DEAR HARRIETTE: My stepsister and I are the same age. Our parents got married when we were 20, so it's not like we grew up together. We get along very well, though. My stepsister is struggling to find a job, whereas I'm filling my schedule with two part-time jobs and weekend gigs. I use the internet and connections to find my jobs.
My mother and stepfather have decided that I should be helping my "sister" find a job because I am so good at it. Honestly, I think she should find her own way, just like I did. It's not too hard to get on your feet and hustle! How do I tell my parents that I won't be spending hours of my life finding employment opportunities that I wouldn't even be taking advantage of? -- Find Your Own Hustle, Jackson, Mississippi
DEAR FIND YOUR OWN HUSTLE: Rather than telling your parents what you won't do, here's a recommendation: Sit down with your stepsister and tell her what you do to find work. Don't do it for her, but explain your process. You can even tell her a couple of examples of websites or searches that you use in order to find leads. It would be generous of you to give your stepsister a bit of coaching so that she feels more comfortable trying it out for herself. This is a kind compromise. You will not be searching for jobs for her, but you will be showing her one way to start her own search.