Washington Post columnist Amy Joyce writes Life at Work on Sundays in the Business section and appears online every Tuesday. In her weekly chat she gives advice on how to handle social and professional situations.

An archive of Amy’s Life at Work columns is available online.

Find more career-related news and advice in our Jobs section.

Amy Joyce: Good morning, all. It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to talk about our life at work. As always, join in with your own advice and stories to help fellow readers along.

If you’ve been following this chat, you know I’m due to write a column about evaluations (it’s that time of year.) If you’re willing to share a story about a good or bad evaluation with me, using your name, I’m all ears: E-mail me at lifeatwork@washpost.com. I’m also interested in hearing from you managers about how you figure out how to do a “good” (i.e.: helpful) evaluation. I know it ain’t easy.

Alrighty, then. Let’s discuss….

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: I’m in a graduate program that I really, really do not like and my job is paying for it. After this semester, I plan to discontinue the program. However, some people are saying I should continue the program since my job is paying for it and since a graduate degree is a necessity. It is only my first year, but I find the classes to be difficult and boring. Do you think stopping the program will hurt my chances of getting into future graduate programs or having my employer pay for them?

Amy Joyce: If you stick with it and hate it, you’re wasting not only your own time, but your employer’s money. If you’re sure you don’t like it and don’t think this degree is anything you’ll use in the future, then save everyone the time and money and stop. Wait until you’re sure what you want to do before you dive in to another grad program. It’s just too expensive and time consuming to do if you hate it.

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Washington, D.C.: Any tips for managing a transition after a layoff? I’m downshifting to part-time work and close to full-time parenting. I’m a bit worried about culture shock after working for more than 20 years.

Amy Joyce: It will be a culture shock, for sure. Try to recognize that right away. The highs of work will be fewer. But that will be filled with other things. If you like the camaraderie of working, make sure on your days off you do a few things that will keep you on that track. Plan to meet friends, contacts, etc. Enjoy the kids, but know that it will be tough. Anyone else want to chime in with your experiences?

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Amy, Why are companies so hard-line about requiring a degree, but willing to dismiss extensive experience? Is there any way to get your foot in the door without a degree? Thanks — Frustrated with/ experience

Amy Joyce: I think it’s the one measure they all can agree on or be sure of. Yes, experience should count for a lot and oftentimes, it does. But if you’re trying to get in somewhere new, it is difficult without a degree, particularly if the company is looking at two candidates: One with a lot of experience and a degree. Or one with a lot of experience.

Any chance you want to go back to school?

If not, getting in will take what it takes for anyone: Networking. Make sure your former colleagues, clients, friends, family members know that you’re looking. Your experience and good work in the past may be enough for them to suggest you for a job elsewhere. Get out and go to networking events. Let people know what experience you have and what you’ve accomplished. You never know when and where you’ll meet someone who is a potential in to a job — degree or not.

Good luck.

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Falls Church, Va.: Amy — What’s the best way to approach a co-worker about an air freshener that is stinking up the office? This co-worker of mine has recently started using one of those “plug-in” air fresheners and the odor permeates the entire office. I get hit with a blast of it as soon as I open the door and I can smell it as I try to eat my lunch, etc. How can I get rid of this thing without coming off like a jerk? Thanks!

Amy Joyce: “Hi, Joe. Listen, I hate to be a pain, but that air freshener is way too strong. Is there any way you can get something that isn’t so potent? Thanks.”

Really. Just say something. Otherwise, you’ll start detesting this co-worker for something they don’t know they’re doing.

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washingtonpost.com: The Redskins Could Learn From Business (Post, Oct. 22)

Amy Joyce: This was Sunday’s column, for all you Skins fans (or not).

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Amy, I’m currently in the process of applying for a new job (interview tomorrow!). I am very close with a co-worker, but have not told her anything about this because I figure it’s better if she knows nothing (in case I do end up leaving and they ask her questions). Especially as there are only 8 of us in the company. Is it right to keep her in the dark? It’s killing me not telling her…thanks!