Oh boy, I am really sorry about the development your job has taken. I am not sure what the positive is - having work or now having something to think back on the next time you run out of work??? This is like telling your parents you're bored on a Saturday and getting sent to clean your room.

The comment about bringing someone else in to do brainstorming is just heartbreaking. I feel like that happens to me all the time, if that makes you feel any better. Is it something about being female? I will be curious to hear who he brings in for the brainstorming.

This is one of those situations where I want to 'think like a man.' When I imagine how the men I know would react to being asked to take notes at a meeting while someone else did brainstorming they were qualified for... well, I don't think that's what either of us are inclined to do.

This brings up a bunch of professional image stuff for me. I still have not figured that one out. I still feel like most people do not take me seriously, even those close to me. My boyfriend and his brother are doing this software startup. They've got this guy giving them business advice. They treat him like a guru, but some of his advice is bad! Meanwhile, when I say something, I get treated like I don't know what I am talking about, despite having some decent credentials.

Is there a secretary you could recommend for the note-taking role? "Hey, boss - I just had a great idea. Admin does a great job taking notes - I can vouch for that. Maybe we can bring him/her along to support us while we dialogue with the client? The trip would be a treat."

But maybe make sure it's someone you wouldn't mind sharing a hotel room with.

I picture your boss using phrases like 'dialogue with.'

Is it that he wants you to be the smart one sitting in the corner who pipes up with the perceptive insight? Are either of you good at whatever he means by 'brainstorming'?

At least this is motivation for the portfolio. It's so hard to pull stuff like that together when you are depressed and dealing with this kind of work situation. I hope you can find some kind of motivator that helps you do it.