A few people will bow out of events already arranged because of the increasingly competitive atmosphere. This will make it easier for you as it reduces the competition. Keep an open mind on the suggestions and advice that comes your way. Not all of it will be offered with your interests at heart. Ignore distractions and avoid people who are likely to put stumbling blocks in your way. You need to give your undivided attention to the task in hand.

You need space and some free time to recharge your batteries and focus on personal pursuits. Taking on more commitments, working extra hours or covering for an absent colleague will not increase your overall productivity. In fact it is likely to plummet as you push yourself to your limits. Ill considered moves should be avoided as your judgement is not as good as it could be. You could also do with a good night's sleep!

You don't need reminding of all you have to do, neither do you need to have anyone plan your day for you? You're fully aware of all your responsibilities and you know, too, that you will fit them into your day in your own way. You may not be as organised as some people and you aren't in the mood to indulge those who want everything arranged down to the last detail. You just want to be left alone!

You know your own heart so why listen to a friend who is trying to get you to change your feelings? You are in touch with your emotions and these will never change. All other people's interference will do is confuse your thinking and persuade you to change your mind. This will lead to future regret when you realise you acted on their views and suggestions and not on what your instincts were telling you. So who do you listen to: a friend or your heart?

You're in two minds about an invitation from a cultured friend to the opera or a classic stage production. If you've not had a lot of experience in this area you might feel a little out of your depth. To keep up with the plot, read the book beforehand or look up the basics of the storyline, online. You've always enjoyed anything theatrical and after an afternoon or evening at the opera, you will discover you had nothing to worry about!

If you are reluctant to criticise your superiors you may have to cover up the fact they aren't doing their job properly. Conversely, if someone complains about your methods and you were taught these during a training session, to defend yourself will mean criticising a senior colleague who did not train you properly. It's a day to tread with care and go with your instincts. You don't want to upset anyone but you have to protect your own position, too.

You don't really know what else to do but approach someone you trust to discuss the worries on your mind. Until you sort out a difficult problem don't be surprised if it seems like everything is just too much trouble. No great physical upset is likely; it is more an emotional dilemma that's best corrected by talking your troubles through followed by an early night to sleep them off and recharge yourself for another day.

Being well educated on managerial theory does not necessarily make for a good leader. A boss or senior colleague may have impressive qualifications but they have lost touch with the needs of their employees. If the job gets done it's because of their skilled and adaptable workforce. Should a superior show little respect for employees while still believing they are in control, it is time to give them a lesson in reality.

Fulfilment in your life should not come solely from your career or academic interests. Conditions at home may be frustrating due to the lack of time you are all spending together. You may have forgotten how much fun it can be to go out with the family. An accident prone relative could blunder into trouble and as you come to the rescue, it will suddenly dawn on you that your loved ones are an important part of your life.

If a colleague's behaviour towards you is highly inappropriate, don't put up with it in silence. Making an official complaint does not make you a snitch. You have a valid reason for your grievances and your concerns should be addressed by those who can do something about it. Should you be unhappy with a senior colleague, they have no right to threaten your job on the basis of a clash of personalities.

A position you are offered could depend on funding that is hoped to be received. For this reason it would be best to keep your options open. It won't be sensible to resign from an existing post in readiness for a job that may or may not become available. Suggest they get back to you again when they are in a position to hire you. In the meantime, put in some research and acquaint yourself with work you will do in this role, should it come about.

You're so amazed by someone's rude behaviour and wonder whether they treat everyone the same way. Or have they saved up all their complaints and aggravation just for you? There is no reason you should stand and take a vicious verbal attack. If anyone won't listen to calm reason, turn around and walk away. You understand people can be frustrated for all sorts of reasons but that doesn't give them the right to take their anger out on you.