A law firm partner who lingers
Q: I work for a mid-sized law firm and I am enjoying the work. One of the partners is a problem. After I started in my role, he started hanging out near my office and it became excessive. I learned … Continued
How to approach a surly colleague
Q: I work in a great company. Most of my co-workers are smart, approachable and just really good people. We have one long-term employee though who I think is a problem. I don’t want to be a complainer but honestly … Continued
How to address inappropriate workplace conduct
Q: I might have to leave a job I love. I love my job, my colleagues and my work. I even love my boss. However, there is a manager, in another department, who is targeting me. He has made my … Continued
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
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 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
Job Doc Chat with Pattie Hunt Sinacole On Monday November 30th
This week on the Job Doc Chat, Pattie answered questions about how to change jobs after a long employment period, how to explain absences from the job market and how to make a clean, attractive resume. She also answered questions … 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