might not be a bad idea.

        2. Somehow_I_Manage*

          It sounds like she’s at a sink or swim moment, and I think you need to to trust your gut. It’s been two years. It’s time to share feedback with her so she has the opportunity to improve. Per your own words she’s making obvious mistakes (low quality work), needs more explicit instructions than she should have (can’t work independently), or forgets/misunderstands things we talk about (lack of organization/competence). That’s pretty clear and actionable feedback that’s hard to explain away in the aggregate.

          Some of these can be forgiven for lack of technical qualifications, but…most of these are just maturity and attention to detail. I think there’s little doubt that regardless of her position, that on average, you’d expect more from this position. Time to raise the stakes!

        3. linger*

          At that broader level, it’s not productive to spend the 3-way meeting going through details of what J is doing wrong.
          Rather, the three of you need to define, for J and yourself, what is expected of J’s role, with examples of what J should be doing to be more proactive and independent — and also, and this is crucial, to define for both J and yourself what is expected from your own role in relation to J’s role.
          * what things should someone in J’s role be expected to know at the one-year mark? (But first check whether J is truly an outlier; have others in that role been able to reach those same milestones?)
          * what resources are available for J to consult, what processes should J follow, before asking you?
          * conversely, what things should J be asking you about?

  64. Mid*

    I’m scared about my performance at my new job.

    I just keep having life issues. Two weeks ago, the ADHD medication shortage made it so I had to go without meds for 2 work days, and there was a huge drop in my work speed. Last week, I thought I chipped a tooth, and needed an emergency root canal and three follow up dentist visits because I actually cracked two of my molars in half and have a few new cavities. This week, the web-based program I do most of my work in has server issues, then my kitchen flooded. My first week on the job, I caught COVID. I also had an emergency vet visit, and a friend who got in a car crash in the middle of the day and needed help, and an internet outage.

    It’s been some sort of crisis pretty much every single week I’ve been there, and it’s fully remote, so I feel like my boss is going to think I’m making things up at this point. I have proof of most of it, and she hasn’t asked me to show like a note from my dentist or anything like that, but I know my performance is not great, and it’s the end of year crunch at my job and it’s the time that I really really need to be on top of things.

    I guess, aside from communicating with my boss that 1. I’m sorry, life keeps kicking my butt 2. I’m aware I need to be doing better and am taking active steps to be doing better, what can I do to help build trust with her? How can I show that I’m not just slacking off, I just can’t catch a break? I know the biggest thing will be just time and consistently doing good work, I’m just worried that I’ve ruined my relationship with her by having so many things go wrong so quickly. It’s like to the point of being comical with how many things are hitting the fan in my life.

    1. Presea*

      Beyond just consistently doing good work – lean into your strengths and find specific ways to make them very visible for your boss in concrete ways, eg subtly pointing out if you’re being very responsive, taking initiative to write a report and then writing it super well, or picking up a task that you know you can ADHD-power through in a relatively short period of time. Basically, do your best to get creative in making it very obvious to your boss that when you’re on the clock, you’re on the ball too.

      1. Presea*

        Also, it might be helpful to at some point very directly and sincerely thank her for being patient and accommodating with you lately, ideally in a context where you can hear her voice or see her body language and she can see yours. On top of just being a good gesture, the positive reinforcement of those traits might help encourage more patience and accommodating. It will make her aware that you’re aware of the pattern and aware that she might be giving you extra grace, which will probably help address any concerns that she has. She might also respond to the thanks in a way that helps give you a temperature check of how she’s really feeling about the pattern.

        1. Gracely*

          This.

          Hopefully, things will calm down for you soon, and a few months from now you’ll be able to laugh about how crazy those first few weeks were.

          1. Presea*

            +1 on the well wishes. I hope everything calms down for you soon, especially the medical issues and home emergencies.

  65. Rachael*

    I have been working for a small nonprofit for almost two years as a team of one, and have been running my own program. It has grown, which is fantastic, and we are looking to hire someone. My boss actually wants to now hire two people, but I’m conflicted. Below are some pros and cons, I welcome any advice/feedback/ things to ask my boss, etc.

    Pro
    Will allow program to grow very quickly
    Two candidates have complementary skills
    There is a lot of potential for the program and my boss has made clear that this would be an investment in building up a program

    Con
    I am a totally new manager and adding two ppl at once is daunting
    One of the candidates seems like they may be a bit difficult to manage. They are coming from a huge consulting firm to a tiny nonprofit and I think the culture shock will be big.
    My boss isn’t the greatest boss, and changes his mind a lot and so adding a team to what can be a challenging relationship is overwhelming.
    The program I run is fee for service and with the recession looming I think clients will be harder to come by. My boss says that we do not need to be making profit, but then he says all’s about the importance of the program growing aka doing more fee for service programs.

    I know he wants me to have two but not sure how to proceed, any advice welcome!

    1. Lunch Eating Mid Manager*

      Well, there are economies of scale in adding two employees at once, and as a new manager you would benefit from seeing them grow at your organization at the same time, not comparing them exactly, but seeing their strengths and weaknesses relative to your internal systems and goals. Just be aware that onboarding a new person/people is a heck of a lot of work and budget that into your own work program!

  66. Riya*

    Hello! I am a junior employee at a well-respected but small tech startup. Our team is mostly in-office, but our vice president, Jason, is remote and lives across the country, and many of us (myself included) have never met him in-person. However, this week he was in our office for some meetings. I ran into him in the hallway this morning as we were both on our way to meetings. We exchanged brief conversation and he mentioned that he was hoping to get to know his employees while he was here. As we parted ways he said “We should hang out!”

    I did not see Jason again after that and we did not end up spending any time together. I wondered if his statement meant I was supposed to ask him to coffee or something. But frankly, the thought of asking our VP to get coffee as a junior employee was terrifying to me, and I thought there was a chance he was just trying to be nice.

    Now, however, I am wondering if I should’ve gone for it. I did see him “hang out” with a few of my coworkers that, while not quite as junior as I am, are still nowhere near the C-Suite — he went to lunch with one and drinks with another. Now I am worried that I might’ve missed out on face-time with Jason that the other employees got. (I am extra worried, as well, because I am one of very few women on our team, and the employees Jason hung out with were all men.)

    So my question is: Is there a better way I should’ve handled this? Should I have responded to his “We should hang out” proposition with “Sure, when is a good time?” or “Great, let’s do lunch tomorrow”? Or should I have reached out to him later to schedule a time? Is it weird for a junior employee to extend such an invitation to a VP who is many levels up from them?

    1. PX*

      So, caveating this with the fact that I’m the kind of person who has no problem chatting with very senior people (they are just people!) – I would indeed have tried to take them up on their offer. Also because of the fact that they are usually remote – my experience in such cases means they are much more willing to socialise with people when they are in person to maximise their value from the trip – especially if that was part of the purpose of the trip and explicitly mentioned! I dont particularly like the “hang out” language though – but thats just me. I come from more corporate backgrounds where getting a coffee was more the terminology used :D

      So yes, if they said “We should hang out” – I would have said something like “Sure, that sounds great. Are you free to grab a coffee sometime?” or emailed them once I got back to my desk and said something like “Hi X, it was great to bump into you just now. I’m sure you’re busy while you’re in town, but if you have the time – I’d love to have a quick chat over coffee – let me know when is good!”. Basically I usually try to be respectful of their time, but take the initiative to meet/follow up.

      But also, if you still want to follow up now – you can! I would still send the email with similar kind of wording and just propose a virtual coffee instead and apologise for missing them while they were in town.

      Basically, most senior people are just people, many are very willing to take the time to talk to junior people so dont be scared. Show up with some questions to ask them and you’re sorted! If you think getting the facetime with them will be valuable for you, go ahead and put yourself forward. As per the memes – what would a mediocre white man do? Probably not overthink it and just do it…

      [This message brought to you by the first company I worked at which very explicitly made new grads do this and now it feels very normal for me!]

    2. RagingADHD*

      I think it was more about you accepting his invitation, than you inviting him. Was it an over-the-shoulder comment as he was walking away? Because I would interpret something like that as a mere pleasantry rather than a real invitation.

      But if he said it before the conversation was fully over, it would have been perfectly appropriate for you to say something like, “Sure! What’s good for you?”

      1. The Real Fran Fine*

        Yup, this. The next time he’s in town, OP, take him up on the offer and ask him to lunch.

  67. Jay*

    Advice, please!

    Tl;dr – I’m classified as ‘senior level’ in my industry of choice due to my years of experience, but can’t break past the ‘junior’ jobs because I’ve not gotten a chance to lead a team since most roles in my field don’t generally have teams they work on, they work alone under someone and usually covering multiple fields at once. My mentors and references speak highly of my work ethic and skills, and I get glowing praise from them often, but because of my lack of direct leadership experience, I get consistently turned down to lead teams. I even applied for a very senior role, only to be told, “You have every qualification we’re looking for, except for the experience doing this thing.”
    What are some of the best ways you know to show companies they can, and should, take a chance on someone who has every other quality they’re asking for except for that one due to circumstance?

    Longer story: I work in the video game industry, specifically in a ‘Front-Facing’ role. When I started, it was just picking up, and so there weren’t as many roles and very few to lead teams because teams just didn’t exist. Most studios would hire one person to do the work of 3 different jobs. As it gained in popularity to have these roles on teams, it still was rare to have a team specifically for it unless the studio needed them for multiple projects/games, as most studios didn’t have more than 1-2 active games at a time. I am now a ‘veteran’, but unable to make the transition into a ‘lead’ role because a lead role itself had very few opportunities until recently and has been facing issues with, well, discriminatory practices. Prior to working in the games industry, I would regularly be promoted into leadership or managerial roles and excelled there too, but it’s been so long, and in different fields, I don’t know that I can even use that on my resume. I’ve taken project management courses, leadership workshops, and volunteer opportunities to try to show that, yes, I take this seriously.

    1. The Real Fran Fine*

      Prior to working in the games industry, I would regularly be promoted into leadership or managerial roles and excelled there too, but it’s been so long, and in different fields, I don’t know that I can even use that on my resume.

      Start putting this stuff back on your resume ASAP. It still counts even if it was in a different industry, you just need to make it clear what transferable skills you acquired from it that would be an asset in games leadership roles.

  68. I might be overthinking*

    What is the rule of thumb for a manager giving a gift to only one employee?

    I manage a large team, and one person in particular has gone above and beyond helping me with issues that would have been difficult and stressful to do on my own. She was in line for a promotion because she was doing so well, but it unfortunately fell through last minute. Nevertheless, I want to give her a gift for the holidays to show my appreciation for everything she’s contributed. But as her male supervisor, I don’t want to misstep.

    Obviously her gift would be work appropriate, so I’m aware this post could be unnecessary, but I want to make sure I’m not missing anything.

    1. Keymaster of Gozer*

      Can only go by UK optics here but: giving her a gift for exceptional work is fine, but I wouldn’t do it around Christmas. Because that makes it look like an Xmas gift to others and you’re quite right that it might look bad if nobody else gets one.

      Tricky one for sure.

    2. Cordelia*

      hmm, no I don’t think you are overthinking, this warrants thinking about. How will the other staff feel? Showing your appreciation for this one member of staff is likely to lead to the others feeling unappreciated, much more so than if you hadn’t given any gifts at all. Giving holiday gifts isn’t the way that employees good performance should be rewarded. Keep it in the work context, acknowledge her good work via her performance review or similar and consider how you can support her professional development and future promotions.

    3. WantonSeedStitch*

      I wouldn’t do it. Not because of the gender dynamic, but because giving a gift to only one member of your team is…not cool. Instead of a holiday gift, is there any other way you can recognize your employee for her above-and-beyond work? Some kind of award you can nominate her for? Or some way you can secure a raise or a bonus for her? Maybe an extra day or two of vacation? At the very least, express your thanks (positive feedback is as important as constructive/critical feedback!) and talk about the great work she’s done in her performance review.

      1. Storm in a teacup*

        I agree with this totally. Our work have awards you can nominate colleagues for if they’ve gone above and beyond on a specific project or in some way. They’re given out at monthly company meetings. It’s a good way to give professional recognition and demonstrate to others in the organisation that someone has done a great job

    4. The New Wanderer*

      Instead of framing it as a holiday gift, which could run the risk of looking like favoritism if no one else gets one, is there any way to get her a small monetary bonus? Best case is that your company has a mechanism for doing cash awards like this, but even if it comes from you personally as a gift card, I think it would be better if you specifically said this is for her above and beyond efforts, not for the holidays.

    5. Somehow_I_Manage*

      I would resist a personal gift, and instead work with management to formally recognize her contributions with an award. That’s going to be way more valuable on her resume, and gives her formal recognition. “Tabatha went above and beyond this year working on X, Y, and Z, and in special recognition of that, we are rewarding her with the Star Worker award.” Even better if you can arrange a spot bonus!

    6. Viette*

      Yeah, a gift from you is personal even if it’s given at work. For it not to be weird, it needs to be from the company, not for you personally. An aware, public recognition, lobby for extra PTO or something.

  69. Box of Kittens*

    Asking for a raise

    I got a new job about a year ago that was a pay bump at the time, but it’s been a year and I haven’t heard a peep about COL raises at the same time in realizing average salaries for my position are about $10k more in my area than I’m paid.

    How do I go about asking for a raise in a company that doesn’t do annual reviews? My immediate supervisor wasn’t really involved in the HR/salary part of my hiring. Complicating matters, the director just submitted her budget for our department. However, we recently had a bit of a reorg in our department where our C-suite level manager (my grandboss) left right after our department was about to split into two separate ones, and now my team is kind of in a no-man’s-land. I have no idea whether it’s appropriate to ask, how to ask, or who to even ask. (I think our HR director would be a starting place that makes sense, but tbh she has a pattern of dropping balls and I’m not certain a conversation with her would move this forward.)

    Sorry if this is confusing; I’m on mobile so not able to review as well as on desktop. I can answer any clarifying questions in the thread if needed.

    1. Prospect Gone Bad*

      When asking for a raise, most companies don’t care about comparable rates or how long you’ve been there. Write down some accomplishments. Those are what you lead with.

      If you don’t have accomplishments, try to get some and then raise the issue in a few months.

      1. WantonSeedStitch*

        I disagree with part of this. Alison has said that being paid under market rate is one of the reasonable justifications for asking for a raise. Some companies might not care, or might not be able to do anything about it, but others will be aware that paying people under market will eventually result in high turnover and difficulty in filling positions.

