Dentist hates his work, wants to do something else
Q It is hard for me to complain because I am a dentist, but I hate my job. I am under enormous stress much of the time and terribly bored the rest. My wife worked to help pay for my dental school education and that makes it even harder to share it with my family. If I could do it all over again, I would probably be a science teacher. I volunteer twice a month at my son's school and that is truly fulfilling for me.
Here is my question, how can I begin to market myself for careers outside of dentistry ?
A Changing careers and leaving even the most lucrative professions has become common in the work world today. It is not taboo for mid-career or late-career professionals to decide that the choices they made in their 20s no longer work for them in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Your "secret" of hating the practice of dentistry needs to be transformed into an acceptable and open conversation about the personal transition you are planning.
Consider saying something like: "In the past, being a dentist was very exciting for me but my interests have changed ." Or, "I think I want to work in the XYZ field" or "I am currently pursuing my interest in ABC."
Meanwhile, there is a strong need for teachers, especially in the sciences . Begin now to research opportunities for teacher-certification programs and related fields .
Speak to as many people as you can who are working in the fields that interest you and ask for their advice about the best way to enter . Once you become comfortable with the reality that this change is one you can discuss openly, you will then need to face that you will experience some fear in making such a major change. My advice is to acknowledge the fear and have the conversations anyway.
Fortunately, there are a good number of books and several recent articles on this subject of midlife transitioning . Start by getting a couple of them from the library or your local bookstore. Also, seriously consider seeing a career counselor, as soon as you can, to get help assessing the jobs that you would best be suited for and also for assistance in how to approach potential employers. Try to find one that has experience with second careers or professional transitions. Assessment tests can help narrow your focus on careers you are best suited for. Role playing and other forms of practicing your approach can ease your concerns about how you will be received by people in your own community and by potential new employers.
Work on alternative ways to manage the transition financially. For example you might begin gradually working fewer hours as a dentist while you teach part-time at night or attend a certification program. It may be necessary to use some of your savings to fill in for the reduced income. Consult with a financial adviser. Bringing in another dentist to share your practice may give you additional flexibility during this transition.
Yes, it's a party, but it's also work
Q Our company's annual holiday party is being planned for early December and I am new to this company. In the last place I worked, a few of us in the same department would get together to celebrate Christmas at a local pub but they never gave companywide parties . From what I hear, almost all employees attend this big bash. My question is about what is expected of me. This is only my second job and my first time in a big company. There will be a buffet dinner, an open bar, and a band with a dance floor. Is there a protocol for what to do at these big events?
A There are no written rules, but here are some important things to keep in mind.
Drinking:If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage, do so cautiously. Many experienced corporate party goers nurse their drink and do not try to keep up with others. If you begin to feel the effects of alcohol, either stop or go home. Too many embarrassing situations arise out of having one too many.
Dancing: Enjoy yourself but this is no time to show off your new sexy moves on the dance floor. Remember that people are watching your demeanor.
Socializing: This is a great time to meet people in other parts of the company, perhaps those you only have had contact with on the phone. Smile a lot and move about. Don't spend the whole night sitting with the few people that you already know. Management staff will probably roam around introducing themselves -- ; this is an opportunity to make a good impression.
Attire: : Dress for a party but avoid immodesty. Ask co-workers how most people dress for the event.
Perfume: Strong scents can turn people off and some are allergic to them, so keep it light or skip it all together.
Timing: Arrive close to when the event is called for. There are often holiday greetings and other announcements that precede the festivities. Make a plan for leaving with a friend or when you see the group thinning out. Do not close the party with the last few stragglers. If necessary, prearrange getting-home options.
The queries are dumb; how should I respond?
Q I was in my first job after college for about 10 months and now I am looking for my next job. I am looking in marketing, where the competition is fierce, and I get asked some questions during interviews that really puzzle me and I am not sure how to answer. One of them is, "If we hire you, how long do you think you will stay?" I'd like to answer truthfully by replying, "How should I know?" but I realize that wouldn't be cool. What you would suggest I say instead? The other question is, "How many unscheduled days were you out of work in the last year?" How am I supposed to answer that?
A I am with you on this one. I have often wondered why interviewers even bother to ask either of these questions. What do they think you will say? "Until I find a better job" or "When I earn enough money to join my boyfriend in California, I will leave" or "My plans are to retire from this company." Seriously, given that these questions are among the ones that might be asked during the recruitment process, here are a few approaches to consider using:
For the first question try a variation of any of the following: "I'd like to stay for as long as I feel challenged and I am able to contribute to the company. I am looking for a career in marketing so I'll stay as long as I am doing a good job and I am still learning and growing. This would be my first professional position and I am hoping it will be the foundation of my career. I like being part of a team and meeting expectations and as long as I am encouraged to stay, I would like to do that." Or: "I expect that I will enjoy working with this company and I have no plans of leaving and no intention of changing jobs in the near future. Frankly, I have heard so many great things about this company that I would love to stay as long as you want me to continue working here."
For the second question, the interviewer wants to learn if you are out of work a lot due to last-minute causes that leave the company without its needed staff. Given the intent of the question, it seems to me you can answer one of two ways. Either you give the number of days, if you happen to remember it, or you say something like, once when I tripped on the way to work and tore my slacks and had to go home to change. Other than that embarrassing time, I was always at work as scheduled.
You are entitled to time off for voting
Q With the elections coming up this week, I was wondering if it would be considered reasonable to ask my boss if I can come in late or leave early in order to get to the polls. This will be my first time voting and I just don't want to miss the opportunity to cast my vote.
A You will be glad to know that there is a law in Massachusetts that relates directly to your question. The law requires employers allow their employees up to two hours off, without pay, to exercise their right to vote. You must request the time in advance and your employer may ask for evidence that you voted. Most employers encourage employees to vote but they also would prefer you to select the time wisely, so as to miss the least amount of time from your job.
Linda J. Lerner is an executive coach and a human resources consultant to small businesses and individuals. She can be reached at linda@lernerconsulting.com. E-mail questions to jobdoc@globe.com or mail to Job Doc, Boston Globe, Box 55819, Boston, 02205-5819. 
