how do I apply for a job internally without my boss knowing? by Alison Green on February 18, 2025 A reader writes: I have many questions about applying to internal jobs, something I have never done. At my current company, a new role came up that is a dream job for me. But it is also a reach, as it would be a bit of a career change. Knowing this job might open up, […] Read the full article →
is my boss being too open about menopause? by Alison Green on February 4, 2025 A reader writes: I (a woman in my early 30s) work in a traditionally male environment, although there are a decent amount of women working there too. Recently my work has started focusing more on menopause support/awareness — there’s a menopause support group, “recognizing signs and symptoms” posters in the women’s toilets, etc. I think […] Read the full article →
boss says it’s unacceptable not to meet all deadlines, no matter how unreasonable by Alison Green on February 3, 2025 A reader writes: I started a job eight months ago that I was very excited about. I was looking to get out of a highly stressful position and got this offer (same pay, somewhat worse benefits but growth potential) and what I thought would be a solid work-life balance. The first day, my boss mentioned […] Read the full article →
my boss’s wife cheated on him in front of me, and now he’s icing me out at work by Alison Green on January 6, 2025 A reader writes: I work for an office of 20/30somethings with a strong drinking culture — our events inevitably end up in pubs late into the night and include all partners, funders, etc. This is not abnormal in my industry. The other night, we were all out late after a successful event and the boss […] Read the full article →
our new boss is ruining the organization and is upset that I’m pushing back by Alison Green on November 13, 2024 A reader writes: I really need an outside perspective on somethings happening at my work. I am the assistant director at a small organization where there are 10 full-time staff (including the director) and two part-time. About a year ago, our longtime director left. She basically built the current version of our organization from the […] Read the full article →
my boss treated me like her therapist … and it blew up by Alison Green on November 12, 2024 Warning: contains mentions of a suicide threat. A reader writes: I had an insane boss situation a few years ago that still lives rent free in my head and I’d love to see if there’s anything you think I could have done differently. While I don’t think I’ll ever be in a situation quite like […] Read the full article →
I panicked and told my boss I miscarried when I actually didn’t by Alison Green on October 28, 2024 A reader writes: I recently wet myself at work. I was actually in the bathroom at the time and it was right at the end of lunch. I was in a state such that I was able to go a nearby store and buy fresh clothes, but by the time I cleaned up, changed, and […] Read the full article →
my boss keeps warning me she’ll get in trouble if I commit fraud (I’m not) by Alison Green on October 23, 2024 A reader writes: I started a part-time voluntary position a couple of months ago. There are reporting lines, annual appraisals, etc. just the same as a regular job and it’s in a very niche area which closely matches my field, a rare opportunity! In a lot of ways my new manager is excellent — she’s […] Read the full article →
my boss said I looked “unprofessional” when I wore a binder to work by Alison Green on October 22, 2024 A reader writes: I have a question about a point that is now, thankfully, moot. My previous manager, Rufus, wasn’t an especially ethical individual and failed to fulfill many of his expected duties. He was also kind of a creep. We all just put up with his unsavory and unprofessional comments, and occasionally pushed back […] Read the full article →
we have public shamings about how often we say “um” and “uh” by Alison Green on October 14, 2024 I’m off today. This was originally published in 2017. A reader writes: Every month, my work has a “pep rally” where the whole staff gets together to highlight what’s going on in each department. My boss, the executive director, has recently decided she wants to cure everyone of using the words “um,” “uh,” and “like” […] Read the full article →