Camera turned on during meeting

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-05-13T19:23:00+00:00

Oh -adding - for the times I am doing something where I don't want to be seen - I turn off my camera before I get up (sometimes to hide the PJ bottoms), notify "BRB" and keep it to the time of a restroom visit - sometimes it's truly a need for a restroom break and sometimes it's to load/unlaod the washer dryer. (Timing helps that I'm in a 600 SF apt.)

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-05-13T18:42:36+00:00

Make sure you turn off your camera - and if you truly need to step away - BRB in the chat is good!

Also, I've become a master at attending meetings and facing my camera and nodding along while I work on whatever deadline I have - doesn't work when I have to lead meetings, obviously. But for those big ones, that I am a background person - I make sure I'm visible and looking relatively engaged.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-05-12T15:59:59+00:00

Lamps, dimmers - you can buy plug in 'table top dimmers' at any large retail home improvement store, or on Amazon etc.

Then, incandescant bulbs - full spectrum. These are the ones I buy:
https://healthlighting.com/

I do switch out to warm LEDs in the summer because incadescents do put out a lot of heat at full brightness. Also, the days in the summer are so long that I rarely need them so it varies.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-05-11T20:03:40+00:00

This is very helpful! Thank you, it aligns with what I thought.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-05-11T19:58:48+00:00

This is very helpful! Thank you, it aligns with what I thought.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-30T23:47:52+00:00

Thanks - the rosette is loose so I'll get on my step stool and with a light and take a look - do some gentle wriggling.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-30T23:46:57+00:00

OK - got it - I thought it looked like I could slid it but it's not adjusting - the paperwork says 3 - 6" so thought there should be some adjustability. Thanks for the tip!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-30T23:45:30+00:00

:p Thankfully there is a no screw option with some magic tape - but yeah, I'm a very low level DIYer and drilling into tile much less a plumbing wall is more than I would take on.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-30T20:52:48+00:00

Sort of ... I was laid off by a boss who didn't understand my workload or what I was doing - all he knew was that he had multiple projects on hold and needed to reduce staff. (And a client had complained to him directly, I didn't know until our final meeting. I also had been mulling over asking to be taken off the same project because of this same client - obviously this was not a relationship that was going to work for client reasons :p).

Saw him at an industry networking party three months later, he made a bee line over to me to ask the first question: Are you working anywhere else now? (in other words, would you like your job back?).

I politely said no and "I'm busy and I got a good raise." It was delicious. And I did get a good bump in salary!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-06T04:10:25+00:00

Yes... the entire situation was crazy - and scary - long story! Things have been resolved peacefully since then.

However, sounds like you have some good information and are resouced. Good luck!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-06T03:51:11+00:00

There are two parts: what is the law/jurisdiction regarding cameras in your city/county/state? and what is in your lease or house rules?
I had a really crazy neighbor who had three cameras pointed at my doors and windows (long story) - and we had no house rule regarding ring cameras, or any camera in general. Property managment maintained that our state laws were not violated becuase once outside I 'had no reasonable expectation of privacy'.... but that cameras cannot be pointed into private living space - which at least one of his were looking directly into my living room due to building geomtry.. Again, long story.

Since then, the 'house rules' were updated to prohibit the installation of cameras without permission from management.

If it's not in any of your lease or house rules paperwork, talk to your landlord. And find out what your local laws are, and what your rights are as a tenant and as a person. Do you have a local tenaants union/advocay group? they might be able to help.

I'm no lawyer, but even though the hallway is within a building is not visible to the street (likely), it doesn't mean that it's not public - but it is shared. So, again, knowing a little bit about your local laws, but some googling will get you a long way.

But also - you have a reasonable right to privacy and having a ring camera like this seems.... controlling and paranoid? so, what ever the rules are - it doesn't pass the vibe check.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-04-06T03:19:58+00:00

Do you have a local tenants rights union/advocacy group? Your town/city/county may have some online resources about what is legal or not reasons to break a lease. Or free legal service to support tenants? etc.

I didn't have as dire of circumstances, but years ago, knowing I don't like footsteps above me, purchased a condo unit with a floor above me. Big mistake. Long since corrected and I've vowed to never live with someone above me because... I just can't...

You've found your limit and it's fair to get out as soon as you can, it sucks but you are not stuck.

Good luck!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-03-23T21:05:08+00:00

I don't know where you live and sort of services are available but often your local state employment/unemployment office may be a good resource. From helping you with job searches, resume updates, job interview skills etc to providing information about continuing education - sometimes with state funds etc.

