Q. My company had a corporate restructuring and my position was eliminated. I am entitled to a bonus as part of my compensation package and wonder if I have any legal grounds if the company won’t pay it. There is no mention in my offer letter that I have to be there through the end of the year to be eligible. Also, what if they decide to reinstate the position I held but hire someone else–do I have any legal recourse?
A. The fact that you have the bonus offer in writing is in your favor, but as far as the qualifying time for it–well, that’s a different matter. Contact an employment lawyer for help with this matter. As far as filling your position with someone else at a latter date–there’s nothing illegal about it. The company can do whatever it wants as long as it did not discriminate against you in eliminating the position.
Q. I’m a mature woman who last worked 14 years ago as an administrative assistant. I feel I’ll probably have to start over again and work up to the pay I’m hoping for, but my husband always is arguing that I’m worth more than most companies are willing to pay me and that I should be able to start up where I left off. I’ve taken courses to become computer literate. What do you think?
A. Good for you for becoming computer literate. You absolutely will have to start at an entry-level salary, but with your abilities you should quickly be able to earn more. In today’s tight job market, if you wait for someone to pay you what you’re worth you might have a very long wait. Your husband loves you and, of course, he’s right. But don’t let salary be a stumbling block. You need to get started ASAP.
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Q. Mine is a long, sad story: On my first job, I was laid off by my boss. He was laid off the same day. In my second job, I began to get the same old “layoff” feeling and, after my boss quit, started to look for a new position. In my next job, the company president quit after I was there for three months. Rather than going down with the ship, I took the first lifeboat: I quit.
My next company was sold. Finally, I landed with a Fortune 500 company–only to find the same scenario: the president quit, the layoffs began and when the guy sitting next to me was hit, I started looking again. My last job was a contract job but the client cut all consultants loose. Then Sept. 11 happened, and a difficult job market became impossible. What do I do to avoid being labeled a “job hopper?”
A. If a sense of humor is a job qualification, you’ll be the first hired. I also feel that it’s better to laugh than to cry. Your resume is a challenge: One suggestion is not to list every job you’ve held, only one or two that apply to the job you want. And keep your sense of humor. You’ll need it.
Q. We live in a very strange world where people over 40 are considered “old.” It appears that many companies worry that “old folks” like me are out of tune with the corporate world. I can’t get a job at the level I used to hold, despite my experience and academic credentials. I am hoping I can get a job as a data entry clerk, but I know they prefer younger people. What’s wrong with being “old”? Who is benefiting by not hiring us?
A. There is no benefit at all. And remember, age discrimination is illegal. You have a lot to offer and I hope you get a chance to do so.
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Carol Kleiman’s column also appears in Sunday and Tuesday’s Business sections. Watch her Career Coach segments Sunday and Tuesday mornings on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].