Dear Steve:
At my company, I'm considered the resident CAD guru. When any other designer has a technical problem, I'm always the point person. In fact, sometimes I feel like people don't try to work out even simple technical glitches because they know I'll make it right in a snap. But this expertise didn't happen automatically; I've put in countless hours in classes and training programs and working on my own to master upgrades and other technical skills. Although my firm has paid for some of my "continuing education," they haven't given me a promotion in my four years here. What should I do?
-Unappreciated CAD Guru

Promoted to what? King of CAD? There's not much upward mobility, title-wise, so the real question is money. And you've been honing one of the most important skills in the design world. To find out if you're being underpaid, try to go on a couple of interviews. CAD is one of the few areas where firms are still hiring. Test the waters. See if you get any offers and also how much they're paying for your skill level. You actually have more autonomy than most people; you'll never be without a job in the world of design. You also might want to speak with your manager and tell him or her that you feel you're not getting a fair shake. If your company thinks they risk losing an indispensable resource, it's totally possible that it will be willing to give you a significant raise. Often, it's just a matter of bringing it to someone's attention because management's attitude, salary-wise, is, "Why pay them if they ain't broke?"

Dear Steve:
My job seems to be the least of my problems, but I haven't been able to focus since the terrorist attacks on our country. I don't live in New York City or Washington, DC, but I'm preoccupied with my safety in the workplace. Sometimes I don't even want to go to work. I can't seem to concentrate, and I'm afraid it's going to affect my performance. Is this normal?
-Scared American

Yes, it is perfectly normal to be upset and even concerned about safety. For example, in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, many people all over the country experienced a period of anxiety. And now, with the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the feeling has returned. To many Americans, it feels like a more dangerous world than before the attack; all we can hope is that subsequent actions make things better, not worse. But you can't let fear overtake your life. Even if you work in a landmark building, there doesn't seem to be reason to be especially fearful on the job. Be sure to not overdose on television news, and definitely go to work every day so your fear doesn't become outright paranoia. The normalcy of being with your colleagues and practicing your professional skills is therapeutic. Also, the job is a place where you can share your feelings—but not to an inappropriate degree. You'll probably find that others are concerned and that fears about terrorism will soon start to subside. Most importantly, seek the advice of a trained counselor if you don't feel yourself getting any better.

Dear Steve:
I'm with a major manufacturer and facing a very frustrating situation. With the year approaching its end, our division is not even close to "goal," which means we won't make our bonus. I took this job based on the entire base-plus-bonus package, so now I'll be making about 30 percent less than expected. Since our goal for next year is bound to be higher, I think it's time to look for a new job. What do you think?
-Underpaid and Concerned

It's the same all over: practically no one is making goal this year. Let's face it—there's a recession in the furniture industry. (There, I've said it!) So finding a new job now is a long shot, but the good news for you is that sales professionals are more important than ever. While your colleagues in corporate may lose their jobs, very few manufacturers are laying off salespeople. Since you apparently work on a calendar year, I recommend you approach your manager now to discuss your sales goal for next year. Express your concerns about making more than your base, and, hopefully, the company will come up with a realistic downward adjustment of expected sales goals. Believe me, managers want people to reach goal, so it's in their interests to be flexible. It never hurts to keep your eye open to other opportunities, but during these slower economic times you may be better off staying put.

Dear Steve:
I work at a firm where the average age of the designers is in the low thirties. I'm pushing 50, but I think I'm very up on the cutting edge, design-wise. (Okay, sometimes I get a bit flustered with technology problems.) Occasionally a younger colleague will make a "joking" remark about my age, implying that I should think about being put out to pasture, that kind of nonsense. It angers me, but I try not to let it show. I'm thinking of approaching management and informing them that this is a problem and probably an instance of "ageism." What do you think I should do?
-Older, But Still Good

First, don't get too worked up over what sounds like fairly trivial comments. Remember, these are coming from colleagues, not from your boss. So there's no legal basis for charges of "ageism." (Also, I'm generally very opposed to the lawsuit approach. It often backfires against whomever makes the complaint and ruins what's left of his or her career.) If you're comfortable with your level of "currency," then radiate confidence and take any silly comments in stride. Your colleagues might be testing you, to see if you think you're over the hill. If the remarks annoy you so much, or if they become more frequent, let everyone know you want them to end. Don't lose your temper, but be direct. In today's economy, if dumb remarks about your age are your worst problem at work, you're doing fine.