Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 28 years old, working in a mid-size company and responsible for IT processes. I want to go from being a computer scientist to a CIO [Chief Information Officer, the head technology person in a company]. I’m wondering whether it is useful to go for an MBA. An MBA would be a clear statement. How much time can be saved by having one? — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was assaulted by a former neighbor. As a result, I suffered a stroke and have headaches that lead to seizures. I lost my job after suffering a seizure during a phone call. How do I handle this in an interview? — Cynthia Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Time for our annual highlights column, where we pull together the recent advice we believe will be most useful in the new year.

Dale: We hope your personal economy will be up in 2010, and we’ll be here to help. Meanwhile, for immediate advice, you can always go to JTandDale.com or CAREEREALISM.com. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I work for a property management company, and we have a maintenance supervisor who is verbally abusive to residents as well as to fellow employees. I have brought it to the attention of the manager several times. Nothing changes. This is a hostile work environment, and the company has no handbook and offers no training. How should I pursue this? — Caitlin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working at a company in Illinois when my brother got sick and I moved to Phoenix to help out. When I resigned my old job, the company told me the doors were open to me because I had “rehire” status. However, now that my brother is better and I’ve returned home, I reapplied and HR no longer will even answer my e-mails. Don’t tell me I can come back and then leave me out in the cold. — Jess Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’d like to take your advice and do more networking, but I don’t have much to work with. I haven’t kept up with former co-workers, and among my friends and family, no one knows anything about my work or that I’m now unemployed. I believe in keeping my work and personal lives separate. — Rick Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off recently after almost 20 years as a project manager. I’m not sure how to answer the question about what my career goals are. I’m at a point in life where I just want a job to carry me to retirement. I’ve already been on the corporate ladder, trying to reach the top, and it’s too stressful. Plus, I’m a single mother with an elderly mother to take care of, so I already have two ladders I’m climbing. — Victoria Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter is a server at a local bar and grill. She was put on a one-week suspension more than a month ago, and they still have not put her back on the schedule. She has called, gone in to the establishment and even contacted corporate. No one will give her a straight answer. Why don’t they just fire her? She can’t even claim unemployment while she looks for another job. — Hanna Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a teacher at a middle school; however, my real love is elementary teaching. I’m afraid to change jobs, as my daughter goes to my school and has two more years there. Although she doesn’t mind changing schools, I love having lunch with her every day and driving together. Still, I feel like an unhappy zombie at work. Should I stay until my daughter graduates? — Riva Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a question concerning online applications. When asked for starting and ending pay numbers, is it OK to leave those fields blank, or does this have a negative impact? — Matt Read the rest of this entry »