Career transfer to accounting and finance
Q: I just have a few questions about career transfer that I hoped that you may be able to answer for me. I have worked for the past 9 years in the biotech industry with 5 of those years in … Continued
Who is impacted by new minimum wage law?
Q: I work in a bookstore and enjoy my work. I work about 20 hours per week. My hours fluctuate based on the owner’s needs. I have been reading about the new minimum wage in Massachusetts. Is this only for … Continued
Keeping salaries confidential
Q: My employer has an employee handbook that says I can’t discuss my wages and benefits with my co-workers or outside the company. Is this legal? A: No, this request is unlawful. There is a federal law called the National … Continued
Nosy in-law with compensation questions
Q: My brother-in-law repeatedly asks personal questions of me and others all the time. He will ask about health issues, family planning issues and income issues. At Thanksgiving he had too much to drink and cornered me and proceeded to … Continued
How to handle reference calls
Q: I received a telephone call from a local company. They are asking for a reference on one of my former co-workers. I sat a few desks away from this person but I don’t know anything about their performance. I … Continued
Holiday party with potentially new rules
Q: Our holiday party is soon approaching. We have just been acquired by a larger company. Our past holiday parties have been pretty subdued with each employee bringing in their special favorite dish and then the company picking up the … Continued
Holiday vacation “blackout”
Q: We have Christmas approaching. In past jobs, I have taken the week off between Christmas and New Year’s to visit family out of state. I just started working at a new company and employees recently received a memo that … Continued
Termination for poor communication skills
Q: I was just terminated. I received no severance. I was terminated and given pay for what vacation days I didn’t take. I was told the termination was for my poor communication skills and how I work with others. I … Continued
Job seeker in their 60s needs advice
Q: I am in my 60s and looking for a job. I feel like age discrimination is working against me. What words of advice do you have for a 60s something job seeker? A: Age discrimination exists for sure. Every … Continued
A workplace brawl
Q: Last week there was a brawl in our lunch room at work. Two guys started arguing and then pushing began. Then shouting and fists. These two guys have only worked for our company for a short time. HR is … Continued