Nobody told me they could see my files
DEAR HARRIETTE: All my private files were uploaded to my family computer and nobody told me!
My iCloud storage contains all my personal pictures, messages and many more things that are extremely private to me.
I needed to use the family computer a while ago, so I signed into my iCloud to do a few things and later signed out. Somehow, while I was logged in, all my information was stored on the shared computer.
My family could have seen all my pictures, videos and private messages at all times and no one said a word. I am ashamed
Should I ask them what they saw? Could it be possible that they weren’t even looking?
Ashamed
LOVE EMBARRASSED: Don’t ask the question unless you want to start a discussion about what your family may or may not have seen with your personal files.
Instead, delete all your files from the family computer. Make sure you permanently delete them all from the device and don’t make the mistake of re-downloading them there.
If you’re concerned about anything specific that may have been seen, keep an eye out for a comment that might reveal it. Decide now whether you want to address the problem or let it go. I recommend treating these incidents individually.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m afraid most of the advice my mentor gives me is unhelpful.
She’s incredibly successful in the field I want to work in, but she’s from a different time. Many of the steps she took to get to where she is today wouldn’t work for me.
I will seek her advice on new opportunities that have been offered to me, but she will usually shy away from accepting them. I still regret not having taken some of those opportunities.
Do you think it’s time I found a new mentor, or should I continue to trust her advice?
mentee
DEAR MENTEE: Sounds like it’s time to expand your mentor pool.
You may not need to part with your current mentor as she will have insight into how to do things that you might want in your toolbox, but you do need someone who is more familiar with how your industry works today.
Look around to see who excels in your field and reach out to that person to see if you can start a conversation. Building a relationship with a mentor can take time. Be patient and strategic when trying to find someone for this role.
In the meantime, remember that you will ultimately have to make your own decisions. It’s wise to listen to the advice of people you respect, but the way to lessen your regrets is to compare the advice you receive to your own personal and professional standards and make your own decisions . Your mentor cannot do this for you.
Harriette Cole is a life stylist and the founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative that helps people create and achieve their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/08/harriette-cole-nobody-told-me-the-whole-family-could-see-my-private-files/ Nobody told me they could see my files
