I'm looking for a nice, inexpensive task lamp to put on my desk at work. It should have adjustable brightness (low/high is fine) so that I can have either a little or a lot of light, as required. Free-standing, not clamp-on. $30 or less would be ideal. Help?
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posted by Scientist
on Apr 9, 2013 -
8 answers
How to work with employees who don't like what you're doing, but won't work towards making things better? Specifically vocally negative long-term employees who think they know it all, but refuse to share their wisdom beyond flat-out complaints because it's "not their job"?
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posted by tzb
on Apr 4, 2013 -
38 answers
Should I get a standing desk? Please share your pros and cons, and any tips!
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posted by Miko
on Jan 30, 2013 -
27 answers
Is there an automated way of placing elements from one PDF file into another? Open to coding this via Python if a relevant module exists.
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posted by mnemonic
on Dec 17, 2012 -
4 answers
Can you suggest a system that could help a group of employees manage a long, many-stepped process? We're driving ourselves bonkers in the meantime.
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posted by rachaelfaith
on Sep 18, 2012 -
14 answers
I need to quickly figure the 9th and 20th business days of each month for the rest of 2012 and all of 2013. Preferably not in a manual fashion.
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posted by reenum
on Sep 14, 2012 -
6 answers
How does the idea of a civilian review board for previewing the firing and disciplinary actions of federal managers against civilian employees sound?
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posted by CollectiveMind
on Sep 7, 2012 -
7 answers
How can I improve my computer skills for job hunt when I use a Mac and the software is for PC?
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posted by hrj
on Aug 9, 2012 -
24 answers
MakerFilter: at work, I have a couple of LED lamps we use to monitor build status. Help me Cthulu-ize them.
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posted by colin_l
on Aug 2, 2012 -
4 answers
Work Filter: My boss and I want to find a way to let our clients know we have provided to them a discount on our account covering letter to them without sounding like "a douche bag" or slimy. What wording do you use on your letters to convey this?
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posted by Danithegirl
on Jul 18, 2012 -
11 answers
What would you suggest for improved social skills, fitting in, decreased awkwardness, and undoing a reputation for being annoying at work? I'd especially love help for nerds with social anxiety who need to fit in with mainstreamy socialite sorts of people.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2012 -
20 answers
Classy, not-too-ugly shoes. Level of difficulty: for a lady, chem and clean room lab appropriate (no heels, foot completely covered).
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posted by tchemgrrl
on Apr 13, 2012 -
22 answers
My bosses misuse words in very official, very important documents. Can I do anything about this?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 26, 2012 -
31 answers
Do you have tips or resources that would help an overly earnest "nice guy" type navigate political maneuverings at work?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 30, 2012 -
9 answers
I started a new job a month ago. I like my job and I like my co-workers, but what I would really like is to work from home. When should I ask or should I ask at all?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 9, 2012 -
11 answers
What other jobs can am I qualified for that I could support myself on, but still give me time to pursue art? Or is my frustrating job as good as it gets without more qualifications / experience?
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posted by fireflies
on Dec 11, 2011 -
17 answers
I've found what bothers me about my office job -- my position and what I do is utterly useless. What I do has absolutely no effect on anyone, nor does it increase my employer's profit or success in any measurable way. I've realized this is what leaves me absolutely drained at the end of the work day, though I've spent the day sitting at a desk. It also makes me dread going to work in the morning because I could not feel more like a cog in the machine. What are some jobs where I can actually feel useful or needed, or feel like I'm contributing to society?
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posted by allseeingabstract
on Sep 13, 2011 -
25 answers
I got moved to a much smaller desk at work (I kinda feel like Milton) and now everything feels really crowded. How can I increase the empty space on my desktop? What can I move or rearrange? Is there any magical desk accessory that can help me?
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posted by trillian
on Aug 7, 2011 -
13 answers
How do I deal with an expectation of perfection at work while receiving little constructive feedback?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 16, 2011 -
13 answers
I'm at a cross-roads career wise and am going round in circles trying to work out what to do. The situation is complicated by the fact that my current job involves working with deeply nutty people. Would be great to have some advice from impartial observers.
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posted by Encipher
on Apr 12, 2011 -
1 answer
I'll soon be working from home full time. What are some "policies" I can enact for my home office to keep my productivity, sanity and health intact?
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posted by Diplodocus
on Mar 31, 2011 -
21 answers
My boss recently hired a former coworker for an open position in the department. This person will be working on many of the same tasks and projects as I am. He was both well-liked and skilled at the job when he left years ago, and I am afraid that he's going to come back and completely outshine me. How can I handle this situation professionally?
