Steven Slater needs to learn how to quit a job the right way. The (former) JetBlue flight attendant cursed out a plane full of passengers and exited via the inflatable emergency evacuation slideIronically, Slater was part of JetBlue's "in-flight values committee." Ha!Allegedly a passenger ignored Slater's warnings and reached for his luggage from the overhead compartment. The suitcase ended up striking Slater in the head and chaos ensued."To the passenger who called me a m---f--er, f--- you," he ranted over the intercom.Who wants to bet we'll see a "temporary insanity" claim? Perhaps the luggage struck his head and caused the outburst. Whatever the case, it's safe to say Mr. Slater is done with the friendly skies - whether he likes it or not. … [Read more...] about Angry JetBlue Worker Quits, Curses Out Passengers
Is That Co-Worker Just Too Chummy or Stalking You?
Let’s say you have a co-worker with whom you don’t spend much time interacting and this person has started to pop into your cubicle often. Then you notice that you keep running into him/her in the hallway or parking lot. Would you think this odd or disturbing? It's possible it wouldn’t even register on your radar. But what if the person tried to friend you on Facebook, sent you personal emails at work or called you on your cell? Has your “Okay, that’s creepy” alarm gone off yet? Maybe not, but now you might be concerned about this co-worker’s actions.The word “stalking” is thrown around a lot these days and sometimes in a humorous tone. But stalking is a criminal offense and can be horrific for the victims. Findlaw.com defines stalking as follows...“Stalking laws in most states pertain to a relatively new crime involving a clear pattern of conduct in which the offender follows, harasses, or threatens another person, … [Read more...] about Is That Co-Worker Just Too Chummy or Stalking You?
Tips to Boost Your Confidence While Interviewing
I haven’t been on any interviews lately, but I was in a situation recently that required me to have confidence to the 10th power. It was a scary, intimidating, first-time-ever event that I dreaded for weeks. I realized that although I had no control over the circumstances, I had choices about how I approached it and how I responded.Job interviews don’t rattle me too much. I’m fairly confident about my skills, experience and how I present myself. But I know many people find interviewing very nerve-wracking. In my experience and the experts will tell you that one of the best approaches is to BE PREPARED. (That good old Girl Scout stuff pays off again.)An interview is definitely not one of those occasions where you get points for just showing up. So what are some key components of preparedness for interviewing?· Research the organization. Duh. This might seem obvious, but there are many facets to it. Looking at the … [Read more...] about Tips to Boost Your Confidence While Interviewing
4 Things Not To Do on Your First Day at Work
You've brushed those butterflies aside and are ready to brace your first day on the job. Good luck! Just be sure you don't make these four workplace mistakes. DON'T Be LateSo you’ve done the hard work and proved to your employers that you’re worth bringing on board. You’ve got your brand new work clothes, some pens and perhaps a brief case, and then you go and ruin the whole thing by turning up late. All employers will be keeping a close eye on your arrival time on the first day as this will likely suggest to them what your work attitude is like. If you come into work anything but early or spot on, you’re putting yourself in the firing line before the gunners have even had a chance to load. Don’t even think about excuses either. The bus may have been late, there may have been ice on the road and the dog may have eaten your brand new suitcase, but not of that will matter to your boss, who’ll say that “you should have planned … [Read more...] about 4 Things Not To Do on Your First Day at Work
Why We Form Work Relationships
I'm a big believer in keeping your home and work life separate. I mean like Great Wall of China separate. That's why my cubicle is empty. However, after more than 10 years as a member of the workforce, I am convinced that no matter what you do, or how hard you try, the two worlds will inevitably seep together. And that's OK. Perhaps you met your best friend or significant other under the fluorescent lights of work. Since we spend so much time together, it makes sense, right? There are a few core reasons why we form relationships with our coworkers. Here are the five most common... THE JADED. You "bond" by verbally abusing the boss and/or poking fun at your fellow coworkers. Or perhaps you both feel like you are wasting your lives away with a dead-end company. Either way, this relationship is built on negativity. Psychologists might tell you that this relationship does not have a fighting chance to survive once the "common evil" is removed - but I have seen it … [Read more...] about Why We Form Work Relationships
5 Reasons to Consider Becoming a Medical Assistant
