Rachel, I need to mend some fences The writer is estranged from someone she worked for at the beginning of her career and wants advice on how to reconnect with her   Rachel, I can't afford to kick in for gifts The writer is a junior planner living on not much money and feels put upon by folks asking for donations. Rachel opines.   Rachel, can I go over my boss's head? The writer says her superior made a serious blunder that could cost the agency a client. She's worried about catching the blame.   Rachel, my boss is a glib whippersnapper The writer, nearing retirement, is working for someone half his age who's a know-it-all. He wonders how to deal with him.   Rachel, I need to go out on interviews The writer, a media planner, is starting to look for a new job and wonders how she can go on interviews while still doing her job   Rachel, I always feel blue about now The writer says she's always a bit down around the holidays, but this year is much worse. Rachel offers some thoughts to cheer her.   Rachel, I took six months off in Australia The writer went off on an adventure with a friend, and now she wonders how she should explain her sabbatical when looking for a job   Rachel, help, I hate Christmas parties The writer is shy, doesn't drink and hates loud noises, yet she feels a lot of pressure to show up at the agency party   Rachel, where are the media opportunities? The writer, a media planner, is wondering how to plan her future. She wants to know what areas of media will see the most growth.   Rachel, should I get my boss a gift? The writer is just a few months out of college and new to the agency. She wants to know what's proper etiquette on gift-giving. next >>