If you don't feel well, call in sick. It's a simple mantra, one that makes a lot of sense. But in reality, it's not always an option. Sometimes a project requires your attendance. Other times you might want to avoid calling in sick because you know you'll be out (cough, cough) next week for that "vacation" day you forgot to request. Coughing and sneezing around the office is met with disdain. I've seen people go as far as telling a coworker to go home - and absolutely meaning it. As if you didn't already feel crappy enough at work (you would stay home if you felt you could!), now you have to try to mask your flu-like symptoms to avoid being lynched.It's a selfish act to show up to the office sick with a contagious illness, but it's reality. After all, it's you that will have to deal with a pissed off boss, missed deadline, and worse yet - termination. You might like your coworkers and hate the fact that you could be getting them … [Read more...] about Sickness at Work: When You Don't Call in Sick
Why Wearing a Suit Sucks
My job requires me to wear a suit every day, well, every day except for Friday. I wake up in the morning, eat a waffle for breakfast, and tie a noose around my neck. That’s how it goes.On Friday we are permitted to wear a collared shirt that features the company logo. And as much as I hate being a walking billboard for anything, by week's end, its often an attractive trade off. Wearing a suit for work makes no sense. Plain and simple, wearing a business suit sucks. You women have no idea how lucky you are in that regard. (Don't bother complaining that your office requires pantyhose; at least you can still breathe!)Back in the days when my jobs required a business casual dress code or "just tuck it in," I was convinced that the well-dressed dudes in the suits got all the glory. They were the ones that the shopkeeper hooked up with a free cup of coffee. They were the ones who got hit on riding the train. They were the ones bringing home … [Read more...] about Why Wearing a Suit Sucks
Are Panic Attacks Making Your Job Hell?
When we work toward a certain career path or go to college to land that dream job, we envision a rewarding career and lifestyle. No one in their wildest dreams would ever imagine that feelings inside of themselves could actually make it a daily struggle to cope at work. I'm talking about panic attacks.When I was fresh out of college and working as an ICU nurse in a large teaching hospital in New York City, that's exactly what happened to me. My first panic attack came out of nowhere and hit me at work one day when I was at the nurses' station. I excused myself and went outside the hospital for some fresh air. After a few minutes I felt better so I went back in. But the next day, I had three attacks at work. By the third day I didn't want to go back. My life literally went to hell in the span of 3 days.Unfortunately that scenario plays itself out everyday in workplaces all over the country. In fact, over 19 million Americans struggle with an anxiety disorder every day. What … [Read more...] about Are Panic Attacks Making Your Job Hell?
The Post-Promotion Punishment
Congratulations! After years of hard work you have received a well-deserved promotion. But before you even receive that first paycheck and realize that your life is not about to undergo any major economic changes, something happens. Your boss is looking at you differently - and it’s not in a good way. Welcome to the Post-Promotion Punishment (patent pending), one of those foolish and undocumented workplace rites of passage. Getting through this period can be difficult, and we'll talk about how to weather the storm in a bit, but first, let's look at why this phenomenon occurs.NO CONTROL. It is possible that your boss did not want to promote you and was forced into it. Perhaps it was upper-management’s call, or maybe you forced the issue. Whatever the case, you will now be punished for hard work - ironical, ain’t it!POWER PLAY. Bosses feel they need to “teach” you that there are no free rides in life. Of course … [Read more...] about The Post-Promotion Punishment
Are Women’s Roles Evolving in the Workplace?
Lately, it seems I see more women CEOs at larger companies or maybe they are just more visible. Since I am woefully out of the corporate loop, I asked online career transformation coach, Julie Ann Erickson some questions about women’s roles in the workplace. Q. I don’t know stats, but it seems like there are now more women CEOs and women taking on more powerful, visible roles in companies. What are your observations? A. Yes, there are more women in visible roles - it differs by industry as to which roles they play. In more corporate environments (banks, manufacturing, consumer goods - the traditional Fortune 500 type companies), women are more and more prominent in marketing, human resources, legal, and slowly sales. Women have more high-level roles in technology, Internet-based companies and in non-profits and health care. However, men still occupy more of the very technical roles, and still dominate in the CEO front in all industries. Q. I’ve been … [Read more...] about Are Women’s Roles Evolving in the Workplace?