    2. irene adler*

      One thing: bring your data.
      Data would include;
      ‘going rate’ for your position (i.e. $10K more than you are making now).
      why you’ve earned a raise: a list of accomplishments, goals reached, projects completed, implementation of ideas- especially those that made work easier or saved the company $.

      I would start with your immediate supervisor and see what response you receive. If you get the “I don’t decide these things” then ask who does. Then talk to that person.

      When you do talk with the person who decides these things, get them to commit to a deadline when the raise can be expected to show up.

  70. Jo*

    Leadership advice/courses for senior non people managers:

    I’m a couple of months into a role which is more senior than I’ve been before, but I am a process manager rather than a people manager. It still requires me to interact with lots of people (some more senior, some more junior) but I dont manage anyone directly. I dont really have any aspirations to be a direct people manager either, although I enjoy more of a mentoring role.

    I guess the question I have here is, I know I need a bit of a mindset shift away from a pure individual contributor role – but struggling to find resources which meet my needs. Anyone have any advice/tips/thoughts/anecdotes/experiences to share? Especially if you are in a change management/senior project management type role – I think that would be interesting to hear.

    1. WantonSeedStitch*

      I’m a people manager, but my boss has recently suggested I might enjoy learning about people-centered design. It’s an approach to design that’s intended for products, but is also applicable to processes. Since part of my job involves critical review of processes and making changes to them (or developing new ones) as necessary, it sounds like something that could be super helpful to me. I think it will help me feel more comfortable and confident in doing those process-related projects in a more thoughtful and organized way.

  71. Keymaster of Gozer*

    Hi all, having some major problems getting comments even posted here so hopefully it’ll show:

    I’m taking the holiday period (half of December, back in January) off work to avoid another Keymaster burnout (when you average one per year it’s a warning sign!) but I have an issue with one of my staff that’s a kind of really bad attitude at work but combined with some serious home issues. Now I can handle it when I’m there and we’ve had the talks but can I put any kind of information to anyone else for the holidays that’s essentially ‘hey if Sheila goes off the rails and refuses to work please let her know that’s not acceptable but without yelling at her?’

    Suspect the answer is either ‘no’ or ‘let your other staff know they have your backup’ but would like your thoughts.

    (There will be another IT manager covering any emergencies but they’re located 100 miles away and personnel issues aren’t an emergency. Additionally, what she’s dealing with is BAD. But not showing up for work and not calling or showing up and doing nothing is also bad. We’re working on it)

    1. PX*

      Huh. I think that kind of information would be fine to share tbh. Obviously with some more neutral sounding language, but in the same way you’d have a handover doc based on project status and if x happens then do y, I think saying “Person X is having some ongoing challenges. If x happens, do y, else escalate to Z who is also in the loop”.

    2. Hlao-roo*

      Is there a senior person on your team you can give the “hey if Sheila goes off the rails…” message too? Someone who has been there for a fairly long time, is discreet, and is someone Sheila will listen to/other team members will back up if they need to say “hey, not OK”?

      I have worked on a team where my manager would say “while I’m on vacation, contact Manager X for anything that needs management-level help and Coworker Y for all other issues.” Coworker Y had been at the company for 10+ years and was well-respected, so if they had ever had to say “hey you can’t do XYZ,” everyone on the team would have accepted that. A version of that may work here, where you tell the team to contact “IT manager for emergencies, Coworker Y for day-to-day issues.”

    3. Cordelia*

      As well as “no” and “let the other staff know you have their backs”, is it worth having a direct conversation with Sheila, letting her know that while you are away, other staff won’t have the same information and therefore the same patience or understanding as you do, and that she has to expect that there won’t be the same leniency/willingness to put effort into working on the problem that you have been showing. Her job might be more at risk – I don’t know how you say this without it sounding like a threat, but it’s probably the reality, isn’t it?

    4. Council'd*

      My team delegates to the most senior member of the team when our manager is out for a few days-a few weeks, and giving her and the rest of the team guidance around what her covering will look like “she’s allowed to check up with you if you’re not performing as expected, she’ll be doing X step in the process, she’s allowed to sign your timesheet, etc” is a kindness. with private conversations with the most senior member about how to do those things successfully.

    5. linger*

      One obvious first step is to check with Sheila how much information she would want shared with a coworker serving as interim manager. Though presumably you’d want to avoid sharing the personal details as much as possible and go straight to what reasonable accommodations are in place, and what to do about unreasonable effects on work.

  72. kiki*

    Am I being unreasonable for asking someone to attend a 9am meeting?

    I work at a company that has staff around the globe, but most teams consist of folks from the same region and within a timezone or two of each other. Most daily work is within teams, so people don’t have to deal with timezone issues much. I’ve been leading an initiative that requires two teams to work together and meet for an hour each week for four weeks. The teams are in different enough timezones that the end of Team A’s working day is the beginning of Team B’s. I scheduled the meeting at 9:00am for Team B and 4pm for Team A. One of the members of Team B is a known night owl. He’s refusing to come to any meeting before 10am for him. I get it, I’m a night owl as well, but I feel like, unless there’s more going on than he’s telling me, not being willing to make 4 meetings at 9:00am is kind of ridiculous. Especially since that would require all of Team A to stay working until at least 6pm. This is also a limited engagement, like, this will end in just 4 weeks.

    Is there something I’m missing? Am I wrong to push back on his boundary?

    1. Keymaster of Gozer*

      No you’re not wrong. 9am is perfectly fine to schedule a meeting. I might raise eyebrows if it was 7am or if the person you’re asking works night shifts (and therefore sleeps during the day) but for everyone else that time is fine!

    2. Gracely*

      No, that’s reasonable. Have you pointed out that the time difference for Team A would be too late for them to be expected to stay?

    3. NeonDreams*

      I don’t think you’re wrong at all. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t like for work, like getting up early. (I say this as another night owl). If there’s something else going on, I’d ask more questions. But if it’s a preference thing and it affects others, I’d take one for the team.

    4. aubrey*

      No, unless he can give you a better (like medical) reason besides he just doesn’t want to. When you have a time zone mismatch, having one team stay a little late and one start a little early is fair and reasonable, especially for only a few meetings!

      1. The Real Fran Fine*

        This. It’s four weeks – unless he has a medical issue (and I would totally sympathize with that as I have IBS, and I get flare-ups first thing in the morning around 9am myself most days), he can suck up the meeting time and attend. I’ve had to do it (and take calls, muted and off-camera on my phone, in the bathroom), it’s unpleasant, but when that’s the only time everyone can meet without inconveniencing most of the attendees, then there’s nothing else the scheduler can do.

    5. StellaBella*

      In the past two weeks I have had 5 meetings going from 3pm my time to 11pm my time (negotiations based in South America, I am in Europe), and this week two days of working doubles (930am to 5 am back to back) to do a regional meeting in the Pacific. Some weeks I have 6am calls that go for 2hrs then work til 17h. We are global and we work long, odd hours. Yes we get to take comp time. Being kind to colleagues is other regions is expected in my role. your 10am colleague, unless there are medical/family reasons, is being a jerk.

    6. WantonSeedStitch*

      Not unreasonable! It’s not the kind of thing I would do for a standing weekly meeting, for example, but for just four meetings? Sure. If someone did that to me, I’d roll my eyes a bit privately, sigh, and show up at nine with a cup of coffee and a smile.

    7. Decidedly Me*

      Totally reasonable – 9am is a pretty normal work time. I have had meetings much earlier than that due to timezone conflicts and we have folks that have had to have late meetings over it (we all know this is part of our roles – it’s not an issue). 9am would be a benefit for me :P

    8. cncx*

      I worked at a place where someone got fired for the lack of willingness to overlap with global teams. Team in us east coast and Europe (Paris time zone). Management was very clear that the europe team needed to be working 9-6 or 10-7 to have meaningful overlap with New York. Europe dude, who did not have kids in school or otherwise dealbreakers in scheduling like class or whatever, persisted in working the very odd hours of 6am to 2pm. So he was out the door at 8am east coast time. It didn’t end well and is actually one of the reasons I got hired on full after being a temp.

      If this person doesn’t have a hard dealbreaker like child pick up, this is just overly rigid. I don’t think you’re weird at all for push back. I don’t have kids, but I do have classes and gym and stuff, and I get personal schedules are important, but to make a whole team work late because one person won’t budge…

    9. RagingADHD*

      No, you are reasonable to push back on this. If he has a legitimate medical need, he can get a formal accommodation. You don’t need to shift your core business hours and force an entire team to stay late just to accommodate his preferences.

      If he refuses to show up for work meetings that he is actually needed at, deal with that as a performance issue. And a pretty serious one, too. “I am not going to do my job because I don’t want to” is not an acceptable answer for people who want to keep their jobs.

      If the meetings are purely routine and it isn’t actually necessary that he be at every single one of them, that’s different. In that case, it would make sense to tell him which ones he really needs to attend.

    10. Cedrus Libani*

      Is there a reason this guy is needed for this specific project? As the night owl on my Western US team, I’m always up for some creative reshuffling of duties, such that my co-workers with kids deal with Europe (7 am meetings!) and I deal with Asia (9 pm meetings!). Win-win.

  73. Forkeater*

    I had a phone screen this morning for a job that would be my ideal next step- field I want to move into, organization I want to work for. The position matches my skills and interests so well but I haven’t had that exact title before or worked in that exact industry- just adjacent fields and industries. I used to work with someone who is at this new company now in a high position and I know they think highly of my work- but I haven’t spoken to them since they left our mutual employer years ago to go to this new place. I sent them a LinkedIn message mentioning that I’m interviewing for the role and now I’m cringing. Did I overstep? Was it ok? A mutual coworker had encouraged me to do it, but I’m still questioning myself.

    1. Hlao-roo*

      You didn’t overstep, it was fine to reach out to someone you know at the company you’re applying to.

      For your own peace of mind, don’t expect to hear anything back. No new is “I don’t check my LinkedIn anymore,” not a sign of “Forkeater way overstepped and I just can’t even respond.”

    2. irene adler*

      You are fine.
      If the positions were reversed, would you want this person to reach out to you?
      I’m guessing yes.

      And, you can always say you’re wanting to catch-up (in addition to applying for the position).

  74. Yes And*

    All the posts about food lately have got me thinking about a low-stakes question. My hobby is baking: a lot of sourdough (why yes, I did start my starter in spring 2020, why do you ask?), as well as traditional treats from my culture. Nearly all of these recipes are flour-based.

    I manage a team of 4, and from time to time I like to share the fruits of my hobby with my team. I’ve recently learned that one of them is gluten-free. Obviously I want to include my whole team, so I can and do prioritize sharing with my team when something I’m making is GF. But left to my own devices, that’s not a large part of my repertoire.

    My question is, how often do my shared treats need to be GF? Does it need to be every time, so as never to exclude this team member (meaning, practically speaking, that I’ll just share a lot less often)? Is it enough to be GF about 1 in every 4 times (since 1 in 4 team members is GF)? Something in between?

    This is not a huge thing, just something nice I like to do for my team once in a while, and I want to do it right. Input is appreciated!

    1. Entwife*

      I think if you are sharing these things with your team, it’s only reasonable to ensure that they can all partake. Excluding one person three-quarters of the tine would be pretty gross and a great way to demotivate and exclude one member of a small team. As a manager, your responsibility to ensure everyone is included is greater and more significant.

      If you can’t or don’t want to include them, you should stop bringing in food.

      1. The Real Fran Fine*

        This. I have celiac disease and am thus gluten free, and if my manager made it a habit to bring in baked goods for the team, but never brought any I could actually eat due to my illness, I’d feel kind of salty.

    2. Bunny Girl*

      Before you make a decision on this, I’d ask what the level of gluten sensitivity is with your team member. Not to determine if it’s “valid” but because some people cannot handle any amount of cross contamination. I bake as a hobby as well but I make it pretty clear that I can’t accommodate severe allergies because my kitchen is not gluten free. This person might appreciate the gesture but not feel comfortable eating anything from your kitchen.

      1. Gracely*

        Yeah, it might be worth just talking to your coworker to ask if they would want you to make something gluten free sometimes, or if they’d rather not risk it.

        I think 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 would be a good ratio if you’re wanting to be accommodating.

      2. Yes And*

        Thanks so much for that nuance! I hadn’t thought to ask about that, but I will say that the time I brought in gluten-free cookies, the team member in question ate them happily.

        1. Bunny Girl*

          Oh gotcha! That’s good to know. I agree with the person above though. Once every 3 or 4 times seems to be good. Gluten free flour mixes and the like can be really expensive.

          Although you know what I’ve found that’s gluten free and seems to go over well and doesn’t require expensive ingredients? Different types of meringue treats. They are challenging enough to make it a fun baking thing but they are pretty versatile. I love making meringue pops and meringue chocolate chip cookies.

          1. Texan In Exile*

            I have made brownies (which do not require the structure that gluten provides) with oat flour for a friend who is gluten sensitive and he has been happy to have them. (He does not have celiac disease, though.)

    3. CheeryO*

      Four is a pretty small team to regularly exclude one person, assuming they like sweets just as much as everyone else. I honestly probably wouldn’t bring stuff in at all if you don’t try to accommodate them too (it doesn’t necessarily have to be homemade – a small treat from a GF bakery would also be a very nice gesture).

      1. Also Alex*

        Yeah, I agree. A team of 4 people where you’re excluding one regularly seems conspicuous to me. =/

    4. BRR*

      I think because you manage the team you need to include everyone every time. But I think it could be ok to bring in a separate gluten free treat for the one employee.

    5. Kay*

      Another echo to say – if you are their manager the amount of times you exclude one of your employees should be as close to zero as possible. As in perhaps once in a great while if you made something very unique with gluten, and at the same time brought your other employee a little something to acknowledge that you are aware they can’t have this cool thing but you don’t want them to feel left out. I would treat this like any other situation where you would never even consider excluding someone – you simply never do it.

    6. Foley*

      Can you ask? I hate sweets and bready type things. (no allergies, tho) I never need to be accommodated in that way. I don’t at all feel excluded. People seem to feel bad and really I don’t want them to because I wouldn’t eat them anyway and it’s so freeing not to feel pressure to try someone’s baked stuff.

      I have a friend who’s like front page of NYT famous for her baking. When I go to her house, I never take anything offered. We had a conversation and it’s fine for our relationship. I assume other friends enjoy the fruits of her labors. They look delightful.

  75. dangling modifier*

    Kind of specific, but has anyone here ever moved from a copy editing role to something more like story editor, section editor, beat editor, teapot editor, etc? I have lots of experience copy editing, doing some marketing copywriting, and then finally got a near-dream job as a Teapot Editor for a small publication … that folded a few months later, so I only worked there for a short time. Eventually I found a copy editing job at a good organization that pays well. I like my direct manager and the other people I work closely with, and I am usually empowered to flag things that might be problematic, suggest better wording, etc — which is not always a given in these sorts of roles. But I’m sick of copy editing!

