Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated from college last spring and was hired as a para-educator (teacher’s assistant) at a middle school. My position is considered part time, so I do not receive any pay over the summer. Friends say that I should collect unemployment over the summer if I can’t find temporary work, but I’m worried that the school district will frown upon this and that my position could potentially be in danger. Thoughts? — June 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: 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 »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a college student who can’t decide between two majors. I’ve always had an interest in business, but I also have an interest in the medical field, specifically nursing. If I knew that a business degree would guarantee a well-paid job with stability, I would major in business. However, I know that becoming a nurse will give me more of a chance at security. How would you decide this dilemma? - Janice

J.T.: Nursing is a “trade,” while business is “general study.” The nursing job will guarantee security and a solid starting salary, whereas a business degree will get you only to the professional starting line, and after that, it’s up to you to decide which direction in business you Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently got an associate degree with a certificate as a medical office specialist, and yet I’ve been having problems finding a career. I have seen hundreds of advertisements looking for fresh-out-of-college students with 6-plus years’ experience, one even seeking 10! Now, assuming you graduated on time, that means they expect you to have started your career in the field at age 12. Am I missing something? - Dylan

J.T.: What they mean, Dylan, is that you should have a degree and THEN the years of experience after graduating. Although, there are occasions when someone gets experience first, and then goes back to get a degree to qualify for higher-level jobs. Either way, Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m looking for a sanity check. In May 2007, I was lucky enough to get an excellent job right out of college. But recently, I’ve begun to feel enormously frustrated. My co-workers give me very little respect. It crushes me when I’m treated like the office idiot. I’ve been looking for ways out, but never seem to get very far. I read every book or blog posting that says “job” and “happiness” in the title. Am I going crazy? — Shana Read the rest of this entry »

Hi friends of J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs!

With the job loss rates steadily increasing, I thought I’d take a moment to put out a list of some additional resources (besides our own site of course!) that can help with job search. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Now that I’ve graduated college, I’ve been told I should find a mentor. First, I don’t know how to find one. Second, I’m not sure what I want to do yet, so I don’t see the point in wasting someone’s time. — Evan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ll be a senior in college this coming year, and I am scared to graduate. My parents, who couldn’t afford college, keep telling me how lucky I am. If I hear, “Don’t worry, you can be anything you want because you’ve got an education,” one more time, I think I’ll be sick. I have no idea what I want to do, the economy is terrible and I’ve got student loans that will kick in when I’m done. I’m stressing out! — Nate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a secret: I don’t really work an eight-hour day, even though my company pays me for one. I can get away with spending hours on the Internet. I tried not to do this, but my job is just too boring. I’m worried my boss will eventually figure out how much time I spend on personal stuff (like checking my Facebook account) and I’ll get fired. Any suggestions? — Dominic Read the rest of this entry »