Ask the expert: Playing the game your way

Q. I've joined a company where every quarter there are golf days with clients. I can't play golf - can't stand it - but have this sinking feeling that I have no option. Any suggestions about how I can finesse this?

A. Client days are not just social events, they are part of how your company does business. So, I think you'll probably have to learn to play golf, unless your boss and co-workers tell you that it's strictly optional.

If it is required, however, you're going to need lessons and you might be able to ask your employer to meet or help with the cost of a golf professional to introduce you to the course and spend at least a day a week for a month or so to get you started.

Depending on how quickly you catch on to the game, the pro may advise you on how much extra time will be required to bring you up to a reasonable standard of play.

And cheer up - friends insist the game is addictive. You get a handicap to offset your level of play, and at least it's not a contact sport!

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Q. The company I work for supplies sales representatives with company cars. There is a petrol limit which seems very low. Is driving to and from work considered personal use or business ?

A. The company car is an increasingly rare benefit, as many companies "cash out" these benefits. Although there are some exceptions, the business use of a vehicle generally does not cover travel from your residence to your place of work.

This definition covers both the vehicle and any allowances for petrol or other transport expenses. Where you live is a personal decision, and getting from there to work is a personal cost.

I have noticed, however, that many petrol allowances and mileage provisions used by employers are several years old, and do not reflect costs for petrol, parts and car maintenance.

If you feel that the allowance is low given the amount of business use, you may wish to clarify with your employer what the basis for the calculation is, and whether that has been updated to reflect current costs.

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Q. I have an advertising and marketing background. About two and a half years ago I closed down my company to have some time out. The time out was great, with me deciding to take a part-time position to get into the swing of things again.

My query, or rather frustration, is this: applying for positions I am told I am either over-qualified or too assertive for the boss. The upshot is, with the position I hold now, part-time advertising manager and also doing event management, I am bored stiff and really really want to go back to doing the work I used to do.

How does one get across to a prospective employer you will work so damned hard for them?

My current boss is the best I have had to date, and extremely flexible with work times.

A. Given that you have one of the best bosses in your career, that would seem to be your first port of call. Are there options to increase your appointment to fulltime or change the scope of your job? Can you get advice about other opportunities?

You are not the first writer to suggest that it is difficult to break back into employment after you have run your own business. Several stereotypes and assumptions seem to hamper careers at this point.

Employers may assume that having been your own boss, you aren't interested in reporting to someone else; your present boss as a referee should help offset this.

Some employers may assume you only shut down your business because it wasn't performing well; you can certainly structure your CV to show that this wasn't the case and perhaps provide references from this period regarding your strengths in business development and operations.

You can, of course, start your business up again, maintaining your part-time role while developing your business structures and renewing old business relationships. If you take this path, I would advise that you discuss your plans with your current boss.

* Email us a question for Dr Marie Wilson to answer

* Dr Marie Wilson is associate professor of management at the University of Auckland Business School, research director of the ICEHOUSE business accelerator and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business.