CAREER COACH
We’re in the throes of my son’s college applications and have a bit of stress. He wants to go to a small liberal arts college, and thinks it will help him figure out a career at some point. We want him to go to a school that is known for graduating students with a clear path to a job. Can you help us guide our son? He will listen to you.
Why are you so confident that he will listen to me when my own son barely does? Given your view on this matter, you may want to hide this column from your son because you may not be happy with my advice. Of course you want your son to have the best chances in life to find his passion and pursue a career. That can be achieved at any school — yes, even small liberal arts colleges — provided the school is the right environment for the individual. This college process is stressful enough, so don’t manufacture more stress. The path to a great job, company and career (and, frankly, better mental health and happiness) is by being in a learning environment where one can thrive, whether that’s traditional college, trade school or online.
I’ve been fired from my job, and my employer is not allowing me to accept a job with one of their competitors. They said that as long as they are paying me severance, they can prevent me from working there. I told them I would prefer to have the security of a job instead of their severance, and they essentially said “too bad.” How is this fair or legal?
In some states, it’s not legal, although in New York it is. But fairness is in the eye of the beholder. Noncompete agreements are common and typically last for a reasonable period of time after an employee leaves a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests, such as trade secrets. Apparently, you signed an agreement when you were hired, or when you were fired, that contained this restriction. No prospective employer is going to violate that agreement. Your best bet is to consult an employment lawyer who can review the details to see if the situation is being handled properly and is enforceable.
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Weds. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. E-mail: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande