What are your strategies and best practices for being a cog in an inefficient bureaucracy? How do you compartmentalize the frustration and leave it in the office?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2013 -
14 answers
I'm horribly unhappy with my job, but don't want to quit because of certain reasons. Advice solicited.
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posted by dubious_dude
on Mar 10, 2013 -
26 answers
I work at this company for 1 year and 3 months so far. Team members are not helpful if I need help. Do you have any suggestions?
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posted by Mountain28
on Mar 8, 2013 -
4 answers
Help me make an argument to my direct boss, and then facilities/HR, about why we should have a per-building lactation room on our three-building work campus (vs. one lactation room in one building).
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posted by handful of rain
on Mar 8, 2013 -
13 answers
I have on-going problems with work anxiety and impostor syndrome. The worst part? I’m starting a new, high-demand job in two weeks and need help now.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 8, 2013 -
4 answers
My former employer mailed me my last paycheck almost a month after firing me, and after enduring an awkward hearing that included being scolded by her in front of a hearing officer, I ended up winning. How do I collect my money? I live in California.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 6, 2013 -
1 answer
I think I'm offending my boss's wife when I suggest alternatives to some of her input that she's been giving on a big project I'm in charge of at work. How can I more effectively respond to her feedback so I don't offend her but also stay true to design standards and artistic integrity?
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posted by Hello Darling
on Mar 6, 2013 -
13 answers
I have a hard time being productive in the morning. I'm more productive in the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately, I have to be at work in the morning so it would be helpful to be more productive then since I have to be there anyway. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you have any suggestions?
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posted by kat518
on Mar 5, 2013 -
15 answers
I recently gave my two week's notice at work. It seemed to go well, but now my boss seems to be turning it into a negative thing by freaking out and being dramatic. Please help me navigate my last few days here.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 5, 2013 -
18 answers
I work 50+ hours a week in a job that I love. My schedule changes daily; some days are normal 9-6, but others are 2am to "whenever." How do I get healthy sleep while coping with this schedule?
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posted by none of these will bring disaster
on Mar 5, 2013 -
24 answers
The question: Should I provide a lukewarm reference for my recently fired ex-manager to avoid awkwardness? Or should I tell him no, and if so, what is the code language to use? I can't say "Sorry, that won't be possible" for reasons outlined herein.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 5, 2013 -
40 answers
What are some ideas on subject matter for a 15 minute training session, for a second round job interview.
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posted by Under the Sea
on Mar 4, 2013 -
2 answers
I know about the sugar beet harvest in North Dakota and the blueberry harvest in Maine, but what other harvests hire a bunch of people for a short time, and often become a mecca for travelers looking to make a quick buck?
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posted by Grandysaur
on Mar 3, 2013 -
19 answers
Waiter Rant for the secretary, administrative assistant, paralegal, etc. - does this exist anywhere? Looking for blogs written in a similar sarcastic tone and style by administrative support professionals. I'm especially interested in those from the legal industry.
posted by invisible ink
on Mar 3, 2013 -
12 answers
I'm posting this on behalf of my mom, who is self-conscious about her neck. She has a pretty youthful looking face, and is going for a neck lift(?) this summer, but really wants work clothes that hide the neck in the meantime.
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posted by tatiana131
on Mar 2, 2013 -
9 answers
I have a very exciting interview Wednesday and realized that my footwear is completely not up to the task, because I normally select workaday shoes that I can walk miles in and don't care if they are destroyed. I need a work-fabulous (i.e., no open toed) celebratory pair of heels for a special occasion.
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posted by *s
on Feb 28, 2013 -
20 answers
I'd like to get more into freelance copywriting. It's something I can do from home, and I'm pretty good at it. I have a money and time goal for it.
Money: 5 cents a word
Time: 15 hours a week
Total: About $1,500 a month.
I'm on Textbroker, but they rarely pay more than 1.5 cents a word. I'm open to pay-by-project too, if they're consistent. How would I go about finding regular clients/websites that could help me reach my goal?
posted by tuberose
on Feb 27, 2013 -
3 answers
I'm depressed and overwhelmed. I think this is primarily due to work pressures. Are these reasons to quit a job? What are some valid reasons? What should I be asking myself?
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posted by ArgyleMarionette
on Feb 26, 2013 -
19 answers
YANMD: Looking for tips to maintan my health until my doctors figures out why my body has decided to stop digesting food. GROSS DETAILS WITHIN (but not many).
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posted by angrycat
on Feb 26, 2013 -
26 answers
I'm a UI/UX designer who is flat broke and unemployed. I'm independently interviewing for 2 positions at the moment and have 3-4 other positions that I have or am about to interview for through a recruiter. Some are temporary, some are temp-to-perm, and some are permanent. Some are also more interesting to me than others, including one that I'm most interested in which I've been waiting to hear back from for the past week or so. However, the temporary positions (2-4 weeks) have more immediate needs and are more likely to lay something on the table in the next few days if they end up giving me an offer.
My question is: If I get a call that says "We'd like to offer you the position", how do I respond without an immediate yes and still be in consideration?
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posted by gregoryg
on Feb 26, 2013 -
6 answers
Before I start, I'd like to point out that I'm not spoiled or lazy. I've been dealing with the very real problems of depression and anxiety for most of my life, and for the past five years I've been working from home.
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posted by Cybria
on Feb 26, 2013 -
9 answers
I have to go down to Las Vegas for a tradeshow at the Wynn, but the first two days I have a LOT of downtime. There's not a lot I'm interested seeing in Las Vegas, but I do have a fair amount of work I need to get done. Is there a nice or interesting place to squat and get work done? The Las Vegas equivalent of a nice coffee shop for remote workers?
