should I tell future managers about my ADHD? July 27, 2020 A reader writes: Growing up as a child, I constantly struggled to focus. In school I understood the work, but because I lacked focus and could not hold my attention in the classroom. Every parent-teacher meeting was the same: “Your son is so intelligent and can achieve so much, but he is so disruptive and […]
my coworker insults me when I ask questions, talking to my boss about ADHD, and more April 10, 2020 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Company ordered people to quarantine, then told them to use PTO for it A few weeks ago, we were informed by a client that they were possibly exposed to COVID and were seeking a test. As a precaution, everyone who works with that client (almost […]
ask the readers: better work habits when you have ADHD January 9, 2014 I’m throwing this one out to readers to help with. A reader writes: I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. I tried medication but found it wasn’t the answer for me. I’ve had five jobs in five years, and I’m pretty sure ADHD is a factor. I’m writing because I’m hoping you or your readers […]
is my boss being too open about menopause? 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 […]
our head of DEI outed me to 800 people, do clients think I’m a nepo baby, and more February 4, 2025 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My company’s head of DEI outed me to 800 people I’m a nonbinary trans person working in sales for a multinational company. I’m out-ish at work. I’ve told my direct team I’m nonbinary, I have they/them pronouns in my email signature, and I wear a […]
my partner is angry about how I handled harassment, venting to employees about managers above them, and more January 24, 2025 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. My partner is angry about how I handled harassment at work Content warning for domestic violence. I’m a woman in finance. Six months ago, I was put into a team with an older male colleague who from day one decided to call me “Legs.” When […]
updates: the musician with a day job, the required email greetings, and more January 23, 2025 Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. How do I manage a “regular” job with a parallel career as a musician? I asked about career advice for musicians a long time ago, and I’ve waited a long time to have an update I felt like sending. Unfortunately, the last few years have just been […]
job candidate’s name is a slur, exec is marketing a job as a “roommate opportunity,” and more January 21, 2025 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Job candidate’s name is a slur I recently reviewed a job application from a candidate whose given name is a slur. It’s not unheard of for people to be named this and there are still plenty of folks who don’t realize it is a slur. […]
boss constantly talks about her personal finances, coworker is addicted to her phone, and more January 8, 2025 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager constantly talks about her personal finances I am the only direct report to a manager who constantly talks about how much money she is spending in her personal life. Her spouse owns an international company, which allows her to have a pretty nice […]
updates: my coworker says he’s my boss but he’s not, and more December 31, 2024 It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are five updates from past letter-writers. 1. How do I reject a qualified former coworker? (#4 at the link) I have a brief update with a bit […]