Dear J.T. & Dale: I can’t let go of what my former employer did to me. I was let go unfairly, and I’m so angry that I can’t move forward. I feel like the only way I’m going to feel better is if I get my old job back and get an apology from them — but that’s not going to happen. — Kathleen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently landed a job at a small tech company. I like the work and the people, but the other employees are all pot smokers, sometimes lighting up at the office. Should I just say no and try to ignore it, or move on? — Gary Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My employment history is a mix of survival jobs, retail and basic office. My liberal-arts degree has been useless. I’ve gone through skills/interests testing, but the results were far from interesting. I can’t afford the debt of school. I have no ideas or contacts except that I’d like to work in an animal-rescue sanctuary. — Linda Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just got passed over for promotion. I was the most qualified, but the job went to a Hispanic woman. (Upper management has been pushing “diversity.”) The handwriting on the wall is saying go elsewhere, right? — Janine Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: While working at a previous job, becoming brain-dead from boredom, I was hired away by a client to take a new position they were creating. Now, a year later, I feel like things are just beyond my reach of ability. One of my bosses seems happy with my work, but the other is putting pressure because I’m not moving fast enough. I’ve heard the term “over-promotion” and think it might apply. Suggestions? — Shanna Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 53 years old and am considering retiring from my current job at 55. I do not, however, intend to retire from the work force. When should I begin my job search? Begin too soon and I risk being offered a job before I am ready to retire from my current job. Wait too long, and I risk not having something lined up. — Bob Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am currently unemployed after deciding last June that I wanted to take time off from working. However, now I need to begin applying for a job. My question to you is, What is the best way to describe my six-month layoff to potential employers? Should I be honest and tell them that I just needed some time off from the working world? Or is there a way that I can make my time off appear like a normal, not such a big deal thing? — Luke Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: After almost 30 years as a food server, it’s time to change careers — the back and feet are not what they used to be. I’ve been taking computer courses and have earned certificates, plus I did an internship as a computer tech last summer. I’d like to continue to intern somewhere while still working full time as a server. Is there an agency out there to help in finding an internship? — Joel Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I applied for an HR coordinator job around six months ago. I’ve followed up for a few weeks with a few phone calls and never got a response. Today I saw the exact same job listing. What should I think — they never hired anyone? They hired someone and it didn’t work out? Should I resend my resume, or follow my instincts that this company doesn’t have its act together? — Melissa Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a high-school student, and I want to get into radio broadcasting. I consider myself a pretty entertaining guy, and think being on-air would be the ideal job. I told my dad, and he thinks it’s ridiculous. He said he won’t pay for college unless I study something that will give me a valuable skill. What should I do — get the degree, or pursue my passion? — Jason Read the rest of this entry »