Work Friend Urges Non-Work Group Chat After 12 Colleagues Quit in 6 Months
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Work Friend Urges Non-Work Group Chat After 12 Colleagues Quit in 6 Months
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Summary
Twelve departures in six months — about 20% of the software engineering team — prompted Work Friend to advise a reader nearing retirement to build a support chat on a personal, non-work app.
The columnist says remote work under a toxic boss is especially isolating, and a private group chat can replace some of the camaraderie and day-to-day relief lost without in-person venting.
Because the reader plans to stay for salary, remote flexibility and being only a couple of years from retirement, the advice favors emotional survival over trying to force management change.
For colleagues facing a longer future under the same boss, the same network could still become a base for more organized action, but the immediate recommendation is to recalibrate expectations about recognition and creative work.