Young professional confronts unexpected sexism and unpaid DEI duties at work

In a recent Pay Dirt advice column, a 23-year-old woman explains that she accepted a prestigious, well-paid role at a predominantly white, male company, anticipating some sexism but not the hostility of a senior female coworker named Caroline, who frequently belittles her. Management announced a diversity, equity and inclusion board and assigned the writer, Caroline, and six other white women to lead it, despite the lack of non-white representation and the expectation of unpaid labor.

The columnist advises the writer to either decline the assignment by highlighting her primary job responsibilities or, if she must stay, to prioritize hiring an external DEI consultant as the board’s first objective. The piece also includes separate queries about adjusting retirement contributions after a divorce and how to balance support for a partner with ADHD pursuing an invention venture. Each response offers practical steps tailored to the asker's financial and emotional circumstances.