I recently responded to a concern from a woman who worked for a government agency. She reported winning several awards a year, but not being promoted as she has special needs children: “The employer felt [her] “family responsibilities” might interfere with [her] ability to handle increased responsibility.” She felt burnt out at work and stressed at home.The employer has control in an employer/employee relationship. As an...

Who hasn’t gone on vacation to mourn leaving and say, “I wish I could live here...let’s not go back!” Well, as my husband would say that is unemployment, not vacation. A valid point, I think. That having been said if you do have a regular vacation site and do have a sincere desire to relocate to that area, it is possible. How? Keep in mind that resort areas have a very specialized economy. There are limited job opport...

Today a long time friend was laid off “unexpectedly” – she was given no notice and turned in her company computer and phone on the spot. Nothing against her employer (business is business), but she was left ill-prepared, to say the least.“I have a few cards,” she told me in a flat monotone. “I am eerily calm.” Of course, I offered my commiseration and any help in the way of a resume and contacts. However, I was absolute...