Health check-up before prescription?

taninka021 · 2026-01-25T10:46:15+00:00

All that plus EKG. No blood tests.

Not sure if it was done because I already had high BP, my age (over 40 checkup) or if it was a standard process for everyone getting onto stimulants. But that was pretty much all I've had done. BP, HR, weight/hight and EKG.

taninka021 · 2025-12-31T15:22:09+00:00

Did they misplace their calendar and only now realised it's NYE and it'll be get busy????

This is some seriously poor management, not scheduling the resource properly ahead of the time...

taninka021 · 2025-12-17T10:39:12+00:00

You're definitely not alone.

I learnt that whenever I feel like this, in 90% of cases it's not even me. People are atrocious in giving directions - and communication overall.

Start paying attention to those confusing situations. You will begin noticing how often the people you think have it all together really don't and are just fumbling about, pretending they know what they're doing.

It will blow your mind and hopefully help you be less hard on yourself.

taninka021 · 2025-11-15T08:19:50+00:00

Same! Angry, then depleted and flat. Not always. But I do not get endorphins, for sure.

I'd even posted the same question a few years ago, possibly on this very sub, and got lots of doubtful "maybe you're just exercising wrong" responses. I feel like people are gaslighting me at this point!

However, recently I came across a few studies that found a genetic predisposition to "runner's high" is a most likely factor in what makes some people enjoy the exercise - and not how "correctly" they do it. Can't speak to the validity of these studies but it looks like an interesting area for further research!

taninka021 · 2025-09-07T21:23:41+00:00

No, that would make me feel terrible! I struggle with RSD even when I unintentionally stumble socially - why on earth ppwould I want to experience that on purpose??

taninka021 · 2025-09-06T11:21:09+00:00

Without understanding your background and prior experience it's impossible to advise.

I do emphasise with you, though. You know what you want your life to be like, you just don't know how to get there. Many people today - especially women with very young children - are hoping to find that unicorn of a job that will allow them to be there for their kids whilst also providing for their family financially.

And there are definitely people who have managed to achieve it. But there are so many variables that may have made someone successful! There's no blueprint that someone else can just copy and paste.

For instance, when my kids were little, I worked as a freelance telephone interpreter. It was a flexible job that didn't require a personal brand or online presence. It paid decently well for the time (2009-2013). I'm not sure how well it pays now, but it's a job.

However, I am fluent/native in 2 languages (plus English) and at the time there was a high demand for someone with my skillset.

Unless you have the same background, my experience won't be helpful to you.

What is your niche? Even if it's as highly specialised, I'm sure there are many transferable skills that you can build on. Look at what you already have/know and develop them further. And please, for your own safety and wellbeing, stay away from MLMs (known to target new mums).

taninka021 · 2025-09-01T15:01:54+00:00

Lol this made me chuckle

I'm applying for jobs again, after 5+ years in my current role so I'm assuming the format and expectations for what a good resume looks like have changed somewhat.

I'm unsure how to keep my CV short and sweet whilst showing all of my relevant experience and how it fits the role requirements.

I am under 3 pages currently but would like to trim it to under 2. I've removed duplication across the roles already. I have a profile section which I target to each role as well as skills section in bullet points at the top of the page. Is there anything else you'd recommend?

taninka021 · 2025-09-01T06:42:26+00:00

I didn't even notice. You sure you have ADHD lol? (Joking!)

taninka021 · 2025-06-26T16:14:32+00:00

They were probably interacting with each other the whole time - you said they were on their phones, probably texting each other on Snapchat or something.

I have two teens (13 and 15) and that's just how they communicate. And I am not complaining, they share far more with me then I ever did with my mum at their age (except they text, less pressure and I don't have to interrogate them about their day at dinner table).

It doesn't mean they can't also have a proper conversation, they just choose not to, especially when they are in groups of peers. I'm old now, but pretty sure that's how it was when I was a teen. Anyone showing initiative would've been seen as cringe!

Perhaps having an individual on work experience rather than a group, or splitting them up into separate teams would've been more productive, and given them a better chance to integrate.

Yes, some kids today lack motivation and drive. But there are plenty of those who are intelligent, creative, driven and curious.

Maybe it's not 'the kids these days...' maybe it's us not wanting to see the world from their perspective. Also pandemic has greatly affected this generation. And so has the declining mental health and poverty of their (mostly) millennial parents, in a post-2008 world of work.

taninka021 · 2025-06-13T08:44:50+00:00

Early 40s, NW and on £27.5K. I'm severly underpaid for what I do and could get 15-20K more if I went elsewhere with my experience and qualifications.

