Dear J.T. & Dale: While working at a previous job, becoming brain-dead from boredom, I was hired away by a client to take a new position they were creating. Now, a year later, I feel like things are just beyond my reach of ability. One of my bosses seems happy with my work, but the other is putting pressure because I’m not moving fast enough. I’ve heard the term “over-promotion” and think it might apply. Suggestions? — Shanna 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: After almost 30 years as a food server, it’s time to change careers — the back and feet are not what they used to be. I’ve been taking computer courses and have earned certificates, plus I did an internship as a computer tech last summer. I’d like to continue to intern somewhere while still working full time as a server. Is there an agency out there to help in finding an internship? — Joel 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’ve just been laid off from my job. For the past four years I’ve been doing customer service in insurance, but I’d like to go back to what I studied in college - computer information systems. I almost graduated but never finished. How should I approach making the switch? - Jeremy

J.T.: The good news is that you have an idea what you want to do next. Now it’s time to get focused and take action. Get your degree in computers. Find an affordable night school, and use its career center to help you get connected and find work in the field, even if it’s only in the form of internships or entry-level jobs. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I never took high school seriously, but I managed to graduate. The biggest mistake I ever made was never going on to college. I went straight to work for a factory. That was 10 years ago. I just got let go from my latest dead-end factory job. I need a new direction, but just don’t know where to start. — Van

J.T.: It may not seem like it, Van, but you have actually gotten started in choosing a career direction. 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 »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When I started my working life, I was drawn to small, entrepreneurial companies. Now that I’m older and have a family, I find myself with yet another startup that doesn’t provide benefits, and with an otherwise brilliant owner who just doesn’t make good business decisions. I’m at a point in my life when I would welcome the stability and benefits of a large corporation, but I feel I’ve “typecast” myself. How do I make the leap from a small organization to a larger corporate environment? — Maya

J.T.: Wow — can I relate to this. I did the very same thing early in my career. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off from an electronics firm seven months ago due to the downturn. I have been sending resumes to everything from electronics firms to call centers to retail positions. I have gotten a few interviews in electronics, but no offers. One interviewer told me he didn’t want to hire me at $10 an hour, as I would soon leave for a more lucrative job. What do I do? — Rob Read the rest of this entry »

I wrote a post/article this week over at Careerealism.com on the difference between those who connect well in the workplace, and those who do not.  Just click here to read the article and determine which one you are.

More importantly, if you like the post, be sure to subscribe to the blog to get our new posts by e-mail!

JT