At the end of the year our department head calculated our bonuses and based on that we received our annual bonus. I accidentally found out that my bonus was exactly half of what my colleagues...

It is hard to comment on your post because we are always biased in our favor. Assuming your comments are objective, you will not win any brownie... points by admitting you were looking at papers you were not supposed to.
The best approach might be to go see your boss, thank him for the bonus and by the way express your curiosity as to how the bonuses were calculated.
If your boss has a boss, his recommendations are probably reviewed. If his is the final word, your question may not be taken very kindly. Step gingerly. Good luck. more

Good afternoon. I want to share my situation. I have the most powerful computer at work because I officially asked for it and explained why I need it for my job. Management approved it and gave me a...

The computer was given to you by management and you cannot just swap it based on someone's threat. And if you swap it, your justification to get the... computer is invalidated and you will get in trouble with management.
Unless there is some truth in her threats, what are you afraid of? A blackmailer may not be satisfied with its first victory and may have other demands as well.
Looks like a rather uncomfortable situation. You can share your weakness with management and disarm her. Think it through. Choose your poison. Good luck. more

It's been almost 10 years in my current post, but I feel like I won't achieve anything if I stay any longer. There is no hope of growth and development. I think this should be my final year to prepare...

Good advice. You have negotiating power when you are employed. Being unemployed in a competitive market is rather stressful. Good luck.

Hello! I worked as an economist in a small bank for 3.5 years. Now I’m moving to the same job in a big bank, and I’ll earn $50 more per month. I think it’s a better and more promising option. But my...

I do not fully agree with all the advice. A bright young person still needs the counsel of a seasoned mentor. Youth may not consider the downside of... an action fully and can get hurt. To me, the saying " your health, your family, your job..in that order" makes a lot of sense. Most families are looking out for you when they advise and I would not totally ignore them unless they do not understand or are obstructionist. I would try to tap their wisdom. more

Hello! I worked as an economist in a small bank for 3.5 years. Now I’m moving to the same job in a big bank, and I’ll earn $50 more per month. I think it’s a better and more promising option. But my...

Congratulations for your new job. Generally this kind of raise is not enough to switch unless you were unhappy or bored at the previous job. In a... bigger group, you may have better chances of promotion but it may also operate more rigidly. You are young and this is the age to look around and find the best fit.
You must be aware that 401K and pension benefits depend on your age and years of service. So you will need to become more choosy when considering a job change.
If you put your reasons for job change on paper, use AI to refine it and share that with your family, they might see it your way. Otherwise give yourself six months or so to evaluate. Your family is impotant and they also want the best for you. Good luck.  more

I’m 25 years old and have been working as a junior manager in a trading company for 4 years. Recently, our internal email said that another department is looking for a new boss. I sent my resume. But...

Congratulations on becoming a junior manager at a young age. It was probably not a routine progression. Chances are that they had an open position and... from your non managerial performance, they saw a spark and decided to take a chance on you. You have been doing that job for 4 years and are disappointed that you were not considered for the new position.
It all depends on how you are doing in the current position, whether there were many fumbles after you were promoted. Also how your employees, coworkers and superiors rate you and how much bigger and critical the new position is.
It is unfortunate that you were given a quick answer in a joking way. Such matters are serious and I would have made an appointment with HR to discuss it. In any case, I would try to establish a reputation for getting the job done well. You can also approach HR for their advice on what areas you need to focus on, to be ready for next opportunity.
Good Luck. more

Yesterday during an important meeting with some clients, I accidentally broke a glass and ended up spilling champagne on a couple of people. First, the director practically burned a hole through me...

Thank you Marie
This 81 year old is way beyond the pen pal years. Instead of being a bleeding heart liberal, I believe we all need to take... responsibility for our actions. Some of the people with these questions may not like my answers but I am sure it makes them think. May the Good Lord keep you in good health and happiness.
Uma more

Yesterday during an important meeting with some clients, I accidentally broke a glass and ended up spilling champagne on a couple of people. First, the director practically burned a hole through me...

It is unfortunate but these things happen. Your director was embarrassed and did not know the next step. You and/or your colleagues in the meeting... could have grabbed some dry towels, quickly pick up big pieces and mop up the liquid and spread dry towels and the meeting could have resumed. If you had another conference room that was empty, meeting could have moved there.
But the director was embarrassed, the meeting was interrupted and sometimes the client may think of other objections and the sale may be lost.
You owe your boss and the client an apology. As far as your job is concerned, I am assuming you are valuable enough to the organization that a firing may not even come to their minds.
A reprimand may be and you should accept it graciously.
Good luck and be careful with champagne. Stop drinking long before you start feeling tipsy.
 more

I've just been made redundant at 58 after more than three decades in the same industry. I worked my way up, gave everything to the company, and now I'm out - replaced, it feels, by younger people who...

