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: At my last job as an assistant manager at a hair salon, the owner asked me to sign a non-compete clause. I applied for a manager position at another salon and was selected. When I told the owner about it, she threatened to sue both me and the person hiring me, so I told her I would not go. A week later, the owner told me she “accepted my resignation,” although I’d made it clear to her that I was not leaving. She said she was doing me a favor by letting me resign, rather than be fired. — Samantha Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked in a business position for 14 years. Since I’d always wanted to work with children, I started substitute teaching. I loved it and was encouraged to return to school to get a master’s degree in teaching. For more than a year I’ve been applying for positions, without much response. I do not know what is wrong. Do you think it is my resume, my lack of teaching experience or the fact I would start at a master’s pay level? — Susan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Four years into my career, I finally figured out what I want: a career in marketing. What I am now doing is completely different, so do I try to make the transition within my company, or start fresh elsewhere? My boss wants me to take over his position in a few years, which is not what I want. I don’t feel comfortable approaching him about changing careers. So a new company seems like the better option. — Roland Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I work as a transcriptionist for a large group of doctors. Three years ago they had us work from home and paid us by how much we typed rather than by the hour. We doubled our production, and they lowered our pay. Then they started sending work overseas and laid off some of us. When they discovered the work was terrible and had to be edited, they called us back. But it’s now to the point where we work very long hours to make little more than we did three years ago. If jobs were a dime a dozen, I’d have left long ago. — Gina Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for a bank in the mortgage department until the real estate market bottomed out and I was laid off. After five months, I took a job for $35K less than I’d been making. I stayed till I was able to find a better-paying job, and worked my way up to $70K, then was laid off last month. Now as soon as a potential employer asks what I was making, they say they are looking to pay $20K less. I try to explain it’s OK, but they believe I’ll only stay until the economy improves. While this may be true, how do I get around it? — Pat Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Two years ago I got divorced and had to go back to work. I took the first job I could find. I never received a raise, and only get three days of vacation each year. My friends say I have a crummy situation and to look for a new job, but I’m not sure where my skills are at this point. Plus, I live in a small town and I’m afraid it will get back to my employer. — Emily Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A few months ago, I started a part-time job at a new nightclub, having been hired before it opened. Since then, my part-time job during the day has become full-time. I don’t want to give up the nightclub entirely, but I’m afraid to ask them to cut the nights I work from four days to two. What’s the best way to persuade them to keep me? — Rob Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m 29 years old and have had lots of jobs but no career. I think I may have a misguided outlook on life. What should I be doing? — Matt Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have gone through career assessment counseling three different times, and while the results are consistent, I still hate my work. How can I get some help finding a career where I am making a contribution and am valued for that contribution? — Judd Read the rest of this entry »