Dear Muse: Real Advice for Real People (Sorta)
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Muse, the inspiration that motivates a poet, artist, or thinker.
Dear
Muse,
Our company has hit some hard times. Several key people have left for
better opportunities, and now my boss asks me weekly if I’m looking
for another job. I don’t know what to say. I haven’t been looking,
but if he keeps asking, I’m going to consider it. What should I do?
Searching
Dear Searching,
It sounds like your boss is correctly concerned about losing vital employees.
However, bosses often forget that their workers not only have jobs, they
have careers. Your job is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. If you decide
to look elsewhere, it’s not your boss’ business. Next time he
asks, reply with, "I wouldn’t worry about that." Or continue
to say nothing at all. In the meantime, continue to do your job well.
Keep this rung on the ladder of your career strong, and it will support
you until you’re ready for the next one.
*****
Dear Muse,
I am a technical writer in a small software company. I am ashamed to admit
that I have fallen in love with someone from "the other side"—that
is, from Product Marketing. It’s a case of opposites attract: He
sells vaporware; I write about actual software. He says "features";
I say "functions." He has "customers"; I have "users."
Can two people from opposite sides of the same planet find true love?
Should we just call the whole thing off?
Bought
and Sold
Dear Bought,
It sounds as if you two, as a couple, will create a balanced picture of
life. Where you see reality, your partner sees opportunity. Why not lean
on each other? On the other hand, if he starts calling his bad habits
"features"—for example, if he refuses to shower to the
point where he begins to smell and then tries to tell you he’s simply
saving water—wash that man right out of your hair.
