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: I served in the military for more than 20 years before retiring. I’ve been looking for a corporate job and feel like a fish out of water. I’ve talked to some fellow ex-military who are working corporate positions and are miserable. They are finding it hard to respect the people they work with. That scares me. Any suggestions? — Craig Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been a server at the same restaurant for three years. In this time, my boss Jack [names changed] has been having an affair with Candy, who was in a relationship with my husband’s friend Kyle. There were rumors about this affair, and Jack’s wife filed for divorce. Then Kyle and Candy’s relationship went sour and he kicked her out of the house. I ran into my husband’s friend Kyle a couple of days ago, and he asked me how long I’d known about Jack and Candy’s relationship. I said for a couple of months. I did not know that Kyle was tricking me into confirming that these rumors were true. My question is, Can I be fired for this? I mainly answered a question. I really am nervous about the safety of my job. — Tammi Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I still want to become a doctor. Specifically, one who spends most of my time helping out in disasters. I let myself be swayed off that path 30 years ago. I’m a manager in a technical field and have a smallish 401(k). I’m healthy, with a long-lived family, so I’m likely to live and work till 90. If I start tomorrow, I’d be a shiny new doctor at age 60. Crazy, huh? The hard thing is figuring out how to go about it. The college counselor is telling me the same thing they say to kids. How do I get rock-solid advice? — Jessica Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I enrolled in college with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. After my freshman year, I signed up for the Navy. But after an extended trip to Mexico, I decided I was too young to dedicate all those years of service. I started an office job, but being cooped up in a cubicle eight hours a day was driving me crazy! I tried my hand at eBay auctions but went into debt. Now I have a good job and am also going to school to be an architect. But I can’t stop imagining how happy and fulfilled I would be as a physical therapist. If I change my major again, it will be like wasting two years of study. I’m 25, and my peers have solid careers while I’m still trying to finish school. — Simon Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am attempting to change careers from print journalism to marketing. After five years at newspapers and being let go in 2009, I decided to get direct marketing experience by serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). I’ve completed my year of service and am now trying to distinguish myself in this highly competitive job market. Given my marketing experience was with a nonprofit, does that limit my job options? I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. I’ve visited my alma mater’s career center several times, but have received no usable feedback. — Tomas Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been employed for the past few years as a paralegal, so obviously I’ve been working in law firms. That should conjure up images of a professional office atmosphere, right? Not so fast. What I’m finding is a major lack of courtesy, decorum and professionalism. When working, I don’t make personal calls all day or cruise the Internet and Facebook, unlike many of those I’ve been working with (if you can call what they do “working”). I recently was let go by a large law firm within a week of making a complaint about a hostile, rude co-worker. The day I made a formal complaint, the HR director seemed understanding. A week later, she informed me “the firm” had determined I was “not a good fit” and it would be my last day. She actually said it had nothing to do with my job performance. Could you please provide some wise guidance? — Margie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have three associate degrees, and I’m now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in accounting. When I apply for entry-level jobs such as administrative assistant, they see I’m pursuing a degree in accounting and worry I would be bored. Any suggestions? — Christina Read the rest of this entry »