Can I charge a potential employer for design work they're making me do as "a test"? I'm interviewing for a f/t design position at a large publisher and they want me to do work on spec (ie, unpaid). As a freelancer, they would have to pay me hundreds of dollars for this same work, and it will take me hours. Can I charge them my going rate?

My fiance and I are trying to determine where to live next. Some things that are important to us are: plenty of things to do every weekend such as food festivals, walkable areas, good food, plenty of young people to help us create a sense of community, plenty of job opportunities for growth, safety, etc. Does anyone live in these areas who could provide insight on which one might be better?

Some places are worse than others. I see blatant favoritism from upper leadership down to administrative staff. This is why I want to work fully remote so I don’t have to deal with the petty office politics from the snub from a coworker passing by to promotions of the favorites. This is the type of company I am working for. I will be gone in a month since I am moving. It’s old and draining. Just needed to vent.

I need to know as my resume has been getting nothing but denials left and rights since May of this year and its becoming disheartening. My husband is working full time so thankfully we have our basics covered but I need to get back into the work force soon.

I just graduated from college this past May and would have loved to get a job in brand marketing for entertainment. I was unsuccessful and recently was able to get an admin assistant job at a university. I work 9-5 and I answer just a few phone calls and emails a day. I feel like my talent is being wasted and I would love to be in another role that truly highlights my skills and brings me a challenge. That being said, as an employee of the University I am eligible for tuition remission and would be able to work towards getting an MBA for very little cost, but would have to be an employee until that would be completed which would be mid 2025. I feel very stuck and unsure of what I should do. Any advice from anyone who has had similar struggles in finding a role they enjoy? What did you do about it?

We have a new COO that I directly report to. He is the most impatient, dictatorial person I have ever worked for. Additionally, he is quite eccentric. When speaking with me in meetings, he walks around his office/conference room combo and flails his hands in the air while talking - many times circling the large conference room many times - almost like some type of madman. He probably does that with others as well. I find myself also circling trying to understand him and follow the bouncing ball. His dictatorship style of leadership does not mesh well with me either. I don't have a lot of experience working with dictators and it makes me angry when he dictates. I want to say something back to him but everyone at the company is walking on eggshells right now. Besides applying to jobs, I am trying to deal with his mess until I find something. Has anyone experienced this or can anyone provide advice on how to navigate through this? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking for some advice from someone who has held one of these positions. What has been your experience working in these roles: is there a low barrier to entry, is there a good balance of challenge in the work, and are there opportunities for growth?