Dear J.T. & Dale: I just graduated from college and can’t find a job. I want to start my own business, but everyone says I shouldn’t do it. I have some money saved and an idea for a company. I have no experience in running a business and didn’t take any classes about it at school, but how hard can it be? Do you think I’m crazy, too? - Keith Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: When a company says “five to 10 years of experience” in the job description, does that mean you should have only that much experience? I have far more years of experience than people are asking for. I recently applied for a job and heard nothing. I called and found out that the job had been filled, and I got the name of the person. I looked him up, and he had half my years of experience. What gives? - Frank Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: My son recently began working at a refrigeration company and did not ask appropriate questions because he assumed all offices paid for a 40-hour workweek and a minimum of two weeks vacation. The employer was not forthcoming with this information either. Once he started and was given the employee manual, he discovered the company pays for only one week of vacation after completing one full year of work! Further, his hours are now 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., with only one hour for lunch, and he receives no differential pay. Is there anything he can do? - Jocelyn Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a nurse practitioner in a community health center. We have new management, and I question some of the new business practices. For instance, in the past, when leaving alone after-hours, I would walk out with a medical assistant. Now, however, there is no overtime, period. So if I am running late with a patient, tough luck. I also inquired why the MDs no longer have to share working nights and Saturdays. I was reprimanded for being negative. Did I cross the line? - Aubrey Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated last year and landed a job as an administrative assistant. This is not what I want to do, but I’d hoped to move up to a marketing role. I just had my first annual review and assumed it would be a good one. Instead, I was given a list of things to improve. The worst was they told me I don’t dress professionally and to advance, I need to reconsider what I wear. How could they let me go a whole year without that feedback? I can’t look at anyone at work, and am looking for new jobs online every night. — Lara Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I am trying to help my brother. He quit his job about three years ago because of back pain. He was close to being fired, and instead he just quit. He was told he could not file for unemployment insurance because he’d quit. He’s been trying to get disability ever since, and is still waiting for another appeal. He will be homeless within three months, age 50, and he doesn’t know where to go for help. What can he do? — Sophia Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a tenured faculty member at a small college. I have very good teaching evaluations and serve on numerous committees. The college’s salaries have fallen substantially behind those of other similar institutions. I requested a raise but was told the college needed a competing offer to entertain a raise. I do not want to move, and I am torn about whether it is ethical to search out other positions for the purpose of obtaining a competing offer. Any suggestions on my next move? — Art Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently met a woman who’d managed a coffee shop for several years, then moved to a job with a bank. After only four months at the bank, she was let go. That was five months ago, and she says she isn’t in any rush to find a new job, since she can collect unemployment. She said this in a joking tone, but it’s not funny to me. I’m a hardworking person, and I wonder how many other folks are using unemployment to excuse themselves from finding a job. — Ella Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: I love my work, and in the beginning I loved working for my boss. However, during the past year I have realized that she has been taking credit for my work behind my back. In the past six months she has gone so far as to actually tell me that she is taking credit for some of my most successful implementations. I’ve also learned another department head has been instructed to keep an eye on me and make sure outside departments don’t ask me to join them. I want to look for a new job, but who do I ask for references, and how do I leave this job when my boss has such power over me? — Carrie Read the rest of this entry »
Dear J.T. & Dale: A former employer (that I quit) manages to keep giving information to companies when I apply for jobs. I’ve had other jobs since this employer, and I don’t even list the old company as a reference. How is it possible for them to know where I’m applying? — Joey Read the rest of this entry »