Dear J.T. & Dale: I had been working as a contract project manager when, in January, another department manager offered me a better position. Both the old and new managers agreed that they would keep me in my current position and that they would hold the new position till the end of March. Then, in March, the new manager informed me that the position had been given to someone else. My question is, Do I have any legal rights to sue for the position that was offered to me? — Brian Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been actively searching for a job for five months now, and can’t figure out why I get interviews but no offers. I have even contemplated the idea that I can’t get hired because I happen to be a very attractive, younger-looking 32-year-old. Am I crazy for even thinking that? — Jade Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a long-term agent with a big insurance company. I am 67 years old. A few years ago, the company placed more emphasis on financial products. These I have not embraced very well. They gave me a “job in jeopardy” warning last week. These are some of my thoughts:

1. Buy my job … yuck … by purchasing annuities.

2. Quit and try to get a part-time job somewhere.

3. Drastically cut back on my expenses and retire.

What’s your take? — Allen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My son is 24 years old and hates his job. He’s looking to change careers — his third in the two years since graduating from college. I think he is crazy to leave his current job until he knows what he wants to do next. What would you suggest? — Janice Read the rest of this entry »

I enjoyed your column about how to handle a termination. However, it only scratches the surface of my “soap opera” termination story. I was fired in retaliation to my being a witness in a sexual harassment investigation. Of course, I was given another reason for my termination. The situation ended up in federal court, where my employer gave up. Now, here’s my problem: Some interviewers want to know the reason given by my employer for my termination. To me, it’s a moot point, since it was a lie. — Don Read the rest of this entry »

I am a nurse working at a nursing home. The new administrator has developed a new policy where the nurses (who have every other weekend off) will be required to sign up for a 24-hour shift to be “on call.” No mention of reimbursement of any kind has been offered. — Megan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Lately, I’ve heard people talking about blogging as a way to advance their careers. They can’t be serious, can they? —Andrew Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Almost all interviewers will ask during an interview, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Is there a good answer to such a bad question? — Trish Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband’s employer, a giant national corporation, moved their local offices and now he would like to find a job closer to our residence. The company has agreements with all their recruiters and placement companies that restricts them from talking with employees about job possibilities elsewhere. We are advised the only way out is to quit, then seek the help of the recruiters. I had cancer and cannot afford to be without insurance, so we are stuck. I equate this with being held hostage. — Jessica Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I love where I work — or I would, except for the fact that my job is being ruined by a nasty co-worker. She is rude and condescending to me and everyone else. Other employees avoid our department because of her. There have been complaints, but our manager refuses to do anything about her. (She’s been with the company for seven years.) I have tried everything. Is there a solution, or should I move on? — Vicki Read the rest of this entry »