A Colleague's Secret Raises Concerns Among Teammates
When Erin, a coworker, accepted a new job, she failed to inform her boss about it. This decision led to several team members feeling resentful towards Erin, who had been allowed to work from home since the COVID-19 pandemic, while others were expected to return to the office.
One of these team members, Tangled Web in New Mexico, decided to confide in their boss about Erin's situation, despite being asked not to. The person claims that this was a matter of loyalty and honesty, but the letter reveals that Erin had already informed her of the new job, albeit without sharing it with the boss.
Dear Abby advises that the decision to speak up was indeed the right thing to do. In California, where Erin lives, taking on a second job while still being employed would be grounds for termination. The advice suggests that keeping quiet about this situation might have allowed Erin to maintain her position, but also risks creating an unfair perception among teammates.
The column goes on to address two other readers' concerns. Memory-Ridden in Michigan experiences flashbacks of past conversations and regrets not responding at the time. Dear Abby advises redirecting thoughts away from these reminiscences and reminds readers that while we can't change the past, we can learn from our mistakes.
In a surprising question, Wondering in the Midwest seeks advice on proper etiquette for attending Mass. After consulting with her Catholic priest, she wonders if crossing one's legs is considered an impolite posture. While some Orthodox cultures view this as disrespectful, the response notes that in America, it's generally seen as too casual and relaxed.
When Erin, a coworker, accepted a new job, she failed to inform her boss about it. This decision led to several team members feeling resentful towards Erin, who had been allowed to work from home since the COVID-19 pandemic, while others were expected to return to the office.
One of these team members, Tangled Web in New Mexico, decided to confide in their boss about Erin's situation, despite being asked not to. The person claims that this was a matter of loyalty and honesty, but the letter reveals that Erin had already informed her of the new job, albeit without sharing it with the boss.
Dear Abby advises that the decision to speak up was indeed the right thing to do. In California, where Erin lives, taking on a second job while still being employed would be grounds for termination. The advice suggests that keeping quiet about this situation might have allowed Erin to maintain her position, but also risks creating an unfair perception among teammates.
The column goes on to address two other readers' concerns. Memory-Ridden in Michigan experiences flashbacks of past conversations and regrets not responding at the time. Dear Abby advises redirecting thoughts away from these reminiscences and reminds readers that while we can't change the past, we can learn from our mistakes.
In a surprising question, Wondering in the Midwest seeks advice on proper etiquette for attending Mass. After consulting with her Catholic priest, she wonders if crossing one's legs is considered an impolite posture. While some Orthodox cultures view this as disrespectful, the response notes that in America, it's generally seen as too casual and relaxed.
. If anyone had a right to know about Erin's new job, it should've been her directly, not some team member who got all bent out of shape. And honestly, Erin didn't even have to share the details with anyone - if she wanted to keep it on the down low, that's her prerogative 
. I mean, what's the big deal about working from home vs being in the office? It's just a job, right? Let people set their own boundaries and don't judge others for doing what they want... 
its not cool to make others feel resentful just cuz she wants more $$ tho Dear Abby said she did the right thing though, even if it means risking her job idk man... 
. And honestly, I think Tangled Web in New Mexico is kinda the real hero here for speaking up and keeping it real 
. It's not about being disloyal or secretive, it's about not wanting to be treated unfairly because of a personal decision that has nothing to do with your job performance 
. And can we talk about how annoying it is when people make assumptions and jump to conclusions without all the facts? Let's just chill and let Erin live her best life 
.
. Erin already told her boss about the new job, so why bother jumping into the conversation? It's not like Erin did anything wrong, you know? People are feeling resentful because of company policies, not because Erin is a bad person 
. I'm all for loyalty and honesty, but in this case, maybe just keeping quiet was the better call 
.
. On the other hand, I can understand why Tangled Web felt obligated to speak up - loyalty and honesty do matter 
Dear Abby is way off on this one - keeping mum would've been a better idea... 
It seems like Erin's situation has sparked quite a few conversations among her colleagues. I think it's natural to feel resentful when rules seem unfair, but speaking up without being asked can be tricky too. 
. They're already dealing with the stress of returning to the office after being allowed to work from home, and now they find out their colleague is taking on a second job? It's not fair at all. I think it's good that Tangled Web spoke up, but maybe she could've handled it differently... like telling Erin to keep her new job private first? 
.
And omg, crossing legs at Mass? That's a new one for me... I thought we were all supposed to sit still and listen or something? 
! You gotta keep it real and show loyalty, right? And girl, if California is all about terminating people for taking on a second job while employed... that's low-key savage 
. But redirection is key, and honestly, can't help but think about how much better our lives would be if we could just go back in time and respond to those past conversations 
.
. It's not fair to expect teammates to keep secrets like that 
.
I mean, Erin did get to work from home which was probably a big perk for her, but then she went and got another job without telling anyone... that's just poor planning 
. I think Dear Abby made the right call though, speaking up about it was necessary 
. But yeah, Erin should've been more transparent about her new job 
. I'm all for being loyal and honest, but maybe she should've had a convo with her boss about it instead of keeping it under wraps 
.
. Guess Erin won't be getting that promotion she was hoping for 
. I'm more of a "keep it real" kind of person, but maybe I'm just too laid back 
.