Tory Answers More of Your Career Questions

April 4, 2007 — -- "Good Morning America" workplace contributor Tory Johnson answers more of your career questions below.

Many of you have asked about work-from-home opportunities. Please check out Tory's updated list of suggestions by clicking here.

Many others have asked about changing your career path later in life. Click here to read that story.

Question: I am a 29-year-old female who was laid off from a major pharmaceutical company in June 2006. I have had numerous job interviews, both in pharmaceuticals and other positions. I seem to get almost hired and then a "dear John" letter arrives a few days later, telling me I am overqualified, underqualified or they are hiring someone else. I cannot figure out what in the world is happening here. They almost hand me the position at the interview. I have had someone check my references, done an Internet search, and a background check and there does not appear to be any negative things out there. Help! I am at a loss of what to do next.--Adrienne Chipas

Answer: You have to ask for candid feedback from the people you're interviewing with. Let them know that you felt very confident during the interview. Cite specific things they said to give you that impression. (For example, "You said you'd looked forward to the next steps with me." Or, "You asked how soon I could start if I received an offer.")

Admit that you were taken aback about their decision to pass over you and you'd appreciate some candid feedback so that you can learn and grow -- and perhaps change something about your interview skills or job search strategies -- based on that feedback. Reiterate your strong interest in the position and say you're determined to overcome whatever is holding you back because you believe so strongly in your ability to succeed. The goal is to get insights and feedback into what could possibly cause them to do a complete turnaround.

Question: I'm 35 and a three-time cancer survivor. All within the past 5 years. I have a great job and fantastic benefits, but I'm having trouble being able to balance getting healthy and the work environment. Sometimes, my co-workers make it hard for me, as well as my managers. Because I'm a manager myself, I'm being told that I can't perform my duties, but I haven't seen a change since I got back from my leave one year ago. I'm trying very hard, but it seems to be a uphill battle. Do you have any advice on how to talk with everyone, to help them understand what I'm going through and what I need? -- Stephanie Frederick

Answer: Sometimes if people haven't been impacted by cancer, they find it difficult and even uncomfortable to address the topic.Come up with a wish list of one or two things that you feel you need in the way of accommodations to enable you to feel healthy and to perform at your best professionally. Have a direct conversation with your manager about what you've been through personally -- without appearing to be a victim who's asking for special treatment -- and say you're committed first and foremost to your health, as everyone should be, but you're also incredibly passionate about your work. Explain what would make your life a bit easier and ask the boss to take it under consideration.

At the same time, ask for the boss's advice on how you might be able to better manage your health and well-being inside and outside of the office. Sometimes a boss is more likely to give you what you need when you've allowed him or her to suggest the solution at your urging. And if all of that fails, you might find a person within the company who's gone through a similar circumstance -- either directly or with a close relative -- and ask what's worked for them within the company. You might find a powerful ally who can help you navigate the internal politics.

Question: I am a finance manager who has extremely strong analytical skills, but also extremely creative ideas. What kinds of careers can you suggest that make strong use of both sides of my brain? Lately, the words, "creative" and "finance" are not a very positive connection. -- Michelle Goldberg

Answer: True, it's very difficult to be supercreative with finance. In that line of work, you're expected to be pretty straightforward with the exception of finding ways to save money and make money. You may consider areas like consulting, advertising and marketing to move into. You could leverage your existing experience in a new direction, but in order to do so, you'll have to be prepared to demonstrate how you're creative and why you'd succeed in this new line of work.

Question: What can you do about trying to work quietly in cubicles with five other talking colleagues? I tried headphones, signs on my cubby like "CRITICAL WORK DAY -- must meet my deadline." These girls talk most of the day, and one talks us all through her processes and daily workings. I can't get my work done with the constant interruptions. -- Juanita Harvin

Answer: Is it possible to move your desk? Sometimes when you can't change other people, you can change yourself -- or in this case, the location of your work station. If that's not an option, you should talk to each person individually. Instead of telling them that they're too loud and obnoxious, put the focus on you. "I have great difficulty concentrating when there are so many distractions. I've tried headphones to tune out the noise, but it's not working for me. I admire that you're able to work and chat simultaneously, but since I can't, I'm hoping you might have some suggestions for ways we could work together to achieve a quieter setting." Instead of telling them they're the problem, involve them in the solution and you're likely to get better results.

Question: Tory, I saw your show this morning on "GMA." I'm a 45-year-old woman at a job for almost eight years. I started as a receptionist and now the so-called assistant to managers. One manager is very cool, the other has some mental issues. Our department on a daily basis is hostile. Co-workers in the past have spoken to other department heads and even the big boss of the office. But the one manager seems to be untouchable; they say because she is a "yes woman."

I like my job and I'm very good at it. I'm prompt, very hard-working and a team player. Is it time for me to find another job, or do I approach the big boss and spill my guts. I need my job, my family lives paycheck to paycheck. -- Carmen Cruz

Answer: Nobody should have to tolerate a hostile work environment. Take control of the situation by spilling your guts -- carefully! By that I mean, don't make this emotional and don't make wild accusations. Instead, come up with a list of five or 10 very specific things this woman has done of late. If she's talked rudely to someone, describe exactly what happened without adding your opinion. If she sent nasty e-mails, have copies of them to present.

