148
votes
Should I tell my prospective employer that I drafted my own reference letter?
How do I deal with this scenario in an interview?
As you probably know, German reference letters are a highly coded thing. While it looks like proper German sentences, it is actually code, wrapped ...
- 127k
101
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
You should make the effort.
Where you live and eat is unimportant, but how you present yourself is critical. And this is what people are looking at the most.
In my locale I know people with no vehicle,...
- 208k
87
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
I assume you are covered by TVÖD.
The general logic in Germany about working contracts is really different from some other parts in the world. In Germany the general logic is that your performance ...
- 17.4k
71
votes
Accepted
Would it be inappropriate to write employment filters on my social media channels?
This answer is not intended to oppose imtaar's answer. I agree that it can be appropriate to do so; but this answer questions whether it's going to actually help you achieve your goal.
What makes you ...
- 15.4k
71
votes
Is it appropriate to voice concerns over the Qatar world cup when colleague asks people to join betting pool?
In my 40+ years journey navigating a workplace, I discovered that, outside the normal work-related topics, one should never engage in discussing: 1. politics 2. money as it's only bringing arguments ...
- 5,696
59
votes
Is it appropriate to voice concerns over the Qatar world cup when colleague asks people to join betting pool?
In Germany it depends on your colleagues but I think there is a fine line you should not cross: Telling others what to do.
So for example "you should not have a betting pool, look at what ...
- 127k
51
votes
Accepted
Should I apply for my dream job even if I expect to be on maternity leave?
First of all: congratulations to both your PhD and your baby!
This requires some careful analysis and planning. A dream job can only be a dream job if both you and your employer are genuinely happy ...
- 105k
51
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
The key point is: are these expectations only toward you or more general toward all employees?
Companies having and enforcing a dress code is rather normal, and if that's the case you should follow it....
- 12.4k
35
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
Appearance does matter. Quite frankly, what you described, you look like an apprentice, student or "Aushilfskraft im Lager" (temp worker in the warehouse). So at least in some ways like an ...
- 127k
33
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
I want to add a single point:
You cannot discuss how other people perceive you.
You have been told that your appearance and actions are perceived negatively. Nobody can force you to make a good ...
- 1,023
25
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
My favorite part is that you were told this by the boss's secretary.
Hence, in relation to the title of your post, the first order of business might be to confirm it is the employer and not the ...
- 9,495
22
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
The hard truth is they're telling you you look and act like a hobo and are killing the company image.
The rest of what she said is just about making it seem like that's not the main issue here - to ...
- 429
21
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
Almost all of this is none of the employer's business. Don't try to reason with them, or justify or explain yourself; giving reasons for your lifestyle just gives the impression that it is negotiable, ...
- 413
19
votes
Would it be inappropriate to write employment filters on my social media channels?
It is NOT inappropriate to write employment filters on your social media channels.
Instead of naming it as Filters, you can write "Please consider my following job preferences".
Write all ...
- 406
18
votes
When do I need to resign?
Well, you could hand in your resignation before the probation period is over, but with an effective date of July 31st. But then your employer could respond by firing you with two weeks notice, because ...
- 38.2k
17
votes
Should I tell my prospective employer that I drafted my own reference letter?
If your boss has made their sign, then the responsibility of the content belongs to them, irrespective of the fact whether they conceptualised, drafted, typed-in or proof-read the letter.
I do not see ...
- 67.1k
16
votes
Why is getting fired or laid off such a big deal for employees in the West?
There are 2 important points to take into account:
geographic mobility
bad reference/background
#1 : you lose your job for any reason, you live in a city/county with no or very limited job ...
- 5,696
15
votes
My successor and her future primary contact do not get along
Sometimes there is a phenomenon that two people just don't understand each others language. For example, there is a certain harmless phrase quite often used in English, and the literal translation ...
- 163k
14
votes
How to deal with a resisting collegue as a newcomer
Sorry for falling into stereotypes, but who knows, sometimes they are true. You said you have a new job in germany and the name you chose here implies that you might come from a different culture. ...
- 127k
14
votes
Why is getting fired or laid off such a big deal for employees in the West?
Worker protection laws vary wildly between nations "of the west", so since you tagged it germany, I will answer for Germany.
Both getting fired and getting laid off is hard. For the employer....
- 127k
13
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
German here, with working experience in research institutes.
First, my assumptions on OP's working situation:
OP is on a fixed term contract. That is a construction that is mostly used in public ...
13
votes
Why is getting fired or laid off such a big deal for employees in the West?
I fear this will get closed for Opinion based - but here's the thing:
If you are fired, in the West it takes a continued and determined effort to Fire someone.
Now, I'm not going to argue the pros and ...
- 13.3k
13
votes
My successor and her future primary contact do not get along
I think of myself as speaking "good" English. But "good" English is sometimes not enough to get the finer points across.
I have worked with many non-native speakers. I am married ...
- 127k
12
votes
Can I transfer my left over annual leave to a new company?
The answer depends on the country/jurisdiction. In germany specifically:
Yes, this is possible in some cases - but as in many legal areas, the details are complicated.
The basic rules:
If you are ...
- 11.8k
12
votes
Is it appropriate to voice concerns over the Qatar world cup when colleague asks people to join betting pool?
I agree with the general feeling that you just politely decline without giving a reason. I would add that I was in potentially the same situation and I didn't follow my own advice.
The difference ...
- 6,994
12
votes
Company has no work for me, responsible bosses disappeared, how to defend myself?
I'll talk a bit about your options if you stay with the company in a minute. But first things first: Your best course of action is to find a better job. Starting now. I will explain that some options ...
- 127k
12
votes
Accepted
Is it polite to keep a contract offer "on hold" while I wait for other offers to potentially materialize?
The first time I experienced this, I too was nervous.
The General rule of thumb is that once you have received an Offer (in writing, verbal offers aren't worth the paper they are printed on ;) ) - you ...
- 13.3k
11
votes
Should I tell my prospective employer that I drafted my own reference letter?
Trying to find a balance between the two existing answers.
It's perfectly normal for an employee to contribute to their own reference. You know best what you worked on what the results were. You also ...
- 105k
11
votes
Is it legal in Germany to start a project in Kickstarter while working in a company?
You are allowed to have a business or be self-employed, whether you are a fulltime employee or not.
However,
It is very likely your company reserves the right to know. They might have worded it as if ...
- 127k
11
votes
My employer is demanding that I change my lifestyle
I think here we need to read between the lines. What is told always may not be exactly what is meant. For example:
you live in a shared apartment in a remote district. It's obvious that if you spend ...
- 67.1k
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