'My Son Can't Find a Job!'

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QUESTION: I am the concerned -- no, make that genuinely worried -- mother of an unemployed adult son. He has worked but recently was downsized out of a job. He pores over the want ads, e-mails out resumes, goes to job-search groups, frequently has job interviews but can't find a job. He has good people skills, is computer literate, has good phone skills and is known as an excellent problem solver. Is there someone we can hire for a fee to find him a job?

ANSWER: No matter how much you love him and are concerned about him, he will have to do it himself. You can't do it for him, and neither can anyone else. He must research the job market thoroughly and network with anyone and everyone. Warn him never to pay for a job or to pay anyone to find one for him. He will have to do it the old-fashioned way: by hard work. Continue to be encouraging and supportive.

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