Career Advice Blog

This post is for my fellow commuters who have the luxury of driving to work everyday.  I know, we're destroying the environment, but it's just so much better then waiting for buses and trains (something I've spent too many of my years relying on!).Even though gas prices have dropped a whopping 10 cents from this time last year, it's still super expensive.  Hopefully these tips will help you this Labor Day weekend and beyond.1) Roll up the windows.  When air flows into the car, it causes resistance - in turn - producing a drag that will reduce gas mileage by 10%.2) AM/PM.  When filling your tank, try to do so early in the morning or late at night.  Your goal is to do it at the coolest time of the day.  Cooler temperatures mean denser gas, and that means you're getting more mileage for your money.3) Humpday.  Buy on a Wednesday.  I don't care what anyone says, these gas guys jack up the prices late in the week to bang us into the weekend.  … [Read more...] about 7 Holiday Weekend Gas Saving Tips

Please allow me a 30 second rant.  While most people who hold down standard office jobs will be hitting the road a few hours early today, I'll be anchored to my desk to the very last minute, just as I would on any other day.  You see, my company feels the need to hold everyone to the same standard.  So, if a low-level administrative person needs to hang around to pick up phones - so do you.It sucks.  And it's stupid.  And it's unfair.  (if you think otherwise - speak up!)Please tell me I'm not alone...or feel free to rub it in!  I'd love to hear what your company's policy is regarding days before a holiday.  I should note that this policy applies for every single holiday.  Bastards! … [Read more...] about I'm NOT Getting Out Early Today…R U?

As sure as sun on a summer day, relationships will form under the glow of fluorescent lights.  How else are you supposed to pass 40 hours a week of nothingness?  And while I'm the first to admit that amazing relationships can happen at work (what up E. Smith!) these bonds often have an us vs. them foundation - which in reality - is not a true basis for a friendship.In my humble experience, many office relationships are rooted in negativity, which is a problem for everyone involved: you, your clique, the company, the industry, the universe! However, there's another risk associated with a work "buddy," and that's a loss of your identity.  Before you rush off to lunch with the same co-worker(s) everyday, please consider the following.They Feel Left Out.  There might only be two or three of you, but it's clear that you are a unified team.  And when there's a team, there needs to be an opponent.  In this case, that's everyone except your … [Read more...] about 7 Dangers of Joining a Work Clique

What do butterflies and tears have in common? Nothing, except you probably experienced both on your first day of school.Sure, you're all grown up now.  But I'm willing to bet that you can bring yourself back to the emotional rollercoaster that was the first day of school!Going back to academic prison after a sun-soaked summer of kickball, sleepovers and block parties was always an anxiety-ridden time.  However, aside from the natural stress, the first day was always kind of exciting. It was a clean slate.  Hot new girls.  Fresh beginnings. Hot new girls. New start.  Fresh new clothes. Hot new girls.Anything was possible, and this year, you would keep that spiral notebook neat (at least until tomorrow.) Why not make your next day at work like the first day of school?  Here's how:- Get enough sleep.  Not only are Zzzzzs important for physical and mental restoration, but the right amount will help you create a more positive attitude, give you more … [Read more...] about Make Work Like the First Day of School

A big shout out to Manuel, a listener of the Working Podcast who lives in Detroit, MI.  He sent in this picture.  We know it's not Smurfette, but can't identify this blue bugger.  So we've affectionately named him Psycho Smurf, cause only a nutjob would be dreaming about work with an ear-to-ear grin across his/her face.Speaking of work and dreams, is it just me, or do you ever go through a spell where  you consistently dream of work?  Sometimes it's not anything good or bad  - just the fact that you are there.  It's a regular, boring day.  And then you wake up and have to do it for real.Please tell me I'm not alone...  … [Read more...] about Psycho Smurf Dreams About Work

I'm gearing up for one of those five-hour meetings that my company always seems so enthralled with.  That means my patience, among other things, will be tested.  In order to get through these marathon exercises of torture, I have to dig deep.  Today I'm leaning on the Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life to help me keep everything in perspective.1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.3. Follow the three Rs:      Respect for self      Respect for others and      Responsibility for all your actions4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.7. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.8. Spend some time alone every day.9. Open your arms to … [Read more...] about The Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life