    I can’t seem to convince outside orgs that I’m qualified to be a Teapot Editor (or assistant teapot editor or whatever) and I’m struggling to find opportunities for stretch assignments at my current job because our workflow just doesn’t really allow it.

    I have expressed interest in becoming a teapot editor, and my manager agrees that I’d be great at that. There was briefly an attempt to get me some reps doing more substantive story editing on some things, but some weirdness occurred and that plan was scratched. I am so bored of fixing commas, and when I’m bored I start missing little details — which doesn’t really fly in copy editing. What can I do?

    1. WellRed*

      I’m a reporter and editor of 20 years. Anywhere I’ve worked, copy editor was kinda outside what you’re asking. To get to be a beat or section editor, you have to do the work ( as a writer reporter) and move up. I’m sure it depends specifically what publications you are at, but beat and section editors build sources, generate stories and assignments etc. since I can’t translate teapot editor, ask your manager for advice!

      1. dangling modifier*

        Hey thanks! I have definitely seen jobs/organizations where the reporting experience is important, so that is probably limiting in some ways. I work in sports at a national website, so that seems to be less of a factor in my world than it is in other parts of the industry. I’ll bring this up with my manager next time we have a one-on-one, but it’s all so frustrating. I have a lot of ideas about what we cover and how we cover it, and I would like to work more closely with writers — I often find myself fixing (or wanting to fix, depending on who I’m dealing with) issues that should have been handled by the assigning editors before it got to the copy desk. I honestly think I could have done some really great work at that stupid dream job, if it had existed long enough. :(

    2. Foley*

      Can you freelance? (If allowed with your work. If you have time).

      There are a lot of opportunities (if my inbox is any indication) and friends with various skill sets from various kinds of editing to content creation (fiction, nonfiction, ghost writing) are getting their foot in various doors that way.

  76. Collie*

    For people who work with job application software (especially local government) — I know it’s best practice to find keywords in the job ad and include them in your application (even though it makes me cringe) in order to get your application through the first round and into human eyeballs. But does anyone know if those keywords need to be the same tense (or what have you) in order for the software to detect them?

    For example, if the job ad includes “manage” several times and the software knows to look for “manage” in an application, does it also know to look for “managed,” “managing,” “management,” etc.?

  77. Stephen!*

    I need to think of something edible for a work potluck that oes not require cooking or being put in a dish, and can be purchased over the weekend and stored until Thursday. All I can think of is chips and dip, hoping that a bowl that dip can be poured into will be available? Drinks and paper supplies are being furnished by work.

    (I recently moved and am grumpy about various work things so I have neither time, energy or inclination to go beyond the most superficial of contribution.)

    1. Kimmy Schmidt*

      Fruit or veggie tray? I always appreciate things that aren’t an endless line of casseroles or desserts. I also think store bought queso, guacamole, or hummus sounds great and can be served in the original container.

    3. AlabamaAnonymous*

      My go to is frozen mini cream puffs or eclairs. Around here you can buy a box of 50 or so in the frozen dessert section. You keep in the freezer until you need them. Just take them out of the freezer at the start of the potluck & take the lid off. Tbey will usually be thawed by the time people are ready to eat them.

    4. Llellayena*

      Cannoli chips and cream/dip. I’ve seen trays of it in the stores like veggie and dip trays. Also, if you have an Indian grocery near you, there’s a frozen dessert called Kaju Katli that is cashew cream based treats shaped like diamonds. There would be similar treats of other cashew cream or pistachio cream near them in the freezer. The look great on a plate or even in their original box and they’re tasty! Take them out of the freezer and into the fridge the night before (or just out of the freezer that morning). I’ve done that more than once, especially when I’ve forgotten I need something since I have a pile of them in my freezer (I love them).

    5. ThursdaysGeek*

      Mixed olives, pickled veggies, perhaps some nuts or cheeses. Ok, that would require a dish, but it doesn’t have to be more than something disposable.

    6. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

      I once served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut up into 8ths (I may also have stuck a fringed toothpick in each one) when I forgot I was supposed to have snacks for a thing and had limited groceries in the house to improvise with. It went over pretty well, surprisingly enough. That’d involve some prep on your part to make the sandwiches, but if you wanted something that said both “homemade” and “there was an attempt”, that’d be an option.

      1. AlabamaAnonymous*

        Ha ha! This made my laugh out loud! And not cheap ass rolls either! The expensive Hawaiian ones only!

  78. Nah*

    Are there any kinds of guides that exist online about how to navigate chronic illness at work? I know it gets talked about here regularly and I have scrolled back through the archives, but I’d love to read something cohesive. Context – I am officially a long covid case as of last week and some of my issues are interfering with my job. I’ve shared some with my boss and she seems open to trying to accommodate me as far as my duties (eg sitting a lot, needing others to lift heavy items etc). But I don’t have any idea of how to continue to communicate with her, what other accommodations I could ask for, negotiating taking sick days, etc. Previous to 2020 I was self-employed so could just do whatever I felt was needed without navigating a boss/office if I was sick (which wasn’t often) so this is a very new world for me. Thanks in advance

    1. Kimmy Schmidt*

      Have you looked at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)? They have lots of great information and you can search in several ways, including by disability or by accommodation.

    1. CheeryO*

      It would be a nice gesture to give them a full 10 working days if you can. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, you could ask their opinion on what would work best. If it’s a slow time of year for you, one or two days might not make much of a difference unless you have tons of loose ends to wrap up.

  80. Also Alex*

    How stupid is it to tell an recruiter (between first and second interviewers) I’m 5 months pregnant when I’m already employed at an OK job? At this point I feel like my time *might* be more valuable than my potential negotiating power by finding out now if they could accommodate paid maternity leave. But I know the conventional wisdom is that that’s very unwise.

  81. The Bad Negotiatior?*

    Question: Is it odd that my employee makes more than me?

    Backstory: I recently accepted a management position at a very large organization. Everything has been great, and the company is very employee focused, with the exception of salary negotiation. When I was interviewing, I could not get the recruiter to give me any hint at the salary when they were confirming my selection on the application dropdown menu. I gave a number at the high range of Indeed.com’s salary site. When I was picking up that I may have lowballed myself during the interview (the phrase “well within the range” was said more than once) I figured I might be able to negotiate when an offer came, but they kept circling back to what I stated when I did the application (before an interview). I really wanted the job because I wasn’t working at the time, plus the salary I receive is more than what I was making at my last role and the benefits are AMAZING.

    I thought little of it until HR completes the transfer of my employees over to me now that I was in the system, and I see one of my employees makes over $30K more than I do. We’re both the same gender so nothing discriminatory is going on. My employee’s role is a technical one, but I’ve done 80% of the scope of work he has been asked to do in previous roles (but it was never the core component of my job).

    Is this off? I want to talk to my boss about it, but budgets are set, and I agreed to the salary. Being less than 90 days in, I feel I can’t say anything, but potentially negotiate at my one-year review. I don’t keep myself up at night about it, but it does chap a little when I’m correcting his work. I’m a little surprised that my boss didn’t address this beforehand because he’d have to figure that I would learn what my employees make.

    Am I off in feeling a little peeved. Or is this actually really commonplace and I just need to get over myself and just be thankful for what I have (I am of course, but….)

    1. Hlao-roo*

      I think that most of the time, managers make more money than the employees that work for them.

      The only exceptions I have heard about are in some fields where certain technical individual contributor skills are in very high demand, those employees are paid more than their managers (because it is easier/cheaper to higher a people manager than to higher a technical employee).

      Ask around your professional network in a general way to get a sense of whether this is fairly normal in your field, or if the company low-balled you.

    2. Anonymous Educator*

      My employee’s role is a technical one, but I’ve done 80% of the scope of work he has been asked to do in previous roles (but it was never the core component of my job).

      If you can do their job and you manage them, you should be making more than they do. Is the 20% something you can’t do?

      1. The Bad Negotiatior?*

        Honestly not sure as we’re both fairly new (both under 90 days). What he has done that I haven’t I know I could figure out since the company is provides ample resources for assistance.

    3. Gary Patterson’s Cat*

      This feels off unless a) the skill are very unique or difficult to hire for, or b) the person has been with the company a really long time.

      1. The Bad Negotiator (and speller)*

        Not sure on uniqueness or hiring difficulty. It’s basically marketing data analytics and contact list management. I’ve done both but on much smaller scales than what has to be done now. But so far nothing has been crazy complex. More time consuming.

        The person has been with the company about a month more than me and neither of us has hit our 90-day mark yet.

        1. Analytical Tree Hugger*

          “I’ve done both but on much smaller scales than what has to be done now.”

          I’ve worked at a mid- to senior-level in data and scale of the data matters more than one might think.

          It may be worth a conversation with your boss eventually (say, at the six month mark), because you may better understand what your direct report brings to the table. Connections/network, experience building the data system from the ground up, etc.

          As a manager, do you have access to salary ranges? That may also give you context.

  82. Amber Jappert*

    We’re pie-ing people for charity via auction and the bidding is intense. I’m not even kidding someone just bid $360 to hit one of the managers with a tin full of whipped cream. :D

    Nice big check for our charity this year but also this is hilarious.

    2. Somehow_I_Manage*

      I did one of these. As a PSA…if the manager has a big nose, go with a gentle approach and slide- not a slam! Whipped cream offers zero resistance and getting punched in the nose hurts.

  83. Back to work: Resume*

    I’ve been freelancing for the last several years and am going to put out some feelers on finding a regular job, or maybe contract-to-hire.

    I am looking through Alison’s resume advice posts, and keeping these principles in mind as I look at resume writers’ profiles and samples (I need help writing the resume). I’m surprised to find, in resume samples, the super-superlative type of summary header. For example:

    “Insatiably curious, wonderfully creative leader recognized for overcoming challenges to brand inconsistencies.”

    That first sentence feels so over-produced and exhausting that I can’t look at the rest of the resume. Are my instincts right that this type of writing is transparent fluff and a turn-off, or is this still a thing?

    I expect to have some hurdles in returning to regular employment (I left my last job 6-7 years ago, took a break from working, then started freelancing 4-5 years ago. Freelancing hours are considerably less than full-time). But the time spent freelancing also brings some considerable benefits/enrichment to my experience. I’ve successfully completed 60+ projects with all kinds of companies and organizations in many different industries – the breadth of my experience has widened significantly. I’ve worked with all levels of folks from CEO to junior analysts, and I have public ratings (all ratings are the highest possible) and glowing reviews of my work.

    Writing a resume is something I want help with, but I of course need to choose a writer carefully.

    1. Bess*

      I hate that kind of thing when I see it in an application. It doesn’t necessarily impact whether they move forward but I see it as non-information and a space-waster, something you could easily make up and not substantiate in the meat of the resume.

    2. NaoNao*

      “Insatiably curious, wonderfully creative leader recognized for overcoming challenges to brand inconsistencies.”

      My mom had me assist with a resume refresh about 5-6 years ago and insisted on a very similar sentence as she felt it demonstrated the writing/copywriting ability she was claiming, demonstrated her overall attitude and demeanor and what mattered to her, indicated she was a bit offbeat, creative, and wanted to work for a place that allowed and nurtured that. So, to me, there’s a place for that flowery, over the top language.

      It’s *very* close to what she wrote, so close I’m wondering if you somehow got ahold of hers!

      I’d say that for the right org, that sentence will light them up and they’ll be dazzled and excited. But it won’t add much to your average resume for your typical job. Belongs more on a cover letter, really.

      1. The Real Fran Fine*

        This is a personal brand statement that people (mainly in marketing) keep trying to make A Thing outside of marketing and…I’m not a fan of it on a resume or even a cover letter (and I’m marketing adjacent). I do think it’s okay to have a personal brand statement somewhere like a portfolio where you’ll have work samples that can substantiate the claim more easily, but I also think these statements work best as just a private reminder to yourself of how you want others to perceive you in the workplace and then you actually put in the work to prove the statement. No one else really needs to see it.

      2. Back to work: Resume*

        Interesting perspective!

        That sentence is from a resume sample I found on a resume writer’s profile, so unless your mother is a resume writer :) or the writer somehow has your mother’s resume, I think it must be a coincidence.

    3. WellRed*

      It certainly turned me off. Creative, curious might have been ok (not great) but insatiable and wonderful? Nah.

  84. Educator*

    Looking for small talk topics! I have a series of work meetings and events in the next few weeks that will require a lot of casual chitchat with people I know in passing, but not well. I like to come in armed with a few conversation starters. What are your favorites?

    1. Alton Brown's Evil Twin*

      Hyper-local stuff is always fun, and might be useful to one or the other of you. Find a new bike route? Have you tried the deli near the office? Etc.

    2. Lunch Eating Mid Manager*

      What’s your favorite lunch spot around here? Any vacation plans for next year? Are you watching anything good on TV right now?

    3. CTT*

      If they’re local, talking about restaurants is my go-to (have they been to [new place]/is there a cuisine you’re looking for recommendations for/eaten anywhere good lately)

    4. Generic+Name*

      I work in the environmental industry in the mountain west. My 3 go-to topics of conversation are: hunting, dogs, kids. I can have a conversation with literally anyone in my area/industry using one of those 3 topics as an anchor.

  85. SprechenSieTalk?*

    Is anyone working in innovation management or innovation strategy? This is an area Im looking to move into with a bit of innovation initiative leadership and a hell of a lot of corporate/product strategy background. Im curious if these are common titles or if there are other routes into this type of work (note: not UX testing).

    1. Anecdata*

      I do! Titles and names of teams vary a ton but ime the most common paths are:
      – from management consulting
      – from product management (especially in tech of course)
      – yes, from user research/design research/market research but this is less common

      Also, a lot of people that are just coming from their specialty – most of what you actually need /done/ in a corporate innovation program is a similar job to what you might do for any other project : depending on your company, engineers, designers, research, financial analysis, etc

  86. cactus lady*

    What’s a good going away gift for an excellent team member who is moving on? (They found a position with full-time childcare included as a benefit, and unfortunately I can’t match that!) I’d like to get her a little something in appreciation for her contributions for the past 3 years. Under $50 please :)

    1. Hlao-roo*

      In addition to whatever gift you decide on (or instead of), writer her a hand-written card that has some details of specific times/projects you particularly appreciated her work.

      One of my managers at a previous job wrote me a quick note after I did well on a project, and I still have that note a few jobs and several years later.

