Job responsibilities are weighing heavily on your shoulders. You'd love to leave for greener pastures. Unfortunately, you have responsibilities which force you to stay put. Instead of dwelling on your limitations, focus on the good things your work provides. A steady pay packet helps you provide a secure foundation for you and your loved ones. Although this doesn't sound very impressive, it actually is. Give yourself credit for being a good provider.

You have to make time for fun or you'll continue to devote the lion's share of attention to your job. Although you may not know it, your friends are starting to resent your absence. Take this opportunity to be with your nearest and dearest. If nobody's available right now, keep pressing for meetings. It may take time to work your way back into their good graces, but that's only natural. Nobody likes to be rebuffed. Keep chipping away at their resistance.

A stubborn relative is making life very difficult. It feels as though your needs are always being swept under the rug. Something's got to change. Pursuing an unusual job may put some distance between you and this family member. Don't be surprised if your tormentor objects to your plans. This person lives and breathes to manipulate you. The sooner you break ties, the better. You've got better things to do than stroke this codger's ego.

An authority figure has stern words for you. Although your first instinct may be to rebel against these criticisms, you need to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths and then review what has been said. There's a good chance there is a grain of truth to these accusations. By showing you are willing to improve upon your performance, you'll make a good impression on the powers that be. Try to keep your personal and professional lives separate.

A financial shortfall forces you to be more careful with money. If you're swimming in debt, now is the time to get out. Get help from a financial manager who can help you consolidate your bills, cut up your credit cards, and negotiate lower interest rates. By creating a long term plan, you can reclaim your independence. Granted, you'll have to make some temporary sacrifices, but such restraint will be good for you. You can be happy with the simple pleasures of life.

Your love life could hit a low patch because you have so much responsibility piled on your plate. You don't have time to think about romance. Unfortunately, someone who lusts after you could feel rebuffed. Do your best to reassure them you really care about their feelings. Even though you resent having to soothe wounded feelings at this juncture, it's still necessary to do so or you could emerge very lonely from this ordeal.

Paying your bills could be a struggle because your work situation is so erratic. It may be time to take a part time job, if only for the regular pay. Every little bit helps at this stage of the game. Although your financial situation isn't permanent, it is weighing on your heart. You hate lying awake at night, worrying about your debts. Remember, there is no shame in taking a job beneath your educational level. All work has merit.

Be careful of the company you keep; hanging around with pessimists can colour your own outlook. Right now, you need to be as positive as possible. This is especially true regarding a youngster. You may not realise it, but a young person is patterning their behaviour after yours. If he or she sees you being cynical, they'll follow your footsteps. On the other hand, adopting a more optimistic approach will prompt this child to adopt a more upbeat attitude towards life.

You need to buckle down at work. Following the rules can make the difference between having a position and collecting benefits. It may not seem like a very scary prospect now, but hold on a minute. Consider how your future job search will be affected by your current situation. It's much easier to find work when you've got work. Resist the urge to defy the powers that be, even if their rules are stupid.

You're starting to wonder if you'll ever be able to exercise your expertise. While it's true your current situation is pretty stultifying, it does serve a purpose. By sticking with your present job, you'll gain some valuable practical experience. It will come in handy sooner than you think, when a golden career opportunity falls in your lap. Meanwhile, make it your mission to do the best job you possibly can in the months ahead. Your contributions will be recognised and rewarded.

You feel as though you're under somebody else's thumb. If you owe them money, find a way to pay it back as quickly as possible. Cutting back on luxuries may be tough, but it's better than feeling indebted all of the time. Your income could become erratic, so avoid making lofty promises to your creditor. Instead, pay them in small, regular instalments. Demonstrating your desire to honour this obligation will speak volumes about your character.

A legal matter could prevent you from talking about a certain subject. Stick to your agreement, even when you are thoroughly frustrated. Writing your feelings in a diary may be your only outlet. Don't worry about what others will think of your silence. People are a lot more sophisticated than you think. They'll properly interpret your silence as a condition that has been imposed on you. Resist the urge to lash out at a seasoned expert. He really has your best interests at heart.