Home today because getting to work in the morning and back home in time for an afternoon doctor's appointment was going to be too much hassle.

Today is the first day in 2015 that I feel like an actual person instead of just a blob.

But I feel like if I say that, it comes across as a cringing attempt to explain away why I'm doing what appears to be a half-assed job. I can't DO my whole job if I don't know everything it encompasses, and I sure the hell don't KNOW because no one has ever told me.

Right -- it's not an attempt to explain away anything, it's an attempt to get the information you need, which your client clearly thinks you already have, but you don't. Just ask.

Well, the problem is that I don't realize I wasn't told to do XYZ until after I don't do it and get feedback that says "Do XYZ here." And now that she's told me, I know. I just worry that she thinks I'm ignorant and/or lazy for not doing XYZ because I should have known to do XYZ. I don't think she knows she didn't tell me (which is ridiculous, because she knows she never actually provided any kind of orientation/training).

I guess what I'm saying is, to avoid these kinds of problems in the future, I would have to ask her right now, "What haven't you told me yet?" Because I don't know what to ask about, because I don't know of the existence of XYZ until I don't do it.

Does that make sense?

And is there any point in replying to her that I didn't know about XYZ, which is why I didn't do it, or does that make me sound like I'm making excuses for doing a half-assed job? Because to me, it sounds like I'm making excuses, even though I know I'm not.

I don't think she knows she didn't tell me (which is ridiculous, because she knows she never actually provided any kind of orientation/training).

I think it would be a good idea to remind her that you haven't had any orientation or training and ask for any information that is available so you can avoid similar issues in the future. People forget that not everyone knows the things they know.

And I don't doubt that she's juggling multiple freelancer balls and completely forgets what you don't and do know. Never ascribe to your stupidity what other people's lapses explain.

Could you say, " to avoid these types of omissions in the future, is there any type of guidebook or paper on your standard practices. I did not receive one when I started work and it seems that there are some items that it is assumed I should know."

I would just state it every time, without making a blanket statement: "Oh, thanks so much--I didn't know there was such a thing as XYZ. It's really helpful to know, and I'll be sure to refer to that going forward!"

Yeah, that's good, too.

I cannot get this day underway. I forgot to charge my phone or set my alarm last night, so the whole morning has been playing catch up and I failed to eat breakfast. Shoulda stood in bed.

And I don't doubt that she's juggling multiple freelancer balls and completely forgets what you don't and do know. Never ascribe to your stupidity what other people's lapses explain.

She is juggling a LOT, but even so, I don't know if *she* remembers I didn't get any training. You know? If she thinks that she did give me training, then I look like a big ignorant ass, and if I try to say, hey, you didn't give me any training, then I look like I'm just making excuses.

I don't think you look either of those ways.

Low motivation morning.

Teppy, I agree with msbelle and Jesse. Who knows what other balls boss lady is juggling and a gentle reminder that added information is needed is a good thing. It isn't that YOU need the info, it is that ANYONE editing that paper/artile needs that info.

We have been making breakfast "muffins" Sunday nights for the last couple of weeks - tater tots smooshed in the bottom of a muffin pan, veggies - spinach, mushrooms, onions, red peppers, then egg and some cheese. So nom. And easy.