Dear Dr. Mimi: Mom at Work

, , , , , , ,

Dear Dr. Mimi:
My son has asked if he can work at my office.
He is a bright high school student and definitely
could use the extra money. I see how this could
cause resentment because one of my employees
has a daughter about the same age as my son
and I know I could not use both of them. What
would you suggest?
—Mom

Dear Mom:
I realize that it is not a great economy for high
school students, but having said that, it would be
better for both you and your son for him to find
employment elsewhere. Help him to assess his
needs and his talents. Help him to determine his
options. If he thinks he knows what type of work
he would eventually like to do, point him to the
appropriate industry. Remind him that he cannot
expect to start at the top. Feel free to let people
know that he is available and use your contacts
to help him get an interview. If he is a potentially
good employee, he will be able to find
something outside of your office.
—Dr. Mimi

Written By

drmimi

Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…