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Many Interests Can Lead to Many Careers
Q: Many fields have interested me, so much so that I could never pick just one. I would be considered a job hopper according to my passions, but my resume has suffered because of it. I know many people work in the same or similar fields throughout …Read more.
How to Know When College Is Worth it
Q: I was never a great student, but I don't want a minimum-wage job for the rest of my life, either. I don't have one thing I really want to do, and I don't know about everything I can do. I graduate high school this summer, and right now, I'm …Read more.
She Blurted Out Complaints -- Now She Must Make Amends
Q: I knew I shouldn't have done it when I did it, but I couldn't help myself. Now what do I do? I work for a company that is poorly managed. If the company changed its thinking and the way it operates, it could make so much more money and also make …Read more.
Boss Can Address Employee's New Facial Piercing, Policy or No Policy
Q: Recently, a co-worker showed up with her upper lip/lower cheek pierced. It makes me sick to look at it, as it is a very noticeable hole with an earring in it. What's worse is that she continually pulls on it and twirls it, maybe unconsciously, …Read more.
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Pros and Cons for Putting off Job SearchQ: My 20-year-old daughter graduates college June 2012. She just announced she wants to take a year off after graduating to travel and live on an island somewhere. I said it was OK because it's easier to do things like that when you are young, but now that I think about it, I'm not sure. I should talk more about it with her, but I am not sure what to say. What advice would you give her? A: She may just be dreaming out loud or quietly planning, but she is giving you fair warning so you have time to deal with it. Only you can decide if you're willing to help her financially accomplish this dream. If you are able, there are many issues to discuss with her before June. Allowing your daughter to exercise independence, while emphasizing responsible behavior will help her mature and develop as an adult. But there are serious differences between traveling locally or abroad, traveling with or without friends, and traveling to many destinations or moving to one far from home. The most important issues are: meeting new people, learning how to observe and analyze them before turning over one's trust, and reviewing the pros and cons to postponing working. No matter how mature and responsible she may be, talk to her about the many types of personalities there are — good and bad. Even though it is a cliche, reiterate how the adage "you can't judge a book by its cover" pertains to people. Twenty years of growing up in a protected home environment does not expose a child to a large variety of experiences that prepare one for solid decision-making. Before traveling anywhere, "The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals That Protect Us From Violence" by Gavin de Becker, should be required reading. This long-time, recognized book on security and recognizing the signs of dangerous people and situations shows that knowledge can save one's life and that people can choose to not be victims.
A year is a long time to postpone entering the workplace. Most of her friends will be job hunting, so while she will mature personally due to her travels, her friends will be gaining valuable lessons about the workplace. It's important to discuss the possibilities before committing to either option. Generally, taking time to travel and experience life before entering the workplace will enable her to see life outside her own small world, and it can help her to become a better person. But a year may be too long a time for a child who has never lived anywhere but under your care and protection. Suggest she travel within the country for the summer months after graduation. At summer's end, she can return to check on the job market and review her options. Her career goals may change due to her travels, which could result in returning to school for a graduate degree or even joining the Peace Corps to experience living abroad. Both choices will be valuable in the workplace, even if they postpone her getting a job for several more years. Take the time to truly know your daughter — her values, morals, interests, capability and confidence levels, sphere of friends and ability to be influenced. Many parents are quick to proclaim their children as "good" or "difficult," but do not delve into the reasons behind the actions. Teenagers and young adults are not easy to read, and many are pros at hiding their true selves from their parents. Friendly, non-threatening and informative talks can help you and your daughter develop a solid relationship, so she won't ever fear opening up to you. That will ensure her making the best choices in life and in the workplace. Email Lindsey Novak at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com with all your workplace questions. She answers all emails. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM ?? ?? ?? ??
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