I found two coworkers of mine in a very compromising position in a vacant office that I went into to look for some supplies. They saw me see them, and I just said, “Oops, sorry” and walked out. Now it’s really awkward – any advice?
How one defines “compromising position” varies from sensibility to sensibility — so we’ll let the readers of this fine column allow their imaginations to take them wherever their minds might wander! But “Oops, sorry” — really, was that the best you could muster under the circumstances?! Depending on your relationship with these colleagues, and just how “compromising” the situation really was — oh man, you could playfully parlay this into free lunch or happy hour drinks for at least a year. OK, joking aside, in-office hanky-panky between co-workers is not uncommon according to most surveys. That doesn’t make it smart or appropriate — which it is neither — and if caught could lead to termination. So take it out of the office, people. And if what you observed obviously falls into the category of two co-workers sneaking off to have a little fun, then telling them their secret is safe with you and letting it go is fine. However, if it was anything other than that — perhaps an inappropriate relationship between a boss and subordinate or not mutual consent or anything other than what you might see in an episode of “The Office” or some light-hearted romantic comedy, you have an obligation to say something.
I’m in the final rounds of interviews for a job I really want and just learned that I’m pregnant. I definitely plan on returning to work and having a career. Do I tell them now and risk not getting the job, or wait until after I get the offer?
Congratulations! This isn’t the 1950s, and we need to stop thinking about pregnancy as something that will hinder one’s career. You have no obligation to reveal a pregnancy — particularly if it’s so early in the term that you might not tell anyone yet. Even if you do tell them it is unlawful for an employer to deny you employment because you are pregnant. And if you feel obligated to say something now, that’s fine too — just reassure them you are committed to your career and plan to return to work. They will most likely appreciate the honesty.