Q: I work for a small, local company that was bought by a large, out-of-state company. Two months after the takeover, everyone received raises without any explanation. We assumed it was a cost-of-living adjustment because we hadn't had one in two or three years. A few weeks later, we were told that it was an accounting error and that we had to return it. Some thought it was illegal for the company to ask us to return the amount given by mistake, but I disagreed. The company that now owns and runs us has hundreds of lawyers, and if it were illegal to ask for the money to be returned, the company would not have asked for it.

A: There always will be people looking for a freebie or looking to take advantage of another's error. While it would have been a wonderful gesture for the company to say to keep the extra money, it would set a precedent that financial errors are OK to make. And while you'd like to think all the employees are honest, it might encourage them to make such errors, knowing that nothing has to be repaid. Had such an error been made in the other direction by shorting paychecks, you can bet your life employees would flood the accounting department with calls demanding the shortage be paid immediately.

Follow Dreams, but Don't Announce Them to Employers

Q: I just graduated with a degree in music and accepted a corporate job teaching a foreign language. For health reasons, I need to move to a different part of the country, but I am hoping to transfer. In interviewing, I've read about employers asking what a person's long-term goals are. Mine are to be a professional musician, but I think it would sound childish if I said that in an interview. I am in this job because I need to pay bills, but how can I answer that kind of question without being dishonest?

A: First, wanting to be a professional musician is not childish. After all, your degree is in music. Second, employers can see your degree on your résumé, so your professional interest in music is not a secret. If you are asked in an interview to share your goals, as a recent college graduate, you have a right to explain that you are open to many paths. As long as you don't tell an interviewer you want to be the next "American Idol" winner, you will not be perceived as childish. Some dreams are better to follow quietly, and keeping them quiet does not make you dishonest.

Discrimination Charges Not Easy To Prove

Q: I have lost out on a few jobs that I applied for within my company. I know I am qualified, so I think there is a problem I'm not aware of. My co-workers offered to back me up on discrimination charges (I'm a woman) because men have gotten the jobs. What should I do?

A: Unless an employee is willing to e-mail you a memo stating facts on why you are being discriminated against, those verbal offers are worthless. Many extenuating circumstances could have caused the men to get hired over you, and you will need proof showing you were more qualified than those chosen. Filing a discrimination lawsuit is not an easy task, so consult a lawyer before you do anything.

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@yahoo.com, 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.

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