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In the past on the Working Podcast we've covered JobTonic, a UK-based job site that rewards people for referring a friend, acquaintance or co-worker for an available job.JobTonic has taken recruitment referral technology to the next level with an overhauled Website that, according to them, is 'user seductive.'Well I don't know if we'd jump in the sack with these fine folks, but the new Website is snazzy and easy to navigate.The JobTonic gang says that the number of job vacancies listed on the site is at an all-time high, so there's never been a better time to recruit a friend and get paid.If you're looking to make a few bucks on the side, you can also add a widget to your own site and start earning.Facebook users can now get in on the action by using the 'refer-o-matic' app.I always knew anyone could be a recruiter! … [Read more...] about Jobtonic Launches Redesigned Website

 What an amazing year! I can bore you with details on our ridiculous traffic growth or how Jobacle continues to establish itself as a major career advice and employment news destination.  Instead, I rather thank each and every one of our loyal readers and listeners from the bottom of my heart.  Jobacle was partially created because of a void I felt existed with career Websites.  The advice they dish is generic, many of their writers have no clue what it's like to live in the trenches and they all have an agenda to sell, sell, sell!At the rapid rate we've grown, you have proven that I am not the only one who thinks this way.  You're tired too. We might not be able to eradicate the world of people still willing to click on "How to Network at the Holiday Party" or "Bullet Points and Your Resume," but we sure can try!We have huge plans for 2008.  We hope you'll join us for the ride by subscribing to the blog and the podcast.Now let's take a … [Read more...] about Best of Jobacle 2007

Viacom has made headlines recently with regards to their “permalance” system. For those of you not familiar with the term permalance, it's used to describe an employee that falls somewhere between a permanent/staff employee and a freelancer.  There was a time not too long ago when I worked for MTV and was placed - as an estimated 75% of their employees are - in the permalance category. What this meant was that you held a full-time position (you know, a 50-60 hour work week) but received no benefits.  Try explaining that one to mom!Freelancers can often charge more for their services since they are not a "drain" on an organization's payroll.  While a certain level of stability comes along with freelancing, many find it more rewarding to be their own boss and not get stuck in the grind of a daily routine.  Permalancers have no such freedom. They are paid the same as regular staff employees, leaving them with the burden of buying their own health … [Read more...] about Life as an MTV Permalancer

Recently, Victor Kipling wrote a Cubicle Continuum column on "The Death of the Office""Under the guise of wanting to increase ‘transparency,’ the new organizational trend-setters are touting the benefits of the horizontal work space...that is, the cubicle and (worse yet) the bullpen. From the lowest clerk to the highest CEO, everyone is now expected to march in lockstep and function in an open, non-private environment."When I first entered the workforce in the late 90s, I foolishly had the notion that success was gauged by the pay you earned, the title you floated and the size of your office.As a kid going to work with dad always left me impressed.  The helpful secretary, the "reserved" parking space, and yes, the office.  A BIG office.  The kind I will likely never have in my entire life (unless I build it myself).  And don't all kids strive to be more "successful" than their parents?A recent article, Collaboration Cancels the Cubicle Culture, spoke … [Read more...] about The Argument Against Collaborative Workspace

Just eight months after being fired for using racist and offensive remarks on his program, radio host Don Imus is back on the air. He’s on a new station (WABC 770 AM), with two new cohorts, but promises that the show won’t change. For the most part things are going well for Imus. His audience nearly doubled on his first show back with its heaviest numbers coming in the first hour. Clearly there was a curiosity that will (and has already) tapered off, but he’ll still have great numbers. He seems to be remorseful and has already settled back in to doing his job. I, for one, have never listened to Imus. I have had two Imus experiences though. The first came when I was working at a private airport in New Jersey. It was Labor Day and he was returning home with his wife and child from his Ranch for Kids with Cancer. I unloaded his luggage and he gave me a $20 tip - a great tip. The second came only a few months later when I was working at CBS and my first task was … [Read more...] about Imus Got Rehired. Would You Have?

About once a year I find myself daydreaming about how nice it would be to leave my office life for one a little more rugged. One that would allow me to spend a little more time in a natural environment actually using the body I have. I’ve noticed that this desire usually pops up around the spring season. As I get in my car and head to the grind I’ll drive past a construction site. There will be a group of people already well into their day, enjoying the sunshine, burning calories, all while building homes, offices, schools and other tangible things. I imagine the pride that must be felt after a hard day’s work; not to mention the satisfaction one must feel when they drive through a town and know that they’ve help build it. I’m sure a lot of that stems from that whole grass being greener thing. I’m well aware of the days - especially here in the south - when I am so grateful for my air-conditioned office. Still, I was raised in a blue-collar family, in a blue-collar town, and have paid … [Read more...] about Should I Switch From White to Blue-Collar Work?

I’m happy to report that holiday tipping is not a problem for me. In fact, I didn’t even know it existed until I was in my twenties. I’m talking about the outrageous holiday gratuity exercise of bringing holiday cheer to people that play bit parts in your life, $50 at a time. The doorman, the mailperson, the gardener, parking attendants, trash collectors and so on.  People's hands certainly aren't extended, and I doubt my subscription to Wired will suddenlty start to disappear if I don't tip.  However, are we really breaking etiquette laws when we decide not to extend a gratuity?Where I live trash companies are privately run. Since I have no real relationship with my trash collectors, I feel no need to tip them. To my understanding, tip itself is actually T.I.P. and it stands for “To Insure Promptness.” So when the hell did it become such an automatic? Do I really need to kick in more than the monthly fee that the company came up with in … [Read more...] about Holiday Tip: Who and How Much?

The holiday flood gates have officially swung wide open. In fact, as I type this, I'm surrounded by strings of lights, faux snow flakes and poinsettias. They're probably at your office too;"Ambiguous decorations" as to not offend anyone. I hate being a Grinch. I LOVE the holidays - when I'm with my family and friends. Holidays at work, however, are nothing but a land mine-filled mess. Career media will trot out their annual Holiday Party Dos and Don'ts list. (It's already started) As always, it will be stale information. These same folks will fabricate stories of office party chaos. You know, the one where the boss and the administrative assistant had too much to drink? It's all BS. December is jam-packed with bizarre office rituals. For example, this Holiday Door Decoration Contest that was submitted by an anonymous Jobacle reader. Listen, anything with that many rules that is judged by "The Quality of Work Life Committee" simply can't be fun! Here's some insight into my … [Read more...] about Reveal Your Company's Holiday Plans and Win