Category: Your Office Coach

Question: “A friend has had several interviews for counseling positions.  Although she feels that they have gone well, she is never asked back for a second round. She is well-qualified, has a Master’s degree, and presents herself very professionally.  I’m afraid the problem may be her age (57) or the fact that she and her husband filed for bankruptcy last year. What do you think?”  —Wanting to Help

Question: “One of my co-workers seldom talks to me anymore.  She used to joke and laugh all the time.  When I ask, ‘What’s the matter?’ she says, ‘Nothing.’  What do I do? — Frozen Out

Question: “My wife seems to be trapped by her fear of looking for work. She used to do freelance projects, but she has never had to find a permanent position ‘from scratch.’ Her idea of conducting a job search is to stay home and complete online applications. Because of my job, we recently moved to a new city where she doesn’t know anyone.  If I suggest making phone calls or visiting potential employers, she breaks down…”

Question: “Last year, when family matters required my attention, I left my full-time job as a graphic designer.  I have now decided to semi-retire and would like a part-time position with flexible hours. I am 53 years old and don’t need a lot of income. I would like some advice on how to state my preferences to potential employers.”  —Ready to Cut Back

Question:  “Since taking this job four months ago, I have been bothered by a co-worker’s relationship with my manager. This woman does everything for him. She even writes his emails and drives him on personal errands. In return, he occasionally covers up for her and handles some of her responsibilities when she has a deadline to meet. He also shares a lot of information with her…

Question: “In our four-person office, one employee is habitually late every morning. The rest of us work a full eight hours, so we are tired of her tardiness. Otherwise, we all get along fine. Our boss doesn’t see us arrive, so he has no clue that she is always late. We believe she is taking advantage of this situation.  What should we do?”  —Punctual Co-workers

Question: “The five part-time people in this office don’t like our manager. However, my co-worker and I, who work full-time, like him very much. We wanted to take him to lunch for Boss’s Day, but the part-timers wouldn’t agree, so we did nothing. For the holidays, we wanted to give our manager a group gift, but…

Question: “I work for a small hospital where I have been treated quite unfairly. For example, I am the only person in my department who has to carry a beeper, because I live nearby and can get here quickly… I was also repeatedly denied overtime pay until…

Question: “When I was hired six months ago, I tried to negotiate my salary. My manager said pay was not negotiable, but I have since learned that this is not true. Recently, another person was offered the same position and initially turned it down. I know for a fact that human resources negotiated her pay…

Question: “I work for an attorney who makes me feel like an idiot. He is a former Marine who still has a drill sergeant mentality. His comments are so cutting that I constantly feel defeated and inadequate. His law partners know he’s difficult, but won’t do anything because he’s one hell of a lawyer…”