Believe it or not, there are still some very solid career choices out there. While many jobs are going up in smoke, medical assisting jobs are going strong. Since the 1950’s, medical assistants have been a vital part of the medical industry. Doing everything from filing paperwork to running medical tests, they help keep any medical facility running smoothly. If you’ve been thinking about a career change and the following 5 benefits appeal to you, then it may very well be something you should consider. Job Growth and StabilityAccording to United Stats Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical assistants is quite impressive. In fact, it’s projected to have one of the fastest job growths all the way through to the year 2018. From 2008 to 2018, it was expected that medical assistant employment would grow 34%. With the ever-growing technologies in the healthcare industry, the number of aging citizens and rising numbers of medical conditions like diabetes; … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Consider Becoming a Medical Assistant
An Emergency Preparedness Kit for the Workplace
Hardly a week passes without news of a natural or man-made disaster somewhere in the United States or around the world. Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, ice storms… the list goes on. One thing is certain. If you get through a single year without so much as a power outage, you've had a great year.In my area of suburban Connecticut we've had three weather-related power outages so far this year, and it's only July. The worst outage, during a windstorm in March, knocked out power for five days for some homeowners. That's not just an inconvenience. That's a serious, sometimes dangerous, situation.While many people keep emergency preparedness kits at home, they often overlook the workplace. That doesn't really make sense. Your chances of getting caught in an emergency at work are significant. Yet few of us who work outside the home have made any preparations for the unthinkable. It's as if we think the office manager has got all that stuff covered. And that's not smart.Here’s the … [Read more...] about An Emergency Preparedness Kit for the Workplace
Ryan Star: Breathe for Jobs
breathe, just breathe let the life that you lead be all that you need Taking a page out of the Up-in-the-Air-movie handbook, Atlantic Records has incorproated unemployed folks in the latest music video from Ryan Star. r.star has a bonafied hit on his hands with the single "Breathe." Previosuly of the band Stage and a contestant on CBS' reality show Rock Star, the Long Island native is getting massive radio airplay. Even though the campaign is close to a year old, it's gotten a whole new life thanks to the song's success.Check out the video below and help these folks get back into the workforce! … [Read more...] about Ryan Star: Breathe for Jobs
4 Great "Old School" Reads for Work Inspiration and Information
Knowledge is power. And what better place to acquire “mental muscle” than the pages of some popular titles. Besides expanding your knowledge base, books are a great way to relax and unwind. A great form of escapism, they allow us to get lost in different settings and scenes, and embrace endless possibilities.In fact, I'm known to spend hours enjoying selections from my personal library while sipping on a good cup of flavored herbal tea, or while letting Calgon, “take me away.”Whatever your reading ritual, here are some books worth a look for today's worker bees, regardless of industry or occupation. 365 Ways to Simplify Your Work Life---Odette PollarChock full of practical tips and words of wisdom, this little pocket book packs a lot of punch!It's concise and clever. Topics range from time management, to stress management, to decision making techniques, to computer tips, to K.I.S.S. Principles. It's a must read.Success After 40---Allan Zullo with … [Read more...] about 4 Great "Old School" Reads for Work Inspiration and Information
How To Make Working From Home Work For You
Working from home has become far more common these days than it would have been even a decade ago, with an increase in those working as freelancers, telecommuting or simply working for themselves. But whilst working from home can sound like a tempting option, it can be extremely easy to fall into a routine of general procrastination and television watching.There are ways of making working from home work for you however. In this post, I hope to show a few methods you can use to make sure you’re staying productive, proactive and just as importantly, stay sane.One of the most important things you should do is to properly define your workspace and separate it as much as you can from your personal space. So don’t work lying in bed or sitting with your laptop on the couch. If you feel like you’re at home, you’ll begin to act like it. You need to be constantly reminded that you’re at work, and the best way to do this is to have a room (or at least a defined area) … [Read more...] about How To Make Working From Home Work For You