Q: I love my job that I've had for the last five years. I am a hard worker; I approach my tasks seriously, and I know the company values me. My problem is that I also know that the manager above my manager wants to see me promoted. I, on the other hand, hesitate to show any interest in being promoted. I feel comfortable in my job because I know it well and know I can perform. If I am promoted, I will be learning new tasks and have new responsibilities, which scares me. I know I need to show interest in moving ahead to maintain management's respect, but I am worried about whether I can do it. I have seen great-performing employees go up a level into management and fail miserably. I don't want to be one of them. I may also lose respect and my value to the company if I act like the kind of employee who's inflexible and can't learn new things. What should I do?

A: It sounds like you lack confidence rather than ability. Both scenarios are true: If you refuse promotions outright, you will lose value to your company; if you take a promotion and fail, you could be out of a job or face demotion and humiliation. The so-called "Peter Principal" still exists and can randomly be found throughout corporate America. Apart from your true abilities, you first need to get to know yourself and increase your self-esteem based on facts. Chuck Martin, Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have a new book with practical information and an executive skills profile: "SMARTS: Are We Hardwired for Success?" They have zeroed in on 12 executive skills that will determine an employee's success on the job — self-restraint, a working memory, emotional control, the ability to focus, task initiation and planning and prioritization. Once you complete the executive skills assessment test, you will be better equipped in knowing whether you can comfortably take that step into a better job with greater responsibility. If it turns out that management is not for you, then continue in your present job happily knowing you have found your niche.

Paid Thousands Less When Job Turns Hourly With Overtime Pay

Q: I've worked for a company for three and a half years. I was hired as a salaried employee at nearly $30,000 plus incentives and bonuses each year. My job was recently turned into an hourly paid job with overtime for anything more than 40 hours a week. Before this change, I made $4,000 more under the old pay system even though I did not receive overtime pay. Now I work equally as hard but make less money. I love and need my job, so I don't have the luxury of quitting. What can I do?

A: Most people don't have the luxury of quitting their jobs without securing a new one first. Meet with your boss to review the financial difference in your previous salary to your new hourly wage salary. Since no one told you would be paid $4,000 less, it's possible someone miscalculated the conversion. If your boss can't get an increase for you, the only way out of the situation is to conduct a discreet job search. In doing this, stay away from blind job ads unless the publication advertising allows you to specify companies you don't want your resume to go to. You may have to sacrifice proximity to get a higher salary, but at least you'll have choices.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, Calif. 90045. E-mail her at [email protected], or visit her Web site 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.