Some people squirm at the mention of the word "vocation." (Not to be confused with vacation - how could anyone be uncomfortable with a vacation?) Some people equate it with the word "calling," which usually implies some sort of religious component. Some people picture chains when they think of the word. They avoid thinking about "vocation" because it means being locked into something for the rest of their lives. I think vocation is something different than that. I prefer this definition: Activity pursued as a livelihood. It says nothing about work. It doesn't mention a job. It is broader, more encompassing. Even the word livelihood can have a broader definition than the more narrow view that it is a means for support or sustenance. To really live, to have a thriving "livelihood," humans need much more than money. We need purpose, we need human interaction, we need support. If we take vocation at its broader meaning, it can start to provide for … [Read more...] about What Is Vocation?
Maintaining Happiness & Motivation at Work
If you haven’t already taken my advice and left your job, you should do so now. If you’re still not walking out the door, then all I can do is offer some friendly advice. Below are some ideas I used to follow when I worked at my last testosterone fueled job. This job was proper “boiler room” stuff, and these suggestions used to help me stay motivated and happy, so hopefully, they can help you too. Do it NOW, not later When you have one of those annoying chores to do, do not sit there and think about it. Just do it (as the marketing-gimps in Nike like to say). The more you think about doing a task, the less likely you are to do it. Each negative thought you associate with the task will increase the perceived difficulty level, making you feel less empowered to do it. This will also make you more stressed, so when you are eventually forced to do “that report” or “those figures,” you probably will not do a good job. So, quite simply, go do it now…avoiding all that unneeded stress … [Read more...] about Maintaining Happiness & Motivation at Work
Search for a Job Like You're House Hunting
Long-time readers of this blog (and podcast listeners!) might be aware that I'm on the prowl for a new house. Always the obsessor, I'm in full research mode. Maps, charts, grids, financial tables and so on. Given that this is the single largest investment I might ever make, it certainly warrants extensive research. And that got me thinking... We should all put this amount of effort into the job hunt. But I'm willing to bet that many of us don't. Here are a few reasons why you should make your job hunt like a house hunt. Is It the Right Price (Salary): When looking for a home, it is important to first understand what you can afford. The same way it's key to know what salary range you are comfortable with. It's easy to fall into the trap of looking for a job that offers less (or more) pay than your qualifications and experience dictate. Whether it's a house or a job, narrowing down your search will yield better results, over a … [Read more...] about Search for a Job Like You're House Hunting
Leadership vs. Management: Quiz Answers
Okay, time's up, pens down. Whether you actually took the leadership mini-quiz or not, the idea was to explore this important issue, and it's possible impact on your cubicle career. As we said last week, our world accommodates both carnivores and vegetarians, and the one doesn't necessarily fall prey to the other. In other words, the task - and yes, privilege, of leading - isn't for everyone, nor should it be. I mean, what an absurd world it would be if there were only leaders...who would the followers be? After all, there can only be leaders if there are followers.Without further delay, here are your long-awaited answers to last weeks questions:1. Are leaders and managers the same thing?No, absolutely not. But the answer isn't really so simple, because being one doesn't exclude the other. For example, and based on your place in the chain of command, you may well be expected to successfully implement plans and execute orders issued by higher authority (i.e. being a good manager). Yet, … [Read more...] about Leadership vs. Management: Quiz Answers
Helping Teens Find First Jobs
If you're a bit older, maybe you look fondly back on your first job. You remember that first interview and the cold sweat that broke out during it. You remember the soreness of an honest day’s work. The dismay at that meager paycheck. The hard work it took to get that job in the first place.Nowadays, young people have this newfangled thing called the Internet to help them out. And there's no shortage of Websites clamoring over themselves offering their services.Myfirstpaycheck.com hopes to fill a void by developing a "job posting website for teens, by teens."Right now, it's not much of a job posting website, as jobs are only posted in three cities (DC, New York, Philly). However, it does have some great resources for teens looking to explore work.Let’s go to some pros and cons to simplify things:Pros* Simple, clear website layout* Valuable resources such as a résumé builder, cover letter tips, and practical advice from those in the workforce* Easy to … [Read more...] about Helping Teens Find First Jobs
Fighting a Creative Black Hole at Work
The corporate office park can be a black hole when it comes to creativity. Let's face it: People without progressive ideas are more passive, thus easier to manage. Many companies, unfortunately, have systems in place to stifle creativity. If you are unfortunate enough to land at a place that shoots down your forward-thinking ideas on contact, fear not. There are still several ways you can get that creative fix - and still collect a paycheck.Blog.Many are scared that they'll get fired for blogging on company time. But as long as you're not outing company secrets - and the topic is unrelated to your business - I argue that it can actually help you hone your writing skills and creative thinking, in turn, benefiting you and your employer.Log Thoughts. Keep a calendar of what you would like to do. Yesterday's fleeting idea could be the groundwork for tomorrow's business plan. It all comes down to taking action - but it starts with a seed. … [Read more...] about Fighting a Creative Black Hole at Work
Mega Millions Winner Burns Bridges…Fast
We've all had the dream: Win X millions of dollars and tell the boss to shove it!David Sneath, a 34-year veteran at the Ford Motor Co. parts warehouse, turned it into a reality."I yelled to the boss, 'I'm out of here!"Hey, after winning $136 million in the Mega Millions jackpot, who can blame him. But here's where the latest member of the millionaires club might have taken it too far."I worked for Ford Motor Company...I won't be buying a Ford product."Ouch.As if departing with absolutely no notice wasn't enough, Sneath applied a bitchslap on his way out. It must have felt like the cherry on top, right?He might want to think twice.Given the well-chronicled fall from grace many lotto winners have experienced, it could only be a matter of time until poor David needs that hi-lo job back.Perhaps sensing his options might be limited should his luck turn for the worst, Sneath has now said he never made the anti-Ford statements.Before making a move - whether you … [Read more...] about Mega Millions Winner Burns Bridges…Fast
Career Death Wish: Calling Head of HR a "Skank Ho"
Lenny P. came across this interesting job rejection letter on Scribd and sent it over. In case you were unaware, it's never a good idea to call the head of human resources a "Skank Ho." And yes, Skank Ho should be capitalized! Read this doc on Scribd: bbc skank ho … [Read more...] about Career Death Wish: Calling Head of HR a "Skank Ho"
Forward of the Week: Carlin on Aging
Love it or hate it, it's the Forward of the Week. You know the drill. If it invades our inbox, you get to read about it too! Here's comedian George Carlin's thoughts on aging...> Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.> 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key> You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.> 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life ! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!> But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. … [Read more...] about Forward of the Week: Carlin on Aging
Are You a Leader? Questions to Ask Yourself.
Ah, the mystique of leadership - a phenomenon that we've all been brought up to value, revere and even aspire to. Leaders are made, not born, or so they say...and they abound in just about every movie ever made. After all, it's really a continuation of the Horatio Alger myth; ever striving onwards and upwards, fighting adversity, and overcoming all odds to be a 'success,' a leader of others.Yet, in our real world cubicle continuum, all too often we've seen not the best and the brightest, but the kiss-asses, sychophants, back-stabbers and other assorted dirt-bags promoted way, WAY beyond their capabilities. And so we've been generally more cursed than blessed with poor managers and even worse leaders. It's almost a generic - or genetic - institutional flaw. Just look around you. All too often, the charismatic, Pied Piper types are the worst of all.Yet, countless books, articles and the like have been written about leadership and management, and the possible differences between the two. … [Read more...] about Are You a Leader? Questions to Ask Yourself.