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 »

As we begin the new year, we want to take a look back at 2010 and pull together the suggestions our readers told us were most helpful. So, here’s our best advice, along with our wish 2011 will be your best career year yet. — J.T. & Dale Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My employer for the past 11 years is part of a large corporation. In the past 18 months, I have applied unsuccessfully for five positions within different divisions. I put off climbing the corporate ladder because I wanted to coach and attend my kids’ functions. Now they’re grown and I’m ready to move up, but there seems to be no room for someone of my age (50). — Kirk Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a seasoned executive assistant. I know the economy is bad, but I’m shocked at getting ZERO responses when applying for jobs. What’s really frustrating is I can’t really call a hiring manager, since the gatekeeper to them is an executive assistant — aka, the job I want! — Amy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Here is the situation I am now, I am 35 year old and studying for a bachelor degree in accounting. But now I’m unemployed have no experience in that field. And need money to finish it. Last year I found a job but was fired during my probation and the next one was as bank teller but was fired again during my probation and the last one as a receptionist but fired again all say that I do my work well but my communication skill is not good. What should I do? — A.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m now in my 50s and intend to rejoin the work force following the conclusion of my military commitment. Any suggestions for civilianizing a military career in logistics? Thank you from all of us still pursuing excellence in all we do! (That’s Air Force lingo.) — Terry Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 47-year-old homemaker and mother. I have begun applying for entry-level positions. I honestly do not have the best work history, having worked as an administrative assistant, a real estate title examiner, court clerk and have sold advertising. What can I do to gain the notice of a potential employer? — Olivia Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Every month or so, we offer up our suggestions for the best resources for careers or management. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What do you think about the concept of unpaid internships? It has always been a pet peeve of mine. It’s a two-sided problem, where as long as students accept unpaid internships, companies can get away with offering them. The way companies get around this being illegal is that they say the compensation is school credit. I say BAH! Am I being unreasonable? — Marissa Read the rest of this entry »