the overheard self-talk, the shoplifting, and other times you mortified yourself in job interviews by Alison Green on October 25, 2023 Last week I asked you to share stories of bombed interviews and other job search mortifications. It turns out … there were a lot of stories. So many that I couldn’t fit my favorites in one post. Here’s part one, and part two is coming next week. 1. The coffins An interviewer once asked how […] Read the full article →
the adult bibs, the talking shrimp, and other unusual office traditions by Alison Green on October 23, 2023 One of the most interesting things about offices is how they develop their own subcultures, rituals, and traditions. I recently asked about unusual office traditions you’ve seen or experienced, and here are some of my favorites you shared. • My office has a “talking shrimp” that we use instead of a “talking stick” in brainstorming […] Read the full article →
bombing an interview: let’s discuss by Alison Green on October 19, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I bombed an interview today. Like seriously bombed, worst interview of my life. My brain just turned off. Could you request stories of other humiliating interviews so I don’t feel so alone? I went straight home and got into bed and right now I am […] Read the full article →
scolding strangers, kids using corporate lingo, and other ways our jobs follow us home by Alison Green on October 16, 2023 Weird habits tend to follow us home from work — like the former lifeguard who still yells at random kids to stop running or the nurse who automatically sizes up everyone’s veins. I recently asked what weird habits readers have brought home from their jobs, and here are some of the most delightful habits you […] Read the full article →
how do people manage jobs with cyclical periods of really long hours? by Alison Green on October 12, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: About six months ago, I quit my role in a demanding, high-stress field that regularly demanded 60-100-hour work weeks. I made a somewhat lateral career change that resulted in significantly less hours and also significantly less pay. I don’t mind the pay cut since I’ve […] Read the full article →
the weaponized allergy, fire drill Daryl, and other stories of strategic incompetence by Alison Green on October 10, 2023 Last week we talked about weaponized incompetence, and here are 17 of my favorite stories you shared. 1. The Diet Coke My first job out of college I was the only woman on a small team of other guys who were also fresh from college. They tried to get me to make the coffee. Convo […] Read the full article →
let’s discuss weaponized incompetence by Alison Green on October 5, 2023 Let’s discuss weaponized incompetence: when someone pretends not to know how to do a task well so that they won’t be asked to do it (also known as “strategic incompetence”). Sometimes this is used for ill (like the classic example of men who can’t seem to figure out how to do their own admin work) […] Read the full article →
share your tips for work travel overseas by Alison Green on September 28, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m going to be traveling for work (30+ hours of flights including layovers) after a few-year hiatus related to the pandemic. I usually fly overseas and I’m wondering if the readers have any travel tips? I usually try to pack food after getting food poisoning […] Read the full article →
my husband and I share a home office — how do we make this work? by Alison Green on September 21, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Has anyone successfully shared a home office (permanently) with their spouse/roommate/partner/etc and if so, what are your tips for success? My husband and I both work from home 75% of the time and have a three-bedroom house (currently occupied by our bedroom and our two […] Read the full article →
how can we equitably handle time off for religious holidays? by Alison Green on September 14, 2023 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: With the Jewish High Holidays coming up, I’ve been thinking about how workplaces can promote equity around PTO and religious holidays. My workplace has an extremely generous amount of PTO, but I still have to use vacation time for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (and […] Read the full article →