  87. ILoveCoffee*

    It is the last day of classes, I am teaching my last lab. They are doing the write up, so I am not needed. Instead of tackling the giant pile of final projects I need to grade, I am making a pretty flyer for my door with my finals week office hours. Any other professors horribly procrastinating?

    1. YNWA*

      We’re on trimesters so it’s only week 2. We’re off from Dec 17 to January 3, but it’s in the middle of the term.

  88. EJane*

    What happens after a discrimination and harassment investigation?

    I initiated one against my manager (I’m disabled) and spoke with the program manager for about an hour and a half and STILL didn’t get through everything. The statement I ended up cosigning was about 7 pages, and I have multiple coworkers who a. can corroborate my statements about things done in front of others, b. have mentioned to me that they’re concerned that our manager is demonstrating problematic behavior and targeting me, and c. expressed concern about MY health and wellbeing during all of this. I had to take three weeks of medical leave to recover from the strain this whole situation put on my body and brain.

    The investigator just scheduled a meeting for me for Tuesday and, predictably, my anxiety SKYROCKETED.
    Obviously no one can make a call about what WILL happen. But I’d love some perspective on likely or possible outcomes from people who don’t have intense trauma responses to this whole affair. :)

    1. Alice*

      Well, I don’t know if a stranger’s take will help as much as, IDK, a bubble bath or your favorite playlist or some time in nature, etc. But:
      A meeting with the investigator is the natural and expected next step. The only thing that has changed is that you know *when* the meeting will be. So, actually, you have more info now than you did before.
      Good luck! It sounds like you have a great deal of evidence so it should go well. Sorry you have to deal with the situation.

    2. Tabby Baltimore*

      If you come back to read this, and if you haven’t done this already, I would be taking the time leading up to this next appointment to gather all documentation that supports everything you say in your statement.

      If screenshots, they should be the FULL screen, so that they contain the date/time the shot was taken. Collect/save copies of emails, instant messages (screenshot if there’s no email function), meeting summaries/notes, post-it notes, *whatever* you’ve got, especially if they have dates.

      Consider printing out a few of the worst examples to bring with you to the appointment, to give the investigator an idea of what you’ve been dealing with.

      I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Hang in there. We’re rooting for you.

    3. 1LFTW*

      I don’t have advice, unfortunately, just solidarity from someone else having an intense trauma response from going through something kinda similar. Hang in there.

  89. Chickadee-Dee*

    Is it possible to have a job that pays reasonably well but not have it take up so much of your life?

    I’m an executive assistant for the Board and CEO. I made a decent salary for my area, but after only 1.5 years in my role, I feel like this is not sustainable. I am here before and after working hours trying to get everything done, and my free time is taken up by anxiety about what I need to do when I’m back in the office. I would try to talk with my direct supervisor, but she’s a workaholic who has no work-life balance. I feel like any attempt to set boundaries will be met with “this is just the kind of work this job entails” kind of talk. I’ve looked at other admin job postings, but none of them pay the same rate. Do I just have to accept that if I want to make a certain amount of money and stay in the same area, I will have to keep the job?

    I am also fairly new to the workforce, who started this job right out graduating college, so I feel like I have no basis of comparison on what is normal or even how to navigate things like this. I feel so lost and discouraged.

    1. Anonymous Educator*

      It is possible but… rare? Executive assistant jobs, as you well know, are pretty intense. I’ve had some less-eventful office jobs, and those have tended to pay in the lower range of things. Even when I was a classroom teacher (pretty intense as well), I wasn’t well-paid.

      Now I’m doing a tech job that involves coding but isn’t software engineering (which can also be stressful). I work, and I’m still able to clock out at 5pm every day, and I don’t think about work when I’m off the clock. I’m also making more than three times what I made as a teacher (sad—teachers should be paid more!).

      So those jobs exist. They may be hard to find/get, though. Generally speaking, if you’re working a high-paying job, it’s going to not be great for work-life balance.

      1. Chickadee-Dee*

        That seems to be along the lines of what I was thinking. I keep questioning on whether this is the right career path for me, but I feel like I don’t have anything else to offer.

        I don’t necessarily want a pay cut, but at this point any mental/emotional relief is probably worth it.

    2. Bess*

      Without specifics, impossible to say whether you can get your current pay with fewer responsibilities, but it does definitely sound like you have a supervisor problem. I’ve never been able to fix a workaholic and always had to leave to get better balance.

      1. Chickadee-Dee*

        Medium-sized college town in Canada in not-for-profit healthcare. I make 65k with benefits. Unfortunately, I only have an office admin diploma and the 1.5 years experience from this job, so I feel like my options are non-existent.

        My supervisor is a lovely person, but her being basically married to her job makes me feel like anything less is not up to par.

        1. Kay*

          Perhaps you are in a lower cost of living area and working for a much smaller organization than I’m am used to – but I would be expecting a salary to hit closer to 6 figures if you are an EA to a CEO and Board (you are non profit so that pay scale does adjust down), working more than 40 hours and stressing over work on the weekends. Granted I would also expect some high level qualifications to come along with that – so as it looks like they hired you with no experience tells me this might be more of an admin assistant role than what I expect of an EA. Either way, it is still okay for you to set some boundaries, though you know the organization best and thus have a better idea of just how that might go.

  90. StillFeelLikeAnImposterOMG*

    Academia question(s) –

    I am a grad student on the job market and have been extremely lucky to be invited for a handful of Zoom interviews for faculty jobs over the next few weeks! I welcome any and all advice about these interviews (I’m in quant social sciences, in the US, if that matters).

    One specific question – one of these interviews is for a (full-time, benefits, permanent) teaching-track job at an otherwise R1 university. I thought I wouldn’t be particularly competitive for this position, since I’ve only taught as a TA, and never as instructor of record (though TA-ing in my department does involve lecturing & discussion sections, so I’m not completely inexperienced. And, obviously, they liked my CV enough to long list me). Is there anything I can emphasize (or de-emphasize) in the interview to make me a stronger candidate for this job?

    Finally, do people send thank-you notes to the search committee after these interviews? My advisor got her current job when email was brand new, so I’ve been trying to ask around about the norms for this lol.

    1. Dr+Smartypants*

      I’m in academia (and in the past, in the US) and I would say that 1) yes to succint, well written thank you notes, 2) when you go in for in-person interviews, make sure that you know the department you are applying to, what they do, how you can fit in (this is really important), how you will contribute. Be a corteous and nice person to everyone you meet, from students to the chair. For teaching, know what kind of courses that they do not currently offer that you can offer based on your qualifications, and for the job talk, just make sure that it is tight knowledge-wise, within time constraints, and in a way that you can further highlight what you can offer to the School.
      Also, FYI, sometimes the person they ultimately choose for the job depends on internal things and/or directions they want for the department. Just wanted to say this so, if this doesn’t work out for you, don’t think it’s because you are not a good candidate. In my experience all candidates are great (these days, even interviews for a PhD position can be quite competitive!) and the choice sometimes has constraints way beyond your control.

      1. I love coffee*

        Agree with everything above. Also know what they do offer and which ones you can teach. Emphasize your interest in supporting students

  91. NaoNao*

    Sincere question:

    What does taking ownership or accountability look like for nuanced mistakes, oversights, or project you spearheaded and mostly handled that didn’t work out for unclear reasons?

    The situation is that I used a tool I’ve never used before to generate a survey to a group of employees; the data came back off/odd. I reviewed my steps I took prior to launching, and am fairly certain I’m not to blame but the program has many points of failure possibilities and is complex.

    I’ve jotted down the steps I took as best I can recall and missed opportunities as I see them if my boss asks, and I’ve sent out update emails to my boss and the client for the survey with neutral, factual items as needed but no apologies as I’m not sure if the wonky data is my fault. Is there something I’m missing or should do here? I’m feeling very anxious and can’t tell if it’s due to a traumatic terrible job I recently left or because I blew it.

    I’m also not sure if the ‘fault’ would be simple everyday oversight or lack of training/knowledge or if it were preventable with extra effort or tighter controls and observation by me. I’m not a detail oriented person but I am *certain* I took every precaution, step, and used all the tutorials and help available to me to produce said survey.

    In cases like these, this is a chance for me to step up and take ownership and accountability, something a previous boss dinged me on not doing in the past, and I’d really like to get it right.

    What’s the take on this? Have I covered the bases?

    1. Overeducated*

      I think this is a “trying something new and learning lessons from it” situation. It doesn’t require apologies, just explanations of what didn’t work as planned and how you plan to address that moving forward. Maybe you’ll use a different tool next time, or put a new control in place to address the specific failure points you’ve now identified with this one. Okay! Lesson learned! “Ownership and accountability” doesn’t mean “admitting fault,” it means taking responsibility for the outcome, reviewing and learning from your process, and not blaming others, which it sounds like you did.

  92. GoLightly*

    Does anyone have any part-time office job suggestions? I have a long history as a marketing writer but am looking to find something with reduced hours once our baby comes. I was thinking I could do something like being a receptionist at a dental office, as that sometimes comes with working on the website or social media. Are there any other options I’m missing?

  93. CatMom*

    I have a question about covering breakouts at work! I don’t wear makeup (which is accepted at my job) so I prefer to cover pimples with hydrocolloid dressings (aka zit patches) to dry them out and keep me from touching them and getting more bacteria into them. The problem is that the plain ones get visibly gross over the course of the day. (If you’re not familiar with them, they’re translucent and turn a milky color as they absorb oil.) Recently though, I came across hydrocolloid dressings that are opaque and colorful and come in fun shapes, like stars. My instinct is that I’d rather wear those because a) fun! and b) not visibly gross.

    But this leads me to my dilemma: which one is more professional, relatively speaking? The ones that are clearly hydrocolloid dressings but look a little icky, or the ones that look like chore chart stickers but fully cover the zit?

    My work is client facing but my clients are families with young or teenage kids, as a reference.

    1. GoLightly*

      Ooh, this is tough. I think the fun ones would be out of place in most workplaces – it would look to most people like you decided to put stickers on your face for fun. If your job is to work with kids, I think it depends on the nature of the work. If it’s somber work that touches on tough situations at all, the stickers might look out of place. But if it’s fun work like organizing events for kids, you might be able to get away with it!

    2. Koifeeder*

      As a former teenager and continued bearer of the curse of severe cystic acne, I would’ve been super disappointed with my parents if they complained about someone being unprofessional for having hydrocolloid bandages of any sort. I don’t know if that helps any, though.

    3. Also Alex*

      As someone who has not struggled terribly with acne in their adult life, I don’t think I would be aware that they turn white as they absorb oil, so it wouldn’t occur to me that anything gross is happening. I’d probably just think it was releasing medication or something. I’d stick with the neutral ones.

    4. NaoNao*

      I would split the difference: wear the sheer/clear ones until they get gross (set a reminder to check in the mirror after X hours) and then replace with a fresh one.

      I’ve found that the stars or hearts don’t seem to work as well as the OG Cosrx clear or Hero clear ones, so I’d use the clear ones anyway.

  94. Conflicted*

    Should I provide a character reference for a friend that is applying for an education program that I believe is a scam? Should I tell her I think it’s a scam? I resisted when she told me she needed the reference for a seminary program as I am not very religious and we haven’t talked much about religion in years. She seemed disappointed.

    She is very smart with multiple legitimate degrees but has been unemployed for a few years. She has held great jobs in the past. She always feels she is not educated enough to qualify for good jobs, even with a Master’s degree in an in-demand field.

    I have happily been her reference for jobs, but I feel that taking the time to vouch for her character for a bad education program is a waste of time and I don’t want to play a role in my friend getting taken advantage of. How do I tell her this without hurting her feelings? She doesn’t get much support from her family and I am her closest friend.

    The school has good reviews online, but I was able to find course content (including exam questions) online with a quick search and was not impressed. I also learned that the application only requires a high school diploma and character reference. They will admit you without the reference, but won’t give you your degree without it. The school is the University of Sedona.

    Can anyone share their experience attending this school? Were you able to get a job with good pay after earning your degree from them?

    1. Also Alex*

      I don’t have any experience with this particular institution, but there are red flags all over the place.

      > Because Metaphysical degrees are religious in nature, the U.S. Department of Education, under U.S. Federal Law, can neither praise, credit, discredit, nor accredit Metaphysical institutions.

      …but there is an Association of Theological Schools. THAT’S the/a legitimate accrediting body for religious institutions in the US and Canada, at least for Christian institutions and Divinity schools. (It looks like they’ve accredited a Jewish school as well, but there might be another association that does more of them, I’m not sure.) But claiming that nobody is accrediting you because you’re religious is BS.

      1. Ginger Pet Lady*

        Lots of religious schools are accredited. Because the USDOE doesn’t do accreditation. Independent accreditation agencies do.
        Liberty University is accredited
        BYU is accredited
        Bob Jones University is accredited
        No one is accredited by the USDOE. Saying the reason you’re not accredited is because the USDOE “can’t” is highly misleading.

    2. Glazed Donut*

      To answer your first question: I’d think about whether or not she’ll pursue this degree without your reference. I’m also curious how you describe ‘scam.’ To me, a scam college is one that takes your money and you’re unable to earn a degree.
      Is the degree she can earn one that isn’t accredited? Are people just generally unhappy with the courses? Is your issue that you think the classes aren’t worth tuition?
      Adults should be able to make adult decisions. If there’s an accreditation issue, I may raise that with her, but if it’s simply your opinion that the school isn’t prestigious, then that’s her decision to make. People can go to low-ranking schools (or no-ranking) to keep their mind fresh, to socialize, to learn about a new area.
      Perhaps a better road to take here is to write the letter…then help her polish her resume, find open positions that apply with her skills and interests, etc. If she’s going to school because of her lack of job opportunities, helping in that area may be more of a win.

      1. Conflicted*

        Thank you all! My issue is that it is not accredited, not that the school is religious. I appreciate the name of the organizations that accredited. I will use it to help her research other schools. My other issue was the ease at which I was able to freely find the materials she will pay for and the quality of the materials. I will share my thoughts with her but support whatever decision she makes. I don’t feel like you are “earning” a degree if what you are paying for are PDFs to read with questions to answer provided in advance. I agree that you don’t need to go to a high-ranked school to get a quality education and will continue helping her apply for jobs. Thanks again!

    3. The Gollux, not a Mere Device*

      What seems weird to me is that they will admit people (and presumably charge them tuition) without a character reference, but require a character reference in order to issue the degree/diploma to people who have done the work to earn the degree.

