DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: When I started my current job, I had a really good feeling about it that it would be something I would want to do for a long time.

Now that I have learned everything I can expect to learn from it, I am beginning to hate the job. There is nowhere else in my company I could go, and I am beginning to feel like I made a bad choice when I took it.

I have only been here for less than nine months, but I feel like I need to make a change.

How long do I have to stay with a job I hate to keep me from looking like a job-jumper? --- SCARED TO JUMP

DEAR SCARED TO JUMP: Without knowing how many other jobs you’ve had, or how long you’ve stayed with them, it’s hard to say if you come off as a job jumper. It’s unfortunate that this one isn’t working out for you, but that happens.

If you truly feel you’ve done all you can with your current job, and that you’ve hit a dead end, you could start looking around, but don’t expect to land a perfect job next time. Try to find something with growth potential for your sake ─ and that of the employers who will be investing in you.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: Since fourth grade “G” has been my best friend. We even roomed together during a study abroad semester.

I know there are things that drive her crazy that I do, but for me, I am having a harder and harder time with how she always has to be or do one better than me. If I spend $60 on a dress, she goes out and gets nearly the same one for $40. When she heard my boyfriend is now the manager of his department, suddenly her boyfriend is a vice president.

It just goes on and on and I usually let it pass, but I nearly snapped last week when she started in on how much more generous her boyfriend is than mine, how he gives her jewelry and takes her out to big expensive dinners, when she knows my boyfriend doesn’t make that much, but I know he treats me well.

I need suggestions on how to shut her down without playing her game. --- CAN’T COMPETE

DEAR CAN’T COMPETE: Your friend sounds insecure, which is most likely where her competitiveness comes from. And, you already realize it’s too easy to get pulled into her game of one-upmanship.

My suggestion would be to continue to let it roll off you, as you’ve successfully been doing all along. Accept she needs to feel she’s one step ahead, but assure her you’re well-satisfied with how things are in your world.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: About six months ago I moved to a new city for my job. It’s a start-up tech company made up of twenty-somethings like me.

My coworkers like to drink hard, especially on the weekends. I have gone out with them a few times, but don’t enjoy it very much because they rag on me about not drinking and think I’m a whuss.

Back home and in college, all my friends knew I don’t drink, mostly because of a family history of alcoholism, including both my parents and my older sister.

I don’t want to tell my coworkers about my family, because I don’t think they would understand. But I am running out of excuses and feel bad about always putting them off, especially since these guys are the only people I know here.

Do I tell them why I don’t drink, or just keep finding excuses not to join them? --- NON-DRINKER IN A DRINKING WORLD

DEAR NON-DRINKER: You have an excellent reason ─ not just an excuse ─ to take a pass on drinking, and I see no reason for your not sharing it with your coworkers. Even if they don’t fully understand, you would no longer have to dodge them outside the office.

Another thing you should consider is widening your social circle in your new city. Pursue some of your own interests and you might just make some new friends who are into the same things you are.