Q. I was recently laid off and told it was because of restructuring. However, I met my replacement the day I left! I’m feeling rejected and inadequate–even though my replacement has less responsibility and probably is earning less salary. I feel what happened to me was illegal. Was it?
A. Unfortunately, it is legal, unless you were fired for discriminatory reasons. The same thing is happening to a lot of people today (especially the “less salary” part). My advice is to put this demoralizing experience behind you and start your job search immediately–before the employment market gets worse.
Q. My daughter doesn’t think a college education is important. What do you think of vocational occupations, such as those for the hospitality industry and fast-food restaurants?
A. A college education is important, but to find out about vocational jobs, which also are important, steer your daughter to her school guidance center. There are plenty of jobs in the hospitality industry for people without college degrees, but, like the fast-food industry, where jobs also are plentiful, entry-level work is very demanding and turnover very high. My theory is that if your daughter works in an entry-level job in either of those industries for just one summer, she will immediately beg you to send her to college so she can avoid ever doing that again. And that will be the time to point out to her how essential a college education is to career advancement and to earning a good salary–including in the hospitality industry and fast-food restaurants.
Q. I used to love teaching but now I dislike going into work. My principal criticizes my lesson plans and occasionally she tells me exactly how to teach. I’m so unhappy I even want to break my contract, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to get another job. Can you offer any advice? Should I adapt my style to meet her demands?
A. You have to please your boss. That’s why she’s the boss. If you belong to a teachers’ union, ask your representative what to do. My advice, however, is to bite the bullet, complete your present contract, temporarily adapt your teaching style–and start looking elsewhere. If you walk out on your present position, you might have a very hard time getting another one.
Q. My employers make me so mad: They’ve frozen salaries (and I thought mine was too low anyway) and cut back on staff so we all have to work longer and harder. I don’t mind working hard, but because I’m under so much stress, I like to relax by surfing the Internet, not for job or porno sites but just to look at the news. My boss has taken note of this and has informed me he will have to report me if I continue to use company time to visit chat rooms and Web sites. I can’t afford to quit. What can I do about this invasion of privacy?
A. I’m sure the same company that monitors you so closely also doesn’t offer any time for relaxation. But if you want to keep your job, you’ll have to obey the rules.During the workday, try to do some simple relaxation exercises and go for a walk outdoors on your lunch hour. Your company’s policy about computer use may make you angry–and you’re justified in feeling that way since you do get your work done–but losing your job over this matter might infuriate you much more.
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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].