Worker Haunted By Old Lie

Q: A relative of mine reduced her age by several years when she started her current position nearly 20 years ago. She would like to retire soon, which is allowed according to her actual age, but the company’s records shows that she is younger. Could this affect her receiving benefits from her benefits plan?

A: “This employee is vested in the benefits plan and the company cannot deny her receiving her benefits,” says Edward Ferrigno, vice president-Washington, D.C., of the Profit Sharing 401(k) Council of America. The difference between her stated and real age, however, could make a difference in the amount of her distributions if she is part of an age-weighted, defined contributions plan. According to Ferrigno, plans that require participants to take annuity distributions are also affected by the participant’s age.

She needs to meet with the head of human resources to explain that she lied about her age because she was worried about not being hired at the time. Attitudes about hiring middle-aged women have changed, as well as the laws regarding interviewing potential candidates, so perhaps the person in charge would understand her situation without creating a brouhaha.

She needs to understand, though, that a company with rigid policies could decide to fire her for lying on her application, even though it happened 20 years ago. But even if she is fired, the company still must pay her all of the benefits due her at that time.

Frequent job changes make employee appear unstable

Q: I have changed jobs every year or two for the past 15 years. A friend said I looked like a job hopper, but I have changed jobs due to circumstances beyond my control (downsizing and companies closing). Should I explain in my cover letter why I had to change each time? I may never get a chance to interview if I don’t explain.

A: You have changed jobs and careers, which will certainly raise red flags to those screening resumes, so perhaps it’s time for you to analyze your career path. Call some local colleges to see if they offer career counseling services. You would benefit by taking assessment tests to see where your interests, talents and skills lie. Based on the results, you may want to consider formal training. If you choose a field you have training in, a counselor can still help you write your resume to highlight your skills instead of the fact that you have changed jobs so many times.

Owner’s wife should stick to sales

Q: I work for a privately owned professional office where the owner’s wife is the office manager. While she has skills as a salesperson, which is needed, she has yet to master even the simplest administrative skills. Her carelessness has created a multitude of problems that we have all had to clean up to avoid chaos. We love our jobs and our boss, but lately we’ve been thinking about moving on. We obviously can’t go to the boss. Any suggestions?

A: On the contrary, you can go to the boss. The owner’s wife excels in sales, so sales is what she should do. Speak to your boss about the money you could save him if some of his wife’s more detailed responsibilities were given to another employee.

This would mean more work for that person, but handling the tasks from the outset may be easier than trying to clean up after a mistake has been made. Freeing her to concentrate on sales would increase his profits, while a more detailoriented employee could handle the paperwork. You are not insulting his wife, only suggesting a way to make the best use of her skills.