Networking Tip: Ask 'How Can I Help You?'

My grandson is in the Marines. Last month, he sustained a skull fracture/concussion with resulting frontal lobe hematoma while on duty. He was in the ICU for 24 hours and was placed on medical leave. He was supposed to go for a follow-up on November 20; however, on the day of the exam, he was told an appointment had not been scheduled. His one month leave will expir on November 23, 2008. He thinks he can go back to his unit without a doctor's discharge inasmuch as the next doctor's appointment is now scheduled for December 11, 2008 and he is afraid that if he waits for the doctor's appointment before he returns to his unit, his unit/commander might think he is taking advantage of his injury.

In private corporation, I used to do personnel work and I know that before we readmit an employee back to work, he/she would have to present a doctor's discharge to do so. Is the Marines exempt from this?

EVIE V. MARTIN of CA 6:42PM November 21, 2008

Great article. One thought I would like to add is that even if you have not been successful working with recruiters you might consider offering to help them. Providing them with names and ideas creates a lot of goodwill. As a former recruiter I went out of my way to help people who were helpful to me, especially when times were tough. It doesn't mean the payoff will be immediate, but goodwill is always bankable.

careerandtransitioncoaching.com/pblog/

mrosenbaum@careerandtransitioncoaching.com

Mary Rosenbaum of NY 5:59PM November 18, 2008