Is there a classification of (HR-speak) discrimination when a male employee defers to female coworkers chivalrously (e.g. holding doors open)? Because the activity is solely based on gender, it seems like this would be the case, but it is not addressed as an example in our policies. (Title is Dad-quote from the 70's.)
posted by panmunjom at 1:40 PM - 16 answers

I own stock in two companies. One set I inherited, the other I bought because I follow the industry and gambled on my insight. Now they're both at 52-week highs, with a 30% return on the former (as of the day I inherited it, at least) and a 100% return on the latter. The portfolio worth is about to hit $10K. The problem is that I have no idea what I'm doing and I have no idea when or if I should cash out. Everyone I know who has investments has them in index funds managed by someone else. I don't know any professional traders or hobby investors. I do not have the time to learn finance, and I can't imagine a decent financial adviser would be a worthwhile investment considering the portfolio worth. What to do? [more inside]
posted by A god with hooves, a god with horns at 1:01 PM - 16 answers

Can I support myself working as a barista in NYC? [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 1:00 PM - 22 answers

Calling all internationally mobile, 'creative-class' freelancers- how do you determine who taxes you, if your design clients are in one country (for me, USA) you live in another country (Germany) but are a citizen of yet somewhere else (Canadian)? Does everyone get a piece of my income? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM - 15 answers

Some time ago, I came across a paper analyzing the predictions or theories of a number of economists relating to the recent economic troubles. The paper was very detailed (I didn't finish it) but the gist was that every single theory or prediction analyzed was wrong. Anyone know what I'm talking about and where I might find it? [more inside]
posted by DyRE at 10:04 PM - 5 answers

So I got engaged and bought a house with my fiancee. We lived together for a couple of years but it did not go well and she moved out. So I'd like to keep the house but do that I'll need to get her off the mortgage and off the deed. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:28 PM - 21 answers

How do I express to potential employers in Fiji , "YES, I am American, YES I only have a Visitor Visa right now... but I have the resources to do whatever hoops and get the Work Visa, just tell me what is best for you"? [more inside]
posted by DaftMythic at 3:05 PM - 2 answers

Either Google is playing dumb or I don't know what to search for, but I'm coming up with nothing. Where can I find (or easily populate) a map of the locality pay areas as defined by the U.S. Government? Bonus if they're somehow shaded on a scale reflecting the locality payment (% increase from "base salaries").
posted by psoas at 12:25 PM - 1 answers

I'm about to quit my job. I'm becoming increasingly aware that this is going to come as a huge surprise to my boss and coworkers. Should I have been dropping hints? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:59 AM - 21 answers

My question is in regards to making sure I get paid for my work. I'll be billing private individuals as opposed to companies and thus am concerned there will be less incentive for them to pay for services rendered. [more inside]
posted by Dr. Lurker at 9:40 AM - 17 answers

I direct a research center at a policy institute and I'm also an analyst. I need a project management system and I want a physical system, not software or an application. Other than whiteboards, what are my options? Among whiteboards, which are really useful? Right now I have an electronic calendar and various notes/lists to remind me to do things and frankly, it's not working. In the past, I've tried various to-do list applications, as well as Basecamp, and they did not work for me either. [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 9:26 AM - 6 answers

I applied for a job 4 hours away. I've since decided that I do not want it. However, I'm worried that they will contact my current supervisor as a reference and she has no idea I'm considering leaving. [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 9:15 AM - 8 answers

Those of you post-grads figuring it out in your 20s (or 30s) doing odd jobs, waiting tables, jobs not nec. related to your major, where are you now? What advice would you have if you could go back and do it again? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 7:31 AM - 38 answers

I self-published a non-fiction technical book recently. A Chinese publisher has just approached me and wants to buy the 5-year Chinese foreign distribution rights. How do I evaluate their offer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 PM - 5 answers

Help me figure out what sort of project management certification I should get. [more inside]
posted by mammary16 at 7:11 PM - 5 answers

I need help constructing mental snowshoes that will prevent me from falling into deep drifts of work BS and frustration at a job I can't leave. [more inside]
posted by lastwomanstanding at 5:52 PM - 14 answers

I interviewed for this position over a month ago, and it went really well. According to a family friend who also works there (and informed me of the available position to begin with), I was a top contender for the job, but they ultimately went with another person with experience, whereas I had none (even though it was entry level - but I get it, experience is better than lack thereof. No hard feelings here). PLOT TWIST: Two days ago, I find out via friend that they just discovered this new person lied about having a degree, so she's as good as gone. Friend suggested I send a nonchalant email to remind them of my existence, hinting at the fact that I'm still available. How do I do this subtly without it sounding awkward as hell after over a month? I don't think I'm supposed to know about this turn of events because friend was pretty hush hush about it, and I certainly don't want to throw friend under the bus or get him in trouble. How do I go about this? [more inside]
posted by slightlyamused at 4:20 PM - 11 answers

I just got laid off from my job, and I've booked a few freelance gigs here and there and have some ongoing freelance writing stuff as well. Do I need to report this income when I earn it, or when I get paid? (This is in California). [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 11:51 AM - 7 answers

We are about to apply for a home equity line of credit. The guy at the bank already ran our credit and verified rates and eligibility. I'm also about to change jobs. What should I do about the loan? [more inside]
posted by chickenmagazine at 11:47 AM - 3 answers

Following on from this question, I have decided to start offering private, custom arts & crafts workshops. I'm hoping to find people who need someone to help them plan an art activity, bring the materials, and run the workshop-- so, birthday parties, homeschool co-ops, scout groups and the like. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to find them. [more inside]
posted by nonasuch at 9:35 AM - 14 answers