such as a new title or more vacation
time.- Start looking for a new situation.
If you’ve done your best to respond
to performance feedback and your
prospects haven’t improved, it may
be time to seek a position elsewhere.
A STUBBED TOE
Smashing your toe can make you see
stars, but what should you do if the
pain doesn’t go away? If you don’t
think it’s broken, you probably can
treat it at home. Keep your foot im-
mobile and raised, if possible. Ice it
every 20 minutes while you’re awake
for the first 24 hours. Then apply an
ice pack two or three times a day un-
til the pain subsides. When you have
to be on the move, stabilize the toe
by placing cotton between it and a
neighboring toe and taping them to-
gether. However, if your toe looks
crooked, if the skin is ruptured, or if
the injury is to the all-important big
toe, seek medical attention as soon
as you can.Clogged Ears
ON A FLIGHT
There are actually three ways to
correct the problem, each named
after the doctor who developed it:- The Valsalva maneuver: Ta k e a
deep breath, pinch both nostrils shut
with your fingers, close your mouth,
and attempt to exhale through your
Getting turned down
FOR A RAISE- Stay calm. It’s human nature to
be disappointed, but tamp down
the urge to argue. Getting heated
with your boss isn’t going to help
and will just make you look
unprofessional. - Ask questions. There could be all
kinds of reasons your boss said no.
It could be purely budgetary rather
than about your performance.
Learning the true rationale can
give you some peace of mind—and
maybe a plan for the next time
around. - Request a follow-up. Show your
boss you are eager to do what it
takes to earn his or her support. - Negotiate for something else.
While a raise would be nice, there
are other benefits that might work
better with the company’s budget,
62 may 2019
Reader’s Digest
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