Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve heard that many women have stayed home to raise children and later have returned to the work force with no problems. But after six years of staying home, I’ve applied to several companies in my field and have gotten only one interview. I’m not sure what the problem is or why I’m not being considered. Can you help me? — Teresa Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My son is 24 years old and hates his job. He’s looking to change careers — his third in the two years since graduating from college. I think he is crazy to leave his current job until he knows what he wants to do next. What would you suggest? — Janice Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: For the past three years I tried to make a go of my own photography business in a storefront. I racked up some serious debt. I’m trying to find work to help get us back on our feet financially, while running the business out of our home. At my most recent job, working as a bank teller, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. — Tom Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Our company is in the process of eliminating employees who cannot perform at its new standards. It keeps changing things daily. I am 46 years old, and I really don’t want to have to start all over again. I do my best, but I don’t always feel I’ve done enough. What should I do? — Elizabeth Read the rest of this entry »

After 20 years of working, the last nine of them with the same major corporation, I wanted to try something new. I went with a smaller firm whose president hired me to build a new division. However, the promised staffing support isn’t coming through, and I’m having a hard time adjusting to the “seat of the pants” decision-making. Any advice would be appreciated. — Robert Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband’s employer, a giant national corporation, moved their local offices and now he would like to find a job closer to our residence. The company has agreements with all their recruiters and placement companies that restricts them from talking with employees about job possibilities elsewhere. We are advised the only way out is to quit, then seek the help of the recruiters. I had cancer and cannot afford to be without insurance, so we are stuck. I equate this with being held hostage. — Jessica Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I moved to a new town and, ever since, my career has been in a freefall. I got a good job and messed up on it, and ever since, I can’t get anything right. I’ve had three jobs in the past year and have failed at all of them. My resume and my self-confidence are a mess. I’m afraid to try again. — Jade Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Several years ago it seemed one could get a half-time job (once known as job-sharing). This would be very nice for someone in my position (55 years old) and also wanting to enjoy her grandkids, traveling, gardening, etc. My dilemma is this — the folks working at the temp agencies are so young that they’ve never heard of job-sharing. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d like to work at a medical office, scheduling patients for their appointments. This is an entry-level-type job and would pose no problem in and of itself, but everyone seems to want full-time help. — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: A couple of years ago I stumbled onto a job where I worked on my computer at home. A friend was already doing the same work and referred me to the company. It was only a temporary job, but I got hooked and wonder how I can find another work-from-home job. I have done searches on the Internet but only find jobs that want me to pay a fee first before I can start working for them, which doesn’t make sense. I am not interested in starting my own business. Any ideas? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »