Q: In my company, the only way to get a decent raise is to be promoted, so I applied for a management job. I expected to receive the same salary as my friend, who has a similar position with another team.

When I got the promotion, my new boss didn't say how much my raise would be. However, he asked me to commit to staying in his department. I told him that I would stay as long as the money was right.

It turns out that I not only make less money than my friend but also work about 50 percent more hours. This promotion has been bad for my health, my family and the quality of my work.

At this point, even a huge raise would not make me happy. I want to transfer to a different department but am not sure how to go about it.

A: If money was so important, why didn't you inquire about the pay before accepting the position? But let's move on to the real cause of your distress.

If a fatter paycheck was your sole motivation for becoming a manager, no wonder you're unhappy. Management work involves communicating expectations, coaching employees, making decisions and monitoring results. Long hours are often a fact of life.

Before compounding this error, decide whether you actually enjoy being a manager. If so, a lateral transfer may solve your problem. But if not, you should consider other career options.

To explore the possibilities, talk with your human resources specialist. But be sure to focus on positive goals. Saying that you'd like to learn new skills or handle bigger projects sounds so much better than "I want to work fewer hours for more money."

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

Q: I recently was offered a job, contingent upon a drug screen and background check. I passed the drug test and provided information for the background investigation.

That was two weeks ago. I've heard nothing else, except that the background check has been "held up." I've stopped sending out my résumé, but I'm afraid this offer is going to be withdrawn.

So far, I have followed up with an e-mail and two phone calls. What should I do now?

A: This delay may be a bad sign or simply a run-of-the-mill bureaucratic glitch. The hiring process can grind to a halt for many reasons, including vacations, shifting priorities, slow approval processes and changing business conditions.

To an anxious applicant, the waiting seems interminable. But on the hiring end, time is passing much more quickly.

The only real reason to worry is if something unpleasant may have been unearthed by the background check. Otherwise, be patient. Frequent calls and e-mails will annoy your prospective employer.

Until you have a firm offer with a starting date, pass the time by continuing your job search. That way, if this position disappears, you won't have missed other opportunities.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.