Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been a teacher for the past 20 years, and now my wish is for a complete career makeover. I want to become a veterinarian. My plan is to start by working in a vet’s office or pet store. Here is the problem: My advanced degrees are keeping me from finding employment. In fact, I can’t even get interviews. – Sil Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A good friend of mine at work just got fired for instant-messaging on the job. Isn’t that stupid? I mean, how is that any different from me taking a personal call at work? In fact, I would think IMing is better because it’s free and it takes less time to respond to. – Katie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My situation is a little bit unusual. I am a 59-year-old worker who has taken retirement, but is definitely not ready to retire. I really would like to stay with institutional finance, where I have 30 years experience, instead of going with an hourly retail job like so many of my contemporaries have done. Do I tell prospective employers that I plan to work for the next 10 to 12 years in the cover letter, wait for the interview, or just let that dog sleep? – James Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 30 years old and completed a bachelor’s degree in business management last October. My employer provides tuition reimbursement, and I decided to pursue an additional degree so I can meet more qualifications for positions with this employer. However, as positions open, I am continually turned down. I currently do most of the work for my boss, but when interviewed for a similar position, I was turned down because of my lack of supervisory experience. The more I receive these refusals, the more I am beginning to dislike my job and employer. – Melanie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 24 years old and currently working as a stem-cell scientist. I have been thinking about going to India for a master’s degree in biotechnology. I’ve been there before and fell in love with it. The colleges I am looking at are the best in the country, and I do not think I would be stinting my education. My biggest concern is how future employers would view such a degree. – Rex Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Recently, I took a new job that has ended up not being anything like what was described during the interview process. I have been there only five months, but I really want to leave. I was at my previous job for a little less than three years. I don’t want to look like a job-jumper. –Christine Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I like my job and my boss. The problem is that I know my boss has a substance-abuse problem. In my opinion, he is an alcoholic, and while I’m not certain, I think he uses drugs, too. I hate watching him slowly kill himself. Not to mention, he has embarrassed himself on more than one occasion in front of employees and clients. Great jobs close to home don’t come easily here. What should I do? – Gretchen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have degrees in graphic design and communication. Though I have freelanced regularly since college, for the better part of the past 10 years I have worked in a direct-care capacity for various nonprofits, so I have not worked on staff in graphic design. Please offer me a little insight. I am finding myself calling all the design-agency numbers in the phone book out of desperation. And accepting a job that’s not in my field would continue to move me further from my career. - John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a 43-year-old who’s totally tired of the physical and mental strain of being a fire-sprinkler installer. The company I work for is disorganized and slow to communicate. I will not go into the different ways this employer is screwed up, but my patience has worn thin. I am presently volunteering as a baseball coach for an inner-city team. I know in my heart that working with kids is what I am meant to do. How can I turn my passion into a career? - Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently sent out resumes and received three replies, two from human-resources departments and one from a recruiter. When the recruiter called, he demanded to know how much salary I wanted. When I refused to name a number, he ceased all conversation. Both HR departments also wanted me to name my salary before interviewing. Is this a new thing? - Tim Read the rest of this entry »