Dear Coach: I’m not an American citizen, but I’m here legally and have working papers. Am I protected by anti-discrimination laws?
Carol Kleiman: Yes. “All labor and employment legislation, whether state or federal, apply to all individuals within the territorial boundaries of the United States, regardless of whether one is a citizen, a resident alien or undocumented worker,” said Barbara J. Fick, associate professor of law at University of Notre Dame Law School.
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Dear Coach, After 25 years in a job, I was laid off. After a three-year search, I was hired by a company with financial problems and was laid off again. These events look bad when I look for work. I don’t want to retire, but do you think I should consider it?
CK: In the current job market, many people have had the same experience that you had with layoffs. So just keep looking. Plan for retirement but don’t retire yet.
Dear Coach, I recently accepted a job but forgot to mention I have another job interview. Would it be ethical to keep the first company in the dark until I find out how well the interview goes?
CK: It’s too late to talk about ethics: The ethical thing to do would have been not to accept the job until you had your other interview. I think you know that. And you also know if you mention the interview now, you will lose your job offer.
Dear Coach, I’m on a team with a new employee. In a phone conversation, I heard him say what his salary is. I’ve worked there for three years and make a lot less, even though I do the same job he does. How can I bring up the subject of pay without jeopardizing my job?
CK: He may be fudging the truth. Don’t act on information you obtained by eavesdropping.
COACH CAROL’S 15-SECOND DRILL: Ask to telecommute from home if it helps bring some balance to your life. But don’t forget to also put in some positive face time at the office.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Tuesday and Thursday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Mondays and at 11:20 a.m. Saturdays. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV.