Your Career in Mercury Retrograde

Professional dos and don'ts for Mercury Retrograde

by Emily Trinkaus

Mercury rules many of the essential ingredients of any job or business -- communication, computers, sales, negotiation and travel. So the influence of Mercury Retrograde -- when the messenger planet appears to back up and change directions -- will be more than obvious in your work life! You can expect computer crashes, miscommunications, delays, missed appointments and general confusion during these three weeks. But you don't need to close up shop or take an extended vacation -- if you know how to cooperate with the influence, your work can actually benefit during this time. Follow these tips to minimize stress and make the most of Mercury Retrograde.

Don't ...

Initiate new projects! Whatever you begin during Mercury Retrograde will take longer than you think, and won't turn out as you expect. In fact, you may have to redo it altogether, or eventually decide that it was never a good idea anyway. If your boss insists on starting something new -- or if the nature of your work demands it -- move slowly, double-check all the details and be prepared to be flexible in your approach.

Do ...

Return to old projects to redo or complete them. Business tends to slow down during Mercury Retrograde, giving you a chance to catch up. You may be able to find a new approach to matters from the past now that you can see them from a fresh perspective. Cleaning up old issues will help you move ahead with new ideas once Mercury starts moving forward again. Bring order to any chaotic situations -- go through old files, clean your desk and put your paper shredder to work.

Don't ...

Make important decisions that lock you into future commitments! Decisions made during Mercury Retrograde are likely to be altered or reversed. Assume that you don't yet have all the information you need, and that your brain is not functioning at normal speed. Commitments should be short-term, with built-in flexibility for the inevitable changes of mind as the situation unfolds.

Do ...

Be extra-vigilant in all matters where accuracy, clarity and timeliness are important. Since the potential for miscommunication is high in all business deals or work-related conversations, check in frequently to confirm that everyone is on the same page. If you're writing an important letter or e-mail, or publishing a newsletter or other publication, ask a colleague to review your work. Allow yourself extra time to arrive at appointments -- and be patient with latecomers who encountered unexpected delays.

Don't ...

Start a new job, career or business! It's unlikely to result in satisfaction and success. Instead, take the time to explore your options -- it's worth waiting a few weeks until the planets are on your side. Likewise, if you're in a position to hire new employees, don't -- wait until Mercury is moving forward again, or you risk going through the hiring process twice.

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