I need help in figuring out how to respond to a work situation between my boss and my staff. I am the second in command in our office, and manage all of the administrative staff. The administrative staff support all of the professional staff. (Think something like a law firm, or university department, where professional staff rely on and share administrative support). My boss is driving my administrative staff crazy.
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posted by It's a Parasox
on Jun 17, 2013 -
27 answers
I have SO many things to do at my new job, and more things get added every day. I'm a pretty organized person in general but I feel like I have no time to even GET organized in this position. My current habits aren't helping, though. There's got to be a better way... Help!
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posted by trillian
on Jun 17, 2013 -
15 answers
I've recently run into the situation in which I'm trying to gather responses from dozens of respondents in my section typically via Doodle Poll or Google Forms and numerous people simply send me their response rather than entering it into the form. Can you help me with a script for politely responding to these folks?
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posted by stewiethegreat
on Jun 17, 2013 -
21 answers
I wasn't selected for military officer training school. Help me design my Plan B/In the Meantime career while I apply again.
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posted by mannermode
on Jun 16, 2013 -
7 answers
I can’t really decide how to quit my job. I know I want to quit – the reasons for wanting to quit are justified, but I thought about giving my employer some kind of choice before I just kick the bucket and not come back.
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posted by camylanded
on Jun 16, 2013 -
22 answers
I'm trying to figure out if I should be more agressively searching for a new job or if I would just be jumping into the same situation at a different company.
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posted by WeekendJen
on Jun 13, 2013 -
8 answers
My sister told me about some pretty disturbing and illegal things that she is doing. She clearly needs some kind of help or intervention, but I have no idea how to go about doing that without putting her in jail. I feel totally lost and conflicted.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 12, 2013 -
44 answers
I've been employed in my current job for a year now, and on more than one occasion (and by more than one coworker, hell, even my predecessor) I have been told that the bulk of my work (two very large, and somewhat superfluous reports) will ultimately be shelved and unread. Considering how much work I put into these reports, and as a researcher with a background in applied science, this is making me extremely ill at ease (if not resentful) on a daily basis. How can I cope with knowing that what I produce throughout the year is ultimately a worthless paper weight while I continue to gather experience?
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posted by Young Kullervo
on Jun 8, 2013 -
21 answers
I'm in my late 30's and I need a new career, one whose responsibilities focus on the things I am better at while avoiding the things I'm awful at that make me grit my teeth.
I'm a bright person, with better than average people skills, innate tech savvy, and terrific problem solving abilities. I am plain-spoken and genuine and I have endless reserves of positivity that put people at ease. But I sink like a stone when asked to tackle long term projects that require planning, organization, and longer-term time management. I'm not amitious and I'm not competitive. I've fought so long to improve at my jobs by addressing these shortcomings, but now I'm wondering if I couldn't just find a job where these skills were less important to begin with.
What kind of fields could I be looking into? Additional snowflakes inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 8, 2013 -
10 answers
In a few months I'm going to be having an elective surgery to fix an ongoing medical issue that I'm a bit sensitive about. The HR person at my ~100 person sized company is pleasant but she seems to be careless when discussing private info on the phone. What does she know about any medical treatment I get? Details inside.
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posted by averageamateur
on Jun 8, 2013 -
11 answers
I have just graduated from university with a bachelor of science in environmental sciences. My dad would love for me to continue down that route and become an environmentalist. I want to be a primary teacher and he is not happy with that decision.
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posted by lovisa91
on Jun 8, 2013 -
23 answers
For the past year or so, I've been supervised by an especially moody and critical manager. Fortunately, my contract ended and I'm getting ready to start a new job at a different organization. How can I get over my grudges and feel confident in my new position?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 8, 2013 -
9 answers
How do you organize your work notes when your company security is really tight? I cannot use Evernote or any web-based tool. I cannot install any programs on my laptop or run anything from a USB drive (I can't even plug in my iphone to charge it). I have Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and LotusNotes (which I HATE). Bonus: this is a new position for me and I'm a bit lost.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 6, 2013 -
18 answers
For the past 12 years after college, I have been working in the administrative field in various paraprofessional capacities (such as being a paralegal, program coordinator, office manager, etc). I feel like I just cannot do this kind of work anymore, but don't I see where I can go from here, career wise. Hope me!
