Harriette Cole: I got scolded for what I said to the bigwig in my store

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student in New York City, and I work part-time for a beauty store that carries dozens of brands.

A brand owner and CEO came into my boutique the other day and spoke with me and my manager. I jokingly told the owner that if he ever needs a marketing intern to let me know, and we exchanged information.

When he left, my manager (who I am friends with) told me to never again try to network for a better job at work.

I didn’t even realize that what I did could have come across as inappropriate. How can I navigate networking and seeking opportunities in the future?

— Student Worker

DEAR STUDENT WORKER: Your boss is right. You should not pitch for any other business when you are on the job, whether you are in store, at an event or anywhere else.

Instead, present yourself in the most professional and proficient way possible. Make an impression on everyone who walks through the door so that they remember you. If that person follows up and reaches out to you, that’s when you can have conversations about working with them — but never at your job and certainly not in front of your boss.

While at work, you need to do your job — that’s it.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a single mom who is struggling to make ends meet.

I divorced my husband of 15 years, and I now have full custody of a 9-year-old and a 10-year-old. I do get child support from my husband, but it’s not much.

I haven’t been working for the past decade, so my job options are limited. Since the divorce, I’ve been working a front-desk job, but it doesn’t pay what I need to be able to support a family.

I’ve been thinking about going back to school, but I’m nervous. I’m worried that after being out of the classroom for so many years, I won’t be able to keep up with the coursework.

On top of that, I don’t know how I would juggle classes, homework, a full-time job and raising two young children on my own. Childcare is expensive, and I don’t have much family nearby who can help me when I need it.

I know that getting a degree or learning a new skill could open the door to better-paying jobs and provide more stability for my kids in the long run, but it’s hard to justify taking on student loans or reducing my work hours when every dollar is already accounted for.

Do you think going back to school is worth it?

— Can’t Stretch It

DEAR CAN’T STRETCH IT: Sounds like it’s time to go back to your ex.

Explain to him that you simply cannot make ends meet, no matter how hard you try. Thank him for doing the right thing by offering you child support, but point out that it simply is not enough.

Talk to him to make a strategy where he gives more, including financial resources and time. If he can take the children more, you will have a bit of time to go to school and upgrade your job potential.

He may not want to work with you, but you need him. Try to do it out of court, but go there if you must.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.