Be direct and factual and say you're concerned because morale is low because of this and the company risks losing or alienating some of its best people because of this. Again, avoid inflammatory language like, "she has mental issues." Leave that for the big boss to decide based on your presentation of the facts.

Question: How can we as the 25- to 30-year-olds who don't have kids gain some respect and flex time ourselves within the workplace? After all, it's our decision to not have kids, or at least not at this point, so why can't we get a little flex time for our own things that we enjoy? -- Nicole W.

Answer: You should insist on it, not so much with what you say, but with how you act. Just as parents announce when they must leave to tend to their kids, you should announce when you must leave to pursue your personal interests. For example, in my office, the 20-somethings announce that they have soccer games, dates, concert tickets and all sorts of other things that require them to leave by a specific time many days. Those things are just as important to them as my kids are to me.

Also, when someone asks you to stay late because they've got to get home for family dinner, you can say you're unable to do that because you have personal plans as well. You must take control by altering your actions and declaring what's important to you. I'm rooting for you!

Question: I'm 25 years old with a bachelor's degree in business administration. I'm on my third job since graduation and I'm beginning to get frustrated because I cannot find my passion. I feel major pressure in my current position to move up and get a promotion within the next year. The problem is I don't want to pursue this career path at all because it's an extremely stressful environment and does not allow for a balanced lifestyle.

I don't want to just apply for a new position unless I'm completely sure what path I would like to follow. I just can't seem to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. I know what I don't want and that's sitting behind a computer for 40-45 hours a week. I'm hesitant to move forward because I don't want to ruin my resume anymore (three jobs within three years), but I know I don't want to stay on the path that I'm currently on. Any advice for a recent grad who cannot find her niche? Thank you. -- Andrea Weiss

Answer:It's great that you're recognizing this. There are a few simple steps you can take to try to discover what you might want to pursue. Whip out the Sunday Help Wanted and go through every ad to circle words that really appeal to you. Pay no mind to company, job title, etc. Just circle words and phrases based on your gut reaction. At the end, you can go back to see if there's a pattern to the words you're drawn to, which might lead to discovery of a potential position or path.

You should also talk to people who you view as really happy and satisfied both personally and professionally. Find out about what they do, and ask about the pros and cons. They may be a great inspiration to set your wheels in motion. You may discover that there's another division without your company that appeals to you, or you may find it's time to move on from that world altogether. (You can always take personality tests too, some of which are free online, to get a sense of the picture they paint about you.)

Question: I have done all the behind-the-scenes work, and I have started my own skin care business. I totally changed my life, went to school last year, continue to educate myself, borrowed money, bought equipment and product. I rented a small room and opened for business March 1. I am having extreme difficulty promoting my business. How do I get over my fear? I keep thinking I've done the hard part, now enjoy. -- Annette Morgese

Answer: The hard part has really just begun. It's also the most exciting part too. You've got to be great at your skin-care services and a great businesswoman, too. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to build your business. You have to go where potential customers go. For example, can you trade promotions with local boutiques: You promote their stores and sales and they promote your business.

Maybe you can go into several popular boutiques to ask them to provide a bonus to their customers: For anyone who spends over $100, she receives a coupon for a discount from your shop. Provide gift certificates to charity raffles to spread the word about your services. Pitch your story to the local media and become an expert on skin-care regimens. Tell each customer that if she gets you five successful referrals, she'll receive a bonus treatment at no cost. You can also connect with score.org in your area to get more in-depth ideas for marketing and promotions. Good luck!

Question: I'm working on a Ph.D. in molecular biology. While there are many potential jobs in my field, many of the nonclassical ones I'm interested in are few and far between, and there may be some that are advertising for people with an M.S. instead. If the job is right I wouldn't mind being paid less than average for someone with my experience. How do I get such an employer to consider my resume and not dismiss me as overqualified? -- Jennifer Morgan

Answer: Connect with your professors for advice in the field. Talk to your career services office about setting up informational conversations with leaders and decision makers in your desired field. The emphasis should be on networking more so than applying for specific openings without a referral. Often when someone gets to know you, they realize you'd be an asset in a role and they're less apt to overthink your resume or money.

Question: I am a single mother of two and I am 38 years old. I have a B.S. in business administration and I have worked myself into a rut. I make a little too much (a few dollars) to get public assistance and just enough to get by from paycheck to paycheck. I have attempted to get into grad school but the GMAT test is so expensive. I hate to change my major but I may have to.

My question is this: How do I get it together to make more money for me and my kids. I don't get child support and I keep getting turned down as overqualified, overage, or not enough direct experience to get a part-time job. I took a grantwriting class to start my own business but no success yet. How can I save and feed my kids at the same time? -- Janice Morrison

Answer: Unfortunately, your situation is all too common. Ask your manager what you can do to advance within the company. Join a professional organization in a field you're interested in so you can meet with other professionals who might take a liking to you and help you succeed. Ask your former school to connect you with alumni who might be willing to give you some time, advice and leads. Once people know you, they're more likely to give you great leads, make introductions and help you to find the perfect spot -- or at least one in which you're able to thrive and grow. Don't commit to more debt until you're making more money, which is possible if you budget effectively at home and you ask for advice and direction at work on how to advance. I'm rooting for your success.