Dear Steve:
After working eight years with the same firm, I was suddenly fired from my job as an interior designer. I knew business was slowing, but as a senior person who had worked very hard, I thought I had job security. On top of this, they offered me a skimpy one-month's severance, conditional on my signing a release within the next 21 days. What should I do?
Shafted in San Francisco, CA

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do. Unless you have a written employment contract (which most people don't), the law is not on your side. Concerning termination, a company has only two legal obligations. One is to give you 21 days to sign any sort of "package." After that time, they can choose to extend the offer or withdraw it completely. As far as severance, there is no law entitling a worker to any severance whatsoever. In fact, companies don't even have to give two weeks notice—they can let you go on the spot. Generous employers typically offer about two weeks' pay for every year of service. Yes, your severance package is definitely on the cheap side—after eight years, four months' pay would have been a nice gesture. What I recommend—ALWAYS—is that you ask for more. As we say in New York, "It can't hurt to ask." Of course, express your requests in a thoroughly respectful, professional manner. Also ask about "outplacement" services. Another topic is references: discuss with your employers what they will tell people about why they let you go.

The second legal obligation is that companies give you the option of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). This is an extension of your medical plan, which you must pay for, but at your group rate. It's critical that you take them up on this, unless you're covered under a spouse's medical policy. Another couple of pieces of advice: whatever money you eventually get, it never lasts as long as you think it will. So put the funds in the bank, and live as frugally as possible until you land a new job. Good luck!

Dear Steve:
I'm facing a quandary. I'm in direct competition with another designer for a promotion. She's more qualified, but I'm liked much more by our boss and co-workers. The "buzz" is that I'm the front-runner. I have no doubt that I would be excellent in the new position, but I'm uneasy about getting tagged for it. Despite the "popularity contest," the fact is that the other candidate is better qualified, and I've always believed that that should be the main criterion.
Perilously Positioned in Grand Rapids, MI

It's interesting that you feel so conflicted. In fact, I chose your question because it involves a crucial and widespread misconception. But first, here's the short answer: If you're offered the job, take it with a clear conscience. From what you wrote, you are qualified, and so the choice is just a judgment call on your boss' part. An essential part of work life is getting along with others, so actually you are the better-qualified choice. Regardless, just look out for your own interests. No one else is going to make your mortgage payments and pay for the kids' education. Don't worry about what the others will think. They'll understand (because they would do the same thing), and besides, most peers are happier when the popular candidate wins.

Now, to expand on the theme your question brought up, many people say they struggle with the issue of professional skills versus career advancement (i.e., Why does it seem that the people who do best aren't necessarily the best at what they do?). This misses a crucial point: professionalism is only half the battle. Personal chemistry is the other half, and it's usually the decisive half when it comes to hiring, promotions and lay-offs. Don't underestimate your own knowledge about how to get along with co-workers and management. Such "political" traits are essential to success in the workplace. This is not a bad thing. People are more productive and companies are most successful when good vibes prevail rather than friction, tension, hostility or sourness.