Now roll up your sleeves and do a much tougher detective job on checking out your next offer. Start with the Net, looking for "how to research a company." The problem is that most jobs are in smallish firms and the facts may not be easy to uncover.
DEAR JOYCE: The real reason that I quit a $28-an-hour job a year ago is because my idiot boss kept writing me up for asinine reasons. I'm getting asked why I quit a $28-an-hour job. I don't know what to put down on applications as reason for leaving. I know you're not supposed to knock your previous boss. What should I say? -- C.W.
The usual reasons -- to spend full time looking for greater challenge, more opportunity and better pay -- are dead on delivery, in your case. Try this:
"Life is too short for me to be controlled entirely by money. I have lots of skills to offer, and I woke up one day and realized that I want to use my skills in a happy environment where everyone works as a team to get the right things accomplished." In an interview, add a question: "Have I found that place here?"