Returning Worker Seeks Advice
Q: Six years ago, I quit my job as a telecommunications management specialist to stay home with my two children. We are getting ready to move to a different city this spring and I plan to go back to work. Some of my friends tell me I should look only for a governmental job, since they will be more understanding about my having taken the time off, while others tell me I’ll have to work for a temporary agency to prove myself all over again.
I have a bachelor’s degree and have kept up on my computer skills, plus I have worked part time out of my home as a professional proofreader for a court reporter.
What are employers’ attitudes today toward people who have taken a break in employment? And will I have to start at the bottom again?
A: Don’t sell yourself short. While temporary work is a good way to find out about a company before committing yourself to a job, you should be able to land yourself a good permanent job if you’ve kept current on computers as well as sharpened your skills during this absence.
Check the help wanted ads and send your resume to places that suit your background and experience.
Explain in your cover letter that you wish to return to the work force full time now that your children are older.
Many employment agencies and employers agree that it is now an employee’s market, so don’t jump at the first offer.
Interview the interviewer about the company and the position available. And keep in mind that any employer worth working for will understand your staying at home to raise your children.
Boss retaliates against worker
Q: I signed a petition at work that stated that a fellow worker was fired without just cause. I signed it because I believed that one supervisor was fired for doing the same thing that another supervisor had done several times with minor discipline.
Shortly after the petition made the rounds, the CEO called a meeting with all the supervisors, managers and directors. We were told that the supervisor was fired for just cause and they would take no action against those of us who signed the petition.
The next day my director chewed me out for signing it and said, “Maybe you should find employment elsewhere.”
He then assigned work eight straight days in a row over holidays, my initial vacation request was denied, mandatory meetings have been scheduled on my days off and I have been written up for being one to three minutes late.
How do I end this harassment?
A: Most states, including Washington and Idaho, are “employment at will” states, which means an employee can be fired for any reason other than specified types of discrimination.
It was noble of all of you to defend your fired co-worker, but remember that if you stick your neck out, it may get cut off.
The CEO may be unaware that some of the management personnel are not listening to the directive. Ask your petition co-signers if they, too, are experiencing such treatment. If all of you are recieving retaliatory treatment, talk to your human resoruces department. If not, you need to calm your boss’ anger at you. Explain to him that you like your job and want to put the action behind you so you can continue giving 100 percent.