You're intimidated by a competitor's qualifications. Instead of being consumed by fear, make an attempt to improve your own standing. This could include anything from taking a management course, acting as an intern to an executive or getting more practice. Your hard work will impress both your peers and superiors. Don't be surprised if you're given an impressive promotion after making a public presentation. An impassioned appeal will cultivate a big fan club.

Although you have superior knowledge and experience, someone else will be given a plum position. This is incredibly disappointing. Instead of staying in this dead-end position, look for a better opportunity. You've been blessed with remarkable creative abilities. Selling your handiwork on a website that specialises in crafts will be very profitable. If you like baking, think about selling your wares in a gourmet market. Similarly, you can earn a good living by using your design skills.

A shopping expedition will be cause for regret. It's better to be frugal than indulge your love of luxury. If you happen to buy something that puts a strain on your budget, return it. You might have to talk to the corporate office to get a refund. Be patient and polite. Treating low level employees with courtesy will make it easier to get what you want. Treat this situation as a learning opportunity. Before buying anything expensive, give yourself a 24-hour waiting period.

Competition can be healthy. Even if you haven't reached the top of your game, you'll have fun testing your powers against those of fellow enthusiasts. After entering a few contests, you will start winning prizes. Word will spread of your talent. You might even be making money on the side by fulfilling orders for paintings, stories or designs. When you encounter the occasional criticism, stay calm. Are these remarks fair or malicious? When they're justified, use them to improve your performance.

Beware of putting someone on a pedestal. Although you admire a person's intellectual abilities, they might not have the best values. When you learn of their bad behaviour, you'll be shocked. It will be difficult to reconcile your view of this hero with the stories from their victims. Let this be a lesson moving forward. Even the most admirable people have feet of clay. The sooner you accept this, the less likely you will be to be fooled by a talented charmer.

Work isn't much fun these days. You're disappointed that you can't make a living from more rewarding assignments. Don't despair. You've encountered a temporary glitch. Take pride in being able to pay your bills and keep the family afloat. By staying positive, you'll attract the fulfilling opportunities you desire. Whether you write stories, make jewellery or grow produce is immaterial. The important thing is to realise your gift for creating things that are both beautiful and useful will pay off.

Family responsibilities keep you from being as social as you would like. Although you miss your friends, you understand that your relatives need you. Spending lots of quality time with your kin will help them through a rough patch. That's because your upbeat attitude is infectious. When spirits start lagging, you're the first to crack a joke or propose an amusing diversion. Take comfort in the knowledge there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Things will improve in the twinkling of an eye.

Hidden enemies are causing problems for you. By spreading unpleasant stories about you, it has become difficult to get the assignments you want. Instead of getting defensive, focus on restoring your reputation. Offer to volunteer for a worthy cause. When people see how pleasant and reasonable you are, they'll promote you to other clients and customers. Soon, everyone will understand that the rumours about you are totally untrue. At that point, you will be vindicated.

Be very conservative with money. Although you might have a lot of cash on hand, that won't always be the case. The ability to cover emergency expenses will be a tremendous relief. Not having the funds to pay the bill will create anxiety. Don't worry. You'll have an opportunity to enjoy creature comforts later. Right now, you should be doing your best to stretch existing resources. When you long to be pampered, go through your possessions. You'll find things that give you great pleasure.

When you feel like you are over your head, ask for help. Projecting an image of self-assurance won't fool anyone. People who have spent time with you know your strengths and weaknesses. Rather than pretending to be someone you are not, admit your shortcomings. Be open to learning from someone who is much older or younger. You'll gain a newfound respect for a modest individual who has hidden depths. When you take the time to ask questions, you make the most delightful discoveries.

You're not doing especially challenging work, which dulls your creative edge. When this happens, it's important to launch a personal project that makes you happy. Although you won't make money from this venture, you will get something valuable: Inspiration. Slowly but surely, aggravations on the job will cease to bother you. It will be easy to laugh off annoying colleagues. Best of all, the days will start rushing by again, giving life the special sweetness that has been elusive.

Although money is important, relationships are far more precious. Take time out of your busy schedule and spend it with someone who is close to your heart. Sneaking off to a private hideaway will give you a great opportunity to catch up with each other. Feeling connected to others makes you happy. This positive energy attracts the lucrative jobs you need to satisfy debts and buy a few luxuries. Although it seems incredible, your emotional landscape is tied to your financial health.