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posted by annie_oakley
on Jun 5, 2013 -
8 answers
I'm going to be in NYC next week where I'll be looking for a sublet, and trying to get a handle on jobs. I'm hoping to move in early July. What can I do in 10 days to find a full-time job as quickly as possible in my field? I'm looking for work in content strategy/communications.
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posted by Violet Blue
on Jun 3, 2013 -
18 answers
My job is being reclassified, and I was asked to suggest a new job title.
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posted by COBRA!
on Jun 3, 2013 -
6 answers
My older, senior colleague has been making some inappropriate advances towards me that have recently started to escalate. The catch is while he is entirely inappropriate for me on a number of levels, I can't deny there is a pretty strong chemistry between us that I've been aware of since the day I met him. How do I reestablish boundaries before this all turns really ugly?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 3, 2013 -
71 answers
I'm relatively new to the working world and I've found that I still have a lot to learn about how things "work" and have found this community to be very helpful in the
past. I've only been evaluated once before by the company I posted about before. At the time I didn't realize how ridiculous and unfair/unethical their treatment of employees/clients were so I don't have a good gauge for how my current evaluation will go. I was up for my 90 day evaluation about 30 days ago for my current job and it hasn't happened yet. From my intermediate boss, I hear that its a question of how to adjust my pay that is still being discussed. What could this mean? Is it bad? This is confounded by several special circumstances (below).
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posted by queenba
on Jun 1, 2013 -
12 answers
I've got a very eclectic resume: 5-7 years of experience in several different fields at once, because I have had multiple simultaneous jobs. Now I'm looking for a new gig, and I think I have a lot to offer, but I'm not sure how to market the breadth of my skills.
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posted by overeducated_alligator
on Jun 1, 2013 -
4 answers
Looking for sample business emails to improve my writing skills.
The resources I found are typically for writing to clients or customers. I am looking for sample emails that one writes mostly internally within their own company.
For example an email one would write to make a suggestion, disagree with something, ask for status, share an idea, remind someone politely, coach someone etc (Common business scenarios). Not looking for emails to win business or sell anything.
Would appreciate if you could share web links or books (preferably the ones available at amazon.com). Also, I would like examples and not a resource that just gives guidance.
posted by r2d2
on May 24, 2013 -
2 answers
I direct a research center at a policy institute and I'm also an analyst. I need a project management system and I want a
physical system, not software or an application. Other than whiteboards, what are my options? Among whiteboards, which are really useful? Right now I have an electronic calendar and various notes/lists to remind me to do things and frankly, it's not working. In the past, I've tried various to-do list applications, as well as Basecamp, and they did not work for me either.
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posted by crush-onastick
on May 22, 2013 -
6 answers
Those of you post-grads figuring it out in your 20s (or 30s) doing odd jobs, waiting tables, jobs not nec. related to your major, where are you now? What advice would you have if you could go back and do it again?
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posted by bluelight
on May 22, 2013 -
38 answers
I need help constructing mental snowshoes that will prevent me from falling into deep drifts of work BS and frustration at a job I can't leave.
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posted by lastwomanstanding
on May 21, 2013 -
14 answers
I have this problem, and I know it isn't rare. I on occasion produce excellent training materials where a knowledge vacuum exists, and as managers and power structures change within my department the memory of my past work gets forgotten almost constantly. Because I'm not really very good at the schmoozing with the new bosses’ game, I never get into the loop for new projects or initiatives where I would shine based on prior work.
That’s a preface to a lot of different questions, but mostly, I'm asking an aesthetic question here, and I’m not talking about ownership of materials or anything like that. These are informal documents, but legitimately useful, and not my main job function. Basically, when they get circulated here and there... I would greatly benefit from managers and other colleagues knowing just who put this awesome thing all together.
How do I do this correctly, and in a tasteful manner... i.e., basically, not put "By Me" on a coversheet in big letters, or not in a manner that would make most roll their eyes. Just some subtle recognition of authorship within the document.
