Discussions / Live Q&A’s

This is a great question that many people face today as they try to move into a new field. You really have to show that the skills you have are transferable to the new job at that higher level. So, once you get the job description you can try to compare the description details (major tasks, Knowledge, skills and abilities) with the actual tasks you have performed and the skills you have. If you can actually map this out to illustrate this to them, you will have a better case. If you just allow them to try to see the connections on their own, they generally are less willing or able to do this. So, it is in your best interest to be proactive here in making it as easy for them as possible to see the connections. Best of luck!

You raise a really good point and certainly one that has been in the press a lot lately, with Marissa's statement about banning telecommuting at Yahoo. The issues that face women or even men who are in positions of authority or who make significantly more money  are very different than the issues facing employees at lower levels in an organization who do not have the same income. Those with greater pay and status can more easily pay for help at home (nannies, maids, drivers, etc.) than others. Thus, it is easier for them to build nurseries next to their office (as in Mayer's case) or get help with all the "home" aspects of their lives. Other people at lower levels in organizations may need to work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. They may need telecommuting options and other flexible work arrangements. It would help if those at the top periodically took the "pulse" of those at the other levels to see what are their real concerns and issues. Thanks for your comment.

This is actually a fairly common problem.  In fact, if you were to both complete the MBTI personality type tool, you may find out you have opposite styles on your preferred orientation to the world. Sounds like you are a "J," which is a person who likes a structured, planned approach to your day, and she may be a "P" - someone who likes a flexible, spontaneous approach to her days. While both styles are highly valuable in the workplace, sometimes working together on projects can be very frustrating for both. One person wants the work done in advance and the other likes to turn it in when its due (or after). One thing to remember is that styles both have value in the workplace. "Js" are great at getting things done and taking action. "Ps" are great at really considering many sides of an issue and being open-minded to new ideas and changes.

So first, you may have to respect the fact that both styles are important in the workplace. I am assuming you have different styles based on the fact that you said when she gets her work done it is good. So, it doesn't sound like she turns it in later just to irritate you, but rather, simply because this is her style.

So, what can you do? Before you go to the boss, I would talk with her to learn what you both do and how she feels about the timeline issue. She might not know this is stressful for you and you can also listen to her perspective on this. Then, you'll need to come up with realistic goals for future projects. You may have to accept the fact that when working with her you will not be able to finish the project too far in advance.  Maybe you can still find a due date that works well for both of you. Maybe she would be willing to set an earlier date (of a few days) to compromise once she knows this is a stressor for you. Usually, this issue only gets resolved when the two of you talk and come up with realistic goals that work for both of you. Best of luck!

It sounds like you need to spend some time rethinking career options. What about taking a tool such as Career Leader to learn more about your career interests and possible options?  This might give you some ideas of other possible career fields. Also, the book "What Color is My Parachute" gives some good practical tips as well.

Don't worry about whether it will be the "right" job since you may still change jobs multiple times again in the future. That is just today's marketplace and what is typically being done. The good news is that with strong writing skills, you will be in a good position to do many things. Good luck.

This is a tough issue for you as I can see. Have you had the talk with your immediate boss to see what else can be done - to see if they can bump you anymore? What about other perks the company can provide you with, such as sending you to conferences or training, equipment, bonuses, etc. Even if they can't give you more salary, they might be able to give you "soft money" such as perks to help you feel more valued at work. 

The other thing I would do is some market research on what you should be paid. You can check any wesbite such as www.salary.com or www.glassdoor.com  to learn what you should be making relative to the market. Then, you could present this data to your boss to see his/her thoughts about this. Sometimes helping managers see how far off you are from the market sends a stronger message to them about how concerned you are about salary.

Also, are you even interested in looking at alternative jobs and trying to get other offers? If so, this might also let them know you are pretty serious about this issue. I would not suggest threatening them with this, but you could look at the market to see if  you do get other offers. 

Good luck with this.

This is a really delicate issue. On the one hand I understand why you would want to share your health with them to let them understand your performance. On the other hand, they may get more concerned about your future performance (even though they really shouldn't). If your relationship with your boss is a good, trusting relationship, you could point out that you had some health issues and that you have come up with strategies for addressing them, and expect to see stronger performance in the future (assuming this is the case). If this is the situation, then I would try to focus as much as possible on your future direction and goals as possible. So, I am not sure it is critical that you give them the exact reason for your performance dip (the depression). You  could leave that part vague while focusing on your future goals and strategies for performance. Hope this is a better year for you.

