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"EXCESSIVE BATHROOM VISITS REASON FOR DISMISSAL?"

Dear Kathryn: One would think that, once over the age of ten, you'd be past the stage of raising your hand for bathroom approval. That, however, is not the case at my company.

In between my normal white-collar jobs, I've taken a non-union, manufacturing, blue-collar position. A bladder infection is causing me to visit the restroom more frequently than normal. My moronic supervisor told me I was spending too much time in the ladies room and I would be docked and written up for spending excessive time away from the production line. I say this is unusual and cruel treatment and illegal to treat employees this way.

What's the story?

PAM T., Middletown, CT

Dear Pam:

Life in the production line can be somewhat different than in a white-collar job and unfortunately, your manufacturing employer may be able to dictate your moves in more ways than you like.

In outlining your situation to Atty. George O'Brien Jr. of Tyler, Cooper & Alcorn, I'm told your first step would be to visit your doctor. Obtain a note validating your medical condition and plan a visit to your supervisor. Your doctor and note should indicate the severity of your condition. Should your job not be able to accommodate the frequent restroom visits, you'll have to request time off to recover from the infection.

I asked George that if you either

a)-had not earned any time or

b)- had already used any time allowed if the employer is obligated to allow you to take time off and

c)-could a termination result. O'Brien responded "Depends on whether they have a policy regarding unearned time". If they don't, your employer can turn down your request for time off.

As to terminating you, once again, if your employer doesn't have ground rules established covering leave time, a termination could result.

As much as you don't want to hear this, your manufacturing employer has a need for you to be at your space in a production line in order to succeed. While their attitude may seem uncaring, they're running a different type of show than that to which you are accustomed. I suggest giving the meeting with your supervisor your "Oscar best", politely and professionally requesting this accommodation.

Good luck.

Dear Kathryn:

My miserly boss finally gave in to my request to work half the time from home, half at the office. Now he thinks he owns my time, nearly all the time! He's taken to dropping in during the afternoon to check on my work's progress. Not only is it a disturbance, as I have to always be sure I'm professionally attired, but many times he hangs out for a half-hour, cutting into my work time.

Can't I rightfully tell him to drop his house visits? I'm sick of it.

KAREN, B., Westville, CT

Dear Karen:

I suggest chilling out, not speaking out to your boss. He was decent enough to accommodate your work-at-home request and naturally wants to check on your progress. If there wasn't an agreed upon visitation set up in the beginning, you could try establishing one now.

Take a breather. Then approach him and work out a particular time frame that is convenient to him to come by for updates. If he doesn't agree and feels his schedule needs to remain flexible, deal with it. Keep in mind you've been saving on commuting time, thus I'm sure you've time to dress appropriately for any visitor, including your boss.

As to whether your boss's visits are legal-Atty. George O'Brien, Jr. says: " Yes. Your boss is paying you for your time, he can check on your work at whatever location you're working."

Dear Kathryn:

I've given lots of thought to making a career change, however when trying for interviews in my new direction, recruiters and employers alike respond "You've great experience in finance, why not stay there?" Help me get past this!

DOUG J., Vernon, CT

Dear Doug:

Switching fields isn't easy, but definitely doable. Here are a few steps to get you on your way:

Envision yourself as others are see you. It's critical that your personal presentation, what you're communicating verbally, along with what's on your resume is specifically targeted towards your new career direction. Everything about you must parallel your desired direction, matching your qualifications to those required in the field you want to break into.

In addition to pulling on what you already have to sell, join any related professional associations. Bone up on the field and get into a relevant class at your local community college. If you're still working and a department exists that would give you some experience in your new chosen field, volunteer for after-work and weekend projects, just to get some hands on experience.

A final suggestion would be to do a mock interview with a professional recruiter. Ask the recruiter to critique your selling ability for your new direction. Your body language, written credentials and enthusiasm must be tops for an employer to take a gamble on you in a new and different role. Good luck.