“I took a sick day to get
some life things in order
(bills, etc.). When I got
back, my boss emailed
the team reminding us
that sick days are for
actual sickness. Should I
defend myself?”
“After six months at my
job, I found out a peer
with my same title is
making more than I am.
I immediately told my
boss and she seemed
annoyed. What now?”
N
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D
?
Mika:
Your boss can’t
see you as a leader
if you cry through
basic but important
conversations.
They might even
avoid you for fear
you could “break
down.” Therapy
could help you
learn to manage
your feelings. No
crying at work!Mika:
Yo u c a m e in t o o
hot. I would’ve
mentioned the
situation as
something you
look forward to
addressing. Wait a
few months, then
g o b a c k in w it h
data about your
value.Mika:
Don’t! If your boss
wanted to tell
*you* this, they
would have
emailed you.
Not everything is
about you.“Every time I try to have
an honest conversation
about my overwhelming
workload or issues with
coworkers, I start crying.
What can I do to make
sure my manager takes
me seriously?”
Daniela:
Don’t overthink it.
When I worry
about something
happening, it
usually does. But
the rules of crying
in the office are
evolving, and
you’re not a robot.
Just avoid getting
emotional when
you don’t get your
way. Instead, take
a walk and some
deep breaths, and
get back after it.Daniela:
I agree with Mika.
Next time, focus on
why you deserve
a raise based on
the things you
bring to the table.
Fact is, you don’t
know why your
coworker is
outearning you.Daniela:
Th e n e x t t im e yo u
need a personal
day, be straight up
with your manager
by explaining that
a day off for the
s a ke o f yo u r b rain
boosts productivity
in the long run.
That might lead
to a change in
policies or at
least smash
some stigma!The authors of
your new career
bible Earn It! are
swooping in to
save you from your
office fails.Hi! Have a work Q for this dream team? Follow us on Twitter for our next callout!
Pleaseleavemetomy
cu
be
o
f
sh
a
m
.e76 Cosmopolitan May 2020
life
STO
C
KSY.C
OM.