Sometimes Alison at Ask A Manager and I like to answer questions about workplace awkwardness together.
Category: Work
It Came From The Search Terms: January 2021
It is that time when I pretend that the search strings people typed in are actual questions. Details? What details. Mitigating circumstances? Ha! It's all assumptions, all the time!
It Came From The Search Terms: October Symphony (Oct. 2020)
Greetings, it is the time for the periodic tradition where I answer search strings people typed in as if they are questions. First, I want to share a few links - Here I am at Vice, writing about family arguments, and I also want to call attention to S. Bear Bergman's recent post there: How … Continue reading It Came From The Search Terms: October Symphony (Oct. 2020)
#1294: “I work with an Angry Yelling Man and it’s triggering my PTSD.”
Alert, alert, Mantrum in progress! Do not approach! Mantrum in progress!
#1290: “My husband says ‘my pushiness’ ruined his life.”
Hi Captain, Six months ago my husband got a new job. It was a top management position that I thought he really wanted. The application process was very involved and I gave him a lot of help with it. I thought I was being loving and supportive, and that we were working as a … Continue reading #1290: “My husband says ‘my pushiness’ ruined his life.”
#1289: “A potential friend is now an ex, and I don’t know why.”
"Let's be friends 4-ever" is a wish, not a promise, so it was in the high school yearbook, and so it is at work.
It Came From The Search Terms: July 2020
Yes! It is time! Time to treat the search strings people typed in right before they washed up on these blog shores as if they are actual questions! Inside: Mask etiquette, reformed Nice Guy™ apologies, overly-neighborly neighbors, favor-sharking defined, and more.
#1276: “Setting boundaries when there’s a significant power difference (and you’re the one with less)”
Hi Captain, I’m wondering if you have a script for setting boundaries where there’s a significant power differential. Briefly, I’ve recently hired a lawyer who specializes in disability rights to represent me in a human rights case against a corporation that discriminated against me based on my mental health disability. The lawyer is very competent, … Continue reading #1276: “Setting boundaries when there’s a significant power difference (and you’re the one with less)”
#1268: “I tanked a job interview at a place I really want to go back to someday. How do I get over the shame?”
Hi Captain! I hope today is treating you gently. 🙂 Last year, I (twentysomething, they/them) moved across the country to be with my partner. The relationship is good and healthy! The town is friendly, walkable-ish, mild weather, etc. When I visited, I could see myself living here – and more importantly, working at this one … Continue reading #1268: “I tanked a job interview at a place I really want to go back to someday. How do I get over the shame?”
#1267: “How do I set goals if I don’t want anything?”
Dear Captain Awkward: I'm a grown-ass woman who has been through a few cycles of therapy that have (along with medication) helped my stress, anxiety, and ADHD. I've gotten to a point where I am financially self-sufficient, comfortable in my life and community, and blessed with a strong friends network. I'm not in a relationship … Continue reading #1267: “How do I set goals if I don’t want anything?”