what’s up with people responding to emails with a phone call?
A reader writes: What’s the etiquette on responding to people who you have emailed and they respond with a phone call? I understand there are times when a phone call is necessary. I’ve been getting...
View Articledo I not respect my work commitments if I ask for a day off?
A reader writes: I need some gut-check advice about a situation at my unpaid internship. Am I wrong in thinking the following behavior is mean and inappropriate? At the end of my unpaid internship, I...
View ArticleI messed up at work and I’m so ashamed
A reader writes: I work in HR and I’m used to receiving mostly praise for my work, but today I was gently reprimanded for having been indiscreet. I immediately understood why, because I was aware that...
View Articleworking from home is driving me nuts – can I take a break?
A reader writes: I’m a full-time copywriter, and I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home during these times. My company has been clear and generous with us about our work and our job...
View Articlewhen you’re a musician who needs to stay at home and neighbors don’t want you...
A reader writes: I’m in a graduate program for music in New York City. Fortunately, my classmates and I have been able to work from home during this crisis. Unfortunately, this means we have to make...
View ArticleI’m so lonely — but how can I ask more of my coworkers right now?
A reader writes: I want your advice about “asking for what you need” during this time of pandemic. I’ve been at my job nearly seven months now and I love it, it’s a great step into a sector that’s hard...
View ArticleI accidentally flashed my team during a video call
A reader writes: After a video team meeting today, I hung up the call and proceeded to get undressed for a shower. After a few seconds, when I was significantly but not completely undressed, I noticed...
View Articlemy boss told me to work more slowly so I don’t make my coworkers anxious
A reader writes: I have an unusual situation at work right now. On an ordinary week, I consistently get 25-30% more work done than the company’s goal and than my closest coworkers, and that has always...
View Articlean example of starting with grace when you’re frustrated with someone
A reader writes: I wanted to share a recent example where in the heat of a frustrating situation I took a step back and tried (sort of…) compassion, which completely changed my understanding of the...
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I’m running out of patience when we need patience the most
A reader writes: I wonder if you have any ideas about dealing with minor annoyances that don’t seem so minor in the current situation. Like many people, sometimes I find myself annoyed by some of my...
View ArticleI was difficult at my last job, and it’s standing in my way now
A reader writes: I recently quit a job which I excelled at technically, but professionally I struggled. The best way to put it is that I was incompatible with my newly appointed manager. My frustration...
View Articlehow can I become more self-aware and not be a jerk at work?
In response to the letter earlier this week from someone who had behaved badly at work and seemed to be avoiding responsibility, a reader asked this: What advice do you have from preventing this kind...
View Articleam I being unprofessional on video calls?
A reader writes: A little over a year ago, I started to work for a government agency in a very niche field. I started this job straight out of grad school, and there was certainly an adjustment period...
View Articleshould I tell my boss about my anxieties from past dysfunctional jobs?
A reader writes: I worked for a professional services firm for 10+ years, finally leaving a couple years ago. I’ll spare you the nuances, but there were relatively frequent terminations. For...
View ArticleI like to give small gifts at work — am I doing anything wrong?
A reader writes: I have a question about gift-giving at work. I agree with the idea overall that gifts should flow downward. That said, I’m the type of person that sometimes shows appreciation by...
View ArticleI’m struggling with working at home during COVID-19
It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. This week, it’s two questions on the same theme. A reader writes: What suggestions and recommendations do you have on staying productive and proactive...
View Articleare people judging me for looking scruffy at work?
A reader writes: I have two bachelor degrees, am in my mid-50s, and work in the public sector. The money isn’t great but I enjoy what I do. I recently heard someone mention that their boss dressed...
View Articleam I an underachiever?
A reader writes: I am in my late 20s and have been working professionally for about four years, plus a handful of co-ops/internships during my education. I work in a field that’s known for attracting...
View Articledo I respond to emails too quickly?
A reader writes: I’ve always found it easy to focus, keep my work and my time organized and switch between tasks without losing track of what I’m doing. I like to keep my email inbox neat and use it as...
View Articleshould I avoid softening my emails with qualifying language?
A reader writes: I am curious about your thoughts on using qualifiers (“I think,” “I believe,” “it seems to me,” etc.) in work emails. I’m a woman in my mid-20s working in grants administration at a...
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