Recently in Workplace Category

Sandy writes:

I’m struggling and I need your help. I used to love my job and my employer, but ever since a few months ago when takeover rumors started to circulate and the company announced a new round of layoffs my attitude has changed. I used to love getting up in the morning, but now need like two alarm clocks to get me up. And I also find myself making more and more excuses for not going to work.

What can I do to go back to how I used to feel? What should I do?

The Career Doctor responds:

Life is certainly changing for the typical U.S. worker. We’re working longer hours than a generation ago, forced to do more work because of layoffs and hiring freezes, and sometimes have to deal with rumors of takeovers and downsizing hanging over us.

These issues — and more — are leading to more workers having increased levels of job stress, which can lead to job burnout.

Job stress is something we all face as workers — and we all handle it differently. There is no getting around it. But, not all stress is bad, and learning how to deal with and manage stress is critical to our maximizing our job performance, staying safe on the job, and maintaining our physical and mental health. For most workers, infrequent doses of job stress pose little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity, but too much — and too prolonged — can lead to a downward spiral — both professionally and personally.

What should you do? See if you can make some changes; follow some of my tips for managing the stress. Whatever you do, make some changes before you face job burnout, which has serious psychological and physical consequences.

Some tips for managing job stress:

1. Put it in perspective. Jobs are disposable. Your friends, families, and health are not. If your employer expects too much of you, and it’s starting to take its toll on you, start looking for a new job/new employer.
2. Modify your job situation. If you really like your employer, but the job has become too stressful (or too boring), ask about tailoring your job to your skills. And if you got promoted into a more stressful position that you just are not able to handle, ask about a lateral transfer - or even a transfer back to your old job (if that’s what you want).
3. Get time away. If you feel the stress building, take a break. Walk away from the situation, perhaps walking around the block, sitting on a park bench, taking in a little meditative time. Exercise does wonders for the psyche.

For many more tips on managing job stress, read my article, Managing Job Stress: 10 Strategies for Coping and Thriving at Work, published on Quintessential Careers.

Robert writes:

I know somebody who is posing as a professor at a university. At least I think he is. All he has is a B.S. degree in English, but he is lecturing at a class, and the local news covered it. He portrayed himself as a “professor” but I have serious doubts since he posts no education to indicate any doctorates or other teaching credentials to prove it.

What are the correct or minimal credentials needed for someone to call themselves a “professor”? I don’t want to take a class and either do any of my friends who think some of their “professors” aren’t actually qualified to teach. This problem seems to be larger than anyone thinks.

The rumor is that colleges are hiring people of limited skill for less money, and allowing themselves to call themselves “professors”. How can a student know for sure that the person teaching them is qualified as a professor?

Thank you so much for your answer. I just want to know what to look for to decide if my “teacher” is a “professor” or just a fake.

The Career Doctor responds:

Yours is certainly an unusual question.

As for what it takes to be called a professor? It takes someone with the heart, mind, and passion to tackle the awesome responsibility of educating the future leaders of our society. I have always seen my career as a professor as a calling, and I know many of my colleagues feel the same way.

At most four-year schools, full-time faculty hold terminal degrees — doctoral degrees. However, in certain situations — usually with part-time faculty — colleges and universities make exceptions and hire faculty who may not have a graduate degree but who have certifications and much experience in their field.

Who has the right to call themselves a professor? Anyone who teaches at the college level — whether as lecturer, instructor, part-time or full-time, PhD. or otherwise.

Ashley writes:

Sometimes people at my office come into work on days when they are very sick. One recent incident in particular involves a woman I work for. She has been walking around for the past week or so hacking and coughing all over things, including paperwork for me to do. She never misses work! How can I ensure my health around a person like this? Should I wear a mask or something?

The Career Doctor responds:

The workplace is a funny microcosm of life, isn’t it? Some of us spend more time at work, with the people we work with, than we do our own families. That’s why I try and stress to job-seekers the importance of finding a corporate culture that matches your values; otherwise, you may find yourself miserable.

In your situation, I can’t tell the enough about the culture of the organization, but I can tell you that while just about all employers offer some sick-day allotment, none of them ever really want you to take sick days.

Somehow, over the years, the norm in many organizations has become that workers who don’t “tough it out” and work while they are sick are somehow not loyal to the company. And I find this attitude just sad. Are there employees who abuse sick days? Sure. Of course. But these folks are in the minority.

So, I am not sure what to tell you. This woman might just be making a statement, might be trying to lead by example (I don’t ever call in sick, so I don’t expect my employees to do either), or perhaps does want the payoff from cashing in her sick days (although I don’t think many employers do this anymore; personal days and vacation days, yes, but not sick days).

So, especially now, in the cold and flu season, the best you can do in your situation is to take precautions. Wash your hands often throughout the day, avoid direct contact with her, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Anonymous writes:

I am a female in my late 30s with a wholesale sales profession in the fashion industry in the middle of a job search.

I finally met with a company with a very strong fashion brand here in the U.S., whose business is growing rapidly and overall seems to be a great match. The only concern is that 98 percent of the employees are 5-10 years younger than I am for sure.

Is this an issue I should I be concerned about?

The Career Doctor responds:

Yours is a great example of how age discrimination can be relative and happen at any age. That said, since you have already had two interviews with this firm, I think if your age was an issue, you would already know about it one way or another.

