To quote a wise man, "Mo Money, Mo Problems." Ok, so maybe I wouldn't classify the Notorious B.I.G. as "wise," but when it comes to careers, he's spot on. On episode #69 of the Working Podcast we explore the reasons why a promotion isn't necessarily a good thing. Also, you'll hear a podcast exclusive, an interview with Graham Langdon, the 21-year-old founder of the Million Dollar Wiki. The entrepreneur gives you insight to his overnight Internet sensation and explains how you can make money too! There are three ways to listen: - Stream on our homepage (shows plays instantly) - Stream from the player below (about a 60 second load time) - Download direct … [Read more...] about 6 Reasons to Turn Down a Promotion
Psycho Smurf Dreams About Work
A big shout out to Manuel, a listener of the Working Podcast who lives in Detroit, MI. He sent in this picture. We know it's not Smurfette, but can't identify this blue bugger. So we've affectionately named him Psycho Smurf, cause only a nutjob would be dreaming about work with an ear-to-ear grin across his/her face.Speaking of work and dreams, is it just me, or do you ever go through a spell where you consistently dream of work? Sometimes it's not anything good or bad - just the fact that you are there. It's a regular, boring day. And then you wake up and have to do it for real.Please tell me I'm not alone... … [Read more...] about Psycho Smurf Dreams About Work
The Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life
I'm gearing up for one of those five-hour meetings that my company always seems so enthralled with. That means my patience, among other things, will be tested. In order to get through these marathon exercises of torture, I have to dig deep. Today I'm leaning on the Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life to help me keep everything in perspective.1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.7. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.8. Spend some time alone every day.9. Open your arms to … [Read more...] about The Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life
Forward of the Week: 24 Traits of a Genius
Tomorrow look s like it might be a crazy, busy day for me. So I'm posting the Forward of the Week a bit early... The world's greatest geniuses have all had 24 personality characteristics in common and you can develop the same traits yourself.1. DRIVE. Geniuses have a strong desire to work hard and long. They're willing to give all they've got to a project. Develop your drive by focusing on your future success, and keep going.2. COURAGE. It takes courage to do things others consider impossible. Stop worrying about what people will think if you're different.3. DEVOTION TO GOALS. Geniuses know what they want and go after it. Get control of your life and schedule. Have something specific to accomplish each day.4. KNOWLEDGE. Geniuses continually accumulate information. never go to sleep at night without having learned at least one new thing each day. Read. And question people who know.5. HONESTY. Geniuses are frank, forthright and honest. Take the responsibility for thins that go … [Read more...] about Forward of the Week: 24 Traits of a Genius
Meet the Founder of the Million Dollar Wiki
I usually don't hype up podcasts in advance, but I'm really psyched about episode number 69 of the Working Podcast that is dropping this Sunday.If you subscribe now you'll get to hear an interview with Graham Langdon, the 21-year-old founder of the Million Dollar Wiki. For those of you who haven't read about the MDW yet, you'll get the skinny on the podcast. In a nutshell, it's a pay-per-page version of Wikipedia where you can buy a page (keyword or phrase of your choice) and set it up with anything you like. Each page is $100 bucks and you own it for 15 years.I know it sounds simple (aren't most good ideas!) but I really see a lot of value in owning a page. In fact, I bought the PODCAST page. Right now I'm using it to promote this Web site, however, in the future I will probably lease out space to other podcasts.In any event, the chat I had with Graham was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've had since we launched this thing back in April '05. … [Read more...] about Meet the Founder of the Million Dollar Wiki
Bored at Work? Play Office BINGO!
Finally, a new way to pass the time at work: Office BINGO. Play alone or play with friends. Regular BINGO rules apply! PRINT A BINGO CARD NOW Most of the squares are self-explanatory, however, since we don't want any of your co-workers to cheat you out of victory, let's clarify what must be seen/heard to claim the box. ROW B Awkward Silence: Offices are loaded with it. Whether it's the lunchroom, the conference room or simply at your desk, you'll know it when you hear it! Community Food: Common examples are the obligatory bagels and birthday cake. Any edible item dumped on a public table for the vultures to consume qualifies. Fridge Cleaning: It doesn't happen often, but some do-gooder always posts a sign on the refrigerator door warning that all unmarked items will be tossed by 4pm on a given date. (Subsequently, this leads to people angrily marking their salad dressing bottles with bold initials.) Popcorn Nuker: The smell wafts through the air, causing a … [Read more...] about Bored at Work? Play Office BINGO!
Your Job Can and Will be Rated Publicly
It's back to school time and the Website Rate My Professor is soaring. Over 6.8 million college students have spread the word about over a million professors. Students can find out about workloads, potential mood disorders and the ever popular, is the teacher hot. About 10 years removed from college I really have no use for the site (except to see how certain ex-girlfirends are performing and if some of the old timers are still alive.) However, it brings up an interesting issue: how would YOU like it if your career now had this kind of transparency?Sure, there are similar sites, like ones for health professionals, etc. But what if people were allowed to publicly grade what you do - regardless of what it is.Dave's a horrible waiter.John's a clueless IT guy.Brandy gives the worst massages.As the Web grows, it becomes harder and harder to control what people say about you. Famous people have always dealt with public scrutiny as part of their job … [Read more...] about Your Job Can and Will be Rated Publicly
Boredom Overtakes Intern
Here's what happens when boredom gets the best of you:So, I'm an intern at a local unnamed company's IT department. This is what happens when I am not given any work to do and also have plenty of PC & monitor boxes sitting around and am also supplied with duct tape from an equally bored coworker. Needless to say, My boss wasn't too thrilled.Check out the pics. … [Read more...] about Boredom Overtakes Intern
Online Game: Cramped Work Conditions
I'm working on a fun office game that we'll be launching later this week. For now, why not play a little game I like to call, "Things Could Be So Much Worse!" Create your game | Share | Play games | Pictogame … [Read more...] about Online Game: Cramped Work Conditions
Working Podcast: Talk to Strangers
Here it is friends, episode number 68 of the Working Podcast. Listen below or download it. Here's what you'll hear: - Why talking to strangers can be the single most important thing you do for your career. - An interview with Keith Ko, founder of WurkPal.com, a Web site that lets you chat anonymously with your co-workers . - The Career Filter features: PayScale Gig Zig, a Web site that helps you see your potential future. StandoutJobs.com, a place where you can view video job classified ads. JobVoices.com, a site that culls career videos from YouTube. If you're interested in sponsoring a future epsiode, or just want to share your feedback and/or ideas, please contact me here. I'm experimenting with different Flash players. It appears this one, while not as nice looking as the previous one, loads must faster. … [Read more...] about Working Podcast: Talk to Strangers