With today’s tough times, eating out is a luxury that you might only be able to afford once in a while. Unless you have access to an expense account (or are independently wealthy), the best option is to bring a packed lunch from home. However, there are do’s and don’ts of bringing food to the office. Rule number 1: don’t bring stinky foods. Remember that your workplace will usually rely on re-circulated air and any strong odors have the tendency to stick long after lunchtime. Rule number 2: if you can manage it, bring enough to share with co-workers. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the extra goodies. Here are a few things you might want to avoid for fear of being branded the office stinker by bringing in the worst smelling foods. Curry There’s something satisfying about a warm bowl of curry, and it’s even better with rice. A staple in Indian and Asian cuisine, curry has found its way to the hearts (and stomachs) of the rest of the world as a comfort food. The spiciness and … [Read more...] about 7 Stinky Office Foods You Should Avoid Bringing to Work
Does Gossip Have a Place in the Workplace?
Gossip in the workplace is a way for some to add a little excitement to their day. Those water-cooler conversations quench their thirst for a little drama while creating a means for communication and connection. And let's face it. In our culture and society, many people really dig it. … [Read more...] about Does Gossip Have a Place in the Workplace?
7 Items Everyone Should Keep on Their Work Desk
You can tell a lot about a person by what they keep on their desk. From family photos to religious regalia, a few small trinkets communicate who we really are to our coworkers. They also have the potential to serve a greater purpose: making the office a better place to work.Here are a few practical items to consider putting on your desk:PLANTSYou don’t need a green thumb or an abundance of light to keep a small plant on your desk. Nature’s filter will improve the office air quality and help keep you alert. Plus, studies show that plants can enhance worker productivity by 12%.The large seed in the center of a papaya can be turned into the perfect office plant! You can also try a spider plant if you are botany-challenged. AROMATHERAPYOne of the easiest holistic treatments is aromatherapy, the simple act of smelling essential oils for healing. To keep yourself in a positive frame of mind, consider adding an odor or two to … [Read more...] about 7 Items Everyone Should Keep on Their Work Desk
5 High Paying Jobs With a 2 Year Degree
There's always a trade-off when deciding whether to continue your education. On one hand, you could start working now, but on the other hand, if you go to school for a few years, you could earn a lot more over the long term. The trick is finding the perfect blend of going to school and making more money. While you are pretty much assured to make a lot more money if you complete a bachelors degree program in a high-demand field, employers are not quite so eager to hire two-year program graduates for above-average wages. There are a few careers, however, that offer great wages if you complete a two-year associate's degree. Almost every career in the medical field is expected to have huge growth over the next 8-10 years. Why? For one, baby boomers are aging and requiring more comprehensive medical care. Many of these boomers worked in the medical field and are now retiring. So, it's definitely a good time to consider completing a degree that will get you into a high-demand medical job, … [Read more...] about 5 High Paying Jobs With a 2 Year Degree
Want To Rise To The Top? Start Off By Being a Greek!
Job hunting isn’t easy these days, but it does have an upside: students, as early as middle-school and high-school, are understanding the importance of building up their resumes early on, and pursuing activities that improve their character and can help hone their professional skills before they ever step foot in the office. For college students, being a Greek is an excellent way to build a well-rounded character with an emphasis on working as a team, and understanding how to network to maximize your business contacts. Of course, students should always pursue academic majors and extracurricular activities that they’re interested in and have their heart in, but for most, being a Greek is an experience that is both rewarding while in college and a plus for that ol’ resume once that diploma is in hand.Being A Greek Teaches Well-Rounded Skills.Most Greek organizations require their members to have a certain grade point average, help plan and participate in Greek events … [Read more...] about Want To Rise To The Top? Start Off By Being a Greek!
