Career Track Live

The Washington area is a magnet for smart, ambitious young workers. Post columnist Mary Ellen Slayter writes a regular column for these professionals who are establishing their careers locally, and offers advice online as well.

The transcript follows below.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Mary Ellen Slayter: Good afternoon! Hope you're all doing well.

The Department of Education just released a report saying the student loan default rate has dropped. If you're willing to talk to me about your student loans repayment concerns for a column on the subject, send me an e-mail after the chat. I'm especially interested in talking to people who are out of work, but avoiding default because they took quick advantage of the forbearance and deferment options.

Anyway, on to the day's questions!

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Tysons Corner, Va.: Please tell me that the $6500 pay cut I'm about to take is worth it since I'm moving from a well-paying dead end job into a career of endless opportunity. I'm 26 and worried about leaping into the unknown with a shrinking wallet.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Only you can answer that. And how big a deal $6,500 is depends on your savings and obligations, and how much you were making before. I.e. it is worse if you were making $20K before, not so much if you were making $100K.

Besides, you're only 26. Now's the time to pursue your dreams. When you're 26, you can live on ramen and sleep on the floor if you really love what you're doing.

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Arlington, VA: During the time that I have to cover for the director of my department while she is on maternity leave for 12 weeks, would I be entitled to extra compensation?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Entitled by law? No. Could you ask? Sure, but I'm not sure I would. It's only 12 weeks, and your main concern should be developing all the skills and contacts you can during that period, and showing your supervisors that you're capable of running the show. To focus on a little bit of extra money would be to overlook the real opportunity here. Maternity leaves have a way of turning into full-time job openings.

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washington dc: I got a new job working for a small startup company about 3 months. At first, i thought there was going to be more work as time progresses. Well, it is not. What does that mean? Should I start looking?

Mary Ellen Slayter: It's only three months. Finish settling into the job. Look for ways you can contribute. The start-up might be in trouble, but it might also just be growing more slowly than the managers predicted. I wouldn't worry too much yet.

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Rockville, MD: I am starting at a new company and am learning my job in a "trial by fire" kind of way. The whole office is out of town at a conference all next week, there are NO online training guides, and I have asked for busy work, but I don't want to give the impression that I cannot contribute. Any ideas on how to put together a better "I need to know" meeting before the bosses leave town?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Ask for it in writing. Memos are a great help in situations like this.

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Bethesda, MD: I am a new executive assistant and I have a sort of problem....I am not good at making cold calls or setting up appointment calls. I stutter and come off as unprofessional. I am an excellent writer and prefer to communicate via email. I need to know if there is a way you or others could recommend to overcome this career stumbling block?

Mary Ellen Slayter: First, don't think you're alone. Homer Bigart, one of the best war reporters in American history, stuttered horribly. He won two Pulitzers.

Honestly, I am not real wild about talking on the phone either. I find it helps to think about what I'm going to say before I pick up the phone. Write it down if you have to, and glance at your notes if you find yourself getting flustered. Lean on your writing skills a bit, and you'll sound much more polished. Beyond that, it just takes practice. E-mail me after the chat if you want to talk about this further.

Any other chatters have this problem? Other strategies?

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Washington DC (U-Street Neighborhood): I have a dilemma of sorts. I am planning on quitting my current job for a much better one. I'm just waiting for the phone call... and yes, I'm being very optimistic about this.

I hate my current job. I despise the organization and the work ethic of everyone here (the management). My question is... sicne I've only been here 6 months...would it really make much of a difference if I were to resigne effective immediately or should I go ahead and give my 2 weeks.

When I say that I hate this job, I mean that I am in misery every time I come to work. I know I should be grateful I have a job, but this is the worst place that I have ever worked for in my life.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Give two weeks notice. Be more professional than the place you're leaving.

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Owings Mills, MD: How do you determine what you think you want to do? i've been out of college for a little over a year and been in 2 different jobs - I've disliked both of them and have a hard time thinking of anything I'd like to do that sounds fun, especially when I thought I would like both of the jobs I've had. Do you have any suggestions for finding out what you might really like to do?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Honestly, there is no shortcut. Think of something that seems interesting and try it for a while. It's trial and error. You're only a year out of school. Don't pressure yourself to discover some *calling* on any kind of time frame.

While I think it's good that we strive to fulfill our "dreams," we shouldn't do so at the expense of our current mental health. It breaks my heart that so many young people see themselves as failures because their jobs don't approach the level of some mythical calling. If they also get locked into the constant-comparison mentality, then a cool career just becomes another status symbol to acquire, no different from a fancy car or a big house. Thinking that way *will* make you miserable.

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Upper Marlboro, MD: Do you know of a reputable career coach? I am desperately trying to change jobs simply because I am not longer challenged and I really don't like what I do. My degree is Electrical Engineering and I've been working for the past eight years for the federal government as a patent examiner. I do and have been doing the same thing over and over again at work. I've read books like "what color is your parachute" but I haven't clearly identified anything. How did you make a clear cut decision to become a writer?

