There's a 'holiday' for everything. And September is filled with them: Dairy Week, Chimney Safety Week, Balance Awareness Week, and my favorite, National Clean Hands Week.But there's one event that holds a special place in my heart. Perhaps it's because my mother is a payroll secretary. Or maybe it's the fact that these folks make sure 156 million wage earners in the U.S. get paid. Whatever the case, pop a cold one and help Jobacle celebrate National Payroll Week!If you love your paycheck, and we know you do, send someone the PayDay Shuffle card. If you're an HR professional, take the payroll quiz.But make sure you don't celebrate too hard; National Love Your Files Week is right around the corner (September 21). Who comes up with this stuff? … [Read more...] about Happy National Payroll Week
The Irony of Labor Day
Anyone else find it ironic that Labor Day, which is "a day off for the working citizens," signifies the official end of summer? It's like all of America's supervisors saying:Here's a day off. Get that lax summer attitude out of your system. Then get back to work!Despite my efforts with Jobacle, and the economic/civil significance of the holiday, I can't recall ever reflecting on the state of my career on Labor Day. In fact, my only real memory is betting my little sister that she couldn't stay awake for the entire MDA Telethon hosted by Jerry Lewis. (Man, I was a cruel big brother! But for the record, the challenge is still open, since she's never been able to do it.)How hard can I really celebrate the creation of the eight-hour workday in the United States? It doesn't matter anyway, because, like you, I'm too busy packing away all of those white shoes to care. The number of holidays off continues to shrink, with Election Day and veteran's Day … [Read more...] about The Irony of Labor Day
The Power of Reciprocity at Work
From Christianity to Buddhism, almost all of the major world religions believe that the more you give, the more you get in return.Making the place you work the best place possible falls on your shoulders. Help make the office a better space by giving until you drop.It's not just giving; it's the intention behind giving. You have to want to make it really count without motive or selfishness. Mutual action, or the power of reciprocity, starts with YOU.What can you give?Read more at U.S. News & World Report. … [Read more...] about The Power of Reciprocity at Work
How to Handle Political Talk at the Office
Do you proudly sport your “I voted today!” sticker at work after voting day? Is your car adorned with bumper sticker after bumper sticker proclaiming your love for the candidate of your choice? Do you willingly engage in political debates at work?With the conventions beginning for both parties (Democratic has started, Republican is Sep 1-4) and veeps chosen or on the way to being picked, it seems inevitable for politics to be on our radar. With the Olympics finally out of the picture, the media has picked up the pieces and filled the void by dominating the news with political story after political story. But this does pose a question that many of you have probably already faced: how appropriate is it to talk politics at work? Does anything good come from discussing politics?Political talk is often referred to one of the “fearsome foursome”-sex, money, religion, and politics- that should be avoided at work. Perhaps politics is the scariest of the four … [Read more...] about How to Handle Political Talk at the Office
Line of Succession at Your Job
You never know who’s a ‘heartbeat away.’ With every presidential election, the hype of the veepstakes seems to reach new heights. Even though succession has only come into play nine times in America's history (barring a temporary pass of power), it is a pivotal issue on voter's mind in '08. Is McCain's age a liability? Is Obama a marked man because of his race? Jobacle has no clue. What we do know is that important posts are vacated all of the time - most frequently, at your office. The difference is you don't get the comfort of a line of succession.The president gets replaced by the vice president; then the Speaker of the House; then the president pro tempore of the Senate; then by the Secretary of State; and so on. You and your boss? You get replaced by ???While it's nothing you should put too much stock into, examining who could potentially fill your boss' role, or even a colleagues’, is a smart, forward-thinking play that is highly … [Read more...] about Line of Succession at Your Job
Leave Your Colleagues Alone (When They're On Vacation)
Oft ignored work rule: Do not contact a colleague when they're on vacation - unless there is a true emergency.One of the main reasons we take vacations is to escape work. All of it. From the grinding commute to the day-to-day nonsense. When I'm sitting poolside, sipping on a cocktail, the last thing I need is to hear from [insert name here] on anything work related. I don’t need the latest personnel gossip or a status report on current projects. It can all wait until I get back; trust me.The funny thing is, the offender often thinks they are doing you a favor. They think it's a 'friendly' gesture. After all, you guys joke about everything, all of the time, right? Mom once told me that a true friend will never tell you anything to make you upset. (Those conversations usually start out like, 'Since we're close I thought you should know...')Some of the problem falls on you. You must resist the urge to make contact. We're given such a … [Read more...] about Leave Your Colleagues Alone (When They're On Vacation)
The 5 Best Jobs in the World?
