The columnist addresses a reader dealing with an overly chatty coworker who doesn't pick up on social cues. Despite direct attempts to express frustration, the coworker remains oblivious. The advice: be even more direct. Try saying something like, "Please stop talking to me now — I need to return to work." For those who won't let you get a word in edgewise, interrupting or repeating the request may be necessary. This directness might feel rude, but given the gap between the two parties' understanding of polite behavior, it's likely the only way to get through.

On the broader question of choosing between mundane but stable jobs versus satisfying but toxic ones, the columnist shrugs: "It depends." The reader has already switched between both types several times. Since it's nearly impossible to find both fulfillment and well-being at a single job — especially in the nonprofit sector — the suggestion is to tack between the two, averaging out stress, boredom, passion, and creativity over a career.

Given the reader has done "their time in the 'valuable but corrosive' half of the equation recently," it's time to balance it out with years on the "mind-numbing but healthy" side. If they start missing the fulfillment of their current job and downplaying the lack of support, it's time to switch again.

Finally, the columnist agrees with a reader about camera-off interviews being a reasonable practice.