Q–I recently graduated from college with very good grades, high extracurricular involvement and an impeccable work record while in school. I also have a very large piece of baggage: When I was 19, I made some stupid choices and was convicted of a felony (possession of drugs–LSD–with intent to distribute) and sentenced to two years. After serving time, getting a job was difficult, but I took the moral high ground and told prospective employers about it. One company liked me and hired me, saying that as long as it wasn’t fraud or theft, it would be acceptable. My performance was exemplary. Then, after nearly five months, I was terminated because the company decided that my past was not acceptable. I need guidance.
A–It would be nice for you if people practiced, “Judge not, as you be not judged,” but the business world has not yet reached such heights. All life choices, at any age, are serious, and you will have to contend with your past for some time. “An arrest record cannot be held against someone, and had he or she received probation or supervision, the records would have been kept confidential,” says attorney Mark Le Fevour of Kelley, Kelley & Kelley, a Schaumburg, Ill.-based law firm. “But a felony conviction can be used to fire a person at any time.” There is hope, however. The Safer Foundation in Chicago provides free services to more than 8,000 ex-offenders a year. Its workplace readiness program offers one-on-one job counseling, job placement and job development, as well as overall transition, attitude, mental health and substance abuse counseling. Call them at 312-922-2200.
Q–After many years working retail, it’s time for me to leave the field and find a job where I can be truly happy. The retail world is filled with phony, rude, deceitful people. I would like flexibility in hours, no weekend or holiday work, co-workers who are passionate about their work, creative work, a good salary, no routine or mundane tasks, and to work independently. My problem is that I don’t know what type of job to look for. Please help.
A–If you want a job to fill all those requirements, you may be in for a very, very long job search. You may need a long, fun-filled vacation more than a career change. No industry has all bad or all good workers, but it is true that certain types of people gravitate toward particular fields. After you take a vacation, check out community colleges in your area that offer vocational testing for nominal fees.
Q–When I was hired, I was told that my job would be 50 percent design and 50 percent drafting. I have always received excellent reviews and the company has profited from my designs. Recently, my supervisor told me that one of the designers (with whom she is good friends) wants to take over my projects, and that I am to train her and transfer to another department to do drafting. I need some advice.
A–After successfully designing for this firm, taking away your work and reducing you to just doing drafting is clearly a demotion. If the only explanation given to you is that your supervisor’s friend wants your projects, tell her you will have to speak to her boss if she carries out this transfer. No one should be allowed to manage people so unprofessionally, and upper management should be made aware of it.
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Problems on the job? Write to Lindsey Novak, At Work, Financial Department, 4th Floor, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611, or, via e-mail: AtWorkbyLN@aol.com. No phone calls, please.