7 Ways to Reduce Job Interview Stress
You’re not alone--most people find job interviews stressful. With only one crack at making a good impression to escape your current job, increase your pay, and expand business connections, who can blame you. Aside from quitting your job and giving an anxiety-provoking public presentation, few things in the workplace induce more fear than an interview. Thankfully there are several simple things you can do to reduce job interview stress.1. Sleep well--two nights before. Many people toss and turn the night before a job interview. Since most have no problem running on fumes for a day, aim to sleep well for two nights leading up to your interview. Accomplish this by exercising vigorously and tiring your body.2. Get there early--but not too early. Rushing, getting lost, and the fear oft being late all provoke anxiety. Print out directions to the interview location the night before (get an alternative route as well) and plan to arrive 30 minutes early. But do not enter the building … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Reduce Job Interview Stress
Team Building Quotes to Inspire and Motivate
Sometimes it’s not what you say that matters. It’s how you say it. When you are feeling the need for a little pep talk to inspire your corporate team, having a handy treasure trove of team building quotes by proven motivators can mean the difference between your words being heard as, “blah, blah, blah,” or landing like little golden nuggets of wisdom in the appreciative ears of your listeners. Quote Dead People, Poets, Politicians and Players You are not a poet—you manage a business. You’re great at fixing problems and telling folks what to do. But if you want to inspire them, your best bet is to use someone else’s words—someone touched by the heavens, linguistically speaking. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a pocketful of time-tested quotes that are guaranteed to inspire even your most narcissistic worker to become a team player. With just a few of these well-placed (albeit borrowed) phrases, you can help your management team … [Read more...] about Team Building Quotes to Inspire and Motivate
5 Ways to Stay on Course When You're the Captain of Your Own Ship
There's a common misconception that those of us that work from home have the enviable pleasure of playing hooky and hanging the “gone fishing” sign out whenever the mood hits us. If you believe that, I've got some land I'd like to sell you. Sure those who work from home have a little more flexibility and a little less accountability, but productivity is even more crucial. The reason? A simple business equation that many of us discover not long after we hang out our shingle. Too much play=too little payEven those of us challenged by college math get the gist of this.Instead, savvy entrepreneurs realize that with freedom comes responsibility. With this in mind, here are five fool-proof ways to go the distance whether you're considering taking the plunge, or are already immersed in the entrepreneurial waters.1. Let your goals serve as your compass. Where would you like to see yourself in 3 months? In 3 years? How much would you like to earn? … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Stay on Course When You're the Captain of Your Own Ship
Songs to Listen to at Work
One of the few perks I truly appreciated when I was a “worker bee” was being able to listen to music. For most, it makes the day go by faster, is a welcome alternative to office gossip, and lightens moods. And it doesn't cause employers to have to shell money out of their pockets to provide a win-win situation for all involved.Even scientific studies suggest that music has the ability to “soothe the savage beast” and serve as therapy in an array of scenarios. If you haven't tried it, don't knock it!Whether you're dealing with an “achy-breaky heart”, boogie fever, or a manic Monday, here's what Jen recommends...The 9 to 5 playlist1. SHOUT---By Tears for Fears---Okay, so I may be dating myself with this one, but it's an oldie but goodie! Even if you don't understand the lyrics, the music is awesome and the refrain rocks! “Shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without!”2. … [Read more...] about Songs to Listen to at Work
3 Safe Ways To Research a New Market
Whether you’ve been asked to explore a new revenue stream by your boss, or you’re looking to go it alone after spotting a gap in the market, it can be a difficult task trying to determine how much potential lies on the other side of the fence. You could just close your eyes and charge head first into it, hoping that the grass is green and there are not too many other grazers about, but business history is riddled with cases of people doing this and losing everything. If you need to get an indication of how hot the water is before you jump in, here is some advice that you may find useful.Ask people in the industry.It sounds pretty obvious, but you would be amazed how many people neglect to talk to those already doing the job. Perhaps they are afraid to come across as unknowledgeable, or don’t want to alert others to their arrival in the market? Whatever motive they have for not seeking advice, it will never outweigh the benefits of putting yourself out there and … [Read more...] about 3 Safe Ways To Research a New Market