Dear Michelle Last June I got a 2.1 degree in public health nutrition and have been applying for nutrition-based jobs but with no success. My friends and family are supportive, but I feel my potential is being wasted. Is there anything else I should or could be doing? Scott, by email Try to stay positive. […] Read more

Dear Michelle I had an idea for a company’s website that I think would boost their profits. I contacted them a year ago but didn’t receive a reply, and am considering writing to a different person in the company. If they use my idea, will I get paid? Sharon, by email I would call them […] Read more

Dear Michelle I work for a cleaning company and signed a contract to work eight hours a day. I’m happy to put in some extra time, but I’ve recently found myself working more than 50 hours a week for no extra money. How can I say something without sounding too demanding? Carly, by email It […] Read more

Dear Michelle I’ve worked at an events company for eight years and when a promotion came up recently I applied for it, as did two colleagues and several external people. The job was given to a colleague and I genuinely believe this was the wrong decision. Is there anything I can say to my boss […] Read more

Dear Michelle I’m a full-time student with a big overdraft, and I’m struggling to pay my bills and get my work done. While studying for my graphic design degree, I’m applying for work in order to build up my portfolio, but nobody will hire me. I feel worthless. Can you help? Emma, via email You […] Read more

Dear Michelle I want to work from home and have answered adverts in newspapers for home workers, but they all look like scams, requesting money upfront, giving no contact details or company info. How can I work out if a company is legitimate? Deborah, by email Going online and looking at possible home selling opportunities […] Read more

Dear Michelle My daughter started working as a receptionist five weeks ago but has since noticed her role being advertised by her employer online. She has not been told to look for other work and says her bosses are being OK with her. She’s been upset but is still going into work. What advice can […] Read more

1 Believe in yourself If you’re looking to get ahead, you need ambition, commitment, guts and self-belief. 2 Be decisive Make a decision and stick to it, whether it’s going for a promotion, starting up your own business or changing career direction. 3 Identify your skills If you’re after a promotion, make a list of […] Read more

Dear Michelle A friend was coerced into taking out four phone contracts on behalf of a man she’d fallen for. He is unable to pay the bills and the phone companies keep demanding my friend pays, but she’s unemployed and can’t afford it. What can she do? Bob, by email I’m afraid that even when […] Read more

Dear Michelle I’ve recently got a job working in a care home, doing 12-hour shifts, three nights a week. Any advice on how to stay alert, and on how to fit in time for friends and family? Sarah, by email Your body clock will eventually adapt to working long hours and it will become easier. […] Read more

Dear Michelle I recently had a job interview and had to come up with some ideas and present them. I didn’t get the job, but a few months later, I noticed the company had just produced something similar to one of my ideas, and I think they might have taken it from me. Should I […] Read more

Dear Michelle My 21-year-old son completed a business degree this year. He’s been unemployed since May, despite having applied for over 200 jobs and joining lots of agencies. He’s done volunteering, but now he’s bored and has stopped socialising. I’m worried he’ll get depressed. How can I help? Janet, by email It can be difficult […] Read more

Dear Michelle I’m looking for advice on breaking into a female-dominated industry. I have an idea for a spa, and have backers, but I’m worried that women won’t use the spa and that beauticians won’t work for me because I’m a man. How can I show that I’m serious? Mike, Kent Congratulations on finding backers […] Read more

Dear Michelle My sister and I are discussing opening a restaurant together – I’d cook and she’d run front of house. Our family think we’re mad and say we’ll fall out as we can have a bit of a love/hate relationship. Should we go ahead? Are there any things we can put in place to […] Read more

Dear Michelle I work really long hours, but I just can’t seem to cope with the volume of work. I feel exhausted all the time and don’t sleep very well as I’m so stressed. I tried talking to my boss about it, but she just said everyone was in the same boat and I had […] Read more