Dear J.T. & Dale: My son recently began working at a refrigeration company and did not ask appropriate questions because he assumed all offices paid for a 40-hour workweek and a minimum of two weeks vacation. The employer was not forthcoming with this information either. Once he started and was given the employee manual, he discovered the company pays for only one week of vacation after completing one full year of work! Further, his hours are now 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., with only one hour for lunch, and he receives no differential pay. Is there anything he can do? - Jocelyn Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a nurse practitioner in a community health center. We have new management, and I question some of the new business practices. For instance, in the past, when leaving alone after-hours, I would walk out with a medical assistant. Now, however, there is no overtime, period. So if I am running late with a patient, tough luck. I also inquired why the MDs no longer have to share working nights and Saturdays. I was reprimanded for being negative. Did I cross the line? - Aubrey Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated last year and landed a job as an administrative assistant. This is not what I want to do, but I’d hoped to move up to a marketing role. I just had my first annual review and assumed it would be a good one. Instead, I was given a list of things to improve. The worst was they told me I don’t dress professionally and to advance, I need to reconsider what I wear. How could they let me go a whole year without that feedback? I can’t look at anyone at work, and am looking for new jobs online every night. — Lara Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I love my work, and in the beginning I loved working for my boss. However, during the past year I have realized that she has been taking credit for my work behind my back. In the past six months she has gone so far as to actually tell me that she is taking credit for some of my most successful implementations. I’ve also learned another department head has been instructed to keep an eye on me and make sure outside departments don’t ask me to join them. I want to look for a new job, but who do I ask for references, and how do I leave this job when my boss has such power over me? — Carrie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Our new CEO has lots of ideas and has energized the company. However, at one of our “town hall” meetings, he referred to people in the trenches as the “lower-level staff.” Soon after this, we learned he does not like to see his leaders commingle — that is, directors should rub elbows with directors, managers with managers, etc. We would appreciate your comments. — Justin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a really neat job with a start-up company. The company is run virtually, so I work from home. I love working from home, but occasionally I’ve been away doing something in my house like laundry or fixing a snack, and my manager has tried calling me. When I call back, he jokes about me taking a nap. I know he’s kidding, but…on the other hand, I’m entitled to get up and take a break, just like people at regular offices, right? — Erin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 47 years old, and I’m going into my third year with a bank. I recently applied for a center manager position after our manager left for another opportunity. I have since been told, due to my minimal experience, I would not be chosen. Also, I have been told by co-workers it’s futile to try. Political indicators tell me it’s all in who you know, rather than hard work and work ethic. Should I give up on moving up in the banking world? — Karen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been employed for the past few years as a paralegal, so obviously I’ve been working in law firms. That should conjure up images of a professional office atmosphere, right? Not so fast. What I’m finding is a major lack of courtesy, decorum and professionalism. When working, I don’t make personal calls all day or cruise the Internet and Facebook, unlike many of those I’ve been working with (if you can call what they do “working”). I recently was let go by a large law firm within a week of making a complaint about a hostile, rude co-worker. The day I made a formal complaint, the HR director seemed understanding. A week later, she informed me “the firm” had determined I was “not a good fit” and it would be my last day. She actually said it had nothing to do with my job performance. Could you please provide some wise guidance? — Margie 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 am currently in a position I hate, working for an employer I dislike. I want to look for a new job while I have a job, but I have a challenge: My company uses some sort of service that notifies them as soon as someone posts a resume on a big job site using the company name. So how do I go about looking for a job when my current job will be in immediate jeopardy? — Bo Read the rest of this entry »