General

We're celebrating another year in the books here at Jobacle HQ. After a record number of Working Podcast downloads, and growth in virtually every traffic category, we wanted to take a time out and thank our loyal readers and listeners.What I value most are the relationships that have spawned and opportunities that were born. We've made it onto the radar for all of those HotMonsterBuilder sites, thanks to YOU!Jobacle is a labor of love. Even though I was promoted earlier in the year, I continue to find the time to build Jobacle.  We plan to continue to dish out contrarian career advice, bring you the latest employment news and review everything Career 2.0. We have BIG plans for 2009, and invite you along for the ride. Subscribe to the blog and the podcast today! We'll be back with fresh posts in a few days.  In the meantime, why not check out some of the best posts from 2008.The 6 Most Trafficked Posts of 2008 Employee Goodbye Letters Gone Wild 10 Career Lessons From … [Read more...] about The 7 Best 2008 Posts You Didn't Read

OK. So it wasn't the actual party that killed killed Benjamin David Banky, president of the Vancouver-based Tallgrass Distributors Ltd. It was allegedly a disgruntled former employee.Read more here.We understand that this seemingly premeditated crime could have taken place anywhere at any time, but here's yet another reason why holiday parties are a royal pain. The poor employees at the natural products company went from chips and dip to spending the night at the police station filling out witness statements.Tomorrow we're dropping episode #83 of the Working Podcast which takes a look at those silly holiday party DOs and DON'T lists that every job Web site feels compelled to release.We're guessing showing up with a firarm becuase you're pissed you were let go is a DON'T. … [Read more...] about Death By Holiday Party

Health benefits at work just took on a whole new meaning with the TrekDesk. This new workstation with a built-in treadmill is garnering interest- and controversy.   Let’s start with the positives of TrekDesk.   *This helps Americans reach the Surgeon General set goal of 10,000 steps per day; which coincidentally, is equivalent to 3 hours of walking on the TrekDesk.   *Recent research has come out reporting that there is a correlation to sedentary lifestyles and weight gain. WHAT??! I know this is mind-blowing news, but the supposed latest information is that sitting actually “switches” off the employee’s ability to burn fat properly.   Let’s continue on to the potential problems with TrekDesk.   *While this machine alleges to allow employees to walk without sweating, how true is this claim? This could cause some serious stink issues in the workplace.   *Have you ever actually tried to read while on a treadmill? Some of us lack … [Read more...] about Walk Through Work With TrekDesk

The rumblings have already started; there will be no end-of-year raises this year at my place of employment. Only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition, but I think it's safe to assume that a majority of American employees will receive smaller salary increases (if any) and should expect anemic holiday bonuses. (Unless you work at ExxonMobile)We here at Jobacle fully anticipate these 'bad news' memos to start hitting your inbox any day now. Even if your company is doing well, they are still going to safeguard the cash this  go around. Since we love taking the pulse of what's REALLY happening in the workplace, we respectfully ask you to share these types of 'economic downturn' memos with us. Whether it's a slash in pay raises, a cut in hours, the merging of two entities, or no more open bar at the holiday party, let us know what's happening in your neck of the woods.At your request we will keep your submission confidential, remove the company logo, etc. Send it through … [Read more...] about Kiss Your Raise / Bonus Goodbye?

I am back at work after five solid days away.  I'd like to tell you that my feet were kicked up and I was sipping gin and tonics on some remote island.  The reality is, I just spend hour upon hour cleaning up other people's filth and unpacking an endless sea of cardboard boxes.  So far, all the home-owner cliches are coming true.  I can't say I wasn't warned.As fate would have it, every time I have less time for Jobacle, traffic trends upwards. Go figure.  I expect to settle back into a normal routine over the coming weeks, and that means a minimum of one new post every weekday.  For now, here's an update on what's up in Jobacle Land... The inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge is over.  Our crack staff are currently mulling over the final products and we will share that information sometime next week.  Am I the only one who finds the adjustment of returning to work after several consecutive days off difficult?  So much so, that I … [Read more...] about The State of Jobacle

It’s not enough that we have to be politically correct at work; we now have to be ergonomically correct as well. Companies have begun taking stock in the fact that HR is requiring us to sign off on forms that our desks are “ergonomically correct”.Too bad we didn’t think of this first, huh?Introducing the Kneelsit chair. This chair is customized to each person’s height and weight so that no adjustments are necessary. Reportedly, this chair takes the pressure off the spine and lower back to alleviate pain and correct posture. All for the low price of...$499?  What economic crisis?!As an office manager in a chiropractic and physical therapy clinic, this chair seems like a genius idea for preventive and maintenance care. But let’s return back to earth; what employer is going to pay for this? We need a retailer like Wal-Mart (as much as it pains me to say it) to jump on this train and produce it for an affordable price.Does your company value ergonomics in the workplace? Would any of … [Read more...] about Ergonomically Correct Chair of the Future?

People like to fancy themselves leaders. Reality says otherwise.  Even extreme mavericks are subject to the influence of others.  Many of the nuances and habits we pick up, we're unaware of.  At least until that ballsy coworker calls us out."Eww. You sound like Joe!"The accused immediately goes into defensive mode."Oh, I said that long before Joe."Good, bad or otherwise, we are constantly latching on to other people's words and actions. With the amount of time we all spend at the office, it should come as no surprise that our payroll comrades are responsible for much if this influence.Heck, there are catchphrases I picked up 10 years ago that I still use today.- I end all my phone conversations with 'see ya' thanks to Greg.- I'll occasionally lean against a wall and bring my head to my knees to refresh the blood flow to my brain thanks to Jason.- I never complain about my wife at work, even in a joking way, thanks to Eric.- Most recently, I find myself saying 'super' (as … [Read more...] about The Silly Influence of Coworkers