I am having a serious relationship with a co-worker. We are in love (at least I am!) and no one else knows about it (I think). I'm concerned my boss might freak if he finds out. But we're thinking about getting engaged, so something has to give. Meanwhile, I found out my boyfriend is making a lot more money than I am. What should we do?
-Workplace Love in Chicago

Welcome to the real world of work. Unfortunately, women still almost always make less money than men; it's almost criminal. But first, let's deal with the relationship. Good for you that you met someone at work. In questionnaires, 70 percent say they've had a relationship with someone on the job, so it's obviously a natural place to hook up. Not only do you spend most of your time there, but the fact that you are in the same field is a good indicator you have a lot in common. I encourage people to consider their job a superior version of www.match.com. (This is NOT a go-ahead to sexually harass others.) As for your boss finding out; let him. You didn't mention any specific policy about workplace relationships. Besides, chances are that everyone knows already and are talking behind your backs because of your secrecy.

Now, the money issue. It is a very sensitive issue, and if you're not careful you could jeopardize both your jobs. At all costs, never bring up to your boss that you know what your boyfriend makes. Instead, think about finding a new job! (Believe me, it will be better for the relationship, too.)

I'm back in the job search market for the first time in many years and am a bit rusty. I'm sure some of the rules have changed. What are the new dos and don'ts?
-Jobseeker in Grand Rapids, MI

Yes, some of the rules have changed, but be assured most of the old truths are still intact. I'll give you a quick recap of the evergreens:

• Be punctual to interviews! In fact, show up even a few minutes early.

• Dress appropriately in formal business wear. Remember, "casual Friday" doesn't apply to you until you're hired.

• Bring extra copies of your résumé in case the original was lost or other managers want a copy.

• Get business cards from the people you meet; this way you have the proper spelling of their names, titles, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for follow-ups.

• Remember that employers really do check references, so make sure yours are solid; you might even call them first so you're sure they'll give a favorable review.

• Never lie about college degrees or previous incomes. Both of these areas are verified once you start a job, and lying is grounds for immediate termination.

Most of the "new rules" relate to the communications technologies that predominate. There are a few protocols to remember:

• Use an appropriate e-mail name (moniker) for any work-related correspondence (i.e., do not have "Blondie@aol.com" on your resume). If necessary, start a new e-mail account.

• The same applies to voicemail or answering machines. Install a "normal" message, not hip-hop music or your six-year-old. If you share a machine, switch to a local voicemail service where you can have your own mailbox. Cell phones or pagers are other ways to field messages, but they don't replace regular phones.

• You probably know that sending a post-interview follow-up letter is the classy, professional move. Resist the temptation to send it on e-mail; there's no substitute for an old-fashioned handwritten note you shoot off the same day as the interview.

• If you e-mail a résumé, consider copying it into the body of your message. With so many viruses around, people are loath to open attachments. Some people send it both ways. Always mail a hard copy anyway.

• Check out the company's Web site beforehand and comment on it during the interview.

In a way, you have an advantage over younger job seekers who never properly learned how to make a favorable impression. During the last five years, many job candidates sported an arrogant, "seller's market" attitude. Now that the tide has turned, that tone suddenly seems out of step with reality.