I'm doing a PhD in molecular biology, and I want to get a broader feel for my options when I graduate. [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 8:02 PM - 1 answers

Looking for work in Japan - Have a work visa that will expire in early August. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 4:03 PM - 4 answers

How do I remove or minimize the menace of an abusive person who makes me see red? [more inside]
posted by cartoonella at 9:26 AM - 20 answers

May be let go for sales performance, company wrote "general misconduct for not achieving monthly target"...is this a play on words to deny me unemployment insurance? [more inside]
posted by Wazooga at 8:24 AM - 17 answers

A crooked stockbroker sends newsletters to 1000 people; half the newsletters say stock A will go up, half say it goes down. Stock A goes down. He sends 500 new newsletters to the people who got a correct prediction about stock A; half of the new newsletters say stock B is going up, half say it's going down. He then sends 250 more newsletters... etc. Eventually there's a handful of people who've gotten eight straight correct picks from him, and those suckers invest their life savings. Has this scam ever been carried out in real life, or is it just a story? [more inside]
posted by escabeche at 7:48 PM - 18 answers

Freelancer filter: I'm a graphic designer / creative consultant. I've been at it for 15 years. I like the freedom, but have never been particularly good at invoicing etc. I have a client wanting to work out some sort of "retainer" situation but, frankly, I'm not even sure what this could be like, how it would be structured, and why it would be better for me than my current status. I'm all for regular paychecks... So there's one. Anyone have experience with similar arrangements?
posted by ecorrocio at 2:57 PM - 5 answers

I want a cheaper postage meter. I am tired of paying $30+ bucks a month to Pitney Bowes to rent their postage meter. What is the best/cheapest other postage solution? [more inside]
posted by bq at 12:26 PM - 8 answers

How to have more ideas, find the opportunities in times of crisis, and be more creative overall? [more inside]
posted by dcrocha at 8:06 AM - 10 answers

Is it really possible to be a freelance Facebook "like"-er? [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 7:42 AM - 11 answers

What to charge as a communications consultant working with scientists?... [more inside]
posted by Verdant at 6:48 AM - 8 answers

Hi everyone. I've got a problem and wondered if anyone could give me some help and advice. I've been signed off work for a week because my old recurring problem of depression has reared its crappy head. It was very sudden. I went to the doctor on Tuesday basically in tears, exhausted and pretty much unable to function. You know; the usual. [more inside]
posted by Tiltedwindow at 1:04 AM - 12 answers

Online Portfolio/Samples filter: Hallelujah! I'm finally making some progress with skills acquisition. I've begun the content strategy/copywriting and usability redesign of a medium-sized brand-name non-profit Website. Now how do I extract samples from it, to show off my hard-won know-how? [more inside]
posted by Violet Blue at 7:23 PM - 3 answers

My first conference — help me make it the awesomest ever! My boss & I are going to Eyeo, in Minneapolis, a week from Monday. I've never been to a professional conference before. I am super excited about the subject matter (data visualization, creative code, etc.) I am a somewhat experienced designer and a pretty new coder (though I do have a relevant project up on the web). I know nothing though about how do get the most out of this. Please advise!
posted by dame at 4:17 PM - 10 answers

Approaching a local small business with an offer to write their blog for free: is this a good idea? If so, how to do it? I'm looking to gain some freelance writing experience and thought this might be the way. [more inside]
posted by indognito at 1:25 PM - 10 answers

I'm trying to find information about taxes and volunteer paid experimental (non-clinical) studies. I work in a lab, and one of our participants told us a week ago that if a study pays (the volunteer) over a certain amount, it gets taxed. Can anyone tell me if this is true and give me an official link? We're in Philadelphia, PA, USA. I can provide any other relevant information you need. Thanks!
posted by two lights above the sea at 11:50 AM - 6 answers

Detroit Filter: Where can I sell my old novels, textbooks, children's books, and test prep books for cash? [more inside]
posted by lotusmish at 9:10 AM - 8 answers

I got a collections letter for a Verizon bill that is nearly 10 years old. To pay or not to pay? [more inside]
posted by even butter at 8:43 AM - 15 answers

According to the loan officers and mortgage brokers I've talked to, I have no credit score at all. (When I try to use the free credit report sites, I get similar results.) Is there any way for me to get a mortgage right now, or am I wasting time looking? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:23 AM - 11 answers

I've seen conflicting websites on whether cover letters should include why you want the job. It seems to be that US letters do not want you to, while British?/Australian? do? I'm from Australia, so any advice specific to this region would be great, however I am thinking of working overseas in the next 2 years or so, so all international responses also welcome. Thanks.
posted by glache at 8:06 AM - 8 answers

I have two very different and unique opportunities during the summer, and I don't know how to choose between the two. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:24 AM - 10 answers