Getting handed a pink slip. Finding out your company is the victim of a hostile takeover. Dealing with the boss who's fresh out of anger management training (and could probably use a few more sessions).
Most of us have had at least one workplace horror story—and most of us would like to pretend it never happened. But, sh*t happens, and better to know how to deal with it, right? So, we decided to not only bring those horror stories to light, but to commemorate them, with our first-ever "Workplace Disasters Week."
Check back in throughout the week for all kinds of workplace disasters, and how others have come out unscathed (or, at least, alive).
Man Down: What to do When Your Boss Gets Fired
Good or bad, most of us come to depend on our bosses for some level of guidance. So what happens when you come in to work one day, only to be informed that your manager has just been escorted off the premises? Keep calm and carry on with these three steps.
4 Steps for Managing a Team During a Crisis
Working for a company that’s experiencing layoffs, a lawsuit, or any other kind of corporate crisis isn’t easy—especially when you’re a manager. Here’s your game plan to move past obstacles and keep your team engaged, amid even the most tumultuous environment.
Worst-Case Scenario Survival Guide: TDM Office Edition
We’ve all been there. You’re having one of those days, even before you find out you have an important meeting—in five minutes. But, don’t hit the panic button just yet. We’ve got a few, er, creative solutions to get you out of any bind.
The TDM Team’s Biggest Workplace Disasters
Even though it’s our job to dole out career and job search advice every day, The Daily Muse team has made some workplace blunders of our own. And today, we’re sharing them, so you can learn from (and laugh at) our mistakes.
5 Signs It’s Time to Break Up With Your Client
Not every client you take on is going to be good for your business. Here are few telltale signs that it’s time to break up, plus tips on avoiding those tricky situations in the future.
The Daily Muse's Workplace Disaster Essay Contest
My Workplace Disaster: The Chicken Farm
What’s the worst thing that could happen when you’re setting up an important conference call? Sending everyone the wrong number—the number to a local chicken farm. See how this essay contest finalist survived her workplace disaster.
My Workplace Disaster: The False Accusation
A 23-year-old entry-level employee was accused of not doing her job—by a powerful executive at her company. Our third essay contest finalist describes an experience that would have any young professional shaking in her heels.
My Workplace Disaster: Surviving Hurricane Ike
When Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast in 2008, it destroyed entire communities, from Texas to Ohio. Our second essay contest finalist tells the inspiring story of how one business rallied to help those in need.
My Workplace Disaster: Bizarro Boss and the Tale of the Pizza Party
We’re kicking off The Daily Muse’s essay contest, “Surviving a Workplace Disaster,” with the tale of a socially awkward boss (to put it mildly). Check out how our first finalist dealt with an, er, strange request.
Our Favorite Workplace Disaster Stories
Want more? Check out some of the disasters we've covered in the past.
You’re Fired: A First-Time Manager’s Guide to Letting Someone Go
Firing someone is never easy, but we have a few steps you can take to prepare both yourself and your (soon-to-be former) employee for the difficult conversation.
4 Types of Toxic Bosses—and How to Handle Them
Unfortunately, you can't always avoid bad bosses, but recognizing what kind of monster (er, manager) you have on your hands, can equip you with the right tactics for dealing. Check out our guide to four common horrible bosses.
My Biggest Mistake: I Left the Safe Unlocked
Our third essay contest finalist made a huge mistake one day at her first job, but she also learned some important lessons about accepting responsibility, trusting others, and giving people another chance.
Pink Slip Power: How To Survive a Layoff
Just laid off? Unfortunately, you're not alone. But getting a pink slip is not the end of the world—it may even be an opportunity. Here’s how to keep your head held high in the toughest of times, from someone who’s been there.
When Things Get Complicated With A Co-Founder of a Different Gender
There’s a giant push for more female entrepreneurs right now, and it's a great time to run after your dreams. But, it’s not always easy. Grace Ng shares her personal experience with a difficult—and unexpected—situation: What do you do when your co-founder wants to be something else?
3 Ways to Escape Office Drama
Ever left the office and realize you haven’t heard one positive comment all day—or week? When gossip, drama, and negativity at the office gets to be too much, here are three easy ways to rise above the riff-raff and keep your head in the game.
Big Mistake? Recover From a Slip-Up With Grace
Mistakes on the job happen to everyone, and at some point, it's bound to be your turn. But what do you do when you realize you’ve made a serious error? Here’s how to handle a slip-up at work and how to prevent it from happening again.
Internship Horror Stories (and How to Avoid Them)
Internships can be a great way to build your experience—or they can leave you sorting mail for three months without even a “thanks” to show for it. To make sure that your next internship is of the career-building variety, here are three horror stories to avoid.
4 Major Interview Mistakes (and How to Recover)
You're so excited about your interview—when you realize it was yesterday, and you totally forgot about it. Is there any way to recover? We've got the answers to this sticky situation and more.
Boardroom Breakups: How to Deal When You’re Working With an Ex
What happens when you and your cube mate date, then decide to go your separate ways? Read on for some tips to get through, without sacrificing your professional reputation.