Q: I got a great job about eight months ago and a great boss — or so I thought. At first, she gave me unexpected time off, bought lunch, and asked for my input. But after a while, she started insulting my staff, and I felt as if I had to defend them. She responded by putting more responsibility on them and calling them a "bunch of whiny babies." The added work meant overtime, which she refused to approve. My choice was to do the work myself or let the customers suffer. I tried doing everything but fell behind in my work. Something was brought to her manager's attention, so we both were written up for it. She told me I caused the only blemish on her career. One member of my staff quit and told me to watch my back because management was out to get me. A climate study was done, and I was reassigned to another work area with minimal responsibility, and two other managers were told to review my past work to look for errors. I feel as if I'm the subject of a witch hunt. Should I quit, wait to be fired, or hire a lawyer?

A: Your job is over, but don't quit. You need to have a direct talk with your boss to find out what went wrong, a discussion you should have had immediately after she changed how she treated you. Perhaps you were in shock from the sudden change, but hiding from the situation doesn't change the reality of it. Her change of opinion doesn't mean it was your fault. She could be someone who doesn't communicate well, is jealous of certain people, or intentionally sets up people to fail. Because she piled on the work and refused to approve overtime, it sounds as if she fits the latter. After you talk with her, you then should meet with human resources to explain your side. You have no reason to hire a lawyer. If she claims you did not perform well, she has the right to fire you. Your concern should be the information that will be placed in your personnel file, so make sure you discuss the type of reference you will receive from the company when they do fire you.

Lower-Level Job Won't Satisfy Highly Qualified Employee

Q: After being out of work for five months to take care of my elderly mom through cancer surgery and recovery, I took the first job I was offered. I've been there for three months, and the job is far below my skills and experience. How should I address looking for another job, and what should I put on my résumé?

A: Don't add this job to your résumé. You may have felt more comfortable had you registered with a temporary agency rather than taking a job far beneath your abilities. Surely your boss is aware of your ability and knows that you do not intend on staying. If not, you may want to say that you will be looking for a job in your field because the job is not advanced enough. Keep your boss on your side. Explain that you appreciate having been hired and that you would be happy to stay until the company finds a replacement. When you interview, say that you left your previous job to care for your mother because you didn't know the length of time it would require. If you are asked whether you are working, explain that it is a lower-level, temporary position and that you have told your boss you are interviewing. The potential employers will appreciate your honesty, and the current employer will appreciate having someone who is highly qualified, even though it's temporary.

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 [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.