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posted by fanta_orange
on Mar 22, 2011 -
11 answers
I am terrified of being fired, even though I don't have any reason to suspect I might be let go. How can I get over this?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 21, 2011 -
11 answers
I want to get a job as a legal documentation specialist (word processor). I have no prior work experience in law firms. What's the work like, and how do I get hired?
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posted by velvet winter
on Nov 10, 2010 -
11 answers
I am writing an article about employment in the U.S. federal government. Where can I find information about what supervisors are allowed by law to tell other government agencies recruiters about their employees, and what they sometimes tell those recruiters that is against the law?
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posted by CollectiveMind
on Oct 20, 2010 -
2 answers
Need coping mechanisms and/or advice for dealing with an often times soul-crushing work environment that I can't get out of for at least 1-2 years.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 12, 2010 -
23 answers
I need advice, Metafilter. I’m being bumped out of my office of 5 years to make room for a new hire and being put into a trailer 10 minutes away instead. Should I quit?
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posted by Jupiter Jones
on Sep 30, 2010 -
46 answers
So, I'm setting up a small office (3-4 stations). The roadblock I'm running into is the phone system, or lack thereof. My client would rather not drop three grand on it - understandably - but, this limits my options. Any suggestions? Used is fine, but I'm having trouble tracking one down locally. Thanks, in advance.
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posted by converge
on Sep 14, 2010 -
10 answers
I'm an executive assistant and office manager considering a move to the non-profit sector. What can you tell me about the hours, atmosphere, and work style of non-profit offices?
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posted by minervous
on Sep 8, 2010 -
17 answers
A colleague has asked me to share an office space with her. We are not in the same place financially in our careers. I'm trying to figure out what would be a fair deal for both of us, but I can't seem to get my head around the business logic. Can you guys help?
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posted by Paris Elk
on Sep 1, 2010 -
21 answers
How do I (or we) speak to my manager about his increasing lack of involvement in what we feel are the core components of a product's (re)launch, especially when the stakes in the launch include: our careers, the fate of the company, and the jobs of fellow colleagues in the office?
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posted by mistertoronto
on Aug 11, 2010 -
5 answers
I’m a former academic who would like to focus on self-driven writing and creative projects, but I’m not ready for self-employment. I’d like to find a low-stress job that will leave time and energy for my creative work, but I have some health restrictions and complicating factors. What should I do?
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posted by velvet winter
on Jul 7, 2010 -
9 answers
What are your strategies for girding yourself against the chaos or banality of the modern office workplace ? How do you manage to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous requests, insanity-induced decisionmaking, and mass amounts of meaninglessness? For sure, those who are gainfully employed at this moment in history are more fortunate than they might know, but perspective is difficult to achieve, or keep, when the pile of unfinished TPS reports on the desk is about to topple over & shred your soul by a million tiny papercuts. What thoughts do you keep in your head, or spirits do you bring into your heart (or substances into your body?). Quotes, movies, books, blogs, etc.. -- all are welcome. Extra points for recommendations that are particularly geared towards 'life' in a tech / software company.
posted by armoir from antproof case
on Jul 7, 2010 -
25 answers
My boss offered me a freelance project. I turned it down because I already work 55-65 hours a week and have no time for more projects (or a life). Now my boss is acting cold towards me. It's also close to review time. Any suggestions?
posted by blizter
on Jun 22, 2010 -
9 answers
I work at a desk job where the bulk of my projects take place during the academic year. As I have ADD [ADHD inattentive type], routines and a high level of activity really help, and I've worked hard to get things where they need to be. Once again, however, the summer slump is kicking my ass. Please hope.
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posted by Madamina
on Jun 8, 2010 -
11 answers
What are some useful and cool products that I can keep in my cubicle to make eating breakfast and lunch in the office easier and more pleasant? Edible (i.e. food) and non-edible (gadgets, cleaning products, etc) ideas welcome.
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posted by tastybrains
on May 13, 2010 -
44 answers
How do I tell my bosses that my coworkers are making it impossible to do my work because they are essentially goofing off 50% of the time without getting my coworkers in trouble?
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posted by anonymous
on May 11, 2010 -
16 answers
My office wants to a "Biggest Loser" style weight loss challenge. Any good websites we could use to track people's progress?
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posted by reenum
on Mar 5, 2010 -
15 answers