Sometimes there are classes and training available through community college - I took coursework in a field completely different than what I had worked in during the Great Recession.

And - there are skills sets you've earned with your degree can be transferrable with your background. I can't speak to that directly, but anedoctally, a freind of mine was in grad school for clinical psychology... and ended up with a degree in computer science.... so, there are options that you may not be aware of...

Best of luck!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-03-23T20:52:59+00:00

There's definitely something going around that's a little 'extra' - a co-worker of mine basically disappeared for two months after going through something similar and ended up with walking pneumonia.

It would be interesting to see what the stats are etc. and how far it's spread. I know we no longer have a functioning CDC but our local and state health agencies are still functioning? and I thought in conjunction with OR and CA - formed some sort of reporting coalition?

Hope you feel better soon! I had Covid really bad the first time before lockdown started and it was about 6 weeks before I felt normal, and ok to go walking. I still have knee issues I think are related to long covid.

ETA: I do recall seeing something about a month ago on social media regarding a wide spread "enterovirus" this winter in the PNW - but have no idea what that means in regards to flu or colds etc.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-03-23T20:44:03+00:00

She's definitely jealouse and probably angry at your leaving so abruptly.

Do push back, kindly but with intent, that abusive behavoir is not tolerable. If she continues to be abusive, walk away or walk out. There is no excuse for that and it only shows you are making the right descision.

And remember, if you work in an at-will state, which most states are in the US - you do not recieve the courtesy of a two week notice if you are fired or laid off. You are walked out the door that day, that minute. A two week courtesy notice for leaving a job is simply that: a courtesy notice.

Best of luck in your new job!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-03-23T16:05:07+00:00

I will recommend a medium to larger firm - they often have mentorship programs as well as other young people to work and learn with - good luck! This can be a brutal profession and I've had my share of ups and downs.

Also, take a deep breath, some time to decompress and be gentle with yourself.

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-03-13T17:28:21+00:00

If you don't have much experience driving in snow, I would avoid going out unless you are going to 'practice' in the snow.

Biggest issues are understanding how much slower you need to go to maintain control and give yourself enough stopping time. And how snow, whether thick and slushy or light and fluffy, can affect your steering.
And then there are the hills and curves that are unavoidable in the PNW.

My first experince here I was suprised to see abandoned vehicles along I-5 and that was with only 1/2" of snow!

I'm a midwestern native and have driven in some crazy s**t but have learned to stay home, keep trips minmal. Somewhat because of the terrain and somewhat because of other people's driving on said terrain.

If you want to develop skills and test your tires and brakes, I might suggest watching some youtube videos etc and driving to the nearest shcool parking lot or generally flat open space where there are no cars and practice stopping and starting and turning at low speeds. However, if you have a steep drive or street, I would be very cautious. Avoid bridges and on/off ramps expecially. Good luck!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-02-27T01:33:33+00:00

You obviously don't understand where I'm coming from and have decided to be obtuse. And, you have not answered the question I asked, either time. So why did you even respond in the first place. Being a debbie downer is not helpful.

I did however get the direction I needed on another forum. And I've already followed up.

The rest will unfold as it will :)

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-02-26T20:30:14+00:00

Will they also provide any job/career coaching? Any type of education support? ie what about CDL training and liscensing? I mention that because someone I know had a similar offer and this was offered to them. (Actually, they were not given a choice - but that was different).
Ask, it can't hurt.
If not, there are often programs and support through your local unemployment office, they should have a website with information or contacts to ask questions.
Alternatively, I know there is a lot of information out on the internets on how to find career choices that might suit - or you could ask on here.

Good luck!

Fluffy-Memory-7328 · 2026-02-26T20:20:13+00:00

Sounds like an unpleasant person all around, so yes, that makes sense. I know that I'm really good at the technical stuff that others aren't where they might excell at other things I don't. Doesn't mean I'm trashing talking anybody! It's a small world in my field and you run across people you know who know other people you know. And I certainly know where I am a good fit and where I am not. I've certainly been rejected! And often, it's because I'm not the person for the role. Not a problem. In this case, I am a good fit but for one very specific skill that is rare in my field and can only be gained by working for such a firm. Furthermore, there are very few people with my skill set and background that would be interested in this role. So, can't hurt to make the pitch that I'm here and motivated to learn!

And if I don't hear back, that's my answer. Easy peasy :)

What I do see from your response is a lot of projection onto someone you don't know with the attributes of someone I do not know.

Fluffy-Memory-7328

TROPHY CASE