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: 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 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’ve been working as an administrative assistant for the past 10 years after receiving my college degree in business with a concentration in procurement. I was unable to obtain a position in my degree field because of a lack of experience. I’m hardworking and easy to get along with, but the company I work for does nothing to boost its employees’ morale, and there is no room for advancement. I want to leave the secretarial/administrative profession all together, but that’s all the experience I have. I would love to work as an exhibits specialist or researcher for a museum that specializes in Ancient Egyptian studies. Advice? – Beth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Please give me some advice on what to do when a prospective employer calls my former employer and they say, “Not available for rehire.” What do employers think when hearing this? Am I black-listed? – Tara Read the rest of this entry »