My boss is asking me to work unreasonable hours, what can I do?

I've been working for my current employer since graduation, and we have a new boss. I already work long hours, and now he wants us to work on a special project that is going to require working unreasonable hours for the next six months. I like my job, but I want a life too. Is there a way to express this to a new boss without sending the wrong message?

No. It's true that very few people on their deathbed say they wished they had spent more time working in their life, but given your age you have decades of work to find balance. Right now you should be crushing it, not acting like the opportunity to work on a special project is a chore — unless you're not passionate about what you do and your career, which is fine. But don't write back to me six months from now whining and wondering why you haven't been promoted, aren't asked to work on cool assignments, — or, worse, was the one selected for layoff instead of your colleague.

A colleague of mine told me that another colleague confided in her that she thought I did something underhanded to take credit for work she did — and she now thinks I'm an enemy. I didn't do what she thinks I did — but I can't try to clear it up, because she'll know our colleague told me. How should I handle this?

OMG, like, ya know — you guys just need a, like, sleepover or something — and maybe everyone can make up in time for the prom! Listen kids, so many work problems have their roots in high school, and that needs to stop if you want to have a successful career. Because while you are thinking, "Does she like me/does she not like me?" and telling each other secrets, your co-workers are spending time solving problems and advancing the company — and their careers. General rules to live by at work include no gossiping, and that if someone has a problem with you, they should bring it to you directly. If you help others succeed, give credit where credit is due, and deliver results based on your own merits, you will develop a positive reputation and won't have to worry about what people are saying about you.