Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a tenured faculty member at a small college. I have very good teaching evaluations and serve on numerous committees. The college’s salaries have fallen substantially behind those of other similar institutions. I requested a raise but was told the college needed a competing offer to entertain a raise. I do not want to move, and I am torn about whether it is ethical to search out other positions for the purpose of obtaining a competing offer. Any suggestions on my next move? — Art Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently met a woman who’d managed a coffee shop for several years, then moved to a job with a bank. After only four months at the bank, she was let go. That was five months ago, and she says she isn’t in any rush to find a new job, since she can collect unemployment. She said this in a joking tone, but it’s not funny to me. I’m a hardworking person, and I wonder how many other folks are using unemployment to excuse themselves from finding a job. — Ella Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I love my work, and in the beginning I loved working for my boss. However, during the past year I have realized that she has been taking credit for my work behind my back. In the past six months she has gone so far as to actually tell me that she is taking credit for some of my most successful implementations. I’ve also learned another department head has been instructed to keep an eye on me and make sure outside departments don’t ask me to join them. I want to look for a new job, but who do I ask for references, and how do I leave this job when my boss has such power over me? — Carrie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A former employer (that I quit) manages to keep giving information to companies when I apply for jobs. I’ve had other jobs since this employer, and I don’t even list the old company as a reference. How is it possible for them to know where I’m applying? — Joey Read the rest of this entry »