Q: l have two problems with conflicting solutions, so I don't know which to solve. I have more than five jobs on my resume, and the past three have each been less than a year. I want to leave the job I'm in now, but if I do, that will make four jobs in a row where I stayed under a year.

I know my boss goes through my desk when I am not there, early in the morning or after I leave work. I know this for a fact because I find things moved a bit in the files. I keep a lot of research and contact information on companies to develop leads in my desk file drawers. Twice he has slipped and mentioned information he never would have known about had he not gone through my drawers. When I asked him how he knew about it, he squirmed out of it, insisting it was a coincidence. It was no coincidence, and I don't like him going through my work when I'm not there. I think it's unethical.

If I look for another job, I don't know if employers will even call me for interviews since the number of jobs under a year on my resume will go up to four. What should I do?

A: Stay put in your job and work on the problem you're experiencing now. Keep in mind that your business files are not "yours." They are company property. If you are certain your boss is not interested in discovering personal information, think about why he is going through your files in your absence.

If he thinks you are not working hard enough or not producing the results he wants, you need to keep him informed of your process on each project. Though it's an unusual way for a boss to check on an employee's productiveness, he may not feel comfortable questioning you on what you are doing. You are still fairly new in your job and you are both getting to know each other. He also may think you are not as organized or productive as he would like, and he isn't ready to confront you yet on the subject.

The more serious issue is why you feel the need to hide your work from your boss. If you openly report your process, even though he may not ask you for an update, he may be happier with the situation. It sounds like both you and your boss have problems communicating directly, and the only way to solve that is to force yourself to do it.

It also seems more appropriate to create a filing system that is readily available to him. Then he can openly check on your work, which is certainly his right, without looking like he's sneaking into your drawers. Take the initiative and ask him for feedback on your performance and your progress. It is your job to show him he made a good decision when he hired you. This would also show you care about the work process, your productivity, and your results.

Your success depends on this. Since he may dislike the potential for confrontation by questioning you, you need to take the first step. Just because he's a boss doesn't mean he is comfortable in the position.

Opening the lines of communication may also save you from suddenly being fired without knowing why. Often, people who are fired for what they see as "no reason" are often unable to sense or unaware of the signs of their bosses' silent dissatisfaction.

Email all your questions on the workplace to [email protected]. 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 Website at www.creators.com.