Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m currently working for a restaurant group that is franchising one of our concepts. As general manager at one of the current locations, I’ve been running things (without the owners), plus I’ve been doing a lot of “extra” work dealing with consultants, marketing folks and architects. My pay is not increasing, and my question is, when and how do I say, “Where’s my piece of the pie?” Anytime it sort of comes up, I get the “We have to wait till the money starts coming in.” — Reggie Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Occasionally we get a response to one of our columns that’s so good we want to share it. The latest one was a comment on our suggestions to someone who’d been passed over for promotion. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I heard my company had a good last quarter. My annual review is coming up. How do I ask for a raise, now that the company is in a position to give one? — Laura 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 worked at a large health insurance company for 10 years, until I got terminated for receiving an e-mail from a co-worker. The e-mail got hung up on the server, and by the time the problem was fixed, the company had terminated the person who sent the e-mail and everyone he had sent it to. I had no idea what was in it, and still don’t. Is there a correct way to state why I was let go? Is there a more professional term than “terminated” or “fired”? — Christy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My granddaughter graduated from nursing school in 2007, and several hospitals had recruiters visit the schools with various employment packages. She chose one that had a student loan repayment plan that reimbursed her $500 each month. Last year the hospital notified her that due to Medicaid cuts, the $500 would be reduced to $250 for 12 months and then end. The only thing she has in writing is an employment verification letter from when she refinanced her home. (It included wording to the effect that the hospital does not enter into any employee contract with its employees.) Any insight? — Juliette Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Every month, we offer our suggestions for helpful career resources, and this time I’ve been trying an iPhone app from the folks who do the “What Color is Your Parachute?” book. It’s called the “Job-Interview Tool” and covers many of the basics, from preparation to thank-you notes. And it’s FREE. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a contracted teacher at a school. My 10-month contract states the employer reserves the right to terminate me without cause as long as they give me 30 days notice. Can I assume I have the right to break the contract too, as long as I give 30 days notice? — Ray 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 sold my business and signed a five-year non-compete. There is one year left. The company is going through bankruptcy. Can I re-open now with 11 months left on my non-compete? — Josh Read the rest of this entry »