Horoscope

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Review the past, explore the present and embrace the future. Eliminate what isn’t working for you and clear the path for new beginnings. Trust and believe in yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Be discreet about the details of your professional life. If someone is nosy, shift the focus. Get a better idea of what others want from you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22): Put your plans in motion. It’s time to get things done and have fun doing it. Be honest with yourself about what you want to happen, and proceed with confidence.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21): Expect others to overreact and play emotional games with you if you are too complacent or vague. Be abrupt and forceful to avoid being put in an awkward position.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Slow down. If you reveal what you are doing prematurely, you will be met with opposition. Solidify your plans and get things up and running. Be sensitive to the needs of a loved one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19):

Look over your documents, and clear up unfinished business. An aggressive approach will be in your best interest. Don’t argue over something that doesn’t matter. Stay focused on what you want.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20): Manage your finances with care. You cannot buy love or happiness, but you can achieve peace of mind if you handle your money wisely. Beware of indulgence in all forms.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep your anger in check. Put your energy into something worthwhile, and you will achieve satisfaction and happiness. Make love a priority. Don’t try to change a stubborn person’s mind.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll have trouble making up your mind. Too many choices will add to your confusion. Follow the path that leads to balance and equality. Don’t give up on your dreams.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Settle into something that makes you feel comfortable. Pursuing a creative hobby or making changes to your residence will put your mind at ease. Be reluctant to believe secondhand information or take a chance on something risky. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pay closer attention to what’s going on around you. Share your feelings with someone who can help you solve a personal problem. An emotional incident will help clear your head.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Less emotion and more strategy will help you navigate any conflicts you encounter. Look for alternatives and resolve issues holding you back. Take control and make your move. Romance and selfimprovement are favored.

DEAR AMY » I currently work in a family owned office that my mother manages. My sister and I both work there.

I’ve helped her since she acquired the business from the previous owner a few years ago. There are no issues in our working relationship/dynamic. However, my mother doesn’t pay very well, and can’t afford to pay me more.

I don’t believe I’m financially stable. (My sister’s husband earns a hefty salary that provides them with financial stability.)

I don’t have any superfluous bills (really!) but also have no savings, and I realize this must change!

My question is, how do I leave? How do I broach this subject and find other employment while maintaining a good relationship with my mother?

I know this will cause her an immense amount of stress because there is no replacement and potential candidates are difficult to find, but I cannot currently survive on the meager income.

I have plenty of customer service/professional experience (plus prior military service) and have done some job searching to ensure I am marketable for a better salary in other career opportunities with similar job duties before settling on the idea of leaving.

I am just unsure of what to do next and I’m fearful of her feelings. I also believe that I’m really overthinking this.

I’m ready to move on, but find it difficult to have the “break-up” talk when I know how important loyalty is to my mother.

— Daughter’s Day-Job

Dilemma

DEAR DAUGHTER » Wanting to advance your career, move on to a different field, make more money, or simply make a change does not mean you are being disloyal. Your mother might frame your choice that way, but if she does, that is yet another reason for you to leave.

I’m going to suggest, however, that your mother might surprise you. (Moms are occasionally capable of surprising their offspring.)

You should meet with her outside of the home and office. Take her out for coffee, if possible. Write down your thoughts in advance.

Thank her for providing this opportunity. Express your gratitude.

Tell her that you believe you’ve gone as far as you can in the family business.

“I’ve decided to start a job search, and I want to give you a heads up that I’m going to be leaving the company. I will help you find and train my replacement, if you want.”

Would you stay with the company if your mother gave you a raise? You should consider this possibility and have your answer ready. Be firm and friendly in expressing your resolve. Keep it professional. Do not criticize her or your sister. Do not anchor to her reaction if she becomes upset.

You have the right and responsibility to solve your own problems.

The same goes for your mother.