I’m on a trial period at work and I’m not sure if I want to stay at this company. Our workday ends at 7 PM and I go home on time. But my coworkers don’t understand why I don’t stay late. They say I’m...

You are on probation and I am sure that on your contract shift hours were stipulated. You follow your contract and do not listen to colleagues and... only stay for extra hours when instructed by a superior who will tell you the reason for working late. Remember your contract is your guideline not your colleagues. Also note that staying until late does not always mean that people are hard workers but employees slacking off during office hours. Do your work accordingly and knock off as per stipulation. more

At a job interview the very first question they asked me after introductions was whether I have children. I said “yes, two” and the interview ended right away. The HR person immediately told me that I...

Wow, there is nothing wrong with this question as sometimes employers want to determine your other commitments, and to better understand who you are... outside of the work front, but having children does not take away your ability to do your job. I was once asked this question and as I was answering I slipped in there how managing my kids has enhanced my ability to negotiate situations, deal with conflict and has enhanced my ability to think on my feet as children keep you on your toes. I elaborated that I have excelled as an HR practitioner because of how well I balance my work-home lifestyle. At times one need to answer strategically when employers sneak in a below the belt question as having children does not hinder how you do your work as well as does not measure your passion and commitment. I started of my answer with, oh wow what a question, I have been blessed with 3 kids and because of them I am a passionate HR practitioner as I ........... more