Career Advice

His name echoes throughout the hallway at work, spoken as if he were a celebrity, royalty, infamous. Even though he put his two weeks' notice in two years ago, he is spoken about as if he were still part of the team. Yes, it's fair to say that Ant, a former programmer at my current gig, sewed himself into the fabric of my corporation.Since Ant had the unique opportunity to code an entire website on his own—and not explain to anyone what he did—he certainly left his mark.As certain as you'll pay taxes and eventually die, there's another inescapable fact of life—one that is rarely talked about.THEY WILL TALK ABOUT YOU WHEN YOU'RE GONE.We're not talking about the afterlife. Rather, bolting from a gig.Read more at US News & World Report. … [Read more...] about They WILL Talk About You When You're Gone

“I think we should just be friends.” “It’s not you, it’s me.”Returning to work after a break up (or other types of personal angst) can certainly be a tough pill to swallow.We’ve all had those days at work that just seem unbearable. Whether it’s because of a break up, a fight with a friend/husband/family member, or other personal drama, work can develop into a self-inflicted prison.So what do you do? Treat work as an escape, a refuge, a safe haven. (Read more of Victor Kipling's 'Work as a Benefit')Use work as an avenue to pleasantly disengage your brain from the unrelenting what ifs, what happens now, and the tortuous blame games.Here are a few steps to start the healing process and get you back on track at work.1. The honest and unfortunate truth is that depending on the severity of your situation, escaping into work will not always be immediately possible. Each drama-filled situation is unique and it typically will require a few recovery days. Embrace these recovery days, whether … [Read more...] about Breaking Up Is Hard; Work Can Help

Part of being a middle manager requires keeping tabs on what your subordinates are working on.  The goal is to do this without being intrusive, yet staying aware and in control.  So when applications come along that streamline the process and tear down the walls between employees and managers, you would think there would be an ice cream party in the conference room.I'll leave it for you to decide if Yammer, winner of the TechCrunch 50, is the ultimate micromanaging tool or if it's the communication breakthrough that thousands of career strategy books have been unable to uncover.As you likely know, Twitter is the micro-blogging site that asks you 'What are you doing?' Registered users post updates on the Web via computer or mobile device that are under 140 characters in length.  Yammer puts a twist on the question, asking users 'What's happening at your company?'Each users' updates are centralized on a single page, giving employees the opportunity to discuss ideas, ask … [Read more...] about Big Brother Is Knocking at My Cubicle

I've never heard of anyone suffering from heat stroke or hypothermia at the office, but that doesn't mean the masses are comfortable.  Thermoregulation might make it tolerable, but temperature swings can still affect moods and productivity. Most offices are comprised of a diverse workforce; 250lb. men and 95lb. women, all from different backgrounds and cultures, each with different proclivities to the elements. What if there was a way to give each person their own personal climate control? Cold and hot at extremes are both uncomfortable, but, in my opinion, if the office is cold, you have more options.  You can always slip on a sweater; you can't however, take off your top (assuming, of course, you're not working an "adult" club.  And it should be noted that at least two strippers read Jobacle). You also have the option to flip on a portable space heater to warm up, drink a hot beverage or by taking a brisk stroll (assuming you're not anchored to your desk). Cooler … [Read more...] about Stop Touching the Thermostat!

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

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

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

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)

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