Q. I work as a temporary office contractor and recently, while copying, viewed a co-workers (permanent employee) less than positive performance review. Since the review, that employee has spent much more time in the office (rather than teleworking); however, last Friday she came in much later than usual and appeared to be in a great rush. She requested documents out of my office, took them, and then insinuated there was something wrong with some copies which I had made. She then proceeded to do some copying that I usually do as part of my job, and also requested that I copy for her right away. She also wanted to do the mailing out of the job, which has been my job. The job did end up missing a critical mailing deadline.

I am concerned because as a contractor I do not have job security. The job market/economy seems quite bad, so I do not feel it is safe to quit this job, but the sometimes critical atmosphere and my contractor status do not make me feel that it is safe to stay, even though I have received no negative reviews from management. (Yes, I know my work is not perfect.)

A. You can only control what you can control and that is your own performance.

Q. My daughter recently interviewed with a placement agency for non-profit jobs. They requested two photo IDs and suggested a passport. My daughter asked why they would want a passport and was told they use it for the agency's employment records since she would be placed and paid by the agency. She brought the passport with her and they made a photocopy. She gave other identifying information on the application, including her social security number. I've never heard of an agency requesting or photocopying a passport and was uneasy with this request. Is there anything to be concerned about?

A.Protecting your identity is a valid concern, and proceeding with caution any time you are asked to produce this type of information is a good course of action. This is an example where it is a necessity to provide the requested documents.

Your daughter and all new employees will be asked to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Form, a document from the Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The purpose of the form, as stated on the I-9 is "to document that each new employee (both citizen and non-citizen) hired after November 6, 1986 is authorized to work in the United States."

Employees need to produce documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility.

Q: I lost my job about 4 months ago. I was a Director of Marketing at one of the financial services companies that is really hurting right now. I have networked my heart out, searched every appropriate job board, met with a few search firms and answered any ad that I thought was a fit. Nothing has materialized. I need to bring income into the house. I have a family of four to feed and take care of. How bad will it look on my resume to take a job at a supermarket right now just to bring cash into the house?

A: It sounds like a very responsible thing to do in my mind. Many laid off workers are taking less responsible and lower paying jobs right now so they can bring money into the house. When the economy improves, there should be no problem explaining this digression in your career path. You are simply doing what you must do for your family.

Q. I was a health care manager for years in Boston. Then I decided to work in international health and lived overseas for a number of years. I chose to return to Boston in time for Obama's stupendous win and a serious economic recession. I'm networking, applying, interviewing, checking websites, etc. While I'm waiting for a job offer, I need to make some money. But temp agencies see my resume and can't help me. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to pay my bills?

A: Welcome back to Boston. Yes, that “R” word is frightening. The impact on the economic climate, particularly the labor market, is unnerving for sure. It sounds like you are being very active about your search – that's great! Looking for a job can certainly be a full-time job.

I do have one piece of advice – for you and maybe a few others. No one ever said that you should rely on one version of your resume for every opportunity. Yes, in the “old days” before we all had access to word processing, we all had “the resume.” Today, more and more savvy job seekers have several different versions.