I’ve been busy preparing for a talk I gave last week at the American Studies Association conference in Detroit. I was on a panel that discussed secondhand shops and thrift stores, and told all about purchasing books for this site. Since I spend more time behind the safety of the keyboard, I was a bit […]
Tag: work
Speech Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace
Q Dear Miss Abigail: My boss has asked me to give a presentation at a conference, but I’m so nervous and don’t think anyone will listen to what I have to say. Do you have tips that will help me get through this? Signed, Olivia A Dear Olivia: How fitting this question is, as I […]
Sing, Sing a Song
Q Dear Miss Abigail: How do I become a singer? How do I get a good record company and get my tape to the company? I have a good voice, but I can’t think of songs and my tape recorder doesn’t work well. Signed, Chip A Dear Chip: Wow. Chip, honey, you’ve got quite a […]
Be a Good Worker Bee
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I am starting a new job soon. How can I make a good impression during my first few days? Signed, Jane A Dear Jane: Although the author of the following excerpt suggests that companies often give employees “a break” early on, she stresses the importance of manners and punctuality at all […]
The Summer Job Conundrum
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I have recently been offered a summer job at an amusement park running a ride. I was really psyched to take it, so I could enjoy my summer in the sun. But just today my Dad told me that they are hiring summer help where he works. The problem is that […]
Yola, the Teenage Witch
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I would like to become a witch. It seems very stupid and funny, but it is what I would like to learn more about. I fill that I have some potential to make that possible. Please advise me where to start. Signed, Yola A Dear Yola: Choosing a career is often […]
(One Man’s Suggested) Office Manners (for Women)
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I have an ex-boyfriend who immediately got a new girlfriend who works within my jurisdiction. His new girlfriend is my officemate. So I took revenge by forwarding their email that says “I love you”, using the guy’s email, to all of our officemates! Yeah, I knew his password. And eventually they […]
Hey Joe, Could You Please Clip Your Nails in Private?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Help! How does one gently tell a young and impressionable co-worker that clipping his fingernails in staff meetings ~ and even at his desk ~ is distressing to the rest of us? Eeewwww. Signed, Grossed out by a Guy A Dear Grossed out: Staff meetings? Yuck. Hmm . . . Perhaps […]
Don’t Whistle While You Work
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I work in a small shop and one of my coworkers whistles very loudly. Many of us have asked him to stop because we think it’s rude to expose us to the awful noise. Maybe if he sees it in print he will stop. Signed, Sam A Dear Sam: Ask, and […]
My Boss Hates My Wardrobe
Q Dear Miss Abigail: My job sucks because my boss thinks I’m a moron. As near as I can figure out, it’s because my wardrobe lacks that business flair, and I’ve got tattoos. When she first hired me I had pink hair and have since dyed it a sensible brown, but I will NOT wear […]