Jobacle Mishmash

Christmas is a stressful time, especially for the poor sap(s) that drew the short straw on organizing the office Christmas party. For example, I go to these just to put in face-time with the higher-ups and I suspect many people’s motivations are similar. But this year the party planning has falling into my (in)capable hands. I know booze gets butts in seats—but this year I want to up the ante from standing around getting buzzed in the same place I already spend 30% of my life. Bingo has been gaining popularity the last few years due in large to the rise of online bingo. I mean, my grandmothers do it and for the last 5 years they have been pretty reliable bellwethers of taste (see: knitting, records, fondue, horrible sweaters, large glasses, etc.). I hope this is the case anyway; my party is going to be a Bingo Charity Ball. The Basics When: The rule is that no office party should take place after the first two weeks of December. It’s like wearing white after Labor Day— just don’t do … [Read more...] about Throw Your Own Office Xmas Bingo Charity Ball

I’ve already told you that wearing a suit everyday to work sucks.  Big time.  And the biggest problem is the necktie.  Born several hundred years ago thanks to Louis XIV’s eye for haute couture, the necktie fashion trend crossed over to England, where gentlemen displayed their status with colorful cloths hung around their necks. Thanks for nothing guys! (Read more about necktie history) While many industries and companies have relaxed their dress code, some businesses, like mine, have held on to the notion that dressing up is part of playing a professional. I know they have their reasons, and some of them I get, but overall, if you’re sitting in a cubicle all day with limited interaction with the outside world, it all seems a bit pointless. Here are eight reasons why dressing up in a necktie is a royal pain in the ass. - It's uncomfortable.  Having something pressed up against your neck and putting pressure on your trachea, just isn't normal. - … [Read more...] about 8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday

I recently saw “Bridesmaids” for the second time (yeah, it’s that good). The main character has a job in a jewelry store. Being unlucky at love, she goes on a rant about love never lasting while helping a cute couple select an engagement ring. I won’t spoil the rest for you, but it occurred to me that the scene was a fairly typical Hollywood version of life at work. Unrealistic workplace portrayals, often bordering on fantasy, are usually what we see represented in movies.The following have become standard movie clichés about the office:    * The boss’s daughter is always a hottie – Not only is the daughter hot, she dresses slutty and doesn’t work because she drops by the office any time to see Daddy. It’s required that the new hire instantly fall in lust with her, resulting in career mayhem.    * The boss is always rich – Because he likes you, he takes you to his prestigious country club where … [Read more...] about Movie Clichés About the Workplace (add your faves!)

Did I ever tell you about the time I showed up to work after stepping in a steaming pile of dog crap?Or the time that I went out to lunch, only to return to work looking like I had a fight with a bowl of marinara sauce?And I'm not even that big of a spaz!No matter what your occupation, a little stain can turn into a big problem.  From being self conscious at a meeting to destroying your favorite pair of pants, the right stain removal product can help save the day. Our friends at Tide want to hook you up.  Share your worst work spill, stain, or messy mishap and you could win a Tide to Go Mini – the tiny product that delivers big results.  Slip one of these “pens” into your work bag and never worry again!I realize Tide to Go Mini wouldn't have helped me with the dog poop incident, but they could have bailed me out of the Spaghetti Incident!  Now share those stories... … [Read more...] about Spills & Stains – Share Your Work Story and Win

Insurance is something that can be greatly beneficial to you. For a small fee you can get some financial security and peace of mind, protecting yourself against some of the terrible things that can happen in life. However, sometimes insurance is just a waste of money.  Carefully consider the following 10 types of insurance before getting them because you may not need them: 1.      Car Rental Insurance. You may have enough insurance protection from your personal auto insurance and your credit card protections that you don’t need additional car rental insurance. In many cases, the insurance that you can get at a car rental agency is redundant so you’re wasting a lot of money for absolutely no reason. Look into this carefully before any trip that you take. 2.      Credit Card Insurance. This is insurance that pays off your credit card balance in the event of your death, severe disability or certain unemployment situations. … [Read more...] about 10 Types of Insurance You May NOT Need

Since everything's right with the world, and we all are living in as close to paradise as possible, it's no wonder that we feel shock (and awe) over the recent federal indictment of Roger Clemens for telling lies to Congress. The case revolves around Clemen's testimony before Congress regarding his alleged use of performance enhancing drugs while a major league superstar. While he denied such use, he was subsequently ratted out by his long-time personal trainer. So, and rather than concentrate on the economy, terrorist threats,the price of gas and why your boss won't give you a raise for the foreseeable, let's all bash a retired baseball player. It is easier, don't you think? And lying before Congress-that biggest collection of corrupt slimeballs ever congregated in one place?! If any group has ever mastered the fine art of corruption, deception, and militant hypocrisy, it's them! Frankly, I don't think, given their thorough lack of a moral (or ethical) compass, that they would be able … [Read more...] about Surprise! Performance Enhancers Exist at Work