Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Visual TMIBack in the day (OK, waay back), I worked out at a real gym - one where you would often see professional bodybuilders. We were serious about our lifting, those big boys, ripped girls and I. So when a woman came in one day in full make up, wearing matching workout togs, we all just stared. She was an anachronism. I bet she didn’t even own a ripped, sweat-stained Rolling Rock T-shirt. Obviously, she didn’t know our culture.I’ve never had the privilege of working for a company that provided an on-site workout facility. Personally, I admire those folks who take the time during the work day to squeeze in a session on the treadmill. But do corporate gyms have their own etiquette? To find out, I asked my friend and former colleague, Rhonda Burnaugh, RN, a wellness director who ran the gym program at her last job. Here are some tips from Burnaugh:Things NOT to do at the Company Gym 1. “Dress like a sumo wrestler … [Read more...] about Etiquette for the Gym at Work
Career Advice Blog
Clearing Out the Clutter
After moving eight times in the last nine years, I have come to the conclusion that I really hate moving.Aside from having to put everything I own into boxes, moving is the only way to truly appreciate all of the garbage that I own. Dumping the contents of my junk drawer on the floor revealed, among other things, Weezer tickets from a concert I attended in 2003, a broken Tamogotchi and my old pager.I guess a part of me is hoping that the items I've outgrown will serve a future purpose, when in reality, I know that they won't. It's important to know when to clear the clutter out of our lives because if we don’t, we get bogged down with useless junk and have no room left for new and exciting things.This doesn’t just apply to our personal lives. We need to know when to let go in our professional lives as well. Ever seen the film Office Space? Remember Milton Waddams? After working at Initech for years he was banished to Storage Room B. And then, … [Read more...] about Clearing Out the Clutter
Conference Call Do’s and Don’ts
Choosing to be self-employed for the past 13 years, I don’t get to partake in much corporate-world fun anymore. But I’m fascinated by it - in an anthropologic sort of way.Recently, I became interested in conference call protocol when my husband began working from home one day a week. (a whole other post topic…) He often participates in calls with up to 50 people. Firsthand I learned that building a fort for the cat and yelling from my office to tell him about it while he’s on a call is verboten. Additional do’s and don’ts he shared with me are below.DO use your mute button. If you are having a side conversation with a co-worker, it’s not sufficient to hold your headset mic. away from you. People on the call can hear you! And do we really need to remind grown-up telecommuters that call participants can also hear you FLUSHING THE TOILET? (OK, that one really happened.)DON’T speak too close to your mic. Unless you’re practicing for … [Read more...] about Conference Call Do’s and Don’ts
Fake Job Post of the Week
One of the founding principles of Jobacle.com is to offer career advice and information without the BS. Several months ago we started posting fake job posts that started showing up in our inbox. The original thinking was that it would be funny to see how pathetic these solicitations are. But now we realize that it is more of a public service. There are some smart folks out there who have fallen on hard times. Desperation can cloud your mind. That is why we are asking you to forward us any fake job offers that you get. Please send 'em to jobacle@gmail.com. Here's the latest fake job post: Hello.I'm James, writing on behalf of Delivery, Inc. We have a vacant position for you.Shipping Regional ManagerRequirements:- Resident of the United States;- Home Computer with e-mail account and ability to check your e-mailbox at least twice a day- Adults only accepted (we cannot hire underage people)- Fluent English;- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word … [Read more...] about Fake Job Post of the Week
Working Podcast #91: 10 Back to School Tips for WORK
As we close in on half a million downloads, Jobacle.com proudly presents episode #91 of the Working Podcast for your listening pleasure. On this show you'll learn how to make tomorrow at work capture the excitement of the first day of school. We also have more details on the Work Haiku Contest, a song clip about drowning at work, and three new career resources to add to your arsenal - Upmo Intelligent Job Hunt, GoSavant and FiredUpNetwork. Enjoy! Direct Download … [Read more...] about Working Podcast #91: 10 Back to School Tips for WORK
