Dear J.T. & Dale: Two days ago, I was at a team meeting discussing a new client. The meeting ran long and I had an appointment after work, so I announced that I had to leave. I got a funny look from my boss and co-workers. The next day, everyone acted annoyed with me. My boss wouldn’t even look at me. I asked a co-worker what was up. (I’ve only been at the job two months.) She told me it’s an unwritten rule that you stay for the duration of a new-client meeting. I had never heard that from my boss, and I got kind of mad at first. But now I’m worried. Should I apologize to her? At the same time, shouldn’t the policy have been made clear? — David Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was discharged from my last job because I missed a lot of work due to a lower-back problem. My absenteeism was also due to a difficult time in my life and a co-worker who was creating an uncomfortable working atmosphere. I’ve had a few interviews, and when the interviewer asks about why I left my last job, I have a difficult time. Any advice? — Summer Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 58-year-old female who just read your article about coping with negative workplace surroundings. I have a similar dilemma; however, mine is different in that the surroundings are fun-loving, nonprofessional and noisy — jokes, talking over cubicle walls, laughing, etc. I seem to be the “official grouch” because I have proper office protocol and professionalism. I’ve been here long enough to be making decent money, and I want to keep this job till retirement. Can you offer some suggestions? — Annie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off as a sales manager in October of last year, so I’ve passed the one-year mark. I’ve had many interviews, including being passed over after second and third interviews by six companies. I’ve been an award-winning performer, but my confidence is taking a beating. Any recommendations? — Kevin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What can I do to stand out? I’m going on interviews, and more than one company has seemed interested, but when I called to follow up, now they are looking at more candidates. Did I not interview well? What’s a way to find out? — Jay Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: J.T. and I have frequently asked tough questions of readers who are pondering a return to school, especially those considering a graduate degree. I always repeat that zippy little line, “Grad school is the snooze button on the alarm clock of life,” and then urge the reader to seek out people currently holding jobs they aspire to and ask if a degree is REALLY required. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 50 years old. I’ve been in the financial arena all my life but had some terrible tragedies this past year and have done a lot of self-reflection. I’ve been thinking of selling my house, moving into another, less-expensive property I own and using the capital from the sale to go to a two-year program for radiation therapy. What do you think of a drastic career change at my age? What do you think about getting hired at age 52 or 53? — Cynthia Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter recently had surgery for thyroid cancer, and now has to start looking for a job to help support her and her children. The scar on her neck is very large. Everywhere she goes, everyone stares at it. She is concerned about job interviews. Does the employer have any rights to ask about her health? — Barbara Read the rest of this entry »