At Work by Lindsey Novak

Q: I am an experienced property manager for large residential buildings in an upscale neighborhood. Because of the buildings' locations and good reputations, I have met and dealt with very well-known people. I like the public contact with residents, and I like helping people. In fact, I love that part of my job. I have been at my company for several years, but my boss can be difficult. Because of that, I want to look for a new job in my field and in a field where I think my skills would transfer easily. Do I need two different resumes, and if so, how do they differ? Also, what do I put in my cover letter that is different from my resume?

A: Think seriously before you change jobs for the reason you have mentioned. Property management, both commercial and residential, is a high-stress field, even for the best of managers. You need to have great interpersonal and organizational skills, and be a good negotiator. It's reasonable to assume that prominent owners of large residential and commercial properties will have high expectations of their employees, and they likely will be difficult bosses. If you like people positions, you will meet difficult people no matter where you go. To relieve some of that stress, think of your boss as a tenant so you will not feel as if you're the underdog.

If the second field you choose focuses on public contact, then show those successes on your resume. Other than changing your career objective, your resumes needn't be different. Cover letters should highlight selected achievements and not exceed one page. Resumes, on the other hand, often extend to two pages as experience increases.

Childless Employee Takes On All Extra Work while Mothers Go Home

Q: My job is prone to last-minute emergencies.

Two other people have the same position as I do. They both have children; I do not. Whenever one of these last-minute emergencies pops up, my co-workers suddenly remember that "little Johnny" needs to be picked up from soccer or "little Amy" has ballet. I am always (without exception) the one who gets stuck with the last-minute projects. Just because I don't have children doesn't mean I don't have obligations outside work. My boss simply thinks that mine are less important. Recently, my vacation, which I requested three months in advance, was bumped because my co-worker needed to take off the same week because of her children. Should I take this to our human resources department or just look for another job?

A: Neither. Use this situation to your advantage — to increase your salary. You are clearly worth more as an employee because you are there to cover all emergency projects. Keep track of all the projects and their successful outcomes. Write a sales memo to your boss and to HR on yourself: Your skills, your availability and your contributions to the department justify a higher salary. If your boss can't do more for you, then look for a new job. Don't, however, complain to your boss or HR about the working mothers in your department. Raising children is a full-time job. They know you have an outside life, but they also know that managing two full-time jobs is more difficult than childless people can imagine. Go for more money, and be happy you don't have the double responsibility.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at LindseyNovak@comcast.net, or visit her website at www.lindseynovak.com. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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