horrible bosses

My boss makes us chant affirmations to a cardboard cutout of himself every morning. Is this a cult—or just illegal?

A hilarious yet insightful look at what to do when your boss forces employees to chant affirmations to a cardboard cutout every morning. Learn whether this bizarre workplace ritual is a cult, illegal, or just deeply unprofessional—plus practical advice, legal context, and strategies for protecting your sanity. Perfect for readers navigating toxic or absurd office dynamics.
December 17, 2025 Jack Hawkins

My boss told me to fake a family death so I could attend a conference in disguise. Am I complicit?

A compelling workplace-advice article exploring what to do when a boss demands unethical behavior—like faking a family death to attend a conference undercover. This engaging guide helps employees navigate toxic leadership, understand complicity, set boundaries, and protect their professional integrity with humor, insight, and practical strategies.
December 17, 2025 Jack Hawkins

I legally changed my name last month, but my boss still issues my paychecks in my old name and my bank is refusing them. What can I do?

Legally changed your name but your employer still issues paychecks in your old name? Here’s what to do when your bank refuses the check, from payroll fixes to legal options.
April 17, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My boss recently hired his brother to work at our firm. Now I'm told I'm getting a demotion, and the brother is taking my role. Is that legal?

My boss hired his brother and now I am being demoted so he can take my role. Is that legal? Here is what workers need to know about nepotism, demotions, discrimination, retaliation, and employment rights.
April 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Upset young waiter sitting with headache while looking away at coffee shop

I've started working at a coffee shop. My boss wants to implement a policy where she gets the tips, then divides them up between us. Can she do that?

Started working at a coffee shop and wondering whether your boss can collect tips and divide them up? Here’s what U.S. law generally says about tip pooling, managers, owners, and the red flags employees should watch for.
April 8, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My boss asked to borrow my dog for a “client presentation.” Now he says she “likes him more” and doesn’t want to give her back. What do I do?

When your boss borrows your dog for a “client presentation” and refuses to give her back, things have gone way too far. This humorous yet practical advice column walks you through exactly what to do next—from setting boundaries and involving HR to understanding your legal rights and protecting your pet—while keeping the tone engaging, relatable, and reassuring.
January 23, 2026 Jack Hawkins