Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/436544
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamamil- lennial, first-generation college graduate from a dysfunctional family. I assumed when I went to college that things would somehow be easier, but they weren't. Looking back, I guess it was a killer combo of burnout, lack of sup- port/men- torship and unresolved issues. Upon graduation with decent grades I was released into the first year of the falter- ing job market. Since then I have managed to scrape by (and for that I feel fortunate) but never really gain security. I was laid off from my job several months ago, but the thought of getting another 9-to-5 office job literally gives me anxiety attacks. The stress of trying to pretend to be "normal" and robotic to that level is something I've realized I cannot do. In my earlier days, arts, writing and perform- ing made me the happi- est. Sometimes I wonder if things have been so dif- ficult attempting to suc- ceed in corporate Amer- ica because it was not something I was meant to do in the first place. But acting and writing seem like pipe dreams. I am a 28-year-old woman. Is it foolish just to get part-time jobs until I figure some things out? My student debt makes it impossible to go back to school right now. —JadedandConfused DEAR JADED » N ot all desk jobs are staffed by robots. If you work for a company or a cause you believe in and feel that your work is important, having a desk job might be fulfilling. Definitely get part-time jobs while you figure out what you want to do with your life. One skill you could pick up is to learn to "code." Check women whocode.com or udacity. com for meet-ups in your area. I suggest this be- cause you might do well at an Internet startup or small nonprofit. Take an improv class to work on your perfor- mance and writing. DEAR AMY » I live over- seas. My biggest fear is that something bad might happen to my mom. When I go into panic mode I feel that the whole world is turning into a scary and lonely place. She is dating a man I do not trust. Although my boy- friend tells me I am being controlling, I fear I will regret not expressing my concerns if something bad happens. I do not approve of that relation- ship and it makes me very sad that my own mother would choose this person. He s eems v iolent and disrespectful. She says she wants to leave in the cor- rect time and never does. How can I ignore this? — Worried DEAR WORRIED » You shouldn't ignore this, but your focus should be on controlling your own anxiety. Freaking out and trying to control your mother will backfire. Understand she will leave when she is ready. She might talk about it for years before doing it. You can only offer posi- tive encouragement to do what's best for her. Millennial ponders not being a corporate 'robot' anymore You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — You will be impatient, but that doesn't mean you should gossip or make someone look bad. Bide your time and wait. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Making solid investments before the end of the year will help increase your finances. Do your best to show someone how much you care. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Positive results are imminent if you keep your promises. Think before you speak, or you may cause embarrassment to some- one who looks up to you. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Despite your hard work, your plans and projects will fall short. Someone will try to take advan- tage of your good nature and desire to please. Aries (March 21-April 19) — It will be difficult to get your ideas off the ground by yourself. Talk to people who understand your plans and can give you suggestions and help along the way. Use your skills. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you are seeking inspira- tion, study different cultures, countries or subjects that inter- est you. There are many ways to expand your knowledge and stimulate your mind. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Someone will try to discredit you. Make sure you accurately present yourself and what you have to offer. Take credit for your contributions. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Romance will brighten your day. Plan to do something spe- cial with a loved one. Personal adjustments made now will enable you to take on a number of new challenges in the coming year. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — There are tremendous personal changes happening. Whatever has been holding you back will be rectified, allowing you to move forward. It's time to try something new and exciting. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — No matter what you do, you will not be able to please everyone. In the end, you need to do what you feel is right. Don't feel obliged to answer for your choices. Romance is on the rise. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You can expand your social and professional connections if you participate in an organization that you believe in. This will bring you additional allies who will fit into your plans. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Someone you care about won't appreciate the extra hours you put in at work, but the financial results will be well worth it. Make plans to compen- sate for your lack of down time. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, DEC. 19 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 6 B