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 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: Last March I was hired as a receptionist. My boss kept saying how wonderful I was. Then I got pregnant. My boss started asking me all sorts of questions that I thought were not quite right, maybe even illegal. I didn’t understand how she could treat me so differently just because I was pregnant. I had to take off a few days with horrible morning sickness, and I ended up having a miscarriage. Then I had to have surgery. When I finally came back, for what I thought was for good, they told me I am a seasonal employee and will be laid off in April. I contacted lawyers, but they want too much money. I don’t know what to do. — Sally Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I work at an ad agency and like my job a lot. Problem is, one of my bosses seems to passionately hate my work. Every piece of it is ripped apart, and he often writes in capital letters, as if to show me how stupid I am not to follow his ideas. But I need to have my ideas mixed in too. Some of my ideas have won international prizes. I don’t want to spend my time 10 percent working and 90 percent explaining/rewriting. Is there a way to deal with it? — Shelly Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: After months of job searching, I feel totally stalled. I have responded to every ad, sent out hundreds of resumes and asked all my friends and relatives to look for openings for me, but I have only a handful of interviews and no offers to show for it. Can you please give me a suggestion as to what else I can try? - Noland

J.T.: One technique that could be of value to you is to stop looking for employment POSITIONS and start looking for employer COMPANIES. I recently created a short video post on the subject of creating Bucket Lists for your job search. Here’s how it works - ask yourself and friends: 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: I’m looking for a sanity check. In May 2007, I was lucky enough to get an excellent job right out of college. But recently, I’ve begun to feel enormously frustrated. My co-workers give me very little respect. It crushes me when I’m treated like the office idiot. I’ve been looking for ways out, but never seem to get very far. I read every book or blog posting that says “job” and “happiness” in the title. Am I going crazy? — Shana Read the rest of this entry »

Hi friends of J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs!

With the job loss rates steadily increasing, I thought I’d take a moment to put out a list of some additional resources (besides our own site of course!) that can help with job search. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m starting a company but need to keep my current job for the benefits. I have a great relationship with my boss, and I think I should be honest with him about my plans, but my wife thinks I’m crazy. Opinions? — Wallace

Dale: Tell your boss about your new business and he’ll say he’s happy for you … but, without his intending it, his opinion of you will start to shift. You are no longer his beloved employee but, rather, a soon-to-be former employee. Unbidden, suspicions will arise. Will you sneak company time for your outside endeavors? Will you set a precedent and encourage others to seek self-employment? If you succeed, will you steal away co-workers? 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 »