ask the readers

Looking for crowdsourced wisdom? Here are reader discussions about life at work.

how do I transition from a corporate job to non-office work?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers.” This week we’ve got two questions on similar themes. Letter 1 I am a young woman in my mid-20’s who by most accounts has followed the path to success. I graduated with a dual degree in less than four years, I got a steady job in my intended industry […]

Read the full article →

is it crazy to quit my job to go freelance in 2021?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I am considering leaving my job to build my own business as a freelancer (copywriting / digital content marketing). I’m not ready to quit just yet, but I plan to start building up my savings account and take on more side projects and sign up […]

Read the full article →

tell us your stories of triumphing over work jerks

Earlier this week a commenter shared this magnificent story: My first job out of college was a sales job with a very overbearing, bullying boss (he made at least one guy cry while I was there). I am a pretty deadpan guy, especially when I’m nervous, and my boss had a huge personality and wanted […]

Read the full article →

how do I adjust to working 8 hours a day?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m currently a college student interning with a firm for the summer and doing office work for the first time in my life. I am a good student, entering my third year this fall, but I’m really struggling with work. I am working a normal Mon-Friday […]

Read the full article →

how can I look more polished at work?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: While I’m currently working from home, I’m thinking forward to returning to the office soonish. I work in a business casual office (slightly more towards the casual side). I understand what counts as professional dress, but the polished and appearing-office-proper part of going to the […]

Read the full article →

should I leave my job if I don’t have to work for money?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I work a job I’m overall “meh” about. There are lots of good things: it’s a prestigious company with fantastic pay and benefits, I’m now doing really well (just promoted), and, on some days, I like or even really like it. That said, it’s definitely […]

Read the full article →