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: I work for a family-owned business. There has been a problem lately with my boss’s wife trying to tell everyone what to do when it is not her place to do so. Should I say something to my boss, or just keep my mouth shut and start looking for other employment? — Sarah Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I supervise four student workers and a receptionist. One of the student workers is about to graduate, so I asked our receptionist if she thought we had enough work to require hiring a replacement. While we were talking, one of our professors walked by, and the receptionist told him what we were discussing. I felt that including the professor was inappropriate. I now feel like I need to be very careful about what I say to her for fear that she will need to “share” the information. Any recommendations? - Shannon 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 read with great interest your column regarding harassment on the job. I think you should also write about workplace bullying. Research indicates that 37 percent of U.S. workers are bullied. I was the target of bullying, and made the painful decision to leave a job that was my passion. Although I reported the problem, my employer never took me seriously. How can the “target” convince the employer that this is a serious situation? - Cindy

Dale: One of my favorite workplace principles is relevant here: “With a good boss there are no bad jobs; with a bad boss there are no good jobs.” Wise employees seek out great bosses, ones who will help them learn, evolve and prosper. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My boss hired a woman, and now they are dating. This is in direct violation of policies listed in our company handbook. I called the company’s anonymous hotline for reporting such things, and even though the evidence was overwhelming, no action has been taken. What’s up? — Colin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: One of my colleagues is giving me trouble. She and I do the same job, but she has become a control freak. I cannot stand people who are not a superior but who make it their job to boss you around. This co-worker is close friends with our supervisor, and other colleagues tell me it is pointless to complain. What should I do? — Jeremy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: One of my co-workers has a habit of humming. She sings in a choir at church, but to be quite honest, she doesn’t hum well. It’s very distracting. Any advice on a pleasant way of telling her to keep her humming under wraps? — Justin

J.T.: That would drive me nuts, too. I worked with a woman who talked to herself under her breath. I misinterpreted it as her muttering about me. One day it got me so wound up that I asked her to tell me what I’d done wrong. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My boss is sleeping with my co-worker. Should I tell HR? — Kendall

J.T.: My first question is, Why do you want to tell HR? Is it simply because there is a “no dating” policy at your company and you don’t like that rules are being broken? Or is there something you stand to gain?

Dale: Let me take a shot at answering. Kendall probably thinks that by telling HR, he’s doing them a favor — he’ll be a “good citizen,” maybe a hero. And who knows, if they fire the boss, he could be the one they turn to and promote. Nice fantasy. BUT, Kendall, here’s an important secret of organizational life: HR doesn’t want to know. Read the rest of this entry »