Dear J.T. & Dale: Recently, I took a new job that has ended up not being anything like what was described during the interview process. I have been there only five months, but I really want to leave. I was at my previous job for a little less than three years. I don’t want to look like a job-jumper. –Christine Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I like my job and my boss. The problem is that I know my boss has a substance-abuse problem. In my opinion, he is an alcoholic, and while I’m not certain, I think he uses drugs, too. I hate watching him slowly kill himself. Not to mention, he has embarrassed himself on more than one occasion in front of employees and clients. Great jobs close to home don’t come easily here. What should I do? – Gretchen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have degrees in graphic design and communication. Though I have freelanced regularly since college, for the better part of the past 10 years I have worked in a direct-care capacity for various nonprofits, so I have not worked on staff in graphic design. Please offer me a little insight. I am finding myself calling all the design-agency numbers in the phone book out of desperation. And accepting a job that’s not in my field would continue to move me further from my career. - John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a 43-year-old who’s totally tired of the physical and mental strain of being a fire-sprinkler installer. The company I work for is disorganized and slow to communicate. I will not go into the different ways this employer is screwed up, but my patience has worn thin. I am presently volunteering as a baseball coach for an inner-city team. I know in my heart that working with kids is what I am meant to do. How can I turn my passion into a career? - Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently sent out resumes and received three replies, two from human-resources departments and one from a recruiter. When the recruiter called, he demanded to know how much salary I wanted. When I refused to name a number, he ceased all conversation. Both HR departments also wanted me to name my salary before interviewing. Is this a new thing? - Tim Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: One of our team members who’s a step above me management-wise is particularly difficult to work with. He feels the need to constantly belittle everyone. Several of us have approached the manager with our complaints. The manager takes things into “consideration,” yet nothing is ever done. - Emma Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been working as an administrative assistant for the past 10 years after receiving my college degree in business with a concentration in procurement. I was unable to obtain a position in my degree field because of a lack of experience. I’m hardworking and easy to get along with, but the company I work for does nothing to boost its employees’ morale, and there is no room for advancement. I want to leave the secretarial/administrative profession all together, but that’s all the experience I have. I would love to work as an exhibits specialist or researcher for a museum that specializes in Ancient Egyptian studies. Advice? – Beth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Please give me some advice on what to do when a prospective employer calls my former employer and they say, “Not available for rehire.” What do employers think when hearing this? Am I black-listed? – Tara Read the rest of this entry »

We are thrilled to be launching the “J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs” blog. Finally, our readers have the ability to weigh in on the career advice we provide, not to mention, an opportunity to share their own insights on the subject. We look forward to your comments and feedback. This site is for you!