  95. Bummed Worker Bee*

    Does anyone else feel so disillusioned by work in the modern world that regardless of which position you get, at which company/organization, no matter how much flexibility they offer, you will *never* be happy until you retire? I’m starting to feel that way and it’s so frustrating. I started off my career so vibrant and full of good ideas and energy, but after 5+ years in multiple positions at different places, I feel like my soul has evaporated and nothing will be good for the 30 more years I’m forced to work to be able to pay bills. I wish I knew what else I could do, but besides “win the lotto” or “marry rich” I’m kind of at a loss.

    2. Gary Patterson’s Cat*

      I’ve felt this way a lot over the last 20 years and even posted on AAM about it. I feel so dissatisfied with the politics of working. I end up switching jobs every 3-5 years because thing’s always start good at companies, but turn shitty around that time.

      1. Gary Patterson’s Cat*

        I don’t have an answer and I’ve spent almost 40 years in the workforce (I am 55).
        I think also, the older and more experienced I get, the less I am tolerant of being micromanaged.

        1. Bummed Worker Bee*

          That’s totally understandable, but even with a great manager who basically leaves me alone I feel like I’m clawing the walls trying to get out. There’s nothing I could change about work that would make me like it more. I just simply do not want to do it! But I have no other reasonable option I can think of.

      2. Bummed Worker Bee*

        I used to feel pretty neutral about work but now it feels like I’m clawing my eyes out for 8 hours a day. Absolutely brutal. Here’s hoping we can both find another path.

    3. cncx*

      This is one of the reasons I intentionally didn’t “advance” in my career. I want a job and responsibilities that pay my bills working 40 hours a week with no bs. I can and have left jobs where long term overtime was “mandatory” or I had bad managers or bad politics. I’ve made a career of acting my wage and leaving micromanagers. That’s the only way I’ve found to cope with working in Late Capitalism. This has meant I can’t buy a house etc, but day to day I manage so much better than other people I know.

      1. Bummed Worker Bee*

        Honestly that’s a good point. Where I work, going higher up the ladder means way more stress and responsibility without a meaningful salary increase. I can’t imagine following that path!

      2. WellRed*

        I used to want to climb higher. At 51, I no longer care. I’m not scratching my eyes out, but I’m totally ready to not work anymore.

    4. RagingADHD*

      I think the expectation that one’s job should be directly tied into your life’s passion and purpose can become very toxic. Jobs are by their nature transactional, and soul is not. If you try to connect your soul to anything transactional, you will crush it.

      If you reframe your purpose, vision, and energy to be about non-transactional things, it takes a lot of pressure off your work goals. As long as you can find a job that doesn’t conflict with your most important values, offers a good living, and is a relatively pleasant work environment, that is plenty.

      There’s a lot of satisfaction to be found in doing something that’s just…useful, and enables you to do something else with your passion. There are plenty of causes and adventures to put your heart into that aren’t jobs.

    5. PX*

      I might still be in new job glow, but I actually really like my current job. After a couple of years bouncing around and 2 years in jobs I really hated, it is honestly a real pleasure to be somewhere where I actually like the work that I do and the people I work with.

      So I guess my question to you is, is it the concept of working you hate (also fine, I like my job, but if I won the lottery, I definitely wouldnt stick around!) or your current job? If its the latter, I’d say that it is possible to find jobs which dont feel soul sucking and maybe that is something to focus on?

  96. Resume Woes*

    I have a couple questions as I’m trying to refresh my resume for the first time in what feels like forever. Any help or feedback would be super great!

    Question 1 of 2: I am trans and haven’t yet legally changed my name, but also have never been out at a job, so my current and past jobs only know me as my legal name. I would like to have the name I actually go by on my resume, but I’m a little unsure of how to handle the past job stuff. After all, if a place I’m applying to calls and askes if “Joe Smith” worked at a past job, they’ll get a “no”. Right now, the top of my resume says: “Joe Smith (legal name Jane Smith)”. First off: does that seem like an okay way to phrase that? Second off: would it be beneficial/head off any problems to note at each job on my resume which name I had worked there under, or if not… what would be the best way to make it clear? I really want to start moving forward with being “Joe” (not really it) in more parts of my life, especially as I plan to get things legally changed as soon as I can settle in at a job I can be more out at, but since none of my past jobs will know who “Joe” is, I’d rather not cause myself issues applying places lol.

    Question 2 of 2: Some of this is related to above, but… I currently don’t really have any good references. I used to have a past boss or two who had said I could put them down, but it’s been many, many years since I last was in contact with them, and again, if a new job calls and asks for a reference about “Joe Smith” they’d get a “who is that”, which I can’t imagine would be great for my chances at getting hired. Not to mention how long it’s been! Even if a new job asked about “Jane Smith”, it’s been a very long time since I interacted with anyone on my old resume’s reference list, so I’m not sure how to even check in if they’re still okay with being references for me. The *only* thing I could think to use is a friend I have, who has known me forever, whom I technically worked with for a bit 6+ years ago… But I really don’t know if using them is better than nothing, as far as references go. If I get asked about references and have none, what do I say? How bad will that be? Will using my friend be the best thing, after all?

    1. Hlao-roo*

      I’m going to start with question 2 first. What contact information for your old managers/coworkers do you have? LinkedIn connections, emails, phone numbers? If they are at the same companies that you used to work for, is any of their contact info available on the company website? Compile a list of potential references and the contact info that you have first.

      Then start reaching out to your potential references. Email is best, because ideally you want to say something along the lines of “hello, it’s J. Smith, I worked with you at [company] in [years]. I’m applying for jobs and would like to use you as a reference. Is that OK with you?” You can attach your resume, and add a little bit about the work you did when you worked with them to jog their memory if it’s been a while. LinkedIn messages are generally shorter than email, so maybe skip the resume and the “we worked on X project together” bit until they respond to your first message. It’s a normal part of being a manager to give references for former employees, even when they haven’t been in contact for years.

      For your first question, I think you have two options and you’ll have to choose what is best for you. Option 1, as you identified, is to tell the company you’re applying to that they should ask for “Jane Smith” when checking references. You can do this when you give the company your reference information:
      Tangerina Wableworth (note: knows me as Jane Smith)
      [Tangerina’s contact information]

      Option 2 is, as part of reaching out to your references, let them know “hey, by the way, I’m in the process of changing my name so companies will be asking for Joe Smith. That’s me.”

      As for your resume, I think you can have your name as either Joe Smith (legal name Jane Smith) or just leave it as Joe Smith and when it comes time to sign the offer paperwork (or whenever feels natural in the interview process), say “my legal name is Jane Smith and I’m in the process of changing it to Joe.” People who go by their middle names often do something similar, with a resume that says “Patrick Smith” and then their documentation is all for “Joseph Patrick Smith.”

      1. Resume Woes*

        Firstly, thank you very much for taking the time to answer me! I appreciate that a lot.

        Unfortunately, besides the friend I used to work with, I don’t have very good contact information for older references. I’m not on Linkedin or anything (I don’t think that’s for people who have only worked part-time retail/food service? Maybe I’m wrong! I always was told that’s only for when you work like, “””actual””” office jobs and stuff, though.) But I do know none of my older references still work where they had been. I may be able to scrounge up whatever phone numbers I’d had from previous versions of my resumes, but for one person at least all I had was a work number for a business that didn’t survive the pandemic, so that one’s definitely a dead end sadly.

  97. Jay*

    This is long but decisions are time sensitive. Appreciate the AAM community’s insights.

    This time last year my org (business development) decided to restructure and part of that was merging two similarish teams (sales proposals). I’m largely a project manager and writer and have been on one of those teams since 2017 first as a manager then promoted to senior manager for merit in Jun 2021. No direct reports. With shifts in priorities and needs my current director was going to be moving laterally to a different area and the other person in the same role in my old team was going to move with her.

    At the time it originally came up they asked me if I wanted to stay with proposals or try something new in the restructured business development team and they’d be delighted to have me in either area. I debated it but opted to stay with proposals, reporting to the Sr director in charge of both the merging proposal teams, and eventually we made a plan for me to get promoted to Asst Director (a role that only exists in the other proposal team’s structure, but since we were merging was now an option) and backfill a couple new proposal managers to report to me. I helped her put together job descriptions and workflows and she was working with compensation, HR, finance, etc.

    Promotion was supposed to happen end of last FY but then we learned that if they did that, it would come out of the overall merit bucket so they told me Q1 FY23. Cool, I guess. At least I get more money that way (2022 raise +promotion both). Attended our national sales meeting in October with the understanding that I was going to be leading the proposal team for my subject area. Told a couple of people confidentially because they were like hey what’s up with your team if your director is moving areas. They were all pumped and supportive. New assumed future manager, the Sr director, keeps pushing for updates from HR but nothing is moving.

    About a month ago they give the Sr director I’ve been working with a new boss of her own, and everything screeches to a halt. Last week I met with this new big boss at her request and she seemed to be feeling out what I wanted vs her envisioned team structure, and I mentioned looking forward to doing something different, but related to keep supporting proposals but get away from the grind a bit. Earlier this week we had an all team meeting where she announced no one will be getting those assistant director roles going forward as it’s not an org standard role, but existing ones on the team will be grandfathered and she’s planning on hiring a director and proposal manager for my team, and even said she was meeting with me later this week with HR on the call. My outgoing director IMs and says sounds like you might be getting Director instead and tells me she has my back.

    And today the new big boss meets with me to tell me she’s hiring a director for our team to replace my current one with supervisory and upstream/downstream experience that I admittedly do not have, as well as a new proposal manager reporting to that person, that the Sr director’s team is staying separate instead of merging, and she’s so happy to offer me a “promotion” that’s really just a raise (7% and doubling my bonus, but bonus is contingent on making plan at the org level, promos are usually 10%) and the promise of having a direct report somewhere down the line to start getting supervisory experience (which is assuming that plan doesn’t change between now and an undefined future date).

    I asked some questions about their plans and still thanked them for working to put together something out of the box, because it is unusual for my company to do things this way, off cycle and for a updated department but not title that comes with a raise anyway. I also was candid that this was disappointing given the conversations and understanding we had worked under, up until this lady came on board, especially since the original timing would have had this done already and me grandfathered in with the new title. New boss lady told me she didn’t realize things were as far along on the promotion as they were and she felt bad that this wasn’t as exciting a conversation as she was imagining it would be.

    I called my old director to fill her in and honestly complain a bit and she just about hit the roof because apparently the promotion we were working on for me was also promised to her and the senior director by new big boss lady. Which means that there’s no way she was being honest with me about that. My best guess is that she didn’t know that _I_ knew how far along it was.

    I’m torn on whether to take up my old director’s offer to escalate this. Obviously no matter what at this point I’m going to be somehow on the wrong foot with the new big boss because of her shadiness, but how much am I shooting myself in the foot spending my capital on this? I’m generally well liked and respected and there’s part of me that’s okay with more money for the same work I’m doing now, but on the other hand I’d really like to do something different, and I’m a bit soured on this person now.

    Help? I’m supposed to return the offer by Wednesday and am reconnecting with my old director after the weekend.

    1. ThursdaysGeek*

      If you can, wait until you talk to your old director, and see if she has suggestions. She might understand the politics in a way that could be helpful.

    2. Loredena*

      I’ll be honest- I would take it for the money increase in the short term and simultaneously start looking elsewhere because trust is broken. I don’t think you can rely on your new boss to do the right thing

      1. Jay*

        That’s kind of where I am at, too. I have plenty of internal contacts who I can talk to and as far as I can tell because it’s not a real promotion I’m not subject to our internal policy that doesn’t let you apply for new roles for a year after promotion. Reluctant to leave the company entirely if I don’t have to; primarily because I have a truly generous PTO allotment.

  98. Chirpy*

    Do I tell my department head that the last two people in our department specifically left because of her? I probably shouldn’t, but I’m THIS CLOSE.

    Just got in a shouting match because she seems to think I’m purposely not finishing what is the work of four people “at her”. I very nearly asked her she would rather I quit also. (I’m seriously looking, just can’t find a better job yet and can’t afford to quit without one because this place pays too little to save money. )

    1. Somehow_I_Manage*

      Nope. She knows.

      I’m of the mind that if you’re at the point where you’re having shouting matches at work, the relationship is beyond repair. Keep your head down, keep looking. Hopefully you find something soon. If not, maybe you’ll get lucky and she’ll find her way out of the organization.

      1. Just here for the scripts*

        This.
        Also Alison had some script earlier this week on how to basically say: “I have these tasks—I was told A and B are priorities and they will take x-amount/% of the time. This means L,M, and N won’t get done in the timeframe your asking for.”

        These may help you in the future.
        Also grey-stoning responses are good to practice when someone is yelling at you.

        1. Chirpy*

          I’ve tried that, she just throws it back at me and apparently seems to think I should read her mind at all times and do the work of 4 people, and I’m apparently lazy for not finishing everything. The task she will most likely tell me not to do (until it piles up and she’ll ask why it isn’t done) is the one that is most visible to the manager, and therefore the only thing I ever get praised for doing well.

    2. Silence*

      If there is anyone senior to her it would make more sense to go to them about her not knowing how long it takes to do things

  99. Annie Mouse*

    My last job was a short term temp contract job. All of the feedback I received from the stakeholders and colleagues was positive.

    I’m currently out of work. I have emailed my manager I reported to at the temp job to see if I could use her as a reference and she never responded. A job I was applying to specifically asked me to provide a reference from the contract job, and when the recruiter contacted the manager the recruiter was told the manager couldn’t provide a reference because I was a contractor. Is this as bizarre as I think it is?

    1. Gary Patterson’s Cat*

      Yes. That is odd. I’ve received references from contractor positions. Unless it was via an agency, where the agency would be the reference.

    2. RagingADHD*

      Not all companies have that policy, but I don’t think it’s bizarre. Some organizations won’t even give references for their FTEs, just confirm dates of employment.

    3. Somehow_I_Manage*

      Lots of jobs have specific rules about not providing references. That’s not odd. They should however be able to verify your employment history.

      What’s odd is the job you are applying to prescribing strict boundaries on what to use as a reference. As a general rule, your references should be people you trust and that you can count on to give positive feedback. They aren’t required to be exclusively your supervisors. Choose the best of what you’ve got! Someone who can vouch that you did the job well. Former peers, clients, volunteer connections, a supervisor from the temp agency, etc.

  100. Hybridder*

    This is purely a what would you do question!

    Started a new job 6 months ago. At the time the guidance was to to go the office twice a week. Prior to that I was fully remote but I was willing to go to the office based on the opportunity.

    I work at location A, every single one of my colleagues works in Location B. I visit Location B every 1-2 months.

    Recently we were told that we need to go back to the office 3x a week.

