I have an employee who routinely comes in after our standard start time, some 10 to 20 minutes later than everyone else. He is a good performer and doesn’t run out at 5 p.m., but it bugs me that he strolls in whenever he wants. Should I say something?

Yes, because it is bugging you and will likely grow to a bigger problem unless you address it.

Now, let’s be clear, I didn’t say you should reprimand him or even require that he alter his schedule if he is a good performer and doesn’t run out at 5 p.m. like a bat out of hell (whatever happened to Meat Loaf, by the way?), since this could be your fault.

Have you told him what the start time is? Does he know that he is considered late every day? Do you know if he has some obligation or commuting hardship that affects his start time?

I’m not saying that you must make an accommodation, but before you get all annoyed with an otherwise strong performer, you need to make sure the expectations have been stated explicitly and decide if an accommodation is worth considering.

I have a nephew with a master’s degree in actuarial science and he has passed his first four actuary exams, but is finding it difficult to find his first job. Do you have any ideas?

Actuaries are like Nostradamus for the corporate world — they predict the risk of certain events.

Actuaries assemble and analyze data to estimate the probability and likely cost of an event such as death, sickness or loss of property and then create policies that minimize the cost of that risk.

Not surprisingly, most actuaries work in the insurance industry, which, let’s be honest, isn’t the most exciting profession. That, plus the math and statistical analysis skills that fewer people are graduating with today, makes this a secure profession.

A great way to network is to attend industry trade association events. The Society of Actuaries is having a meeting in Hollywood, Florida (c’mon, did you think a bunch of actuaries would be meeting in Hollywood, California?), from June 12 to 14. It’s definitely worth a visit. Also, check out their website (SOA.org) for a host of other services including internship and job search referrals.

Good luck!