I work at the help desk for my company's IT dept, and I generally spend a lot of my time on the phone with users. Being an introverted person, this can be exhausting, so when I'm not on the phone I prefer to not have to talk to anyone. The problem is that where I work, people from other parts of IT are always coming in to the help desk office looking for conversation/socialization and this is stressing me out. In past jobs I've always handled my social awkwardness by just being a very hard worker and gaining respect that way....this is the first job I've ever had where there seems to be a definite social component to getting by. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 30, 2009 - 10 answers

Is this a hostile work environment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 8, 2009 - 14 answers

I'm in a crappy work situation and I know that the ultimate solution involves leaving my job, but how can I cope with this particular situation in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 28, 2009 - 9 answers

Need resources on 'peer coaching' at work. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 30, 2009 - 1 answer

How do you handle a situation where a few of your co-workers -- some of who are above you -- are inefficient, show very little work ethic, disorganized, slow, and generally ineffective in their positions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 18, 2009 - 20 answers

Did I just make a massive mistake during my staff evaluation meeting with my boss? Or not? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 14, 2008 - 24 answers

How can I make someone else a better graphic designer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 - 16 answers

How do I fire someone without demoralizing the rest of my team? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 8, 2007 - 38 answers

Awkwardness v. Maliciousness: Am I correct in thinking that it is *way* impolite for a longtime (male) co-worker to bring up the subject of my particular past ex-girlfriends during happy-hours/dinners that include my current (well, 2 yrs now) girlfriend? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 13, 2007 - 33 answers

Please help me identify and address a specific negative workplace behavior. Is this person being passive aggressive? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 13, 2005 - 28 answers

My spouse and I are ending our marriage, and I would appreciate advice on how and when I should tell people.

We pretty much decided to do this a couple months ago, but I hadn't talked about it with anyone out of hope that we would reconcile. Recent events have made it clear that this isn't going to happen. Now I want to know how long I should wait before I explain what's happening to my child, family, friends, and acquaintances.

Tips on how I should raise the issue are also appreciated. Obviously telling my parents will require a different approach than telling, e.g., my boss. My spouse and I are both fairly introverted, and few of my friends are acquainted, so I can't count on this information spreading itself through any circle of friends. Without forcing anyone to chose sides or evoking pity, I am simply looking to minimize the inevitable awkwardness facing me.

I will definitely seek the help of a therapist, especially for guidance on how best to guide my first-grader (whose emotional well-being is most important to me) through this very difficult thing. However, I'm also interested in the input of anyone who has either been through this situation or know someone who has.
posted by anonymous on Oct 31, 2004 - 14 answers