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"EMPLOYEE WILL CHANGE TUNE WHEN SHE TRADES SEATS WITH EMPLOYER!"

Dear Kathryn: I've worked for a web design/public relations firm for years and finally had my fill of their bureaucracy and directives. I have earned myself a really good reputation with our clients and many of them think of me as part of their company. I've designed their logos, come up with successful corporate identities and choreographed their webpage. I just know that many of them will want to continue to use me when I announce I'm leaving to start my own company.

Here's my dilemma-I signed a non-compete with my current employer. I'm afraid that due to their jealousy and petty style, they'll try to keep my clients that have stayed with us because of me. I don't intend to actively recruit them, but quite frankly, will be relying on their business to open mine.

If my clients come to me of their own volition, can my employer try to stop my business and sue me? It's impossible to get ahead if all ex-employer's want to do is hog-tie you once you become their employee!

WORRIED SANDY, Woodstock, CT

Dear Sandy:

Your entrepreneurial spirit is exciting; however, once you're in the employer seat, you'll be singing a different tune. Once you personally experience the work, effort, headaches and money that an employer expends to attract and keep clients, you'll fight tooth and nail to keep them, too.

To respond to your question as to whether your employer can "hog-tie" you, (interesting concept); here's what labor guru Attorney Brian Clemow tells me.

The specific language of your non-compete will distinguish their chances of keeping you from working with current clients. First, the agreement must be reasonable. If so, it's most likely enforceable. If the agreement prohibits you from "soliciting" clients, you're most likely OK if clients come to you. If the agreement states that you "cannot solicit or work for current clients", you're most likely tied up for the length of time the agreement stipulates.

Be careful however, of this-if your agreement states that you simply can't solicit current clients and nine out of ten of your clients just happen to leave your employer's circle and land in yours, it will appear mighty fishy. Your then, ex-employer may seek legal remedies.

It's one thing for an ex-employee to join another company, even a competitor. It's another thing for an ex-employee to establish their own company and walk away with a bulk of business that they wouldn't have been exposed to if it wasn't for their employer. Have your attorney carefully read the non-compete agreement before your next step. Good luck!

Dear Kathryn:

I'm ripped apart at what to do to get my career off first base after I thought I'd be making home runs by now.

I've worked for seven years in the financial field and suffered seeing my peers get ahead, all because they had MBA's. I finally bit the bullet, convinced my husband to take out a homeowner's loan and put me through the MBA program while I still worked.

After what seems like a million dollars, an out of whack home life and many exhausting months, I've got the famous three letters after my name. The problem is, they haven't helped me one iota.

I've posted for three other positions and interviewed on the outside for over seven jobs. The emphasis of the interviews seem to be on what I've done to initiate positive change, successful innovations and save the company money. Kathryn, these last few years of working and getting my degree I've barely been able to maintain my job, never mind make "significant change!"

I thought the degree would help propel me forward and now I find myself in the same dead-end situation, only with a big tuition loan to pay back. Since when did the MBA get unpopular? Now what do I do to move onward and upward?

NICOLE P., Glastonbury, CT

Dear Nicole :

One thing you can always count on-the workplace and job market is always evolving. The successful, striving employee, determined to win does exactly the same.

The MBA was never advertised as a shoe-in to a six figure salary and a high level management job. It is a tool, just like any other. It helps separate you from others with similar experience, but without the degree. The MBA is no guarantee, by itself, that you are going to be ushered into the corner office with a six figure salary.

Today's employer is most definitely hell-bent on making sure that, if they add a new employee, (equaling cost to their bottom line), that new employee better do more then maintain what they already have going on. They're looking for magic-- suggestions as to how you'll save them money, increase efficiency and prove to have been a wise investment in the long run. That's where you come in with your creative analyzation and input on how they can get there.

How can you quickly assimilate some of those examples to your credit? Analyze what the three least efficient, cumbersome and time consuming tasks you or your team performs. Next, analyze how time could be saved, thus money, in performing the tasks in a more efficient fashion that won't jeopardize the desired result.

Now that the school business is over, spend some of the time and brain power analyzing your efficiency as if you were an outside consultant, looking in. Once you begin to think in this manner, it will become easier to volunteer these ideas in interviews.

Like life, climbing the career ladder is forever challenging. You're now better equipped to keep climbing-get started!

Dear Kathryn:

My daughter will be new to a human resource management position with her recent promotion. While she's had a good education and some light experience, I'd love to introduce her to additional tools that will help her succeed. Any suggestions?

Paul O., Canton, CT

Dear Paul :

You, thoughtful father! While a certificate for seminars on current human resource issues are always welcome, she might have a hard time finding the time to attend given her new job responsibilities.

Pick up the latest book us human resource folks are gabbing about-- The HR Answer Book. From advice on conducting meaningful reviews to what types of guidelines to issue regarding computer usage, to how to handle workplace violence threats, it's an up to the minute fun and problem solving read. The author, Smith & Mazin did a terrific job putting it together and it's worth the price of admission.