J.T.: Time for our annual highlights column, where we pull together the recent advice we believe will be most useful in the new year.

Dale: We hope your personal economy will be up in 2010, and we’ll be here to help. Meanwhile, for immediate advice, you can always go to JTandDale.com or CAREEREALISM.com. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 58-year-old female who just read your article about coping with negative workplace surroundings. I have a similar dilemma; however, mine is different in that the surroundings are fun-loving, nonprofessional and noisy — jokes, talking over cubicle walls, laughing, etc. I seem to be the “official grouch” because I have proper office protocol and professionalism. I’ve been here long enough to be making decent money, and I want to keep this job till retirement. Can you offer some suggestions? — Annie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off recently after almost 20 years as a project manager. I’m not sure how to answer the question about what my career goals are. I’m at a point in life where I just want a job to carry me to retirement. I’ve already been on the corporate ladder, trying to reach the top, and it’s too stressful. Plus, I’m a single mother with an elderly mother to take care of, so I already have two ladders I’m climbing. — Victoria Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been having trouble getting interviews, even though I am highly qualified for the positions I’m applying for. I’m attaching my resume and cover letter, hoping you can tell me what I’m doing wrong. — Tate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter graduated from college last year and, due to the economy, has found it difficult to find a job. On top of this, her credit has gone down the tubes. She’s had numerous interviews, but so far, nothing. Is her credit affecting her ability to get hired? Can employers do credit checks without permission? — Margie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a former business owner who’s now searching for employment. I’m stuck in a conundrum: When I apply for lower-level positions, I’m overqualified; when I apply for higher-level positions, I’m underqualified. Suggestions? — Nolan 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’m a 52-year-old female desperately looking for employment. Until a reorganization, I worked as an administrative assistant at a major company, with a salary of nearly $40K. In addition to applying for just about every administrative position advertised, I’ve applied to several placement agencies and lowered my salary requirements to the $28K range. Although employers can’t tell me that I’m too old, I suspect that may be one of the reasons. Advice? - Keri

J.T.: I read your e-mail and my first thought was, “You might be casting your net too wide.”

Dale: My first thought was, “Time for a reminder that ‘Hiring IS discrimination,’” which turns out Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Twice I was the final candidate for a new job, contingent upon employment and reference checks. The end result was no job offer. How can I keep from being torpedoed? — Bart Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been employed as a technical writer since 1980. Previously, I enjoyed my job, but that is no longer true. I’m burned out. I need to work 10-15 more years. I have taken career assessments, read career-change books and researched job trends. But I feel stuck. Every career that sounds interesting would require that I go back to school, and might end up being no less stressful or more secure than my current job. — LeeAnn Read the rest of this entry »