It's hard to pursue your personal ambitions without neglecting your family. Part of the problem is you are convinced there is only one way to become a success. Actually, there are many different opportunities available to you, provided you are willing to broaden your outlook. If you don't get an important job, another will come along. Retreat from public view so you can grieve a career setback. By taking a few moments to yourself, you'll realise there is more to life than work.

This is not a good time to get embroiled in a legal matter. You're better off cutting your losses and settling out of court than pressing an issue. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but you're better off moving past this issue as quickly as possible. Dwelling on it will only compound your grief and disappointment. Fortunately, friends are poised to help you through this difficult time. Let a loved one take you away on a relaxing break. You've earned some time away.

A transition is proving more difficult than you imagined. You may not be able to get the sort of work you enjoy. Try not to take this as a personal failure. The economy is forcing everyone to change their expectations. It may be time to divorce your identity from the work you do. You're more than just a job title. If you haven't been able to find a position, consider volunteering for a charitable organisation. This will be a great way to acquire new skills and make important contacts.

Your best friend, lover, or business partner has tremendous influence on your life. It's important to establish firm boundaries in this relationship, or you'll lose all of your personal power. There's nothing wrong with asserting your needs, even when they conflict with your partner's desires. Every union requires give and take. If you're the one who is doing all the giving, it's time to adjust the balance. Taking a holiday on your own will restore your sense of self.

Someone will try to get you to perform work that doesn't fall beneath your job description. If you agree to this arrangement, you will open the door to further abuses. You're better off holding your ground, even if it makes waves through the office. When you're done with work, you'll be able to enjoy some private time with your lover. Arrange for a candlelit dinner for two. Enquire after your amour's dreams and desires. Take this opportunity to reconnect.

Beware of your influence on a younger person. You don't want to pass on any hang ups to a youngster. Although you possess a fine mind, you have a tendency to be anxious. People need to be encouraged to be adventurous and by helping them to be brave, you just might be able to conquer your own fears. Your best friend or lover will support this new approach, and praise all the progress you make. It's good to know you have a cheerleader.

Dealing with destructive childhood conditioning is critical to your personal development. Even if you had a happy childhood, there are some beliefs your parents promoted that don't work for you. Be ready to discard these attitudes for a more open minded view. If you've always wanted to work in a creative field, obey this impulse. There's nothing wrong with being an artist. In fact, this sort of work is almost perfect for somebody with your sensibilities.

It's hard to hide anything from your perceptive eyes. Keep it to yourself if you happen to see something you shouldn't or you'll needlessly shatter someone's illusions. The last thing anyone needs to know is that the people they look up to have feet of clay. Taking a class in art, music, or anthropology will be stimulating. You'll enjoy the teacher's offbeat sense of humour. One of the books on your reading list will have a profound impact on your worldview.

It's difficult when society doesn't value your role. Consider how your own behaviour can contribute to other people's unhappiness. For instance, you might want to give thanks to a waiter or tradesperson you'd ordinarily take for granted. If somebody does a poor job, ask if there is anything you can do to make their life easier. Sometimes a compassionate gesture makes all the difference to the service you receive. A thoughtful relative will send a family heirloom that brings sentimental tears to your eyes.

Guard against a growing desire to become more powerful. It's natural to be ambitious, but what do you plan to do with your influence? Ordering others around will feel like a hollow victory. You're better off using your leadership skills to bring out the best in others. Presiding over a team of creative people will enhance your own imagination. It will also teach you when to give guidance and when to back off. Model your behaviour after a teacher you've always loved and admired.

Dealing with private struggles is difficult. Maybe it's time to go public with an addiction or bad habit. Yes, some judgemental people will abandon you. These broken relationships will come as a shock. Ultimately, you're better off without fair weather friends. The good people who remain loyal will provide the care and support you need at such a challenging time. If finances are tight, you could get help from a religious or cultural institution.

You'll be entrusted with a secret, which makes you feel uncomfortable. Although you're very good at keeping confidences, you don't want to withhold information from people who are being hurt by clandestine activity. If someone dares to ask you to cover for their bad behaviour, refuse. Your conscience won't allow such trickery. Besides, you have a lot better things to do with your time. A chance to display your creative work is worth taking.