Remember your sense of humour when it comes to work. A construction project or staff shortage is making everyone irritable. You'll have to drown out horrible noises or cover for an absent colleague. At times, it will feel like you're trying to sculpt ice on roller skates. Your boss understands that conditions are trying, and won't fault you for a less than stellar performance. Try not to exert yourself too much at the gym. Your system is more delicate than usual.

You're entering a period of trial and error. If one method doesn't work, try another. Normally, you like to follow a strict set of instructions. Unfortunately, there is no precedent for the kind of work you're doing now. Therefore, you'll have to come up with creative solutions to unexpected problems. You may be having regrets about a failed love affair. Don't; there's a good reason you broke up. You deserve somebody who appreciates your sensual nature.

You hate making painstaking plans, but it's the only way to do a good job. Plunging ahead without thought to practical matters like budgets and deadlines will result in disaster. Enlist the aid of a meticulous Virgo to craft a strategy. Some of their suggestions will seem dreadfully detailed, but this is just the sort of advice you need. The more precautions you take now, the easier it will be to dispatch a job in an efficient, cost effective way.

Patience is a virtue. Deals have a way of unravelling at the eleventh hour. You'll have to go back to square one and negotiate another set of rules and pay scale. It's a bore, but it can't be helped. A client or employer's needs have changed, and it would be a waste of time to proceed according to your original agreement. Be sure to show your initial efforts to the party in question, so you won't have to do extensive revisions later on.

Put off any costly purchases. You must be as frugal as possible, as unexpected expenses will soon crop up. Steer clear of your favourite shops to avoid temptation. Online shopping is also forbidden. It's likely you will have to buy some office equipment or business attire. Although you hate spending so much on practicalities, it needs to be done. Treat these items as investments in your financial future. If you look like successful, people will treat you that way.

It's hard to summon the energy and resources necessary to do a good job. This is the result of burnout. You can't possibly expect to do the work of three people and feel fresh as a daisy. Take this opportunity to rest and relax, even if an important task is looming. Someone else can take your place while you recharge your batteries. Nobody will begrudge you a break. By the time you return, you'll be in much better shape to handle heavy responsibilities.

Circumstances are conspiring to defeat you. Instead of beating your head against a brick wall, give in gracefully. You'll have another crack at this opportunity. Turn your attention towards recharging your batteries. Spending some time away from friends and family will be therapeutic. Lately, it feels like you've been a performing circus animal. You're tired of trying so hard to please others, only to be told it's not good enough. Commit to pleasing yourself instead.

Everybody is looking for a scapegoat. Resist the urge to blame others for your problems. If someone tries to lay a guilt trip on you, defend yourself with quiet dignity. Don't get drawn into an ugly argument. The less emotional you are, the quicker this conflict will die down. Don't show your creative efforts to anyone just now. Critics are especially brutal. There isn't anything to be gained from hearing the comments of an embittered artist. Protect your ego.

Stay out of the way of confrontational people. This executive is looking for a fight, and seeks to destroy anyone who is willing to accept such a challenge. You've worked too long and hard to be cast down by a bully. Keep a low profile and if anybody asks you to work harder, do so. The job market is too competitive to rest on your laurels. Eventually, everything will calm down and go back to normal. Right now you have to be on your best behaviour.

A goal proves more elusive than you thought. You'll have to decide whether this dream is worth the effort. The answer is probably 'yes,' but you won't feel that way when you have to fill out applications over and over and over again. It's possible you'll have to go on a series of interviews, too. Just when you think the whole process is finished, the powers that be will demand something else. When this happens, take a few deep breaths and do what is asked.

Neither a lender nor a borrower be. Everybody is short of cash now, and tempers are running high. Learn to live within your means, even if this causes momentary discomfort. Avoid friends who are always going to expensive restaurants and clubs. They can't afford these outings, and neither can you. Some people will accuse you of being a stick in the mud. Let them. You'll emerge from this period in relatively good financial shape, while they'll be forced to scurry for pennies.

A partnership is fraught with complications. Conflicting schedules, differing needs, and opposite tastes are putting great strain on your union. Still, there is so much mutual affection here. Try to accommodate each other as much as possible. When the two of you are forced to separate, do so with good grace. Jealous recriminations won't help. By attending to your duties individually, you can come together at the end of the day and compare notes. It will be very comforting.