If you have another moment to think, some book recommendations on climbing the corporate latter in an ethical way, (based on competency, the best way to climb), in the face of the usual BS that many of us need to deal with. I enjoy my field... thats why I'm asking this, and not just finding something else to do.
posted by shimmer
on May 21, 2013 -
19 answers
Husband and I are applying for jobs at the moment (our contracts expire around end of July). Interviews have gone well, but the guy I was talking to yesterday said he couldn't offer me a position as all the HB1 visas were gone for this year. Apparently they were all allocated within four days of being available! And there were 800,000 applicants for 65,000 places. When would I need to apply/what do I need to do do maximise my chances? Husband can also work on an O1B visa - is that the same process? Have any of you applied for these visas, and if so how did it go/what was your experience like? Does anyone have any tips? Would it be good to hire a lawyer for this or can we do it on our own? TIA for any info/advice.
posted by everydayanewday
on May 15, 2013 -
19 answers
I hate my job and originally only took it as a stop-gap until I found what I really loved. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what else I'm suited to do. I've been a copy editor, a social worker, and a paralegal. What on earth do I do with these skills?
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posted by pineappleheart
on May 10, 2013 -
22 answers
Is it common in your academic workplace for people to share hotel rooms at conferences with colleagues?
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posted by aabbbiee
on May 9, 2013 -
60 answers
So, now I've got a PhD. But I'm crippled by zero self-confidence as I start applying to industry jobs. Did you rebuild your self-confidence after a PhD?
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posted by zeek321
on May 9, 2013 -
17 answers
I find this
comparison really confusing. I'm starting the job in August.
I'm an early 30s married woman who would like to become pregnant in the next year. The contract only lasts through the end of 2014. I do want to continue on working there, but I have no idea if additional grant money will become available at that time. Which plan would you choose? Or, failing that, which are the important factors to consider?
posted by anonymous
on May 8, 2013 -
4 answers
I went on a long, long break form my creative career cause I was feeling burnt out due to some failures and now I can't seem to get back into it, possibly because I no longer have a financial incentive to do so. How can I fix this? Warning: Long, super privileged person problems.
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posted by anonymous
on May 7, 2013 -
18 answers
I am married and recently realized I had developed romantic feelings for a friend/coworker (also married). I have stopped speaking to him for the sake of my marriage. He really wants to know why I am avoiding him. What's the best way to handle this without making him feel bad?
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posted by anonymous
on May 6, 2013 -
30 answers
Should I stay in the job I've always wanted (at the expense of a dream) or go on the trip that I've always wanted (at the expense of stability)?
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posted by liquorice
on May 2, 2013 -
25 answers
My
super-star employee returned from maternity leave a completely different worker. Her performance has gone from first rate to marginal / unsatisfactory. These are the exact same tasks she excelled at only half a year ago. Could it be a baby thing? And if so, what do I do?
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posted by falldownpaul
on May 2, 2013 -
39 answers
I just had my first phone interview for a prospective software engineering job, which was a ten minute phone call with an in-house recruiter. I wasn't expecting the topic of salary to come up this early in the process, which I grant was maybe naïve, but they asked me and I gave a lowball offer. Now I'm wondering whether I've screwed myself here.
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posted by Two Stranger
on Apr 30, 2013 -
14 answers
I just took a new job, which starts in two weeks. Upon accepting the job, I asked for a day off on June 7th, which is the day before my friend's wedding (in which I'm sort of a bridesmaid). I'd already gotten that day off with my current employer. This was fine with the new job. Now, I've realized that to make it to the bachelorette party, I will have to leave early on May 17th too... on my third day of work. How and when do I bring this up? Can I, even?
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posted by showbiz_liz
on Apr 30, 2013 -
21 answers
I have recently acknowledged that my aimlessness has kept me trapped in retail and unable to find better for myself. My goal from several months ago - to find a double-digit hourly position by the anniversary of my graduation from college - is far from accomplished. I am not giving myself another year to mess up, but I'm having some trouble discerning where I should go.
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posted by Ashen
on Apr 27, 2013 -
16 answers
A local web start up asked me to help start their web based business. I would be employee number 1. The venture is being funded by the founder who is a successful entrepreneur.
