I’m 28 and have been working for the same marketing company for the past 5 years. I’m repeatedly told I am a key to the company’s success. However, over the past two years there have been false promises regarding salary increases and bonuses. The company is doing very well. Should I be looking for another job? (more…)

It may sound silly, I would like to start my own business but I can’t decide in what. How do I narrow the choices? (more…)

My son is 23 and just graduated college with a degree in finance. I would like for him to take over the family business in 5 to 10 years. What are some suggestions for making this happen? (more…)

I am part of a senior management team. Revenues are down and we have cut costs to the bone. There’s much blaming going on but in my opinion, the real problem seems to be an indecisive and fearful CEO. The Board is beginning to finally ask the tough questions but it seems too little too late. What do you think are my options? (more…)

Last week I shared an idea with a new co-worker. She took it to my boss as if it was hers. I’ve also seen this person take credit for work others do and deny blame for her mistakes. I keep getting headaches and losing sleep over this. I keep imagining slashing one of her car tires. Should I quit my job? (more…)

I think my boss is bipolar and it’s making my life miserable enough that I’m ready to quit. He not only regularly screams at me, but does it in front of my direct reports. I admit I make mistakes but sometimes he’s just wrong. He constantly changes his mind which makes more work for everyone. There are several good employees looking for other jobs. Often he forgets what he said. He’s only in his early 40’s so I know it’s not old age. Can you offer any ideas? (more…)

I was just hired to be part of a senior executive team in a company that has major fiscal and operational problems. The team seems fragmented; there’s much backbiting going on; and, everyone is in denial. The CEO may not be getting all the information he should get. This place will sink if they don’t get focused. I’m thinking of abandoning ship after only 2 months. Should I be up front with the CEO about what’s going on? (more…)

I’m 24 and work for a small information technology firm of 12 employees. I’m a good worker and actually indispensable, given that no one else in the group can do what I do. The company owners don’t seem to have direction and they have broken some promises made to me on salary and money towards furthering my education. I’m ready to quit today but my mother keeps telling me to smile and do my job, while my dad sounds furious at the owners and says to look for another job. Which side are you on? (more…)

Three months ago I became manager of a manufacturing plant of about 300 employees. There’s above average turnover and productivity is down. There are tensions between employees and management dating back years. The new owners are very supportive. I can’t get straight answers from employees about what’s wrong. It’s not clear where I should go from here. (more…)

I’ve been working at an IT company of 12 employees for the past 18 months. I’m at the hub of all key projects. My problem is that my two owner-bosses assign projects without talking to each other. In the meantime, I have to support all ongoing work and I’m feeling overworked and underpaid. I generally work 12 hour days and some weekend time. I love the company and the work. But, at this rate I’m going to burn out soon. Any suggestions? (more…)