Got a Minute?
I’m 58 and looking for a new job. How do I avoid age discrimination?
Online applications are asking questions that would have once been easy to avoid, says Dr Kirstin Ferguson. And yes, it can make things difficult.
- Kirstin Ferguson
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Can my boss force me to socialise outside work hours? Or is there an easy way out?
A little face time at social events can go a long way, writes Dr Kirstin Ferguson.
- Kirstin Ferguson
I’ve been boxed in at work since becoming a father. What do I do?
The situation – sadly – isn’t unusual. Just ask any woman who has tried to work, have children and maintain a career.
- Kirstin Ferguson
My 17-year-old is trying to find a part-time job. Are ‘trial’ shifts legal?
Young workers are particularly vulnerable to this kind of exploitation because they’re keen, inexperienced and unlikely to push back.
- Kirstin Ferguson
My Secret Santa gift is a dud. Can I ask for a better one?
Plenty of workplaces have rules for Secret Santa presents, but what happens if you’re unhappy with what you’ve been given? Can you request a new one, or should you just suck it up?
- Kirstin Ferguson
I want to work through shutdown, but the boss says no. Is this fair?
While a growing number of businesses closing over Christmas, it doesn’t suit all employees. For those in casual employment, the lack of pay could not happen at a worse time.
- Kirstin Ferguson
The work Christmas party is a hot mess. Do I have to go?
It’s that time of year when staff let their hair down, and things can get a bit loose. But when management does not enforce a standard of behaviour, is the work Christmas party something to be avoided?
- Kirstin Ferguson
Staff are losing their jobs but it’s the CEO who needs comforting. What gives?
While modern leadership guides extol the virtues of vulnerability and authenticity, there’s still a time and a place for tears, says Dr Kirstin Ferguson.
- Kirstin Ferguson
A senior executive wants to give me after-hours career advice. It’s giving me the ick
When a senior staff member takes an interest in your development, it can be an opportunity. But if they want to keep meetings on the down-low, that could be cause for concern.
- Kirstin Ferguson
Management went to a five-star resort while we’re on a pay freeze. Should we suck it up?
Watching your leadership team posting about sunset yoga and champagne toasts while staff struggle to cover shortages can be hard to swallow, but is it worth speaking up?
- Kirstin Ferguson