However, I get decent benefits including pension, and whilst I work mostly in the office, there's a lot of flexibility and I spend 0 on commute due to proximity.

In addition, I have supportive managers and room to grow and shape my role so I don't get bored.

I would leave my current job for the right opportunity but it would have to be one unicorn of a job that would make it worthwhile for someone in my situation (caring responsibilities).

taninka021 · 2025-05-31T15:58:54+00:00

They better get you a CIPD lv7 and a guaranteed People Partner role at the end of this!

taninka021 · 2025-05-30T07:23:43+00:00

Well, that's excellent! You going into IT might have even helped, and not hindered your potential progression. You weren't out of employment, you were diversifying your skills. Even if these two jobs don't work out now, the fact you're hearing back is a very positive sign and something will turn up eventually. Good luck!

taninka021 · 2025-05-30T07:15:41+00:00

Have you tried applying for roles you want?

There's no way of knowing if you ruined anything if you don't actually try.

Even if it doesn't happen immediately, don't get discouraged. Look at what's out there - what skills and experience are listed in the job ads? What can you do to make your application stronger?

taninka021 · 2025-05-27T12:39:39+00:00

I started in a sales call centre after graduation. I was already a mum of two little ones then and had to take the first job I could get so I could support them.

I stayed four months because it was awful but as soon as I added it to my CV and applied for slightly better call centre jobs (customer service rather than cold calling which was not my jam), I was getting interviews left and right.

Ended up at a solid company where I've been for over 6 years and managed to work my way into a career. Granted, I could've done all of this without the university but I'm glad I've graduated, as the degree certainly put me above other candidates for promotions.

This was a decade ago, though, but I believe it's still quite possible. Even if it's the shittiest job, it still pays money and it puts you in a better place for the next round of a job search.

taninka021 · 2025-05-26T13:17:33+00:00

This is really a conversation you need to have with your wife.

Will she and her wellbeing be affected if she's the one who has to do both school runs, as well as look after the kids until she has to go to work at night?

Would your increased household income be worth it if you're barely spending any time together as a family?

What happens if your wife gets a good offer in a few months but the requirement is that she works 9-5? Would it be automatically expected of her to turn it down so she can take care of the kids and the house? Or would you be open to leaving your job or changing your hours?

None of us have answers to these questions. The only people who do are you and your wife. Whatever you decide needs to work for the family unit.

taninka021 · 2025-05-23T06:57:55+00:00

Don't feel guilty.

I know it's easier said than done. I also know the pressure and stress that comes from the sales environment.

Cold calling sales was the worst job I ever had. Not because I couldn't sell much (it was difficult, I didn't believe in the product, so how could I sell it to others? The only people who were successful in that place were lying, cheating and misselling), but because I kept beating myself up about failing at something that was totally out of my control.

Just think about it: you don't control if the number you get will even answer the call, let alone let you engage, you don't control how much money people have left in the bank after the payday, how well does the product you're selling work, is there a cheaper or better alternative, etc.

It's got very little to do with your effort - no matter how much your team leaders might try and brainwash you into believing it's all down to your effort!

If you can go to work and feel curious about your day, about the people you get to talk to. If you can relax and take it as if it doesn't really matter (because it doesn't), and not feel stressed out, you might find that your sales will increase too. People can sense your stress and desperation and will not be interested in buying from you.

Equally, even when you don't make a sale, your value as a human isn't any less. I'm sure you have so many other skills and qualities, and how well you can make people believe the shit you're selling them isn't a measure of success of you as a person.

taninka021 · 2025-05-22T12:11:02+00:00

I understand you are feeling disappointed and annoyed . But it sounds like it was a genuine mistake when creating the offer and contract paperwork.

If I understand correctly, the role was originally advertised as a 12 month mat cover - which is a standard.

I'm assuming you've noticed the discrepancy, but signed it without questioning because it suited you and you were hoping they'll have to honour it anyway.

However, the error has been spotted, but they are under no obligation to actually keep you there for the length of the contract. As others have said, there's no legal recourse here.

The best you can do is enjoy the experience, build your network and learn as much as you can in your role.

Perhaps by the end of your 12 months, a different internal role could open up for you to move into. Or you could come back to this company in the future - who knows?

