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Jewish World Review April 26, 2001 / 4 Iyar, 5761
Workstyle by Paula Bern
http://www.jewishworldreview.com -- Q: I often feel guilty because I do so little volunteer work for neighborhood charities. So I volunteered several weeks ago to man a telephone at a fund-raiser for our local public television station. It's a gigantic auction put on each year and every single item is donated. A caller can bid on anything and everything - from baby chicks to rugs. Naturally, the TV cameras pan the volunteers and so I put on a happy face and take the calls. Imagine my shock when a caller let loose with a string of obscenities that made my hair curl. I couldn't say anything; I just hung up the phone. Then I left the studio without telling anyone what happened. Does this happen to other people? - Sissy, Mass. A: Nope. I suspect you were just unlucky. Most people calling in to donate something for the arts take the call very seriously and truly want to show their appreciation for art, music or dance. I have volunteered to man the phones many times and it always has been a rewarding experience. So forget the one nasty call and keep offering your time and skill. Q: I just had a chance to preview a book that should be "must reading" for anyone forced into early retirement or who feels discriminated against because of age. As most of us know, "early forced retirement" in most situations is illegal. Truly early retirement is not. If your readers want to know the difference, I suggest they get the book "Age Discrimination in the American Workplace; Old at a Young Age" by Raymond Gregory. This book makes clear the fine line of distinction and lists the remedial actions available. -J.D., Marquette, Mich.
A: Thanks for the tip. I know of the book as well and would agree
that it does have excellent tips for anyone who feels he is being
pushed out of their job in a wrongful
04/06/01: Office pest ... Manhattan cabbies .... actuary's gripe Dr. Paula Bern has taught executive seminars at Carnegie-Mellon University. Comment by clicking here.
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