    It seems ridiculous to me to commute 2 hours a day to use their computer screens and internet access and fight for a conference room to do my Zoom calls. Plus I have a chronic illness that zaps a lot of my energy.

    Whenever we ask for clarity around the policy we aren’t given any. People have encouraged everyone to stop asking so they don’t just say “that’s it, tired of all the questions, everyone come back 5 days a week.”

    Admittedly I don’t usually make it in 3x a week. I’ve spoken to people who go in on a set 2x a week schedule. I also know people who just never go to the office.

    I would think if there are repercussions they would… tell us what they would be? But I don’t know. I’m afraid to rock the boat but I’m just curious what you all would do.

    1. Antilles*

      If everybody else is only coming in 2x per week (or never), I’d just keep on doing what you’ve been doing until someone actually says something more direct. In fact, that’s likely *why* people are telling you to stop asking questions – they’re trying to just ignore the doctrine and play dumb, but you’re ruining the plausible deniability of “oh, sorry, didn’t realize…”.

    2. SomebodyElse*

      In a similar situation to you … I don’t work with or collaborate with anyone in the office I report out of. I go in about 1 day out of every 2-3 weeks to water my plants. Nobody has said anything to me. If someone notices and tells me to start going in 3 days a week I will make my case then or just start commuting in.

      I don’t think anyone will tell you what the repercussions would be for not going in, I think you’d just find out when it’s a problem. I would think it would be something like “Start coming in or you can work for another company that supports remote work”

    3. Unkempt Flatware*

      I agree with stop asking about it until someone directly says something to you about it. Basically, you’re being asked to go into the office in order to be remote with those not in the office that day. I’d be one of those who never went in and not say a word about it. I wouldn’t bring anymore attention to the matter and do your thing.

    4. Hybridder*

      Thanks all!! I’m definitely not asking, but many people in my department are asking specific questions like “what if I’m working from another office or traveling” and “what if my kid is sick and I need to be around” etc. it was suggested to just stop asking and rocking the boat but a lot of people are stuck on this lack of clarity.

      Anyway. I’m not going to worry about it until someone tells me I should. Thanks for the validation!!

  101. AnotherLibrarian*

    I’m struggling with another department where I work. They are just astonishingly challenging to deal with. I know part of it is personality clash and part of it is a real issue. However, I need to stop vocally ranting about them every-time they annoy me, any tips and advice? I feel like I am being increasingly unprofessional.

    1. Hlao-roo*

      Can you do some sort of quick journaling exercise after work every day? Write down everything annoying that department did, then go back through your list and note if it’s a personality clash or part of the real issue. Any of the “real issue” annoyances that you think can be solved (by you, your manager, someone at the company), copy on to a different piece of paper. Than rip up or burn or in some other way destroy the first piece of paper to symbolically destroy your frustration with that department.

      Hopefully the combination of waiting until the end of the day to “complain” + releasing your frustration regularly and without positive feedback from coworkers chiming in will decrease your overall frustration levels and allow you to interact with that department more professionally.

    2. Glazed Donut*

      This is hard, but who hasn’t had this situation?
      A few perspective phrases to think about:
      -What if they’re doing the best they can?
      -The other team is working with what they have.
      -The other team may not have leadership/guidance in how to X (insert annoying issue) and don’t have tools to figure it out.

      Alternatively, see how long you can go without ranting about them. Any streaks? Any moments where you think ‘eh, not worth it to break the streak’? Those are wins.

    3. Sylvan*

      Does ranting about them feel better or worse? I’ve been trying to stop complaining about a difficult department because I only make myself more frustrated, and I don’t make that department any easier to deal with.

    4. Hatchet*

      Can you go into these interactions with them with a ‘keeping the bar low’ mindset? I’ve worked with groups at past jobs where I knew that what I needed from them in our group projects might happen, but might also not happen, or happen but on a timeline much more delayed than I had anticipated. I had to learn how to focus on what was most important and think about how and what I could contribute to get those important pieces done. (Should I have to take extra steps to make their job easier to get things accomplished? No. Did it make my life a bit easier in the long run? Yes.)

      For those people who annoy you, can you keep those interactions brief and limited? Also, do they have any good traits to go along with the annoying ones? (“It bothers me when Alex does X, but on the other hand, I really appreciate it when they do/say/help out by doing Y.” And then when X happens, you can acknowledge it, but then remember Y.)

  102. Long sigh*

    I had an incident this morning where a time sensitive document that needed to be signed asap was not sent as I expected, and it almost caused a delay in services for one of my clients. It turns out my supervisor, who is in charge of sending these documents to the correct place, had a family emergency and wasn’t able to send it, which I absolutely understand.

    My problem is that my other supervisor gave me no guidance on where to send it while he was away, and I didn’t find out until almost too late. She knew I was working on that kind of document, but even if she hadn’t, this happened on a day of the week were our business is very likely to be handing that kind of time sensitive work, so someone running into this issue wouldn’t have been unexpected.

    When I asked about it, she just made it sound like my fault for not assuming she would take over, even though she’s never been the one in charge of that particular process.

    It all worked out in the end, we got the signatures needed in time, but I’m really bothered by how she treated my concerns. This isn’t the first time she’s been dismissive of me. If she’d given even a half baked apology for not making it more clear, I would be past it, but she didn’t. I want to bring it up, but I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill. I’m also hoping to ask for more advanced work soon, so I don’t want to blow my chances over something unnecessary. Any tips on what to do?

    1. SomebodyElse*

      What are you looking for as a result of bringing this up with her (I’m assuming the 2nd Supervisor not the one with a family emergency)?

      If you’re looking for an apology, I would advise against it. I’m not even sure how this would start or play out.

      If you want to bring it up in a “Hey we had a near miss last week. I’ve thought about ways we could make this process better going forward” then I’d bring it up.

  103. Manager of Teas*

    I know I’m late (it’s now Friday afternoon!) but hoping I can get some thoughts:
    Last week at work my VP presented her vision for a new org structure. We are a quickly growing org, and will be adding all kinds of roles. VP will get a promotion, which leaves VP’s position empty (Senior Director of Teapots). I am a lower-level manager on an adjacent team that will be getting a *new* Senior Director of Teas and Coffees (SDTC). I currently am manager of Teas. I have my own manager (very similar title but technically my superior) who I believe thinks she’s a shoe-in for SDTC as the Manager of Beverages. Here’s the thing: She doesn’t do any work. I don’t mean this in a head-scratching “What does she do all day?” way but in a more factual way: we had to share out recently re: our own body of work, and her entire paragraph was my work + the manager of Coffee’s work. None of it was her own, or even how she’s supported us, and none of our work has she even helped with (she can’t name teas, coffees, how they are made, hasn’t written the Tea Code, the FDA’s rules for them, etc).

    Cut to the chase: I want to talk to VP about applying for the new SDTC role. Is there a tactful way to do that without feeling like I’m stepping on toes of my manager? Perhaps asking if there will be a competitive field for submitting resumes/letters of interest? I also don’t want VP to tell my manager that I’m interested in ‘her’ role as that feels like it will make waves.

    1. sdog*

      Can you reach out as if you didn’t know your manager is interested in the role too? For example, just ask the VP how they’ll be filling the role? Do they have plans to hold interviews? What qualities are they looking for?

  104. Keeping+My+Expectations+Low*

    I successfully negotiated a raise this week! Not as much as I wanted but it was a hard-fought negotiation. I’m proud of myself for even trying. But the process definitely reinforced some of the negative aspects of the job for me, so I will also be working on a mid- to long-term plan to gtfo.

  105. Dr+Smartypants*

    Just wanted to vent a bit, I was laid-off from my job as “my job wasn’t needed anymore”. I was treated so poorly in the time I was there, in general. I had a very unfortunate time with a colleague that was a bully, and I feel that the lay off was just because I stood up against the poor behavior. Given that only a couple of my colleagues reached out after the news I was leaving, I guess that it tells me where I stood…
    I just really hope that the next job will be better!

    2. Better days coming*

      That sucks! I’m sorry this happened to you. Sounds like a crappy place to work. Hang in there, you will find something better. I’ve been in your shoes and been bullied and all the rest of it, and thought my life was over when I was laid off, but I survived and went on to much better and saner jobs. Best of luck to you and can’t wait to read your “Friday Good News” one of these days.

  106. esh*

    I am a college junior putting together my first résumé. I need to decide whether to include a “Presidential Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.” I can’t find useful statistics regarding how common this is. Is this a valid addition or just puffery? I have plenty of space to include it….

    1. Hlao-roo*

      If you have space for it, you can include the award. Most people’s college resumes include a fair amount of puffery. But as soon as you have another bullet point to add to one of your job/internship sections, or a new volunteer position, or a new class project that showcases your technical skills the award can come right off to make space for those.

    3. CTT*

      If you have room for it plus a quick explanation of what the award reflects (is that for GPA? A kick-ass paper you wrote? Something else?), definitely include it!

    4. RagingADHD*

      How much work history do you have already? Usually on your first post-college resume, you might as well put everything on there that you have room for.

    5. Somehow_I_Manage*

      If it’s a college award, sure. But, isn’t that program from high school? I think that might be a bit too much of a reach for me. I probably wouldn’t factor your high school performance into whether to hire you as a college grad.

      1. esh*

        Thank you all for your helpful replies! I hope I run into you (and people like you) in my future employment!

  107. Barney Stinson*

    Forgive me if this has been asked and answered; I can’t find evidence of it: is there going to be a Worst Boss of 2022 or has that been discontinued permanently? I loved that feature so much.

      1. ecnaseener*

        I thought it was just skipped last year because of a snafu with an ineligible post winning the vote – I don’t remember Alison saying it was permanent!

  108. Mimmy*

    Just wondering what everyone’s experiences have been with online-only colleges and universities, from applying to jobs to actually working at such schools. There’s one school in particular I’ve applied to–and another job just popped up. I’m specifically looking in disability services.

    1. Mimmy*

      I was in a bit of a rush when I wrote this, so I’m adding some context for clarification. As I mentioned, I applied for a job at this particular online university before with no luck. Another job just popped up that I’m interested in. This school has a physical location (their headquarters), but most employees are fully remote and are spread all over the country.

      I don’t want to name this school just yet; I’m just curious if the culture at online-only schools is different or if the hours are typically unreasonable. One line in this particular job I’m looking at says, “does what it takes to get the job done”.

      Thanks!!

  109. BubbleTeaCat*

    Vent re: lack of effective cross-team functioning

    I work in the IT division of a large university. Like most things in higher ed, all the teams/areas are very siloed. Efforts to improve cross-team functioning have had a small positive impact, but there is a long way to go (and at its current rate, things might be better in 10 years? 15 years?). There are multiple directors, and they all have their own agendas, so of course their direct reports will work on their bosses’ priorities. What is driving me crazy is that one of these directors often complains that my team isn’t providing their teams what they need to do their jobs, or we are not providing it in a timely manner. I feel like this person has thrown me and my team under the bus multiple times. And the kicker is, whenever I need anything from THEIR area, I rarely ever get it! So I could make the same complaint about their teams. The reality of the situation is just that we are a large org, there’s too much work, and top level management struggles to effectively organize and prioritize the work. When we do have good coordination (like a good project manager and top-level support), then our teams come together and knock it out like rock stars. But that kind of support and coordination just doesn’t happen that often, without a concerted effort from top-level mgmt to make it happen.

    So I’m trying to figure out if there are any strategies to improve coordination and get the support we need at my level. I am a middle manager, so I have limited influence. I hate that my team is getting overwhelmed and demoralized because one person keeps saying we aren’t doing our jobs – especially when the same can be said of that person’s teams. Any advice is appreciated! (Including “find another job” lol. I am looking, because this feels like an uphill battle that I’m losing the will to fight.)

    1. Alton Brown's Evil Twin*

      Bypass the hierarchy & the disfunction. If you have a good relationship with people at your level in that other department, set up back-channels of communication. You may not be able to actually change assignments and priorities, but you can at least give each other heads-ups about where things stand, and you might be able to weigh in early enough to save rework, long meetings, etc.

  110. Sylvan*

    I just received a phishing email — a fake password expiration reminder with a link where I could supposedly choose a new password. It brought AAM to mind because some people talked about phishing earlier this week. Some signs to look for in emails are: close-but-not-quite email addresses, spelling and grammar errors, and requests for personal information.

    1. GoLightly*

      Our security training told us to always hover over any email link to see the real URL before we click. It’s a good tip, not that I ever remember to do it, haha.

      1. WellRed*

        Did this just today for a similar phishing thing fir email but the domain name ended with KR (Korea? Dunno). so I passed.

    2. Seven hobbits are highly effective, people*

      What I do is whenever I get an email that tells me I’m supposed to go to some internal system to accomplish something, I don’t follow the link in my email. Instead, I go to our intranet portal and find the link to the internal system in question on there, then look for whatever the task is. If it was a phishing email and there’s nothing I actually need to do in the whatever-system, I didn’t expose any information that way, and if it’s a real thing I’m supposed to do now I’m in the right system to go do it in.

      Of course, this only works if whatever you use for an internal collector of links to all of the things is actually kept up-to-date…

    3. Kettle Belle*

      We get tested regularly on Phishing emails. the company will send out a fake email and we need to recognize it as a Phish and report it. about a week later, we get a real email from the company either congratulating us when we correctly spotted and reported it or a “You must do better next time at spotting a Phish and reporting it”

  111. Conflicted*

    Thank you all! My issue is that it is not accredited, not that the school is religious. I appreciate the name of the organizations that accredited. I will use it to help her research other schools. My other issue was the ease at which I was able to freely find the materials she will pay for and the quality of the materials. I will share my thoughts with her but support whatever decision she makes. I don’t feel like you are “earning” a degree if what you are paying for are PDFs to read with questions to answer provided in advance. I agree that you don’t need to go to a high-ranked school to get a quality education and will continue helping her apply for jobs. Thanks again!

  112. Chirpy*

    I don’t know how to convince anyone that I am worth anything. I have no experience in any job that’s going to translate to something that pays enough to live on, and nobody seems to recognize my good work until I’m past burned-out and leaving, when they beg me to come back. Or they’ll see something I hate doing and ask me to do it forever because I’m good at it, but won’t ever listen to me that I could be doing something else even better. I’m just permanently stuck. And I’m sure this site is just going to eat this comment like it always does.

    1. ThursdaysGeek*

      Well, it didn’t get eaten, so that’s a start. And you are good at some things (not always things you like to do). So you are worth something. It’s hard to tell what your options are or if you are permanently stuck, but what do you wish you could do?

