Q. I took early retirement a couple of years ago, and now the company wants me back as a part-time employee. My retirement account is so sapped that I’d love to do it. Problem: My dearest, best friend was just laid off from the same place, in another department. I’m afraid she’ll resent my returning to the place that cut her loose before she was ready to go. – Pulled in Two Directions

Dear Pulled: If turning down the job meant your friend could stay, you’d have a real ethical problem. As it is, you have a lifeline to grab. It may be a bit awkward, but a dear friend will understand, and if you’re the sort of friends who bail each other out from time to time, at least this means you’ll be able to come through if she needs help keeping the lights on.

– O!Connor