Q. I try very hard to be as professional as possible, but when something very bad happened recently at work, I burst into tears in front of everyone. My boss announced a major layoff – which involved some of my friends – and said there would be a big pay cut for the rest of us. I simply lost it and wept out loud. Even though no one has said anything to me about it, do you think this behavior will ruin my career here?

A. Under the circumstances, I think your job is as safe as anyone else’s at your place. And while there’s nothing that gives vent to emotions better than crying – at least once a day – it’s best not to do so in front of your boss and co-workers. You have to do it in private. That’s what stalls in washrooms at work were invented for.

Q. I was surprised to be called in for a job interview as I had sent in my resume months before and heard nothing. I did the interview about three weeks ago and felt it went very well. Afterwards, I sent handwritten and e-mail thank-you notes, but I’ve heard nothing since. I was under the impression I would hear from them whether I got the job or not. Shall I call them this time to find out what happened?

A. Yes, it’s a good idea at this point to check with them, but never, for one moment, stop job-hunting elsewhere.

Q. My employer wants me to take a business course that I am not the least bit interested in and that I feel really has nothing to do with my work. He keeps asking me; I keep saying no. Do I have to?

A. Yes.

Q. I made an appointment by phone with a temporary agency and they asked me to bring my driver’s license and proof of citizenship. With this information, they will know how old I am. How do I get around this?

A. Ask why they need to see these documents. Does the job involve driving? And tell them you’ll be glad to show proof of citizenship once the job offer is made. You are right not to want to help them break anti-discrimination laws.

Q. I legally took off unpaid time under the Family and Medical Leave Act to take care of my daughter who needed surgery and then chemotherapy. Of course, I worried about her and about my job the whole time I was off: There is nothing scarier for a parent than to have a sick child and also to fear for her job and health benefits. My daughter is fine now but I can never forgive the pressure my manager put on me for taking this leave.

A. I’m so glad your daughter is doing well. Thank goodness the FMLA guarantees you a job. It does not guarantee, unfortunately, that insensitive and poorly trained managers won’t hassle you.

Carol Kleiman is the author of “Winning the Job Game: The New Rules for Finding and Keeping the Job You Want” (Wiley, $16.95). Send e-mail to ckleimantribune.com.)

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AP-NY-05-27-03 0616EDT