Ryan: Hey, Alex. You look really exhausted. What gives?

Alex: You don't want to know. I mean, I've been slaving away at my nickel-and-dime job just to keep my head above water. [Really.] I mean some people think I'm a workaholic, [Who?] Well, everyone, but I have to put in a lot of overtime just to make ends meet.

Ryan: Well, why don't you ask your boss for a raise?

Alex: Huh? The last guy that did that got the ax, meen' he was in line for a promotion to supervisor.

Ryan: Well, you just can't keep working your fingers to the bone for peanuts. [I know, but . . .] Hey. Look. I have connections with a guy who works for a computer company, and he owes me a favor, and he might be able to pull a few strings and line you up for an interview.

Alex: What? You mean like to last job you helped me get,andthen the company went belly up after only a week? I mean fat chance. I'm not going to try selling electronic toilet paper dispensers again.[Hey, that was cool.]

Ryan: No, that was different.

Alex: Ah, man. Hey, thanks, but I'm still looking, and I'm not going to get my hopes up just because a few other job searches haven't panned out. I'm going to look at my options.

Ryan: Well, whatever you do, the only way you're going to get ahead is by getting your face out there, and you're sure to land a better job than you have now.

Alex: Well, I know. Exactly, if I can justget my foot in the door, then I canshow my stuff, but I'm not . . . . absolutely not going to kiss up toANYONE to get ahead.

Ryan: Gotcha. Hey, I'll give my friend a call, and' see if he can set up an interview.