Find management, clinical, and paraprofessional positions in healthcare, nursing,
financial, construction, architecture, manufacturing and legal fields.

Employment Today™


"REPEATED TERMINATIONS HAVE RANDI RUNNING SCARED"

Dear Kathryn:

I feel like a total zero! In my short career of four years, I've just been fired for the second time. When I asked my boss why, he said: "I didn't fit in." I know I was doing good work as "above average" was checked on my last review. The other time I was fired no reason was given, even though I had a great attendance record and did what was asked of me. When I tried to get more information about my termination, my calls were never returned.

Kathryn, at twenty-six I feel like I'm on a downward spiral. How can I determine what I'm doing wrong when no one will tell me? I'm drowning!

RANDI P., Bridgeport, CT

Dear Randi:

First good move you're making is to pay attention to the fact that there are reasons behind your terminations and not blaming your experiences on "bad luck". It's a well-known fact that only 25% of the people that fail in their job do so because they couldn't do the job technically. Of the remainder, 35% were incompatible with their bosses, 25% couldn't get along with their peers and the remaining 15% were terminated because they didn't accept the company's values…that's 75% attributed to office politics! Within that vast world of "office politics" the more difficult piece to pinpoint is just where your bosses felt you fell short when it came to adapting to their culture. Assuming your work was acceptable, you need to critically analyze how you accepted critiquing.

How quickly, and with what kind of attitude, did you approach learning new tasks? Lastly, what efforts did you make in order to get along with peers? Painful as this may seem, give a call to former supervisors explaining that you're committed to making your next job a success and you'd really benefit from them sharing with you any recommendations they might have for your improvement. If they won't take or return your calls, drop them a note. Former supervisors can be leery of saying anything negative due to our litigious society, but hopefully, they won't ignore your earnest plea.

You can always ask your former co-workers for their input. Who knows, you might learn something! Last suggestion: pick up the book "ENGLIGHTENED OFFICE POLITICS: Understanding, Coping with and Winning the Game-Without Losing your Soul" by Dobson. I think it could prove to be very helpful.

Dear Kathryn:

My last employer is holding my final paycheck ransom because I didn't give proper notice. I would have, Kathryn, however, as soon as I handed in my resignation, the atmosphere became unbearable. Managers were hostile to me and information I needed to do my job wasn't being given to me as it routinely was done in the past. It was simply impossible to function so I left.

When I started I signed an agreement that said I would give three weeks notice or forfeit unpaid vacation time. It said nothing about my paycheck. I never expected I wouldn't get paid for days I worked! The other little snafu in this dilemma is that they're also withholding $275 they had paid for a health club I belong to. That pays for the balance of the year's membership and the health club won't reimburse them for the remaining year. I've heard in other states this is illegal so I'm hoping that's the case here as well.

I can't believe I'm being taken advantage of like this when it was their impossible attitude that caused me not to fulfill my obligations. In addition, the health club membership was a perk!

SAMANTHA P., Cromwell, CT

Dear Sam:

I consulted Attorney Henry Zaccardi. for you on this issue and here's the scoop. No matter what you signed, your ex-employer can't withhold wages due to your not fulfilling your resignation notice period. As to withholding the $275 paid out to fitness land, Zaccardi feels your employer will be the one to lose here, as it was a promised perk already provided by them.

In MA, head to the Offices of the Attorney and the Fair Labor & Business Practices Division in Boston. Zaccardi says they'll resolve your wage issue promptly as well as the membership premium. When it comes to claims like this happening in CT, the employer would most definitely be in trouble for nonpayment of wages. Anyone with issues like this would head to the Wage & Enforcement office at the Dept. of Labor in Wethersfield to resolve their problem.

Good luck.

Dear Kathryn:

I want to move up and feel my boss is my roadblock. I like the company I work for but want to move into a different specialty. How can I get my boss to be supportive of my moving up and out when he's come to rely on me like his wife? How can I make inroads to other departments?

I feel suffocated having been in the same job for four years!

SANDI P., Hamden, CT

Dear Sandi:

Your multiple goals require individual solutions. First, let's tackle the boss issue. You obviously have experienced your boss's reluctance to let you loose or you wouldn't be airing your concern. While your boss may have told you how much he appreciates your work, and shows his confidence in you by depending on you, it's also likely he doesn't stay up nights wondering what you have on your career agenda. Make him aware that while you've loved working for him, you now want to move beyond the challenges available in your current job. Tell him you want his suggestions and support when posting for these other jobs. By flattering him and requesting his input, it's more likely he'll be more supportive of your efforts.

You can quell his nervousness about replacing you if you offer to work extra hours once you leave his department and to train your replacement. If written training material/guidelines have not already been established for your job, offer to do that on your own time. Your cooperation in making certain that your boss won't be left high and dry will make him feel more cooperative as to assisting you in your posting efforts.

Now for the next challenge; actually getting that posted job. Let the individual department managers of the area you want to join know of your strong interest. Seek their advice as to the best way to learn about their department's needs. This way, when you make your pitch to be selected, you'll be directing your presentation to their unique needs. By establishing a relationship with the managers in advance, your earnestness and strong work ethic will stand out from the unknown. Also develop a rapport with the targeted department's employees. The more folks rooting for you to be chosen when the department next hires, the better!