A look back at what we were talking about around this time in previous years.

One Year Ago

  • Should I tell an employee she should take less time off if she wants better projects?
  • My boss won’t let me tell coworkers that I’m pregnant
  • Am I too nice to be a good manager?

Two Years Ago

  • My abusive father is a beloved public figure — and we have to attend an event together
  • I manage my partner and he doesn’t know his job is being cut
  • My boss says we can’t call out sick any sooner than 2 hours before our shift

Three Years Ago

  • An employee 2 levels down refused to meet with me
  • My co-host at a workshop will be someone who didn’t pay me for my work
  • Should I tell my employee she needs to give a clearer “no” to a client who’s interested in her?

Four Years Ago

  • My employee is obsessed with cleaning
  • How do I say no to admin tasks that aren’t my job?
  • Are there times when you can’t ethically quit a job?

Five Years Ago

  • Job seekers are ghosting us on interviews and job offers
  • Boss organizes a poker game to determine end-of-year bonuses
  • My employee vents to me about her job and personal life and wants constant reassurance

Ancient Times

  • My boss is rude to waitstaff
  • My boss told me that I smell
  • I burned a bridge in a spectacular way — how do I deal with everyone talking about it?
  • My coworkers make orgasm sounds while I’m on the phone
  • My boss says I ask “why?” too often
  • My coworker kept vomiting in our shared office and wouldn’t go home
  • An ode to the bad managers of my past

These questions span the full range of workplace challenges — from tricky management decisions and boundary-setting to some truly unforgettable office situations.