Sarah
The days of somebody working all their life at one company are behind us. It is becoming more like 3-4 stints, of 7-10 years. Obviously it hurts... your pride, your self confidence and begins a new worry. But it is time to move on. A lot of people have ended up with better careers after being let go, But cast aside all negativity first. Kick out all the anger, hate and self pity to start moving towards a better tomorrow.
Read the advice of Career Development. All those points are very helpful and point the way to a brighter tomorrow. In large companies, redundancies are pretty well explained in writing. You should get hold of whatever is available in writing. Ask questions where necessary. You should have already applied for unemployment compensation.
Pay attention to your resume. Have it critiqued by many. Now step out in the world with great attitude, confidence in your abilities and look for a fitting job and organization.
Good luck, Sarah. Show them what you are made of.
 more

I had a job interview and the guy who interviewed me seemed okay. But now he keeps messaging me and asking me out. Do you think I should go along with it to help get the job or just forget it? The...

This is totally wrong and unprofessional. If you want to stop this behavior and keep going, I would say something like "excuse me while I turn off my... phone. This immature flirt keeps bugging me.". This is OK if it looks like the company is reputable and this guy happens to be immature and a misfit. Otherwise do not waste your time and move on.
Good luck. more

So at my job I work with two dudes named Calvin. Neither one of them want me to call them by a different name. I've discussed creating a nickname for them and they have defied me every step of the...

I do not know the author's position or need to establish a nick name. I understand the hostile reaction.
Those guys have the right to keep their... names. If I did not want to address by their nick names, I can also call them by their formal names Mr. ............ If they got irritated by formal names, they would suggest an alternate name to you.
You have better things to do than ganging up on somebody's name. more

My girlfriend has been working for free at a big bank reception for two and a half months. They say they will hire her, but for now she’s just gaining experience. It feels like they’re taking...

I would first go back to the initial conversation with the bank. There may also be something in writing. Let us assume the bank offered 6 to 12 months... of unpaid internship, and she joined.
Once the mutually agreed relationship is established, we can examine if she wants to change it and how to accomplish that. Banks deal with public and care about how they are perceived. A large bank is probably owned by stockholders and the money saved does not go in anybody's pocket. I would, therefore, examine the facts first and not start out wasting time in blaming the bank. Good luck. more

I graduated college with honors and now work as an economist in a big company. Why did we have to study “Economic History”, “Advanced Math” and “History of Economic Thought” when what we really needed...

Sorry to hear you have a toxic team. Do not get sour on the world. If you cannot live with it, change to something more livable.
You appear to have... done well with good prospects. Go change your environment or your job. Good luck
The courses generally serve a large variety of needs. As to the history, I remember reading that those that do not learn from history are liable to repeat it. more

Can you advise if it’s even worth answering the “What are your weaknesses?” question in an interview? For me, it feels like such a cringe question.

Beautifully answered. I agree.

I’ve been at my company for a year and have always been motivated to build my career. I go the extra mile, work overtime and even come in on weekends. Lately *though* it feels like I’m just being...

It is a major change from being enthusiastic to worrying about being squeezed or being burned out. What happened on the way? New boss? Something to do... with your personal life or health?
If personal factors, then the solution may be in your hands. If it is truly external, you may want to seek the help of your boss or HR.
Since you have been an exemplary employee, they should be very receptive to helping you. Try to avoid a blame game. Good Luck more

Hello everyone! I want some advice: our company got a new owner. The previous one was great, he brought everyone together and supported us. The new owner, however, can swear at people and treat...

You seem to like the work and your pay. That is great. It is also good to realize that you have no say in the ownership matters.
Generally all of us... are resistant to change. Somebody may have been disciplined and may be poisoning the atmosphere. Otherwise you may have to figure out what you dislike about him and whether you can live with it. If yes, adapt yourself, otherwise figure out whether you can discuss the matter or start looking for a change.
Good luck. more

I need some advice. I've been working in the banking system for 5 and a half years, in the CSRV department. But I feel like this job just isn't for me. I really want to draw and create beautiful...

Generally speaking, people find time to do what they really love. Keep a diary for a week and determine what takes your time. Priortize your tasks and... find your time.
If the bank job does not lead to a career you love and you can live 2 years without a paycheck, consider how you would monetize your hobby and then go for it. Otherwise you can potentially put yourself and your loved ones in much difficulty.
Listen to the advice of others and take time to critically analyze before walking away from your job, especially when others depend on it. Good Luck  more

I was just rejected for a job because they said I used AI to answer the interview questions. But I didn't, so I'm confused. Do all employers assume everyone uses AI now?

That is too bad. I would decline it firmly once. Then tell them they should ask new questions to determine the quality of answers. If they say there... is not much time, I would remind them they have had the application for a while and had the time to prepare other questions if they wanted to. I would end with wishing them luck. more