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Still on the same Skynite Consult; does anyone know anything about them...whether genuine or one of those many time wasters?

Thank You

In your professional life, many decisions are relatively easy. When you're asked by your manager to tackle an assignment, you do it. When a colleague needs help and you're available, you pitch in. When you're offered a job you want, you take it. But what about those tricky situations where the proper course of action isn't so clear-cut? They come up on rare occasions, but when they do, it's important to be prepared.

Following are career dilemmas you may encounter and suggestions for how to handle them:

Dilemma 1: You find out a colleague makes more money than you do.

You're at the copy machine and find a coworker's pay stub. Seeing the salary, you realize the person makes more than you, even though he has the same job.

Proper course of action: While you might be tempted to immediately march into your manager's office to demand an explanation -- and a raise -- take a more cool-headed approach. Going to your boss with financial concerns arising from confidential information will do more harm than good.

Instead, use this knowledge as an impetus to examine your own pay and value in the employment market. 

Dilemma 2: You are offered a new job, but you're happy with your current one.

A friend who works at another company just found out a position has opened up there. He calls and pitches you the opportunity, saying he's sure you'd be a front-runner for the role. You're intrigued, knowing how much he raves about the organization, but you like your current job.

Proper course of action: Ask your friend for more information about the company and role, so you can see how it compares with your current situation. Are there opportunities for quick and steady advancement? How competitive is the salary and benefits package? What is the corporate culture like?

Assuming you're still interested, there isn't any harm in interviewing. This will give you the chance to find out more about the ins and outs of the position and get an additional perspective on the organization. If the interview goes well, you may want to seriously consider this new opportunity.

Dilemma 3: You have the opportunity to take on an important but difficult project.

You find out a major project is approaching, and your manager is looking for someone to lead it. It promises heightened visibility within the firm, but it's also a big challenge.

Proper course of action: If you're undecided about volunteering for the project, first ask yourself if you can handle the responsibility in addition to your current workload. At the same time, consider the abilities you'll develop by taking on the assignment. You'll improve your project management skills, meet people across the organization and potentially put yourself in position for even more challenging opportunities in the future.

If you are uncomfortable about the prospect of leading the project, ask your manager if there is another way you can be involved in it. Taking on at least a partial role can help you expand your skill set and increase your value to the firm.

These tough decisions and others like them can test the mettle of even the most experienced professional, mainly because there's no clear right or wrong answer. But by carefully considering your options and using sound judgment, you can come up with the best answer for you.

The old adage says, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," and its wisdom is applicable to job seekers. It is usually far easier to find another job if you're already employed. But how can you ensure that the worst never happens to you -- that you're never left without a job and possibilities for your next opportunity?

Here are five suggestions

Keep thinking positive.

It sounds deceptively simple, but try embracing the power of positive thinking when you're thinking about your career.  "When you tell yourself something bad will happen to your job, something bad will probably happen. If you tell yourself that you are marketable and confident and that you will always be working, your words can make this true."

Keep thinking ahead.

If you're not following trends within your particular industry, you could be caught off guard by a layoff. Is your position or division vulnerable to outsourcing, further automation, or elimination? Or if your job is being eliminated or outsourced, you will want to know about it before you are in the room with the human resources person telling you that your job is going away."

" Always look for trends and then train yourself in growth areas. Having the right skills at the right time ensures that no matter what is happening around you, you will be needed and employable."

Keep your resume ready.

Having your resume at the ready gives you confidence. You always know that if opportunity casually knocks, you're prepared to answer.  "Even if you are not looking for work, your resume reminds you of the contributions you make on a regular basis, something you can easily forget when you are immersed in the day-to-day. Whether you are looking for a job, or you already have one, an updated resume is essential for your career."

Keep cultivating your network

Brown-Volkman, author of "Don't Blow It: The Right Words for the Right Job," believes networking should always be a part of your professional life, and states, "If you start to network only when you need something, you will have a lot of catching up to do." Instead of waiting until the 11th hour, she advises workers to network in some way every day.

"Wherever there are people, there is an opportunity to network." She also urges workers to network within their own workplaces. If coworkers understand what you do and your value, this could help safeguard your job in dicey times.

Keep your eyes and ears open.

You're up on the trends. You're networking. You've got a current resume. You're thinking positive thoughts. Now it's time to get creative -- by creating your own opportunities.

Hop dis is right, B.Sc Computer Science