Student Debates Taking New Job
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was offered a job, but I am on the fence about taking it; I want to know if my reasoning is stupid. I'm 19, and I don't necessarily need a job, but I would like one to pay off my credit cards faster. I got permission to miss a week at the end of June due to my best friend coming to visit me in New York right before my birthday. We've had this planned for months, and I knew immediately to let my new boss know. A few days ago, I informed her that my family wants to fly me home in early July to celebrate my actual birthday, and I desperately want to go. I haven't been home in months, and I am honestly a little homesick, which is something I never thought I would say about Ohio. I asked my manager if it would be possible for me to miss another week to go home, and she hasn't gotten back to me. I am prepared to turn down the job if she tells me I can't. Do you think that's irresponsible? I feel like this is the only time of my life that I'll be able to do something like this. -- Homesick Student
DEAR HOMESICK STUDENT: Your request for back-to-back weeks off at the last minute is unreasonable. You have accepted a job, and with it come responsibilities. Your boss is relying on you to be present when you have agreed to be. If you were to quit because you want to go home for a week, you might end up with a negative reference.
Speak to your boss to find out if there is any way they can accommodate your late request. Acknowledge that you know it's a lot to ask. Point out how homesick you are and that you would greatly appreciate it. If they cannot accommodate you, ask your family to host something special for you a bit later. You can delay the fun.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I work in event planning at a club in a major city right by my hometown. Girls who used to bully me and make my life miserable in high school keep DMing me, trying to get onto guest lists and into events. I keep ignoring them or telling them I can't; however, they keep persisting. I don't want to seem like I hold grudges, but I also don't want to see the girls who tormented me every day of high school walking around my place of work intoxicated -- that genuinely sounds like my worst nightmare. Do you think I'm being immature for not inviting them out? Clearly, they want to come, but I don't want them here. Am I being petty? -- Ain't No Crying in the Club
DEAR AIN'T NO CRYING IN THE CLUB: You are under no obligation to give these girls a pass to come to the club. Continue to ignore them unless you think they would be good for business. If their presence would benefit the big picture and make you look good to your boss, then for strategic purposes you could invite them. If they misbehave, don't give them access again.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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