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Time to change jobs?
Q: I'm a lady of 30 years. I'm currently working as a field technician meaning a travel a lot to various sites. I have a national diploma in electrical engineering. I'm not tired of this job and hate it. I need a career change… What would you advise me to do as I hate waking up each morning to go to my current job?
A: My first question would be to ask if you have explored internally at your current employer if they would consider putting you in a more relevant dept that would suit your tertiray qualification and intended career aspirations.
If not, speak to your line manager about it as well as HR…
Read the rest of Ashley's advice here.
"My boss hates me"
Q: Hi, I'm currently in the tourism industry. I've known my boss for 7yrs. He has now given my colleague a promotion to being branch manager. He keeps on finding faults with my work but does not approach me directly instead he tells my colleague what needs to be done. I'm beginning to feel unwanted. Should I approach him and ask him what the issue is? Or should I start applying elsewhere for a job?
A: You have in a sense answered your own question – my response to the issues that you have raised is that you should indeed have a word with him. It would be even better if this is done with your colleague, the branch manager – if there are specific issues which need attention in terms of the faults to which you referred in your question, you and your colleague can the together work on a solution with him...
What else does Karel suggest? Read the whole answer here.
Fired for being sick
Q: I have been with my company for almost a year, and have been unlucky in the health side, from bad flu to tummy troubles that lead to a night in hospital. I have had medical letters for every day I have not made it into work. Now the company has very kindly informed me if I get sick one more time the will fire me. What should/could I do in this situation?
A: It should first be stated that in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 as worker is entitled to six weeks paid sick leave during a 36 months cycle. This means that provided that all the requirements have been met (a certificate from a medical practitioner after two day’s absence and any other organisational rules), no action can be taken against the employee…
Read the rest of Karel's response here.
How much should they pay me?
Q: Karel, when asked about future earnings what is the best answer to give? I'm being interviewed this week and was requested to bring in a copy of my current salary, plus an indication of what I would like to earn. How do I ensure that my expected salary does not put me out of the game?
A: I do have a problem with that question being put to an applicant for a position. It places the person at a bit of a disadvantage, as the applicant does not wish to appear greedy, but does know what he or she is worth. The applicant then may “downplay” his or her worth. On the other hand, applicants sometimes place too high a value on their own worth and then “over-price” themselves.
My feeling is that an organisation should pay a fair salary, given the qualifications and experience of the applicant, rather than trying to “second guess” the application…
Are you also preparing for an interview? Read Karel's useful advice here.
Q: I'm a lady of 30 years. I'm currently working as a field technician meaning a travel a lot to various sites. I have a national diploma in electrical engineering. I'm not tired of this job and hate it. I need a career change… What would you advise me to do as I hate waking up each morning to go to my current job?
A: My first question would be to ask if you have explored internally at your current employer if they would consider putting you in a more relevant dept that would suit your tertiray qualification and intended career aspirations.
If not, speak to your line manager about it as well as HR…
Read the rest of Ashley's advice here.
"My boss hates me"
Q: Hi, I'm currently in the tourism industry. I've known my boss for 7yrs. He has now given my colleague a promotion to being branch manager. He keeps on finding faults with my work but does not approach me directly instead he tells my colleague what needs to be done. I'm beginning to feel unwanted. Should I approach him and ask him what the issue is? Or should I start applying elsewhere for a job?
A: You have in a sense answered your own question – my response to the issues that you have raised is that you should indeed have a word with him. It would be even better if this is done with your colleague, the branch manager – if there are specific issues which need attention in terms of the faults to which you referred in your question, you and your colleague can the together work on a solution with him...
What else does Karel suggest? Read the whole answer here.
Fired for being sick
Q: I have been with my company for almost a year, and have been unlucky in the health side, from bad flu to tummy troubles that lead to a night in hospital. I have had medical letters for every day I have not made it into work. Now the company has very kindly informed me if I get sick one more time the will fire me. What should/could I do in this situation?
A: It should first be stated that in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 as worker is entitled to six weeks paid sick leave during a 36 months cycle. This means that provided that all the requirements have been met (a certificate from a medical practitioner after two day’s absence and any other organisational rules), no action can be taken against the employee…
Read the rest of Karel's response here.
How much should they pay me?
Q: Karel, when asked about future earnings what is the best answer to give? I'm being interviewed this week and was requested to bring in a copy of my current salary, plus an indication of what I would like to earn. How do I ensure that my expected salary does not put me out of the game?
A: I do have a problem with that question being put to an applicant for a position. It places the person at a bit of a disadvantage, as the applicant does not wish to appear greedy, but does know what he or she is worth. The applicant then may “downplay” his or her worth. On the other hand, applicants sometimes place too high a value on their own worth and then “over-price” themselves.
My feeling is that an organisation should pay a fair salary, given the qualifications and experience of the applicant, rather than trying to “second guess” the application…
Are you also preparing for an interview? Read Karel's useful advice here.