      1. Chirpy*

        I don’t know, because what I got my degree in is apparently useless without a lot of experience (not sure how to get it, it’s always been that way, basically no low leve lfull time jobs), a job I liked aside from the people is even worse for opportunities (I volunteered until they hired me, no longer an option, that field lost a lot of jobs during the pandemic and isn’t coming back soon).

        The things I wish I could do don’t pay enough to live on, and would really require moving to very high cost of living areas to even attempt it, and again, no real experience so who’s hiring me. All I get from LinkedIn is retail jobs, which is what I’m trying to get out of.

      2. Chirpy*

        I realize this is coming from a particularly bad day at work (department head finally snapped at me in front of a manager, management knows of this problem already, the “solutions” are completely unlikely to help, they can’t afford to put me in a new department as they just did that with our last new coworker) but every job this seems to happen.

        They say one should always make sure that one is not just surrounded by assholes before deciding one is worthless, but seriously, can this many people be this consistently wrong? I am *always* the expendable one.

        1. Wishing good things for you*

          Yes, “this many people” can be consistently wrong! But I could totally relate to your posts, as I have felt this way oft times over the years…it’s hard when you feel you haven’t found your “fit,” whether in life in general or in a career. But it’s a work in progress, don’t give up hope, please. I know when I felt this way the most it was often because I was so down in the dumps I couldn’t conceive that things COULD get better, so saw “proofs” of that all around. Of course a lot of things I thought were bad or unfair did happen to me and were objectively bad or unfair, but they infected me to the degree I thought everything was my own fault and/or they would never improve. Cognitive behavioral therapy in the last two years has improved my outlook so much that I wish I hadn’t wasted fully 40 years feeling so inadequate, depressed, and unappreciated. Obviously ymmv. Hang in there. This internet stranger is pulling for you.

          1. Chirpy*

            Thanks. I would really love therapy but I can’t afford it (there’s no free openings, I literally had $18 in my account after paying rent this month.)

            1. Wishing good things for you*

              I’m sorry to hear that. But it Turns out there are also some good cognitive therapy workbooks that seem to contain the same exercises that my therapist gives me. Of course, cbt may not be what you need or want, but you could peek into these or other books at the library. One is called Feeling Good, by David Burns M.D., and the workbook that you can use with it, called Feeling Good Handbook. I truly hope things look up for you soon.

            2. Wishing good things for you*

              I’m sorry. Take a peek into Feeling Good and The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns, MD. The library may have them. They cover a lot of the same ground and exercises my therapist gives me.

    2. Glazed Donut*

      Comment not eaten! I think you’ve maybe been in the wrong situations/working with personalities who do not match your personality. That’s not a necessity in every working relationship, but it sounds like you are in need of a trusting, respectful relationship between you and a manager.
      Is there a friend of yours who could be a mirror for yourself? Maybe help you pull out your strengths, and pair those up with potential job tasks for the next job?
      It’s hard to be able to help more without knowing your specific degree/field and where you’ve been working. I’ll say this: a job is sometimes a paycheck, not necessarily a passion, and it doesn’t need to be that way forever. Perhaps now would be a good time to take a less emotionally-invested job in order to pay bills and re-align goals/expectations.

      1. Chirpy*

        I mean, I need a trusting, respectful relationship with *anyone*, I keep losing friends because once they get a good job/significant other/ kids, they never have time or interest to hang out anymore. I also have zero emotional investment in this job other than attempting to pay the bills already, I just don’t get paid enough to actually be able to do that without massive anxiety, and getting told I’m apparently a worthless person for working retail. (It was the job I had to take to get past the jobs I liked but didn’t work out, and now I’m stuck. )

  113. Written Interviews*

    I am currently job searching. A couple times the first stage of the interview process has been responding in writing to a series of questions, generally with a week deadline. I dislike this because it’s one-sided – I don’t get to ask them any questions – but also because I feel less certain of how to succeed in this situation. Others who have encountered this either as a candidate or from the hiring side, can you share why this method might be used instead of a normal interview and any tips or thoughts about how to approach this to be successful?

    1. Glazed Donut*

      As a hiring manager, I may do this if I’m looking for someone with strong writing skills (or research skills, or to see their familiarity with our website, etc). I’d agree that it’s one-sided, but depending on the time commitment, it may be able to give you an idea of the role and management without having to take off/dress up/etc.
      Tips for it: Read and re-read the instructions. Follow them to a T, especially for length. Read over your responses before sending and consider if you’re being thorough/succinct, grammatically correct, etc (all depending on the task). Every now and then someone who doesn’t make it past a round will ask for feedback, and I will oblige as best I can. You could try that as well.

  114. Applesauced*

    Has anyone heard of Grapevine.org or “(insert city here) Women for Good” professional organizations?

    I recently moved to a new city, so I’ve been looking for networking and volunteer opportunities and this came into my in box – are they legit?

  115. Taller-Tap*

    How to deal with a negative and narcissistic boss when the rest of your job is awesome.

    My boss is very negative. She judges other staff members, other directors. No information given by our CEO comes as is; she filters it and colors it with her own bias and opinions.

    She used to be friends with staff members, who’d come to our building to chat with her, and don’t come over anymore. One staff member told me that it grew challenging to be around her, having to defend their views, whether it was about work or life in general. Everyone I talk to the organization is empathetic for our having to work with our boss.

    I have my own challenges with her, as does another person on our team. The other person on my team has been verbally and emotionally abused by her, but has stayed because she likes the job and the team. This has been my experience as well. I love my job, I see it growing in responsibility, I love the organization, our mission, and my team. My boss is the biggest negative of this job. It’s the first time in my nonprofit career, of 20 years, that everything is great, except this one aspect.

    A different coworker on my team has commented that she thought our boss picked on me. My boss will reprimand me in front of the team, she will call out what she thinks are errors in front of the team (they’re not errors she just doesn’t know what she’s looking at). I’ve asked her not to but she continues.

    The coworker has been abused by her believes that she’s a narcissist and I see that. She blames others for problems, she will never apologize. She blames us as to why she walked out of our annual strategy meeting.

    Our boss says that people call her ‘the hammer’ because she gets things done and makes people do things. It’s not a compliment, but she thinks it is. Yet when we see her in action, where a little persistence would work she’s anything but firm. More pushy and mean.

    We’re getting a new Chief of staff who will be the boss of the VPs; the VPs used to report to the CEO. We can only hope that this new leader will be astute enough to see our boss is failing and help her do better.

  116. Izzy*

    It’s time for me to move on from my current PR agency. I’m finding that cold applying to jobs online is very time consuming and draining. I have a chronic illness so this is very difficult for me. How can I find a credible recruiter/recruiting agency? I’ve never used one so I’m not sure how the process works. I’m open to any remote comms and PR positions.

  118. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

    More of a rant than question. Just got out of our end of year employee appreciation lunch at a nice restaurant. No real complaints on that, but my great grand boss wrote each of us an appreciation note, and gave it to us as we left in a sealed envelope. She and I don’t really mesh well personality wise from the moment she started in April of 2020…a super awful time for all of us already… and she came in with an agenda for “culture change” on a team that was very cohesive, hard working, talented and had good morale before. My boss at that time ended up quitting from her criticism and changes — that was her goal. Things have improved and she compliments us now but she still seems to retain the idea we were an incompetent mess before she “fixed” us….so I may need a shot or two of tequila before I read this. Or can I just not read it? If anyone is still around, what do you think I should do with my appreciation note?

    1. Kay*

      You should probably read it – even if just for the purpose of never being in a position for her to find out that you didn’t. If you were on your way out the door I would say you had a free pass – but unless you would like to come up with a dog ate my homework, a stranger spilled some acid on it, thief ran off with my purse story it may be best to read it. Perhaps I should also suggest, in addition to the tequila, a trusted friend who will ensure you do not get anywhere near your email and therefore have zero ability to hit the send button…

    2. Katiekins*

      Do you have anyone close to you that you can ask to read the note first, to screen it, and then they can either say “it’s not worth reading,” or “it’s worth reading,” or give you the gist without saying the actual words?

    3. ecnaseener*

      No need to read it tonight if that’s daunting! At the very least, wait until you’re in a better frame of mind and can read it without drinking.

  119. etiquette question*

    I’m going to ask my old manager if she wants to have coffee or lunch, in a “what if I wanted to come back but I’m not certain I do” kind of way. Who pays?

    2. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      The one issuing the invitation should pay, or make clear it’s pay your own bill. The old manager might offer to pay if they make a lot more money…but don’t assume it.

  120. Just Wondering*

    So, if you wanted to hire a person with extremely good attention to detail (good pay, good hours, good benefits, training provided…think something like a legal assistant who has to do emails and filings, etc.) where would you look? What college majors would put out grads who would likely have this trait – and who may not have an otherwise specific career path associated with that major?

    1. Lucy P*

      Interesting…I’ve never thought of things like that in terms of a major. We’ve had admins on staff who were accounting majors. Some were great, some would miss crucial details.

      One of the best people we had in our department was a fashion design and merchandising major. They could walk into a room, notice every single detail, and then remember those details months and weeks later without taking a single note.

      1. ecnaseener*

        Yeah I wouldn’t look at any particular major for attention to detail. I can think of broad stereotypes for which majors might attract some less-detail-oriented people, but not exclusively.

        Maybe look at projects and extracurriculars – if you want someone organized and good at admin-type work, for example, a secretary position in a student org is a good sign.

    2. Glomarization, Esq.*

      I think any particular university liberal arts major will tend to be more like another for detail-oriented office work. People don’t tend to learn office operations, business communications, and so on in a liberal arts track at university. If you insist on hiring someone who has a bachelor’s degree, then you should probably look at their work history — did they work retail/restaurant/labor, or did they work in offices? Was the office work a co-op/internship for their post-university career goals, or was it actually a support staff position where they answered phones, did filing, and handled correspondence?

      Or you might find what you need by contacting the career services office of a local community college or vocational/paraprofessional school — some place that educates people for office administration careers.

    3. Kw10*

      I agree with the other commenters that the particular major doesn’t matter so much. I would post on places like Idealist, LinkedIn, and local college job boards. To find someone with attention to detail, my best suggestion is to pay attention to how they handle details during the application process. Is the resume formatted weirdly? Do they follow application instructions like about what to include or how to label their application files? Are their emails prompt and polite? And I always asks in an interview “how do you organize your email inbox?” – which may sound a bit odd, but I’ve found that people who have some kind of system for organizing their email are usually very organized and detail oriented. Twice I ignored my gut feelings about little things like this – like someone interviewed well so it seems silly to care that the resume formatting was off or that they don’t use folders in their email inbox – and we hired those people and lo and behold, they both struggled with attention to detail in the position. Lesson learned!

  121. Mx*

    Hey, fellow chronically ill and/or physically disabled people! Does anyone have any suggestions for figuring out what jobs you can physically do before you start them? Is there some service I could talk to about this?

    I have a number of health issues that make it hard to work my current manufacturing job and literally all of my doctors have suggested I quit. I’ve tried asking my doctors what kinds of jobs I can do, but they range from “jobs I already quit due to my health” to “less repetitive jobs.” Neither is remotely helpful.

    I have absolutely no ideas where to start, especially since I have no special training and no real skills.

    Thanks for any insight you all might have!

    1. Good luck!*

      Third time trying to post. Hope you don’t end up with three of these! (1) If in the U.S., your state probably has a Dept of Rehabilitation. Take a look at their website to see what services they have Even if you don’t need physical rehab, they may offer occupational or vocational rehab, which help people with disabilities figure out what jobs they can do, and prepare for those jobs. (Hopefully someone on this board knows a lot more about this than I do, but this might be a start.) Even if you aren’t eligible for the agency’s services for some reason, they probably know of other agencies/groups/nonprofits etc. that could connect you to help. (2) You can privately hire an occupational/vocational rehab person. (3) Do a web search for disability organizations/nonprofits, even if they aren’t in your physical area. Their websites (or a phone call) may steer you in the right direction. Good luck!

  122. Lucy P*

    My rant for the day…we have a very small group at work (under 10). I always give small gifts to everyone at this time of year. I also bring in treats from time to time. One other person brings in gifts for everyone. We’ve both done this for years. I like doing this, until this week.

    One of the group members, Mr. Fall, asked me this week if I was going to bring in candy, like I did last year. I really just felt used. It kinda took the joy out of giving to realize someone was expecting me to give.

    The other person that gives brings in food gifts made by their family. It’s something we all appreciate, and even hope that we’ll get each year. But we never ask up front if they’re going to gift it that year.

    I really wanted to tell Mr. Fall to go spend 5 bucks and buy his own candy.

    2. Alice*

      I mean, maybe Mr Fall had a rude tone of voice. But, from the details here, you could decide to interpret the situation as “Mr Fall appreciated last year’s candy so much that he still remembers it a year later!”
      :)

      1. Lucy P*

        I’d like to be that optimistic, but on a previous week he asked if I was going to bring in flavored coffee for the holidays.

  123. Advice Please! :)*

    Should I tell my current boss I’m waiting to hear back about an interview for a job with another organization? I’m currently the only full-time employee and there’s one part-time employee who works two days a week. The plan is to hire another full-time employee after the holidays, but the start date at the new job would be the second week of January meaning there would be very little time to train the new person/people on every aspect of the job. I’m thinking I should so they can post the job for both positions (mine and the one we were already going to fill) now, but the issue still remains about training because I’ll be out of town for the holidays so even if we’re able to interview/hire someone, I’d still only have about a week to train them. Any advice is appreciated!

    1. Glazed Donut*

      I wouldn’t. If I were you, I would quietly work on making sure all your documentation/processes are appropriately filed and up to date, and that’s it. Leave a trail for someone to step in. You never know about the interview job — they could pull it with 0% to do with you. Unless you’re already having conversations with your boss about leaving….but even then, I wouldn’t. You are thinking through this as a very very nice person but usually when the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not quite as balanced.

    2. PollyQ*

      1. Don’t tell your current boss anything until you’ve received and accepted an offer with no contingencies and you’re actually ready to give notice.

      2. See #1. Because here’s the worst case scenario: You’re forced out of your current job, but the new job doesn’t materialize, and then what do you live on?

      3. That start date for the other job is probably only a want-to-have, rather than a need-to-have. If and when you get an offer and you’re ready to take it, lobby hard to be able to give a full 2 weeks notice. It’s the professional thing to do, and if the new employer doesn’t have a really good reason to start sooner, consider it a bit of a red flag.

      4. Unless your current job is already in the middle of a hiring process, it’s unlikely that your replacement will be hired before you leave. That is not your problem and it shouldn’t figure into any of your calculations. Also not your problem: that it’s a small company with few employees. They will muddle through somehow.

