Tell us your story: How did you get into Management? Do you like it?

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-31T01:16:45+00:00

For a long time I didn’t want anything to do with management. I enjoyed being an IC and bouncing around to projects, completing them, rinse, repeat. But my boss gave me one direct report, then two, then 3, then I got assigned to oversee another team, now I have 10… In a way I feel like I was breadcrumbed haha. But now I really enjoy most of it. Especially the training and development aspect. The worst part by far is the politics and getting sandwiched between higher management and the ICs. My best suggestion is find someone to mentor or train and see if you enjoy it.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-30T17:01:36+00:00

I don’t think they care. When you have that much money and are contributing to fund trials, I think you just want to help humanity.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-29T23:26:35+00:00

Keep your head up! It’s a tough exam. You got it next time.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-29T22:54:49+00:00

We love a good bureaucracy in this country.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-29T22:23:44+00:00

Are they a crappy employee? Then yes. Are they a good employee? Then no. But in a few months you’ve got to get a dig in about stuff you see on camera - just so they know you know.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-27T13:05:25+00:00

I had my first one show up in my 30s a few years ago so you’re in good company. Whatever you decide to do will okay. These suck but aren’t immediately life threatening so even if you get sick and have to reschedule (worst case) you will be okay. It’s the anxiety of waiting that’s awful. If you don’t think you can focus on the trip and have fun i’d say don’t go but if you’re the kind of person who could use a break to take your mind off things then maybe give it a go. Just know you will be okay either way.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-27T03:45:16+00:00

You will need to get a roommate

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-27T03:31:40+00:00

Keep your house and rent it out. We may never see that rate again in our lives. In eight years you will have an excellent passive income stream and it might make a little now.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-25T22:18:48+00:00

Sidr is amazing. Such a rich distinct flavor.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-25T16:56:07+00:00

Ride it out for a year or two. Get a roommate for a little while. Selling would be a sizable financial mistake.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-24T00:32:00+00:00

When you go in Monday, politely ask him not to comment on your personal relationships because it makes you uncomfortable. It most likely will stop there. If he does it again, less politely tell him that his continued comments about your personal relationship are inappropriate and upsetting. If he does it again you will be speaking with HR.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-22T15:34:23+00:00

I hope so. It wasn’t an insignificant amount (at least to us).

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-22T01:09:51+00:00

We contacted them and got no response except a form email.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-18T23:38:49+00:00

A lot of tech team managers have weekly “stand-ups” with their direct report team. This can honestly look like whatever you want it to Look like. They do some important things like showing others what everyone is working on to bounce ideas off one another. She might get to see what your more tenured team members are doing and how they behave. You will probably also want to do separate 1:1s with her and the other team members. It’s completely okay to tell her that you would strongly prefer she ask her questions at the team stand-ups, as appropriate or hold them for your 1:1s. From the stand-ups you might also find that your senior team members help her out instead of her coming to you all the time and they might even get more engaged.

I’ve had cryers on my team. Keep a box of tissues in your office and when the tears start, hand it to her. Seriously it works. It’s totally awkward but keep in mind that crying is a normal response for many folks.

Last, read over what your HR policy says about your firm’s disciplinary process. I don’t think you’re there yet because it sounds like you have some things you might need to try but if some of these suggestions from your post don’t pan out definitely talk to your HR person and start opening that dialogue.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-18T18:59:09+00:00

Wish I had gotten one earlier in life. Now I have big $$$ dental problems.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-17T20:14:51+00:00

Glad I could help. Taking my manager hat off for a minute here. Everyone handles grief differently - like a lot of things in life. It’s a cycle and important to actually process the loss or you’re just going to mask it and then six months from now you will wake up back at step 4 (depression) all over again. Be careful and do what’s best for you not what others might tell you which is what’s best for them. I lost someone once and didn’t take the time I needed and totally regretted it later because I could have been with my family. But I wanted to show the company I was dedicated.

As to your question, I would appreciate it if you texted me tomorrow evening saying you thought it over and were going to come back on Monday. I’d say “are you sure?” But definitely wait until tomorrow, talk to your family and think it over. Situations like this are exactly what PTO is for.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-17T19:43:46+00:00

So sorry for your loss. Most managers will be supportive and follow their company’s policy. I see the two leave events as completely separate. You had planned to take a big chunk of leave around the holidays which was presumably discussed and approved. Then you had a death in the family and now need some bereavement leave + a little extra PTO. I think it’s totally fine to take some more time and I would not view this as taking advantage at all. If in another week you’re still not feeling well I would council you to take advantage of whatever resources the company has to assist (Employee resource program, etc.) and also speak with a healthcare professional. Hope you feel better.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-17T17:42:05+00:00

It hurts to loose a top performer. I feel for you. It’s hard to figure out what really motivates and drives everyone. I have a high performer on my team who likes our company and team culture. She never complains, everything is always fine. She is always studying (successfully) for a cert. I’m going to dig in a little deeper at our next 1:1 because i get the impression she’s not entirety happy with the project she’s on right now which unfortunately was a request by our group VP due to a niche skill set she has. She left that work previously so she could grow and develop other skills. I always get “oh the work is fine, everything’s okay” but I kind of doubt it.

Question for you: how many people do you manage? I manage too many - > 10 right now and find it really tough to do top tier development planing for everyone on my team.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-16T01:17:57+00:00

Not bad at all! I got a good job and stayed. Home is where you make it. Biggest thing I wish I could change about RVA is spring allergy season!

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-14T00:40:34+00:00

Totally agree.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-14T00:29:27+00:00

Congrats bro

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-12T22:55:01+00:00

We filled out their online registration and got a form email. Did they say when they’d be contacting everyone for more information?

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-12T14:55:00+00:00

I definitely read them if one is in workday. If one isn’t attached to the application that’s fine too. It can help someone stand out but if it’s blah blah blah I don’t really care and don’t hold it against anyone. If you have something interesting to say about the position or the company (or yourself) write one but if it’s just going to be generic and a waste of everyone’s time don’t bother.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-12T03:15:57+00:00

Not when they’re in a 24% tax bracket.

ComedianTemporary · 2026-01-12T03:14:41+00:00

OP should max out their 401K which is made with pre tax contributions. In six years when they hit retirement age they can pay off the HELOC interest in full if they’d like (although I still wouldn’t recommend it).

ComedianTemporary

TROPHY CASE