I run a small business. Everyone who works for me wants to be paid off the books. It’s better for them and for me, so can I pay someone in cash without running afoul of the law? There’s a difference between paying someone in cash and paying them off the books, my friend. Both may … Read more
When it works, it works. Such is the ethos of bigwigs in NYC and beyond who swear by a variety of oddball tricks to give them a leg up in their careers. These execs share the bizarre strategies that they say give them a competitive advantage. Get upside down Dr. Shaun Nanavati, chief science officer … Read more
Gen Z workers are feeling burnout and stress on the job more than any other age group, new data finds. An estimated 91% of Gen Zers are reporting such stress, higher than the 84% average, according to stats from Cigna International Health’s 2023 survey. The stress has become “unmanageable” for 23% of the demographic and … Read more
When Geneva White, 38, worked at a nonprofit in the Flatiron District several years ago, she focused on after-school career pathways programs in arts education. When the program got defunded, she recognized the strong need for arts programming to support young adults. This sparked her to found and launch Scope of Work in 2016, a … Read more
In the State of the Union address the president said that he wanted to make non-compete agreements illegal so that someone working in one fast-food restaurant can go to work for another one and make more money. I work as a waitress — does that apply to me too? Regardless of your politics and with … Read more
February is Black History Month, making it a timely moment to look at some inspiring black entrepreneurs in and around New York City. Ahead, we put the spotlight on local movers and shakers, who also share their wisdom for other aspiring small business owners. Khadejha (“Dejha B”) Brunner Dejha B Coloring is a coloring book … Read more
Now here’s a hot tip for corporate hotties on the hunt. Drop-dead gorgeous job-seekers would be wise to downplay their flawless features and camouflage their fab physiques on job interviews for a better chance at landing the gig, per viral advice from an in-the-know employment expert. “Oh, she’s, like, phenomenally beautiful? That’s annoying. And I … Read more
Five generations are now working side by side in today’s job market, and one of the most positive outcomes is that the rules of the mentorship road have been changing in the most productive ways. Once just the domain of older workers coaching newbies, now employees who have their fingers on the social media pulse … Read more
I’ve been with the same company for 13 years and I’m looking for new job opportunities.My current boss has told me he won’t give me a positive reference because he doesn’t want me to leave the company. How do I handle this with prospective employers? I have never been written up and all of my … Read more
For more and more job seekers, working for a company that supports the planet is top of mind. In a recent survey from Handshake, a career-search portal for college students, almost two-thirds of survey respondents indicated that they would be more likely to apply for a job at a company committed to sustainable practices, and … Read more
My employer switched to an unlimited time off policy this year and my manager just denied my vacation request for the summer. He said it was too much time to take off. How can they have an unlimited vacation policy and then say I’m asking for too much time? What, did you ask for the … Read more
From layoffs throughout Big Tech to job changes, these days, having a gap on your résumé is no longer rare. Sometimes it’s the only way to score a better opportunity — rather than avoiding gaps, it’s a matter of navigating them. Previously, employers considered résumé gaps to be red flags, implying that candidates were disloyal … Read more
Does the new pay transparency law in NYC mean that my salary will be published for everyone to see? This law should also be called the law of unintended consequences because I believe it’s based on a flawed premise and will not achieve the outcomes that legislators are hoping for. The pay transparency law requires … Read more
If I were to get a job, but it was later discovered that I had lied extensively about my past and fabricated my resume, should I expect to be fired? Just asking for a friend. Please tell your “friend” — who may or may not be a newly elected member of Congress — that there … Read more
New York City has emerged from the pandemic as the land of opportunity, and, in fields where talent is slim, there are new pathways that workers can take to earn the right credentials. “New York City’s superpower has long been and continues to be its people,” said Yael Taqqu, managing partner of consulting powerhouse McKinsey. … Read more
I’m bored in my job. I’ve been here for 10 years, and each year around I say that I am going to make a change this time, but the thought of starting a job search and being somewhere new seems so daunting that I never follow through. Any advice? There is a science as to … Read more
If there are certain career goals, changes or upgrades you’re looking to make, this is the time to resolve to do it. Whether it’s finally getting that promotion you deserve, or locking in the work-from home arrangement you proposed to your boss, here’s how to make it happen in 2023. You want a raise Given … Read more
I embarrassed myself at the company holiday party. Should I just pretend it didn’t happen, or do I say something to my boss and colleagues? Did you do the walk of shame yet back into the office? Were there stares, snickers, whispers? What did you do? Inquiring minds want to know. Was it the Elaine … Read more
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. A year when some commuted to the office while others worked from home. A time when jobholders and seekers yearned for comfort and growth. Whoops — this isn’t a modern version of Dickens, it’s a holiday gift list for the workers in your … Read more
I’m waiting for my year-end bonus, then I’m hightailing it out of my company. I’m worried that it’s going to look bad, though. How long should I wait before resigning so that it isn’t obvious that I was just hanging in there for the money? So nice of you to be concerned about hurting your … Read more