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posted by burlsube
on Apr 26, 2013 -
5 answers
An non-profit organization with staff and volunteers has been non-union for its existence. Because of proposed changes by its board of directors, staff have applied to unionize. Some staff perform the same tasks as volunteers, but volunteers perform the overwhelming majority of the core work of the organization. The ratio of volunteers to staff is about 35 to 1. First, can a non profit unionize? And second, if it becomes a union shop, what will be the status of the volunteers?
posted by CollectiveMind
on Apr 26, 2013 -
8 answers
Is there any good reason why top-level management would ask me why I chose to work in their company after I started working there?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 25, 2013 -
16 answers
What are my options in Toronto for a steady entry-level job that I could start within a week? A line of work where they are always looking for new people and are willing to try you out without a lengthy application and interview process.
posted by GleepGlop
on Apr 24, 2013 -
12 answers
I have a tricky job-application scenario: basically, I can do all the requirements that were
advertised, but I have excellent reason to believe they expect the person in the position to semi-regularly do something my health prevents me from doing at all. How do I handle this in the application/resume process?
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posted by Fee Phi Faux Phumb I Smell t'Socks o' a Puppetman!
on Apr 23, 2013 -
10 answers
What I thought was my dream full-time job has turned into a nightmare after only three months. Help me leave ASAP.
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posted by Anima Mundi
on Apr 23, 2013 -
8 answers
So there is the stress ball. That one I know. Does anyone have any other ideas for dealing with nervous energy from stress and anxiety in the office that won't bother people around you so much (esp those moments when I can't just go for a long walk or to the gym, etc).
It’s a fairly routine problem for me that even after the stressor is long gone, the nervous energy sticks around. I don't so much need the 'take a deep breath' or 'think positive' type of thing, I might not even be actively thinking or worrying about anything; and I already have a good doc for the long term aspects. Just looking for some ideas about the tactile and physical side of this thing, which tends to stick around for a while and can be pretty uncomfortable.
posted by shimmer
on Apr 23, 2013 -
33 answers
I just started nursing school, and I also work 40+ hours a week. It's only been two weeks of school but it's already killing me - I work, sleep, school, sleep. I've already fallen asleep in class and tonight I overslept and missed my ride to work - the work is flexible enough that this isn't an issue today. But I know if it keeps happening I'll end up doing poorly on both, might lose my job, fail school or both.
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posted by Autumn
on Apr 22, 2013 -
12 answers
I sent my resume for a job that I am very qualified for but just received a message that my expectations are above the scope. They did not provide a range, just a requirement to include expected salary in the cover letter. I stated my salary and said that it is negotiable. I have plenty of wiggle room, I am in a new market that is a bit lower than others I've been in (I did lower it from past compensation, but not enough apparently). What can I say to convey I still want to be considered & am willing to take up to $15k less without sounding desperate? I am worth every penny that I asked for, and that is not just my opinion. I am very very good at what I do but again, I realize it is a new, different market so I am ok with lower...
posted by Snackpants
on Apr 22, 2013 -
8 answers
So Mr. lasamana got a job (yay!). He had an offer from a company that was not local and an offer that was local but with a fair amount of travel. We made our decision in part by Mefi. Now the question - he’s now working for the local company that includes 2 separate friends of ours. They are his bosses. He seems cool with it but I’m having an issue. We (3 couples) are friendly through our kids. 2 of ours and separately 1 each of theirs (different ages). Occasionally we got together as moms and socialized. This happens maybe 2x/year. Our conversation runs the gamut and included personal stuff. Not to mention we run into each other in the store, etc. I feel very leery all of a sudden about these relationships. Not to mention I sense a sudden cooling off by one of the wives. Is it better to let these friendships fade or maintain as if nothing changed? I should one of these couples has been very good to one of kids even including him on overnight trips and stuff. Now I’m concerned even about the propriety of that in relation to other employees. Do I have a valid concern?
Want to add I really like both couples and have had great fun with the wives.
posted by lasamana
on Apr 22, 2013 -
6 answers