You see, there's a problem already. The fact that I called this article the best jobs in the world may reveal an inherent falsity in all of us (or maybe just me). This is of course the idea that money is directly proportional to happiness, which I don't agree with; therefore I'm changing the title to "the highest paid jobs in the world". Here they are:5. PilotSounds like a pretty handy number to me. They travel the world, sit on their asses all day, and then get paid sh*t loads of money (anywhere up to $130,000). However a couple of months ago a pilot on an Air Canada 767 flying at 37,000 over the Atlantic went nuts and started to invoke God. He then had to be restrained and handcuffed to a seat, which suggests to me that this job may not be all that it is cracked up to be, and the long hours sitting around can be quite hazardous to your health...and the 146 passengers on board.4. CEODepending on the size of the company you work for, you could earn billions, like our auld buddies … [Read more...] about The 5 Best Jobs in the World?
The Perils of Smoking at Work
You glance longingly over to the empty cubicle next to yours. Nobody's home.Why is it that your cubicle neighbor is always there less than you? It’s not because they are busy with important meetings or running errands for your boss, but because they are outside with their smoky treats. They are determined and persistent, weathering not only the good days but the rainy and stormy days as well to feed the daily habit.Do not misunderstand; many smokers take only their two allotted 15 minutes break in addition to their lunch break. However, those that take advantage of this system get under my skin. Unfortunately for the work smokers (and I cannot deny that I was in that category at one point in a past stressful job), there are other consequences than just criticism for frequent smoke breaks.* Smoking can be a sign of weakness to management. * It creates a certain perception at work. Smoking is a controversial topic these days, and it depends … [Read more...] about The Perils of Smoking at Work
The Pros/Cons of an Online Masters
Ten years removed from college, and for the first time in a decade, I'm flirting with the idea of continuing my education. I'm honestly not sure where this newfound idea is rooted. Boredom? Ego? A challenge? Thirst for knowledge? The truth will shake out over the next few weeks as I begin to familiarize myself with the GMAT, online programs, and the positive/negatives of the endeavor. (My sneaking suspicion is that the MATH will ultimately keep me away.)Here are some questions that need to be answered before I move forward...Read more of my post at U.S. News & World Report. … [Read more...] about The Pros/Cons of an Online Masters
Coping With the End of Summer at Work
Summer hours are nearly over. If you were fortunate enough to enjoy shortened workdays on Fridays, or a seasonally lax dress code, the gravy train is about to end. The relaxed vibe of summer is about to expire, bringing forward a plethora of patio furniture sales and the countdown to the winter holidays. Don't fret that all of those vacation days have been used up. There are a few small things to do to ease the transition between seasons.DO SOMETHING NOW. The season is really nothing more than a series of calendar dates. Don't put off what you can do today until next year. If that mountain bike expedition you promised you'd tackle never came to fruition, you still have several weeks left until the weather turns.USE STRATEGIC SICK DAYS. I know the Jobacle Sick Day Calendar gives managers and HR professionals a serious headache, but let's be honest, only suckers lose days at the end of the year. Use them scarcely, use them wisely, but above all, … [Read more...] about Coping With the End of Summer at Work