I know it’s kind of a cliche, but I think it’s something older job-seekers need to take to heart when seeking jobs that focus on youth or where most of the co-workers will be much younger — and that’s you’re only as old as you feel and act. So, if you come into a job-hunting situation and you act old — you act like you’ve been around the block so you know all the answers and act like an old dog who refuses to learn any new tricks — you will not get hired. And why should you? Every business is dynamic and changing, and if you can’t change with it, why would any employer want to hire you?

Instead, you should showcase your vast knowledge, but in a way that also highlights your flexibility and openness to new ideas and change. And you should not come off in an interview as a “know it all.”

And, on the plus side, once you get this job, all these younger co-workers will help you feel younger.

One final note. Employers cannot ask anything to get at your age, so you should make sure your resume does not give it away. Remove dates from your college degrees and eliminate jobs that are more than 15 years old from your resume.

Ivy writes:

I just resigned from my job. I had been there 5 years. I’m having a difficult time with my boss. He is extremely angry that I leaving. I gave my 2-week notice and told him I’d stay and clean up the work I needed to. We are a small 3-person group with no handbook. I have a week and 3 days left of vacation time. He is refusing to give me the money. He said due to me resigning I lose the benefits. We disagreed and things weren’t good. I read your article on strategies for Resigning with Class. Is there a state law that says he must pay me that time? Can you lead me in the right direction to find out that answer?

The Career Doctor responds:

Your situation is unfortunately what happens to some job-seekers who are simply trying to do the right thing by giving their current employer fair notice. I just had another job-seeker tell me she is close to resigning her job, but has to wait a few more weeks so that she will receive her 2009 bonus because the employer does not give it to employees who quit earlier in the month.

That said, I still think most employers are ethical and willing to give you what you have coming — bonuses, vacation pay, etc.

I’m not a lawyer nor do I specialize in labor law issues, so my best suggestion for you is to contact the state’s employment office as well as consult with a labor attorney — if your employer does not have a change of heart.

Carol writes:

My boss is always trying to make me feel stupid by telling me that I don’t understand things, etc. He will tell me to do something and then when I do it the way he told me he tells me I did it wrong. I was on vacation for a week and when I came back I found out that they were hiring someone else to do most of my job description. I want to send a letter to the board of directors but not sure of what I need to say. Can you help?

The Career Doctor responds:

I get so many emails from folks with bad bosses that it makes me wonder where they all come from… and it certainly makes the bad bosses from shows like The Office or comic strips like Dilbert seem tame in comparison.

Only you can decide whether it’s worth the fight. The sad reality is that in many cases, even if you have well-documented evidence of abuse, you will get branded as someone who makes or has troubles — and depending on the size of your industry or town, that label could make it much harder for you to find new employment.

So, my advice would be to start documenting everything, including gathering information from co-workers who have witnessed the abuse, and consider action. Perhaps talk with an attorney that specializes in labor laws. I would not talk with the folks in human resources, nor would I make any comments about suing the company. Keep it quiet and to yourself before — or if — you take any action.

Of course, more importantly, for your sanity and self-worth, you should immediately be searching for a new job with a new employer. Besides, with the new hire, I would say the writing is on the wall concerning your future with the company. Start searching today!

And while it sounds too late for you, you might find some guidance in this article, Dealing With a Bad Boss: Strategies for Coping.

For some key rules on all aspects of job-hunting, check out this detailed list of Job-Hunting Do’s and Don’ts Articles published on Quintessential Careers.

Mary Jo writes:

I’ve been using your site a lot over the past few months and the resources you offer helped me tremendously.

Here’s the thing: I’ve been offered a job and accepted the offer, but can’t seem to locate information about giving notice and negotiating a smooth transition with my current employer.

The Career Doctor responds:

Kudos to you for understanding the importance of not burning any bridges as you transition from your old employer to your new one. You should always leave an employer on good terms — even if you leave hating the company, job, co-workers, or boss(es). The world is a small place and you just never know when you will run into previous bosses and co-workers.

The key issue with resigning is to do so with class. Give the proper amount of notice, which for most professional jobs, is two weeks. I suggest putting your resignation in writing — just so there is a record of it. Offer to stay longer if you are integrally involved in a major project. In most cases, your boss will take the news graciously, but be prepared for some negative vibes. In some cases, your current employer will make a counter offer to try and get you to stay — and you could consider it, but we’ve found that counter offers simply just prolong your inevitable departure.

Here are some other do’s and don’ts of resigning gracefully:

• Do make the transition as easy and as smooth as possible. And do offer to help find and/or train your replacement. But don’t make promises you can’t — or won’t — keep.
• Don’t disappear during your last weeks on the job. Do stay a productive member of the team.
• Do make sure you receive all your stored up compensation and benefits, including bonus checks and unused vacation time, personal days, etc.
• Do make a plan to keep in touch with key coworkers, friends, and mentors. Keep your network strong.
• Don’t feel guilty about leaving. It may be hard to leave, but focus on the fact that you are leaving to accept a great career opportunity. And don’t brag about that great opportunity.
• Do your best to wrap up all your major assignments. And do leave a detailed progress report for your supervisor and/or successor.

Read all my do’s and don’ts of resigning — along with samples of job resignation letters and memos — in this article on Quintessential Careers: Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job.