Penn State still has a great reputation academically, so I would not worry about that. Plus, there is nothing you can really do about it anyway. You already graduated from there. I really don't think they will view the academic programs in a bad light. You could check with your alumni association to see if they have some tips for how you might handle questions about the school, etc. My sense is that they must be doing everything they can to promote the positive aspects of the school. Thus, they may have some tips for you about how to market yourself or answer any questions. You could also look at publications (Business Week, US News) to see how the school is currently ranked. That might help you be able to feel better about this issue. But, really, I don't think the academic programs will be hurt.

As far as suggestions for those over 50 looking for work, I did a Washington Post, Capital Business article on Jan 28th addressing that very topic. (Here's a link.)  I listed numerous Web sites and offices that are specifically set up to help workers over 50 in their job searches. There are some great resources out there for this issue.

About going back to work, you should first make sure to get your resume written and reviewed by someone who can give you some good tips for how to showcase what you have done. Clearly you were not "unemployed" as an artist - you just need to think of ways to highlight the skills you did get during this time (which I am sure you did). Also, get someone to practice interviewing with you as well as help show you how to market yourself on social media sites such as LinkedIn. You will also need to look at professional associations to join in your future field - to get the word out that you are looking. This will be the best way to let people know you are back on the market. Good luck!

You are absolutely right - getting to the top of an organization takes an enormous amount of work, and they certainly deserve any perks that come with that. They do have to be "on" 24/7 so they are putting in lots of hours with lots of stress. The other point is that we need to make sure that once you "get to the top", you still remember all those people in the trenches who might have different issues and struggles. To be a successul CEO, you can never forget your staff who work for you and with you. Thanks for your comments.

Great questions. Sounds like you are really juggling a lot and I totally understand trying to get 2 infants and a toddler ready to go before 8am - that requires a lot on your part. Sounds like your husband has to go in to work even earlier than you so that does not help.

First, I would not go over your boss to the overall director since that just creates more stress in the office. You could, however, let her know that this is a real concern for you and ask if it would it be possible to have the three of you meet - you, your boss, and the overall director to discuss strategies. That might help. But, before doing that, I would talk to your boss again.

You need to figure out why the 8-10 a.m. time is so critical from her perspective. What is being done at that time? You did not say what your job is, but does it involve having to be in the office to meet with people, man the phones, etc.? There must be a reason why this time is so important. Or, is she worried about setting one set of standards with you and a different one with other employees?  If you can talk to her to better understand her perspective (just hear her out), then it might give you some ideas for what can be done. Maybe you can start at 8am on some days and at 9am on other days? Think about creative options here rather than just ALL 8-4 or ALL 10-4. There must be some options in between that can work.

Do you have any other options if you need to keep the 8-4 time? Family or neighbors that you can trust to help you in the morning to get the kids ready or to watch them for a few hours? 

The most important thing is to talk with your boss and listen to her views first. Once you understand why the 8-10am time is so important, you  might be able to figure out some creative solutions. If not, you may have to look at other alternatives that work better for your family. Good luck.

Great question. The best thing that can happen is that you may need to take a very proactive role and define your own priorities (since  you have done the job for some time, you probably are quite capable of doing this anyway). While it seems that you should be able to get direction from your boss, if this is not happening, you may have to set it yourself and share your list with him and upper management. In fact, you could even define the list of priorities for yourself and for him. While this may seem strange to do (and you should not have to do this since it's not your job), sometimes this is the best thing to do.

I would also make sure you keep connected to HR and upper management so that there is some pressure they feel to talk to this manager and give him the training he needs or place him in a job that better fits his skills. 

Good question. You are right - employers want to know that you researched their particular firm and that you really want to work for THEM. So, any research you can do (via their Web site, www.glassdoor.com, etc.) will be good to bring to the discussion. You could use LinkedIn to see if there is anyone who has worked there or currently works there and would be willing to chat with you about the firm. But, as long as you have done some research and can talk about what you saw, this should be fine. While you may not feel comfortable telling them you want to work there due to salary, you could say it seems they provide good opportunities for advancement (if you see evidence of this). Make sure you have thoroughly researched their Web site - look at their vision, goals, strategy, top leadership team, etc. Also, can you go to any of their locations to go in the banks and maybe that will also give you some tips about their culture that you could talk about? Good luck. Great that you are trying to do as much research as you can before this next interview.

Sounds like you are doing what you need to be doing by interviewing at new firms. The best ways out of an unhappy work situation are: either talking with your boss to make some job changes, looking at other jobs, or going back to school to try to enhance  your skills or move into a new career field. Make sure in your interviews that you do NOT point out how unhappy you are in your current job - rather, just highlight how you are looking for new opportunities. It is best if they think you have a positive perspective on the future opportunities and challenges. Good luck.

I would not say anything at this point. First, you have to get a job offer - preferably written. It is important to do this before you bring up any other issues. Once you get the offer, then you can bring up questions about starting date, vacation, etc. 

A reader's take on how the Penn State alum should prepare for an interview.

Another reader's take.