4 Work/Life Balance Lessons We Can Learn from TV
We’re hearing so much these days about needing to strike a healthy balance between our work and personal lives. It’s starting to sound like that “Far Side” cartoon where the dog hears his master’s voice as “blah, blah, blah.” Do you really know anyone who pulls off the life/work balance thing successfully?As a corporate-world escapee, artist, psychotherapist and freelance writer, I’d love to tell you that I’ve achieved this balance. Well, kind of. Has it been from years of diverse work experience, clinical training and vast amounts of self-help/biz-book reading? Nah, I’ve picked it up from watching too much TV - not brainy PBS-type TV, but sitcoms, reality shows, etc. Here’s what I’ve learned...1. Have a definite demarcation between your work day and downtime. Let’s look at “Father Knows Best,” an ancient show about working Dad and stay-at-home Mom. Kind of like “Mad Men” without all … [Read more...] about 4 Work/Life Balance Lessons We Can Learn from TV
Hire People Who Do NOT Use Sprinklers
I'm just not that into sprinklers.It's not the fixed pattern or series of spray heads that rubs me the wrong way. Rather, it's the zen of watering my own lawn, by hand, that really fills my heart with joy.Those who set these irrigation devices and walk away are not the type of employee I want working for me. It's not all about how green the lawn is, but sometimes it's the road you took to get it there.Listen below to find out why. … [Read more...] about Hire People Who Do NOT Use Sprinklers
Haikus About Work: Poem Group #1
One of my favorite things about Jobacle is the creativity displayed by our readers. You guys are out in full force during our quest to find the best haiku about work. GET MORE DETAILS or ENTER HEREHere are several of the poems we have received so far. If you haven;t entered yet, what are you waiting for? Get writing! Not only is it theraputic, but you can win cool stuff.You guys are a funny, sarcastic, and sometimes ironic bunch. Keep up the great work! passing in the hallMy boss: "I volunteered you"Me: [biting my tongue]- ChristopherThe queues of joblessLured to work or worked to rule...And they were fired.-Tanjamy first cubicledecorated it myselflooks like IKEA...-JenniferThey say it's a hardjob, but I got to do itfor my paycheck.-Brittnybroken lights flickerrelief is a paper cutthis defines my life-SherryThe computer screenScrolls the road to dreams fulfilledI awake with drool-TamiTrapped in the officeWarm summer breeze at the beachReality bites-JenniferAmbiguityChaotic … [Read more...] about Haikus About Work: Poem Group #1
Work Lyrics: "these ties strangle our necks"
Whether you call it emo or screamo or just good solid post-punk rock (whatever that means!), the fact is that the band Thursday kicks some serious ass. If you've ever felt the repitious grind of being anchored to your desk, we suggest you turn the speakers up, kick down those cubicle walls and enjoy 3 minutes and 16 seconds of freedom. "For the Workforce, Drowning" by ThursdayFalling from the top floor your lungsfill like parachuteswindows go rushing by.People inside,dressed for the funeral in black and white.These ties strangle our necks, hanging in the closet,trapped in the cubicle;without a name, just numbers, on the resume stored in the mainframe, marked for delete.Please take these handsthrow them in the river,wash away the things they never heldplease take these hands,throw me in the river,don’t let me drown before the workday ends.9 to 5! 9 to 5!And we're up to our necks,drowning in the seconds,ingesting the morning commutelost in a dead subway sleepwe lie … [Read more...] about Work Lyrics: "these ties strangle our necks"
Fake Job Post of the Week
If it sounds too good to be true, it is! From: SHARLENE TamerE-mail: sharlenetameraia59iljp9@hotmail.comHello. We have a vacant position for You.Description:Part-time Service Manager - 20 hours a week (9am-2pm, four days a week).If you are interested in working with a strong leadership team, evolving our products and a team that feels more like a family than co-workers than this is the place for you! You will enjoy a business casual work environment, with fun and rewarding career advancement opportunities. Flexible scheduling possible.Requirements:High School required. PC and Internet, MS Office or compatible. Must have strong writing and communication skills.SALARY: 3,000.00 USD - 4,500.00 USD per month percent after each transaction.If you are interested, please reply to : kbboltongrove@gmail.comRegards,HR ManagerDaniel Moreno … [Read more...] about Fake Job Post of the Week