Metier: 5 Jobs for Control Freaks
This new Jobacle miniseries will describe the five best jobs for various work types. The French have a term for this: ‘metier.’ The definition of métier describes a field of work in which one has special ability, proclivity; a forte, if you will. The folks we’re going to focus on today are Control Freaks. Future articles will include the Introvert, the Loud, the Passive-Aggressive, and a host of others. By identifying these types, it may be easier for us to cope with them and their nasty quirks. Better yet, you may be able (good luck) to jolly them into a career change. The Control FreakBecause of their urgent and strong need to have the illusion of control over everything, and everyone, they are a royal pain in the arse to all who come across them. While they may be good at what they do, they also inflict a great deal of damage on their subordinates. Literally, they give heart attacks before they get them. So, and in the best possible spirit, we think that all … [Read more...] about Metier: 5 Jobs for Control Freaks
The Signs of Stress: Carrying Work Anger Home
It was a lousy day at work. People who love to fight were looking to engage. Monotonous projects continued to drag on and on. Even my lunch was an unexciting tuna sandwich.Uncharacteristically, I carried my work frustration with me out of the office. I normally do a good job of compartmentalizing work. But not today. The signs of stress were lurking below.I went straight from work to the supermarket. With my wife working late, I was on dinner duty.As I filled my cart, I played back the work events of the past few days. With each dinner ingredient I added, the more agitated I became.I was suddenly hot. On the precipice of perspiration.With negative work thoughts swirling around my head like vultures hunting prey, I approached the checkout counter.I scanned for the shortest line. After all, I just wanted to get home. I still had a dog to walk, dinner to make, plus, I was exhausted.As luck would have it, I got on line … [Read more...] about The Signs of Stress: Carrying Work Anger Home
3 Simple Steps to Starting a Specialty Food Business
Have you ever thought about starting a food business? Commercial success however is not contingent on your ability to cook up a tasty meal. Starting a specialty food business involves a lot more than simply having a great idea. It’s important to have a firm grip on some of the basic business concepts to insure your specialty food business is off to a good start. However if you feel a need for an in-depth education on how to start a food business, The New School, a premier New York University, is a good place to start. The school offers bachelor degree programs as well as adult education courses in various subject areas including Food Studies. If time does not permit, below you’ll find a 3 step guide to starting a food business.1. Conduct Market ResearchBefore you do anything, research your target market. Conducting market research is not an easy task and will require you utilize various resources. Before doing research brainstorm what you already know … [Read more...] about 3 Simple Steps to Starting a Specialty Food Business
4 Reasons “Talented” Employees Get Fired
Though workplace success is not necessarily “rock science”, I'm amazed at how many folks fail to realize that job performance is not the only thing that keeps them on the payroll. Word!As someone who's sat on both sides of the fence---as a worker bee and the “B” that folks worked for, I can attest that it's not that cut and dry.(By the way, that previously referenced “B” can stand for “boss”,” beauty”, “Black person”, or any other number of nouns or adjectives). :-)Think of it this way...you know how reality TV competition shows like American Idol and Dancing With the Stars often render winners that are not necessarily the most talented? How their popularity, charm, and rapport with the judges can factor in to the ultimate decision too?Well similar dynamics are at work in the world of work as well! Trust me when I say that I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to employee retention and … [Read more...] about 4 Reasons “Talented” Employees Get Fired
Ways to Save Money While Looking for a Job
If you're unemployed, you'll know just how difficult the time spent looking for a new job can be. Some people go from living comfortably to struggling get to by in a very short space of time - so taking care of your money is very important. Here are a few ways you can reduce your outgoings and make your money stretch further while you're looking for work. Use 'free' transport Even people who have a job often complain that their car costs a fortune to own. In fact, a car is easily one of the biggest drains on our finances. It's not just the cost of gas - insurance and maintenance also add to the overall cost. If you're unemployed and looking to keep on top of things, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to keep paying so much for a luxury like a car. Yes, depending on where you live, a car is often a luxury - even though many people treat it like a necessity. And if you're really struggling for money, you probably don't need it. For most purposes, getting around by bicycle or even by … [Read more...] about Ways to Save Money While Looking for a Job