Career Advice

Are you reading this at work? Then it’s probably counting towards the estimated 1/3 of the day that 32% of workers admit to wasting. A new study by Hirescores.com calls it ‘surprising’ that 96% of British workers admitted avoiding work by doing non-essential tasks like desk tidying and tea-making. But attempting to spend all day, every day, fully focused on the job at hand is pretty unrealistic. So what are people doing that ‘wastes’ time, and is it really a surprise? – Maybe you don’t actually have enough work. If you’re not being challenged, do something about it, or get out of there before you get burnt out. – 23.4% of Salary.com’s 2005 survey respondents said they wasted time because they felt underpaid. Time wasting is taking time, which equals money. It might give you a certain satisfaction, but slacking will never get you that raise! – Idly surfing the web was the biggest distraction for 44.7% of people. Access is restricted for many employees, but that often creates resentment, … [Read more...] about Quick, Look Busy…Or Else

For the second consecutive season, the New York Mets have failed in the clutch, coughing up an opportunity to advance to the playoffs. This has led sports pundits and media talking heads to speculate on personnel changes, even a full-blown team overhaul. As sports fans are already aware, this is highly unlikely because (a) players are bound by contracts, (b) good talent is hard to find, and (c) the Mets will fill the stadium next year regardless of who is on the team.Good leaders never point fingers (at least publicly), but they are able to identify the problem and repair it. Only fools make the same mistake over and over again. And unfortunately for the Mets and their ownership, they are repeat offenders. Sure, several changes were made: a new mid-season manager, rookie call-ups, and the signing of an absolute stud of a pitcher in Johan Santana. And yes, they were plagued by injuries (but what team isn't?). The bottom line is that the core of the team is the same and so is the … [Read more...] about Lessons From the Mets' Historic Collapse…Again

While a Great Depression is unlikely, it looks like it will be quite some time before the U.S. economy smiles upon us again.Since you don't have much control over your company's financial situation, you need to make sure you are ready if the sh*t hits the fan.  Here are seven tips for increasing your marketability in a shaky economy, compliments from LiveMocha.1. Optimize technology. The more you know about technology, the better. Be familiar not only with the basics (MS office suite, email, SMS and IM), but also the newest types of business presentation software, interactive meeting software, social networks, and more. Advancements in technology are happening all around us, so there's no doubt they are touching your business or field too. If there's a new development that will revolutionize your industry, find out how you can get training online, through a professional development service, or at a local community college.2. Learn a foreign language. With increased globalization, … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Increase Your Marketability

It's a two-word lesson reinforced over 143 pages: No Complaining. With millions of people struggling for ways to introduce positive life into their work experience, "The No Complaining Rule," by bestselling author Jon Gordon, joins the ever-growing self-help career aisle at your local bookstore. You might not uncover anything groundbreaking, but this easily digestible book goes down smoothly. In fact, over the course of several lunch hours, you can easily ingest the antidote for negativity. Spawned from a policy imposed by a heathcare staffing company, the book centers around Hope, an HR VP at the fictional EZ-Tech. Mired in a personal and professional slump, Hope is challenged by the company's CEO to help turnaround employee morale and breathe some fresh air into the corporate culture. Can she do it? Of course she can! What would a book on positive attitude be without a happy ending? Each day, irrespective of what's thrown in front of us, we will have a choice; to go positive or to … [Read more...] about Impose 'The No Complaining Rule' Today

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