    3. Sloanicota*

      I agree with everyone else. Say nothing until you know for sure you are taking this other job. You don’t want to put the idea in your bosses’ head that you’re on the way out the door until you actually are. There are weird twists and turns to hiring, or the final offer may not be satisfactory at this new job. If you tell now, and end up not taking the job, it could be months before you get a new offer you want, and your boss has no incentive to treat you well all through those months. It comes up in weird ways, like vacation requests, conference travel, new assignments; you’re persona non grata once you’re “leaving anyway.” The kindest thing you can do is ask for a delayed start date in your new role, if feasible, or if not, do everything you can to make the transition as smooth as possible.

    4. MacGillicuddy*

      No. Absolutely not. “Waiting to hear back about an interview” is really VERY VERY far removed from getting a job offer. It can take weeks or longer to progress from interviewing to getting an offer.

      Telling your boss you are “waiting to hear about an interview” is announcing to boss “I’m looking for another job.” This can put your current job in jeopardy. Alison has written about this many times.

  124. NWildwood*

    I’ve got a bit of an interesting conundrum I’m currently chewing on. I live across the country from my dad, who has an extremely successful small business that’s rapidly growing. It’s currently about five employees, but they’re scaling up to the point where they’re soon going to need someone to handle all the small-potatoes stuff like customer service/placing orders/basic bookkeeping/light copy-writing. I happen to be pretty much perfectly qualified, and my dad asked me to consider taking the job in about 6 – 9 months.

    I know working for family is always a risky business, but it would be almost double my pay, I would get to work 100% remotely, and it sounds much less stressful than my current job (call center with a high call volume.) I also wouldn’t be reporting directly to my dad, I would be reporting to his co-owner/business partner, which will hopefully defuse the weird power implications of managing your boss’s son. It’s 100% a nepotism hire, but I’m supporting my disabled fiance, and it would be really nice to have the extra stability and funds. But also – it’s my dad! How would I ever get another job again? Am I insane for considering this?

    1. Sloanicota*

      I would absolutely consider this, FWIW. Family businesses are often at least in part intended to provide employment for family members. I would be extra-carefully-respectful of the other employees, but I’d take a job with a huge raise when I needed the money and didn’t think it would be worse work without hesitation. If it doesn’t work out, you may still have a boost on your resume and higher salary expectation – I don’t think your resume needs to make it clear it was a “nepotism hire” as long as you have real accomplishments to talk about.

    2. Good luck!*

      I worked for my brother. And so did my husband! We both quit stable jobs to do it. Amazingly it worked well and decades later my spouse and I are still married and my bro is a good friend, though the company is long gone. So it can work. I think it’s a plus that you don’t have to move or be onsite with dad, so you aren’t uprooting everything at once. I hope you already know the other boss and get along? If not is there a way to do a few assignments with him or have some in depth talks during time off before you dump your current job? I at least knew my brother very well before we worked together, so that was helpful in mitigating the risk. Come back and tell us what you decided!

    3. Hatchet*

      I’m in camp Go For It. It sounds like you’re well qualified for the position and would be someone they’d hire even if it was just based on your resume and skill set. It sounds like they’re letting you work remotely, so I feel like the nepotism might be less in-your-face (although with only 5 employees, that might be hard to avoid). I’d say let your work prove your worthiness of being there and just let the nepotism part get glossed over (as much as it can be anyways).

    4. 1LFTW*

      Chiming in on Team Go For It.

      First, it’s not a “100% nepotism hire” if your dad’s business needs a Person Who Does Stuff, and you happen to be perfectly qualified to Do Stuff.

      Also, you’re not reporting directly to your father, or to anyone in his chain of command; you’re reporting to his business partner. It’s a good sign that he and his partner have thought through that! The job pays you twice as much for considerably less stress, doesn’t require you to move, and it doesn’t sound like there’s weird emotional baggage with your dad to worry about.

    5. onyxzinnia*

      As long as you’re not reporting to your dad and there are clear expectations of what the role entails, you are in the clear. I would also talk directly to the co-owner/business partner before taking the job to make sure you’re aligned and that you’d like working for them.

      Should you want to find another job in the future, you’d put the business partner down as your manager and not mention the connection with your dad at all.

  125. Frazzled mid-manager*

    Don’t know if this will still get seen since it’s Saturday, but I hope so because I am just not sure what else to do.
    I work in local government as a middle manager. I am often in the position of implementing changes that I had no say in and have limited ability to push back against. That is the case now, although I am at least partially in favor of this change.
    Essentially, someone I supervise, let’s say Raye, works in a job position that is being reclassified. Since time immemorial, people in Raye’s position have been asked to perform some duties that are not in their job description and that other positions are paid more to do. So, as part of the reclassification, mangers are being told “hey, stop asking these positions to do this work they’re not being compensated for.” I would prefer that they change the pay scale and compensate people for doing the work, instead, but if they’re not going to do that, I agree with the decision to say we can’t make them do work they’re not being paid for.
    Raye is one of at least 30 people in this position. However, she is taking it extremely personally. She does not see that the intent is to make sure she’s not doing work for which she is uncompensated, she sees it as a punishment and keeps saying that she doesn’t understand what she did wrong and why I am taking away her job duties. (On paper, this is not a major part of her job, though it seems like she feels it’s the biggest part of her job.)
    We have had several conversations about this and that I understand she took pride in those duties, but she wasn’t being paid to do them and this is an attempt to correct that and she didn’t do anything wrong. Still, she keeps buckling down on wanting to know what she did wrong and why she’s being punished and who else she can talk to (HR, my grandboss, and Raye’s union rep have all already been involved, so there really aren’t many people left).
    This is complicated by the fact that while Raye’s hard skills are excellent, her soft skills (particularly around change and not bringing down the rest of the team) are not great and I have taken duties from her in the past because she refused to comply with changes.
    I don’t want to be a dickish manager who’s like “this is what it is now,” because obviously how she’s experiencing this as a person whose job is changing is really different than how I’m experiencing it as a manager. However, the reality is that, unless HR changes their mind at the last minute (which has been known to happen but I don’t think is overwhelmingly likely at this point), Raye really does need to decide if she still wants the job given these changes. I know that if I say that in those words, though, it will escalate to “you don’t even want me to work here, which is not true.
    Other staff have come to talk to me about how unhappy Raye is and how I need to do something to make her feel better, but I really don’t know what else I can do. I feel like I’ve listened, I’ve been sympathetic, I have *not* said “this is a small part of your job and you should move on,” I’ve recommended the EAP, I’ve made doing these duties prior to the reclassification optional for her, I’ve told her how good she is at these duties and how much I appreciate her skills in this area, I’ve complimented her in the moment when she’s performed them particularly well, I’ve told her who else she can talk to about the change. I just don’t know what else I can do. I absolutely hate this part of management and am at my wits’ end. I would be grateful for any advice.

    1. Pay No Attention To The Man Behind The Curtain*

      What can she, or you, do to promote her into the job that returns those duties to her and gets her the higher pay for it? You seem focused on keeping her in the job classification that she clearly isn’t happy with and convincing her to be happy with it. Stop it. It’s a little condescending and gaslight-y. If you can’t or won’t promote her, you should in fact let her know that she really does need to decide if she still wants the job given these changes.

      1. Frazzled mid-manager*

        We have talked a lot about how she can be promoted into the higher positions. Because she’s not interested in management, there’s only one position she can be promoted into, and we’ve been talked for the last couple of years about what she needs to do to get there – and building those opportunities, not just talking. She’s taken on a lot of leadership that has her well-primed for a promotion. However, she has told me that she does not want to go for a promotion at this time. I am still working with her on how to get there, though. I realize I didn’t say all this in my post, but I definitely would like to see her get a promotion or get another job altogether – not because I don’t like her but because I know she is being underpaid (out of my control, government) and her skills are under-utilized here. So, you’re right that I’m trying to help her figure out how to make it work in this position, but that’s because she’s made it clear that she wants to stay in this position for now.
        Ultimately, unfortunately, I have no control over whether she gets a promotion, and I mean that in all the ways: there’s not a position open in my department that would be a promotion; while I am trying to advocate for having such a position created, that is not up to me; we do not hire our own staff, they are hired by a panel, so if she applies for a promotion, I would not be involved in deciding whether or not she gets it, anyway. If any of this were in my control, I would have promoted her into the next position as soon as she got the required degree.

    2. Glazed Donut*

      From those last few sentences, I am wondering if she sees those duties (the ones no longer hers) as the only or best area where she excels at work. As in, “This is what I have been praised for continually and now that I won’t be doing it anymore, I won’t be as respected/praised/good of a worker.”
      If I were you, I’d work with her on a plan so that she is prepared and qualified to take on a new role where these duties are part of her job, if she truly cares about them so much. “I know you’re really interested in continuing to do X, and as it’s no longer part of your job, I’d like to have a conversation about how you can be prepared to do X if there is an opening with job Y here or elsewhere.” You could do a list that has both the skills/responsibilities as well as the soft skills, if the position is going to need more political angling or professional savvy. It sounds like the local gov’t is working to make things fairer and better distributed, which is great and definitely a benefit to the workers, and conversations should be framed that way, too.

      1. Frazzled mid-manager*

        I hadn’t considered that first part. Thank you! I know there are other perspectives here that I’m not realizing, so I really appreciate that.
        Like I said in my reply above, she’s expressed that she doesn’t want a promotion yet. However, I have been thinking that our next conversation really needs to be “if you want to keep doing this duty, that’s only going to be available through promotion, so let’s talk about how to get you there.”
        We are trying to make things fairer. We operated unfairly for years and years and years (I haven’t been here that long but probably decades), and now it’s really difficult to undo that. And of course, that’s part of the problem, too. Raye’s been asked to do work she wasn’t being paid for for years now (which I am complicit in AND was given to believe from those above that this would result in her getting a higher position), and so if she wasn’t being paid she found her compensation in satisfaction and pride in the work. I understand that would feel absolutely shitty, and she’s made it very clear that the increased salary when she’s reclassed does not make up for this. She wants to keep doing the work and be paid for it. I get that, and if I had my druthers that’s exactly what would be happening.
        (It’s a mess here right now, to be honest. I’m having these conversations with Raye at the same time that others in her position are rejoicing and still others are saying that their managers haven’t even told them about the changes. The only support I’m getting from above is “you have to make her understand it’s to make things more fair.”)

      2. cncx*

        This is similar to the job I just left- I felt like what I was good at and liked to do got taken away, and all I had in my official job description were things I wasn’t good at and didn’t like to do. Not a govt job so it was lowkey constructive dismissal (don’t care, have a new job) but your point was exactly where my mind went- Raye is attached to something about the tasks taken off of their plate.

        1. Frazzled mid-manager*

          This is a really helpful perspective, thanks. It’s not the only thing she’s good at, but maybe I am doing a subpar job of making sure she knows that. And I need to talk with her to understand if perhaps it is what she likes the best.

    3. SG*

      I would suggest asking her what is upsetting her most about this, i.e. you could say “I can’t change the fact that I’m not allowed you to do these particular job duties, but help me understand what is most upsetting or frustrating you about this, so maybe we can come up with other solutions…”
      You can also ask Raye herself if she has any ideas other than than this that are allowable in her position and that could increase her job satisfaction.
      Also, are there other “stretch” type projects or duties besides these particular ones that she could do, to make her job more challenging?
      Lastly, it couldn’t hurt to speak with your own manager or supervisor about the impact of this decision on one of your reports and ask if they have any ideas. But it would help if you first have a clearer understanding about where exactly Raye is coming from.
      But ultimately, after you’ve discussed this and made it clear what options you can and cannot explore, your messaging should be something like, “I cannot change this decision and cannot allow you to do XYZ, so I need you to decide whether you can live with that and accept the job in its current structure, which means that you stop pushing back and stop bringing it up to me and asking questions. If you can’t commit to that, I’m happy to help you plan a timeline for you to transition out of this role. Can you commit to accepting the job as it is currently defined, or should we discuss a transition plan?”

  126. Paralegal Part Deux*

    I’m officially moving on from my job of just under 16 years. They switched health insurance, and I can’t afford to stay with the health insurance they picked. I had a great interview with a company yesterday and think we’d be a great fit. It’s close to home and has a later start time in the mornings and just sounds great culture-wise. If the benefits/pay are what I’m looking for, I’m hoping I can negotiate my start date to after the first of the year to give my current employer time to find someone to replace me. Even if nothing comes from this particular job, I’d like to negotiate a longer start date with any potential employer given the fact I’m the lone paralegal at the office. Is this unreasonable Anyone else been able to negotiate a long start date before and have pointers?

    1. linger*

      Firstly, you don’t need to cross that bridge until you have a firm offer in hand. And secondly, it would be a red flag if the new position didn’t allow for a reasonable notice period at your current job. So the question is, how much notice do you really need to give? The standard can’t be “until they replace me”, because that can drag out indefinitely. In most positions (ignoring outliers such as higher education requiring months of notice), 2 working weeks is standard, and no new position should balk at that being necessary; and 1 month would be generous. To establish a frame of reference when negotiating what notice period NewJob would consider reasonable, you could ask, for comparison, how much notice they usually require from their own staff.

      1. Sloanicota*

        I’ve negotiated a month and a half – but I just gave two weeks and used the rest to take time off! Any amount over two weeks is generous and could be considered going above and beyond.

    2. linger*

      N.B. if “officially” means CurrentJob already knows you’re looking to leave, their clock on finding a replacement has already started. And under the circumstances, it would be unreasonable to expect you to stay beyond the term of your current health insurance. Health insurance unaffordable for anyone who isn’t a partner could well make it difficult to find a new paralegal, but that is not your problem to solve for them.

  127. Luna*

    A slight update, after I mentioned feeling like I was sabotaging myself at work last week.
    Since I did have some hours working alongside my boss, I did take the time to ask her at one point what I could do to improve, as an employee, or if there’s anything I am doing wrong.

    Overall a very frank and polite talk, main mention being that I should be a bit more flexible (I admit, I am open and vocal about preferring early shifts at work). But I also got some mentions of what I am doing well, including getting compliments on what I’m doing to get into work and learning. She even told me that she thinks it’s great that I am the type to remain calm when things get outta hand. So, that was nice.

    I do feel a bit better now, after that talk.
    But on the other hand, I now have a cold that got worse and I will call in sick for Monday, at least, to give myself one extra day to regain some energy. And hopefully not have to blow my nose every five minutes, nor to still be contagious. I just feel so awkward when having to call in sick.

Comments are closed.