Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m an RN who was recently terminated. The reason given was “communication” and that my “attitude has been bad for weeks.” I was sent home twice in the week I was terminated. I was instructed by HR to approach my boss to initiate a conversation. The talk was interrupted by a phone call, so I stepped out of the office. I waited, but eventually left. (It was the end of the day.) The next day, my boss waved my vacation request in my face and said, “You can have your vacation,” and then stated that my employment was being severed. I believe that I’m just a scapegoat because my boss had been given poor performance reviews. Any thoughts on what I could do would be appreciated. — Carol Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: The company I work for hired an outside firm to handle employment verification. Now if I leave and get offered a new job, the verification company will demand that the prospective employer pay a $13 fee. I feel like my work history is being held for ransom. Why would an employer consider hiring me if they can get other people without the hassle? — Mike Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m not comfortable giving my Social Security number when filling out an application for a job. Is it really necessary? — Rick Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband and I both have worked in high tech for more than 20 years. With all the stress from outsourcing and reorgs and overly aggressive management, we feel like Lucy and Ethel in that famous “I Love Lucy” episode where the assembly line keeps gets cranked up faster and faster. We’ve been investigating alternative careers, but none of the resources we’ve used addresses how the work environment fits into the picture. We fear making a career change that ends up trapping us in a new toxic environment. — Kathy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My job forbids current and former employees from being references — it only permits HR to verify dates of employment. If I get laid off, I will have only family and friends to use as references. I had two previous jobs, but both companies went out of business ages ago, and the people I use as references have died. Will employers be understanding? — Eric Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been an elementary-school teacher for 10 years. Due to budget cuts, I’m losing my job. Teaching is incredibly stressful, and I am ready to move on to something new. I am hardworking and enjoy organizing and planning. I need a job where I will be busy — I can’t stand trying to “look busy.” Any suggestions? — Julie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am not aware of any written or legal rules outlining severance pay, but the impression I get is that you receive two weeks’ pay for each year of service with the company. Is that how it works? — Jim Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter graduated from college last year and, due to the economy, has found it difficult to find a job. On top of this, her credit has gone down the tubes. She’s had numerous interviews, but so far, nothing. Is her credit affecting her ability to get hired? Can employers do credit checks without permission? — Margie Read the rest of this entry »