Ask MetaFilter

The Partner and the Managing Director have handed in their notice and will leave my firm in 6 weeks. What can I expect from here on out? [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 3:03 AM - 12 answers

I have a question about tax returns. I want to call the IRS about it because I can't find enough clear information online/on the IRS website to answer my question. But I'm also filled with crushing dread and anxiety that they won't help me or this will lead to some big scary punishment. For those who have experience of calling the IRS to ask for their guidance, please can you share what to expect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:35 PM - 16 answers

I’ve recently been told by different people that for careers as diverse and seemingly not… self-promotey as ESL teacher and dietitian, in order to be competitive and succeed you need an “online presence” and a “personal brand “. Please tell me this isn’t true. [more inside]
posted by wheatlets at 8:03 AM - 17 answers

It's time to move on from my current job, but I am 61, and after 30 years in IT support I need to find something else to do. Flat-out retirement has to wait a few more years. I don't really have good idea of what I might like to do, or what I might reasonably be qualified to do, or what employers will even consider from someone like me. My wife's job is the better-paid one with excellent benefits, and we aren't up to our ears in debt, so there's not too much pressure to find something to match my current salary. I just want to do something I might actually enjoy and won't invite a lot of stress and can make last for the next five years or so. Help me brainstorm this.
posted by briank at 8:37 AM - 15 answers

I feel like all of my past job searches have been dependent on necessity and almost always during an economic crisis or pending hiring downturn. How does one switch from looking haphazardly and taking the first job to having a career built on experience and expertise? [more inside]
posted by Skwirl at 8:33 AM - 4 answers

I just received an offer for a federal government job. When I applied for the position months ago it seemed like an ideal job for me and I was very excited about the opportunity but now I'm scared and concerned about working for the federal government during what feels like apocalyptic times. If you had a federal job during the first TFG administration, what was it like and how did you survive? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 AM - 25 answers

I live in the US, a family member put $ in my name in their country many years ago and I have not been reporting it on taxes and I'm terrified. Looking for advice about next steps to stop avoiding this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:03 AM - 18 answers

I have a colleague who belches out loud at every meal. I have made it clear that I find it off-putting and have walked away from them while it's happening. Do I have a stick up my butt? [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 9:18 PM - 19 answers

This was me and I accepted a job offer for something far more suitable. I've got 3 weeks of earned sick time; what's the best way to give notice for a new position I will start in 5 weeks? [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:53 PM - 10 answers

At work, I find myself having a hard time communicating in a clear, concise, actionable way. I love digging through data and creating reports and analyses, but when it comes time to present them or to answer questions, I either drone on about the detail, or I freeze and flub. How can I express myself more clearly at work, when I'm very detailed and have jumbly thoughts? [more inside]
posted by watrlily at 4:52 AM - 19 answers

How can I redirect a task at work that I do not possess the skills to complete and cannot learn how to do in a timely manner? Sometimes I know it immediately, and sometimes it takes me a bit to find out. I usually say, "Hey, I don't think I'm going to be able to address this in a timely manner because it's not part of my wheelhouse. Could we delegate it to someone else on the team?" when I am working with a manager. Is this the right route? [more inside]
posted by The Adventure Begins at 12:29 PM - 10 answers

I have just moved and wish to update my address with Equifax. The other credit agencies allowed me to do this online, but Equifax say I have to mail them a photocopy of my driver's license and SS card. I have never updated my address with them in the past, but they already have all my previous addresses, so do I need to mail them my details too - or will they just get updated automagically? [more inside]
posted by 7 Minutes of Madness at 9:28 AM - 6 answers

I was asked to start a rural high school alternative program for special ed students who struggled in traditional programming. There have been some problems and I'm now thinking of leaving, but what teacher isn't. For the record, I have been very successful in this work for many years, so the task is not new to me although this type of student is new. [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 3:20 PM - 11 answers

A friend's workplace is rolling out a new corporate card policy, and while they don't expect it to impact them, they are wondering if it would stand up to legal challenge. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 11:55 AM - 4 answers

I'm stepping away from my current role and for a period of time, maybe a long time, will be trying to structure a life around freelance work. Lots of questions: how much should I set aside for taxes? What are the laws on deductions? Do I need fancy-assed Business Software, or can I just make things work with spreadsheets and diligence? Can you recommend a book, website, or other resource that has an A-Z for setting up as a freelancer in Ontario? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:20 AM - 4 answers

I'm told the figure I should be putting into my Marketplace application here at open enrollment is AGI or MAGI. Once the explanation goes farther than that, it overtaxes my WHAT-IF-MY-COUNTRY-IS-TOTALLY-FUCKED addled brain. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 7:03 AM - 4 answers

I am a 27-year-old electrical engineer, and I am very frustrated with my career. I am strongly considering switching things up to become an electrician. My dream is to have a job where I feel like I am working for people in my community, not for the C-Suite of a multinational corporation. This is the main reason I am considering the trades. What advice would you give to someone moving from a white collar career to a blue collar one? How might I be able to use skills from my current career to get a head start in my new one? How would you suggest I go about finding an apprenticeship? [more inside]
posted by gunwalefunnel at 9:07 PM - 23 answers

My current project at work does not have a project manager and as a result is an absolute, unmitigated shitshow. I have decided to become the project manager because it seems to be the only way any of us will survive the year. I need some advice on how to do this. Details within! [more inside]
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 2:35 PM - 18 answers

I have ADHD and I am looking for a hands-on approach to boost accountability, guidance, and task management. I've tried Focusmate, which works well as a body double, but I need more interactive support. Are there any other options you’d recommend? [more inside]
posted by Boyd at 11:57 AM - 2 answers

In spring of 2022, I bought my first home (a condo). I hate it, I hate home ownership, and I want out. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by sugarbomb at 10:53 AM - 33 answers