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posted by thomsplace
on Feb 25, 2013 -
3 answers
Lawyer getting great experience in a shrinking subspecialty. Work environment has flaws. Have the opportunity to move. Worried about grass being greener, frying pan/fire, etc. Special details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 24, 2013 -
4 answers
How do you respond to people who want to hire you or people who are looking for someone with your skills and qualifications while you're on duty for your current employer?
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posted by drea
on Feb 24, 2013 -
6 answers
At work I'm using a Macbook Pro with OS X 10.7.4, running Outlook 2011. Today, I have to ship off this computer to get an upgrade and security update, and they will be wiping out the contents of the hard drive. They've left us very minimal instructions to back up any files we need. For me, the absolute most important thing is having access to all of my old emails and their attachments. So, QUESTION: how do I backup all of my emails in Outlook so that I'll be able to access them on my newly-wiped computer? Where are email files stored on my computer? How can I back up the attachments on the old emails? How do I avert total disaster?
posted by naju
on Feb 22, 2013 -
11 answers
I'm working for a start-up and I don't think it's going to succeed. Am I right, and if so, how can I salvage something useful from this situation?
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posted by Encipher
on Feb 22, 2013 -
15 answers
I'm not a professional photographer, but I did some photography work (unpaid) for my company... is that work for hire or is it something else?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 21, 2013 -
6 answers
Need some career advice:
Internet Brands has had me for a few interview for a Project Manager, but
Glassdoor has some really bad things to say (and good, but those can be phony placements). Has anyone ever worked or know someone that worked there? What's it like?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 20, 2013 -
5 answers
I found a job I want to apply for. It closes at midnight. I had not planned to apply, so don't have references ready to go. What to do?
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posted by anonnymoose
on Feb 19, 2013 -
19 answers
I am 27 years old, and now considering whether I should join the Air Force on an intelligence track in order to improve my chances of getting a job at State, or just improving my career options in general. Is this a wise decision?
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posted by masterisosceles
on Feb 18, 2013 -
9 answers
I recently started at a new job that's going very well, and there is tremendous room for growth here in the next year or two. In order to get where I want to be, I need to start working a lot more and a lot harder. Difficulty level: I'm in grad school part-time and have an active social life.
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posted by anotheraccount
on Feb 18, 2013 -
32 answers
What publications give solid advantages in which lines of work when read regularly? A few examples might be
McKinsey when read by HR managers,
A List Apart when read by designers,
Hacker News when read by programmers, and
Poynter when read by journalists. What else is there in these fields and in others that puts a person ahead?
posted by michaelh
on Feb 17, 2013 -
16 answers
I will probably shortly be expected to take over the work of my immediate superior without receiving a bump in pay or title. Please help me negotiate for a promotion!
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posted by neilb449
on Feb 16, 2013 -
10 answers
I work closely with another team and their manager in my job. The manager has started some weird, what feel like, personal attacks on me.
In case you want to skip the long explanation inside, basically the question is how to deal with a manager who is not my manager (but I am expected to work with anyway) and has a very abrasive style which is kind of offensive.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 13, 2013 -
14 answers
What should I know before starting my first job at a large, corporate company that I may not be prepared for coming from a tiny, flexible office environment?
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posted by the foreground
on Feb 12, 2013 -
28 answers
I interviewed for a remote programming gig recently, and they requested a trial contract before making a final offer. I'd be hired as a long-term remote contractor (year+, 100% telecommuting), not an employee. I have some questions:
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 12, 2013 -
8 answers
I don't know how to find a job. I made good grades in college. I've done some good internships. Usually once I get to the interview process, I get offered a job. I just don't know where to start with my job search.
Looking for anecdotal advice. How did you get your first break into the career you wanted?
posted by sunrisecoffee
on Feb 10, 2013 -
15 answers
A new person started at work recently and has been trying to get the company to change course and use the tools they're used to. I've been taking the brunt of it and have ended up being really defensive. How can I be more assertive with this person, but also not end up coming off like a jerk? And how do I learn to work with this person? Snowflake stuff inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 10, 2013 -
16 answers
In Washington State childcare workers/teachers have to take 10 hours a year of classes as "continuing education." Is there something similar in your state? Do quality centers in your area tend to pay their staff their hourly wage for the classes they attend? Thank you!
posted by Slimemonster
on Feb 8, 2013 -
6 answers
Please tell me about the habits and skills you've picked up as a result of your profession. It might be something you don't even notice because it's second nature to you, but others have pointed it out to you, or it could be something you've noticed about others.
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posted by blazingunicorn
on Feb 7, 2013 -
182 answers
I am considering moving to Asheville and hear a lot about how hard it is to make a living there and how over saturated it is already with entrepreneurs. I am in my mid 50's and have been a successful private chef who is now teaching cooking in various small schools and in private homes. I am not thrilled with the northeast weather and thought of Asheville as a relocation spot. Having just visited there it seemed there is a lot of food buzz going on- I know it's a "foodie" town and think I might be able to succeed there.
I am concerned about the rising cost of buying a house in the area and that I could find enough work there. Any input?
posted by privatechef
on Feb 6, 2013 -
16 answers
I recently began my first job six months ago at a creative agency. Now, I'm unsure if I should continue.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 6, 2013 -
11 answers
I am currently working long hours in a job that in a number of ways is driving me absolutely insane. I can't easily leave until mid year. How do I not go mad?
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posted by deadwax
on Feb 5, 2013 -
18 answers
