how do I let go of my previous role?
A reader writes: I work in a large department (50+ people) and was recently promoted to a separate role that is still within my department. While I still have contact with the same upper management, I...
View Articledoes it look unprofessional to draw in meetings?
A reader writes: I am a college student in my low 20s, two years in to my absolute dream job. I work for a medium-sized nonprofit that functions as an umbrella organization for six branches. I am the...
View ArticleI can’t seem to stop being late to meetings
A reader writes: With COVID still in full force and us working from home for months now, I’ve had a recurring issue with me constantly being late to meetings. At the beginning of this year and again in...
View Articleam I being too self-deprecating at my new job?
A reader writes: Over the summer, I landed a new job during the pandemic, thanks to your guidance on your website and your book. It was a significant increase in pay over my last position, I like my...
View Articlehow can I stay organized when I’m working from home?
It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m an analyst, and we’re working at home during Covid. In the office, I used a lot of physical space to stay organized: white board wall,...
View Articleshould I really bother with taking vacation time this year?
A reader writes: Is it a bad idea not to take all of one’s allotted vacation time? Abe, my one partner (I’m polyamorous), feels strongly that I should use all my time, but I don’t really see the point....
View Articlemy partner freaks out over any background noise when working from home
A reader writes: My partner works in tech. He recently became a consultant after working for companies of various sizes, and he’s used to busy open offices, etc. The problem is, he’s derailed by any...
View Articlewhen you’re inexperienced, how can you know if something is worth complaining...
I’m off today, so this is a reprint of a post from 2013. A reader writes: If one is unhappy at their work, whether it’s due to their actual responsibilities or problems with their bosses, coworkers,...
View Articleam I going to regret not pursuing a more high-powered career?
A reader writes: I graduated from college about two and a half years ago, and have worked at least part time in my field for closer to five years (but have been a full time employee since graduating)....
View Articlecan you be spontaneous when you have a full-time job?
A reader writes: Can you still have a spontaneous personal life when you work full-time? My husband and I have conflicting schedules: he works nights and weekends part-time, and I work a traditional...
View Articleam I being inflexible for not doing non-work things during work hours?
A reader writes: Am I a jerk for “being inflexible” and not wanting to do non-work stuff during work hours? I’m a librarian and work part-time at two different libraries. Both are closed to the public....
View Articlehow do I adjust to not being the boss anymore?
This post, how do I adjust to not being the boss anymore? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I recently made a transition from being the executive director of...
View Articleis reading books at work ever OK?
This post, is reading books at work ever OK? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My husband works as a bank teller at a local bank. Even before COVID, he...
View ArticleI’m forgetful and disorganized — and I’m a project manager
This post, I’m forgetful and disorganized — and I’m a project manager , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’ve always been a forgetful, disorganized person and...
View Articlehow can I explain a mistake wasn’t mine without looking like a tattletale?
This post, how can I explain a mistake wasn’t mine without looking like a tattletale? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’ve been at my current job for...
View Articleis it okay to take advantage of calm weeks at work?
This post, is it okay to take advantage of calm weeks at work? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Is it okay to take advantage of calm weeks at work? I am an...
View Articlehas Covid killed work-life balance?
This post, has Covid killed work-life balance? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. When Covid sent much of the country into lockdown last March, most workers whose jobs became...
View Articlecan I recover from a bad reputation at work?
This post, can I recover from a bad reputation at work? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a professional in an office setting (working from home now but...
View ArticleI thought of work as my family — and then they laid me off
This post, I thought of work as my family — and then they laid me off , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Recently, I have been silently replaced while...
View ArticleI’m always late to everything!
This post, I’m always late to everything! , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m a recent-ish college grad and...
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