So my girlfriend who is truly amazing and smart landed a position recently in Italy at a company - but they suck.

After 9 months of soul-sucking searching for a job after her masters, (sending hundreds of applications, barely getting any interest) she finally landed this one a few months back. She does microsystems & mechanical engineering.

Recently a male colleague of hers got fired because he made an unwanted approach - I'll explain that more later.

So this firm, basically they're paying barely 3k eur/month. Pre-tax. And she clocks ridiculous hours (working to 10pm, waking at 7am, etc) and the 'overtime' pay is only 1.15*... which apparently is aligned with the labour laws there, but f*king absurd.

Anyways they spontaneously sent her to Ukraine to work on repairing military equipment on a military base. Only lady there, working hard, and the only 'bonus' she's getting is that meagre 1.15* pay. No danger pay. No other compensation. Absolutely ridiculous. Also the employee turnover rate is insane

She's saying yes to all the extra overtime work and such because she wants to make a positive impression and get references and boost the CV and such. Even though the owner of the firm is a complete asswipe (cheats on his partner, misogynist, etc). They don't even provide proper ventilation in the workshop when doing mass soldering - toxic fumes galore. She just sucks it up and accepts it, being very nice and working super hard. I could go on endlessly about how awful the company is.

Her whole life she has been a very, very hard worker; late shifts, multiple jobs, ultra self-sufficient. The thing I worry about is the big ol' Burnout. We're approaching our 30s and I fear that one day she's going to crash by 'going with the flow'.

Of course she also deals with the other BS of creepy and misogynist peers, guys trying to hit on her all the time, etc. As we're long distance it takes a toll on me because I want to 'protect' her and take care of her and prevent these people from taking advantage of her, which, they do (salary, work hours, unwanted physical approaches, date requests) - I'm trying to key her into the idea that the salary:work:respect ratio is way out of whack, and additionally stand up for herself and be assertive (she's literally an angel super sweetheart), which is very hard for her. As an outsider - she's a perfect candidate for 'taking advantage of'.

Recently a male colleague (with a gf) offered her a hand massage, then kissed her arm. She stopped it right there and left it at that. She eventually told in confidence some of her male colleagues, who (against her desire) brought it up with the employer and he got fired. Rightfully so. But she feels guilty and feels betrayed by the colleagues who told because she didn't want any backlash from the issue/guy getting fired (which, there has been no backlash, he's gone). She did tell me she wouldn't have done anything about it for a few reasons (she feels like how she managed it is okay, but IMO the guy needed repercussions).

Anyways - are these common things you've had to deal with? How did you approach it?

How do you 'assert' yourselves more and reclaim your true value?

And how did you obtain the respect you deserve in the workplace? She is worried about being a 'bitch', but on the other hand she's really being pushed around badly.

Thanks very much for your input! I love her very much but worry about the long-term toll

So, for over 7 years I've been hammock camping.

I've had the LSoH Toaster Underquilt - a sublime piece of gear! However, regardless of how I setup the UQ, the hang, the tensioning lines, etc - there will often be one little space where a draft can get through. If not now, then in 4 hours at 2AM after I rolled over 9 times

Even with a -20 UQ, a tiny gap can make a difference.

In my TTTM Pro Mat hammock I put my Thermarest X-Therm NXT XL pad in the sleeve underneath and secure it and WOW

Just... everything is more comfy. The little bit of 'cushion' underneath, the heat stays better, a tiny bit of structure, and I just use my UQ to wrap my body with as a regular quilt.

Especially when with my girlfriend the comfort is way better! Seriously had no idea this would be so good

BONUS: If you don't have a hanging spot possible, you can make a Bivi instead - just do the exact same setup but on the floor with the ends tensioned off. Worked well in Arctic Tundra

Can certainly recommend!

Help make the Bluetooth_Speakers wiki!

Created with community input for a sidebar "wiki", and we would like community input on what speaker belongs in which category!

Then we will filter and curate the list to be objective and simple.

DO NOT FILL OUT VOTES ON SPEAKERS YOU HAVEN'T HEARD BEFORE!

Simply write your informed opinion on the best:

(Copy Paste with answers)

1: Budget Bluetooth speaker (overall)

• Loudest:
• Smallest:
• Bassiest:
• Most durable:

2: Best Sound Quality Small Speaker (Fits in Backpack)

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3: Best Sound Quality Medium Speaker (Fits in Duffel bag)

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4: Best Sound Quality Large Speaker (Bigger than duffel bag)

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5: Best Sound Quality XL Speaker (For significant parties)

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______________________

Try to include a quick personal opinion as to why, and price. Objective audiophile lingo please.

Thanks all!