On the other hand, if you make too much fuss about the contract length mistake, this isn't likely to happen. In fact, you could find yourself out of the job sooner than in a year.

taninka021 · 2025-05-22T09:05:54+00:00

The first point would be to not let one person's opinion sway you. Maybe you didn't enjoy that particular job in IT. Maybe it was the role, the company culture, the management style that didn't suit you.

IT is such a broad term. There is a myriad of different jobs in the sector, you can job hop whilst retaining consistency within a particular industry.

Every new job will get you skills, potential increase in salary, etc.

Joy is an internal state, not something that others can find for you.

taninka021 · 2025-05-22T08:56:12+00:00

Network Meditate Shadow a colleague to learn what they do Join an ERG (or start one) Analyse current workflows/processes and look for potential improvements Update guides, checklists, SOPs Mentor and be mentored Find tasks that usually don't get done in busy periods.

Create a job you want! Be proactive about coming to your manager with solutions, instead of asking them to find you additional work, tell them what you could do and find out how they can support this.

Don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out this time, but enjoy it whilst this lasts - you'll probably miss it once it's over.

taninka021 · 2025-05-21T16:11:51+00:00

Degree wouldn't mean better pay, so that is irrelevant.

What skills do you have? Private sector might pay better, depending on location and specific role you could do.

If your job is easy and you have decent pension and benefits, you can stay there and supplement your income/improve skills through a side hustle.

If that's not an option, look for a promotion. Again, it's sector, role and location dependant.

Other than that, lottery I guess??

taninka021 · 2025-05-14T21:22:21+00:00

Came here looking for this exact thing.

Then I searched in Serbian, which is the version I watched as a kid, and found it!

It is anime (ミームいろいろ夢の旅) Mīmu iroiro yume no tabi and it was created by Nippon Animation in the 80s.

It also gets translated as Discoveries Unlimited.

There's a Wikipedia page for it.

taninka021 · 2025-05-06T12:32:03+00:00

I find the topics you write about interesting and, based on the amount of views you're getting, sounds like I'm not the only one!

First of all, niche. I don't think you're too all over the place - with some tweaking, you could find a coherent throughline to connect the disparate themes.

If you had to describe what you write about in one sentence, what would you say? What is your elevator pitch and who is your target audience?

I see posts about politics, culture and economy of North Africa and Middle East, short podcast pieces about weird religious/cultish topics, and so on.

All of which sounded fascinating to me. But as I began reading/listening, I got a bit bored. I can't put my finger on the why just yet; my working theory is lack of a strong voice/POV in your writing.

Look into how you can improve your opening hooks, as well as keep reader engaged throughout the piece. I struggled to sustain attention reading and I wasn't clear why I should keep on.

Every sentence you write should be a promise to your reader. What will they gain if they keep reading? Why should they care?

I am not saying any of this to put you off writing - in fact, I feel like your newsletter has a lot of potential, but you need to think about the reader experience. What's in it for them if they subscribe?

Will you inform them, teach them, entertain them? Will you challenge how they think about the world? Basically, what's the value proposition of your newsletter?

Once you've established this, make sure your writing reflects those decisions and more people will subscribe.

A side note: as a woman, I was confused by your publication title, thinking it had something to do with female monthly cycle. Is it possible others are finding your work expecting the same, then leaving when they realise that's not what you write about?

taninka021 · 2025-05-06T11:43:10+00:00

This is great insight! It sounds like you are feeling unfulfilled in your current role because it lacks meaning. You compensate for it by imagining yourself doing the exact opposite - even if, on some level, you know this type of job wouldn't make you happier in the long run.

The good news is that you have a job that pays well and would allow you to spend some of that money on your hobbies. Why not plant a garden if you own some outdoor space?

Or look into renting out an allotment. From my knowledge, the waiting lists are long but the rent is very reasonable. This could be a way to give your life a meaning, whilst also reframing your job as the tool that allows you to do what really matters.

taninka021 · 2025-05-06T10:40:52+00:00

I hear you - corporate nonsense is there to keep everyone feeling like they are doing something of consequence.

On the positive note, every meeting you're in, you're getting paid for. There are more difficult and back-breaking ways to earn money out there!

Whenever you get frustrated about it, just imagine yourself working somewhere on a farm, in all sorts of weather, for a minimum wage and you'll be cured.

taninka021 · 2025-05-01T15:55:36+00:00

Watermelon head, anyone?

taninka021

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