Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been a server at the same restaurant for three years. In this time, my boss Jack [names changed] has been having an affair with Candy, who was in a relationship with my husband’s friend Kyle. There were rumors about this affair, and Jack’s wife filed for divorce. Then Kyle and Candy’s relationship went sour and he kicked her out of the house. I ran into my husband’s friend Kyle a couple of days ago, and he asked me how long I’d known about Jack and Candy’s relationship. I said for a couple of months. I did not know that Kyle was tricking me into confirming that these rumors were true. My question is, Can I be fired for this? I mainly answered a question. I really am nervous about the safety of my job. — Tammi Read the rest of this entry »

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. and Dale: I’m a manager at a mid-size company and have been successful in leadership positions. My frustration is with a co-manager whose teams are in constant crisis. He has frequently stated he hates his job, yet he continues to stay. This has been going on for three years. My team and I have made up for his shortcomings, but I’ve decided to no longer be his solution. My company acknowledges his team is not doing well, but they fail to hold him accountable. I have spoken with my boss on numerous occasions, but to no avail. Is it time to leave? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: My boss is going through a terrible divorce. His future ex-wife calls at least five times a day. As his assistant, he’s asked that I not tell anyone about the divorce. He’s keeping it quiet. Here’s my concern: last week at lunch with other executive assistants, the discussion turned to my boss. I was told other executives are unhappy with his performance and he has made several large errors. I didn’t say anything, but wanted to. I’m afraid he might get fired, and then I’d be out of a job, too. — Crystal Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I hate, hate, hate my job and the owners and the managers who run the restaurant I work at. I’m about to take a 10-day vacation. I don’t want to go back. Is it really a bad move to not give any notice and just never return, no call and no-show? — Sheryl Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just took a new job I truly love. However, I’m finding one drawback — everyone is really into social media. They all have Twitter accounts, and some have their own blogs. I’m more of an outdoorsy person. The problem is it’s all people talk about, so I’m having a hard time connecting on a personal level. I’m worried it will hurt my ability to develop relationships and move up. What should I do? — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m department head of a small state agency. Recently, our HR manager approached me to confide I should be aware two of my peers are actively trying to get me fired. Their plan is one of them will take over my (very successful) department and my salary could be used to enhance raises for the coming year. She thought I should “watch my back.” Since then, I was given a one-day suspension because of missing documentation in a report. I believe I am being forced out. How would you recommend I deal with this? — Paulette Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Last year I was dismissed from a job as a supervisor on a construction project. When I started the job, my immediate supervisor told me not to do anything without his OK. As the project proceeded, I pointed out problems, but was rebuffed. One subcontractor did a great deal of damage, and although I kept my supervisor up to date, he failed to deal with it. Eventually, the errors became public. The person supervising me was in charge of hiring and firing, so you know what happened to me. Now there are rumors circulating about the incident, and they all have me at the center of the difficulty. How do I deal with this in interviews? — Harlan Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Every month or so, we offer up our suggestions for the best resources for careers or management. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a manager with a staff of seven. The other day our general manager pulled me aside and started asking odd questions. Apparently an employee had called our corporate office anonymously and reported I am doing my job improperly, even committing fraud. My GM knows I am not like that, but she has to do her job, and now that I’ve been warned and written up, I am one strike away from being let go. Should I confront this “anonymous” employee, or let it slide? — Bill Read the rest of this entry »