Mary Ellen Slayter: I can't recommend a particular career coach. However, the Professional Association of Career Coaches and Resume Writers' Web site is a good place to start a search. Career coaches have diverse backgrounds. Some are former executives, others are licensed therapists. Interview a few, and find someone you are comfortable with.

I'm not sure if I could say I ever made a "clear cut" decision to become a journalist. I figured out that this was the career for me by trying lots of other things first--see my bio on this page--and realizing that this was as good a fit as I had found.

One safe way for you to explore other career possibilities is volunteer work. Perhaps go back to school and take a class or two You're never stuck.

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Washington, DC: To the nervous caller -

Always be polite to whoever answers the phone. They can be a good ally for you!;

I work for a nonprofit and had to start doing phone calls to ask for money or contact donors for information. I was always worried about bothering people, scared that people would overhear me fumbling, etc.

I finally realized that by making the calls, I was promoting our organization's mission. I asked - what's worth more, being a little flustered, or advancing our mission? I chose the latter!;

Maybe in your situation, it's not a mission you're so thrilled about, but the possibility of advancement, a raise, etc. What's worth more to you?

It takes time getting used to, and you can only get better. As you calm down, you develop the best skill for phone work - listening, truly listening to what people are telling you.

Best of luck!;!;

Mary Ellen Slayter: What an excellent attitude! And well put.

For me, it's nosiness trumping nervousness.

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Washington DC (U-Street Neighborhood): I am loving this chat. I agree with the chatter who has a probelm with calling. I am a reporter (entry-level).. i just graduated from college not too long ago and this is my first "real" job out of college.

I sometimes get flustered when speaking with sources on the phone because, for the most part, I'm new and I am always afaid I'm going to appear stupid or ignorant. With that in mind, I stumble with my words.

I feel that I am more clear, concise and insightful using e-mail because I have more time to think about what I am saying (writing).

In the six months I've been doing this, I've become more comfortable with phone interviews, but sometimes some Capitol Hill powertripper will get me flustered or intimidate me to the point where I end the call abruptly in order to avoid blundering.

God I hate this job. What was i thinking?

Mary Ellen Slayter: 80 percent of your colleagues feel the same way, so don't let that make you quit!

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Washington DC (U-Street Neighborhood): Wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but I guess you're right. Couldn't i just lie and say that my presence is needed back home and I have to leave immediately? This way I could use up my vacation and sick time, then quit. Good idea?

Mary Ellen Slayter: It's *your* guitar; you can tune it ... however ... you want ...

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re. Tysons Corner: Oh my goodness, that's me only I'm almost 31! Does the advice still hold true? I'm single, so it's not like I have an "baggage" for lack of a better term. I will have to live with a roommate, but I am finding that a lot of people in the DC area need/have roommates!

Mary Ellen Slayter: 31 is nothing. You're only a third of the way dead yet. Live a little. Besides, roommates are fun. I have 3 of them.

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Arlington, VA: I also have a problem with using the phone - I come off kind of young and probably too casual, which is bad since I'm a lawyer. I do write down the points I want to make when it's something complex or I'm nervous about talking to the person. It's funny, when it's something I don't really care about and it's simple I have no problem. Writing things down really works though, especially for voice mail, where you don't want your ramblings recorded.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Do you find yourself grateful when you get voicemail instead of a live person?

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Office-ville: Mary Ellen:

I am working in a position in a temporary capacity, but have been offered to apply for a full-time position. I feel comfortable with the duties of the job and the environment, however I have only been here for a couple of weeks and do not know all the ends and outs of the position. I have been allowed to do the tasks pretty independently which is cool, but I am starting to hit road blocks that make it harded for me to get things done effectively. This could be easily helped if I had a little more training on the office procedures. My problem is, I am not sure if it makes sense for me to ask for more training on the office software, etc? I know they are interviewing several other candidates, so I cannot gaurentee that I will be hired. Given this do you think I should ask, even though I may not be here after next week?

Thanks!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Go ahead and ask. It will put you steps ahead of the other candidates, and it shows you are serious about the job.

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Clinton, MD: I have the opportunity to go to another job, I know that there is room for advancement at this new place of employement and I know that where I am now there is no advancement, but the pay rate is still the same. Should I even consider this opportunity?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Why wouldn't you? It sounds like a no-lose situation. When you accept the offer, make it clear that you expect to be groomed for advancement.

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Washington, DC: What would you suggest regarding listing my salary history if I am a PhD candidate, historically and currently working for peanuts at my University? I am thinking particularly of government jobs that ask for this type of information. Would I list the peanuts (which probably brings me to GS-0.5) or ignore the question?
Thanks!;

Mary Ellen Slayter: Don't skip questions on a government application. They'll toss you out. Your PhD will push you into the appropriate pay band.

GS-0.5 gave me my chuckle of the day. Though I suppose we shouldn't give them any ideas ...

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Mary Ellen Slayter: That's all the time we have this afternoon! See you in two weeks.

Mary Ellen

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