You self-important suckers! According to a recent Associated Press-Ipsos poll, one in five people brought a laptop along on their recent vacation. Aside from incessantly checking MySpace for new friend requests, you were checking in at the office too. Shame on you!The reasons cited for “checking in” were:- It’s expected of me- I might miss important information- I enjoy being “in-the-know” Wow – I’m soooo impressed Mister Laptop on the Beach guy. You deserve your own “Real Men of Genius” Budweiser ad. 19% of folks said they worked on their vacation even though they were technically off. Don’t tell me a Blackberry is not the world’s smallest albatross.The poll also states that white men are the worst culprits when it comes to working on their vacation. Idiots. Women, were more likely to read a book. At least Oprah’s Book Club is good for something.The sad part is is that America already gets the least amount … [Read more...] about Only Fools Work While On Vacation
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What % of Your Salary on Housing?
This might be a very personal question but I have to ask anyway.What percentage of your total household income do you spend on housing?I'm talking about your mortgage payment and taxes.You see, I've been hunting for a house for what feels like forever. And I've heard all of the cliches: "you'll find a way to make it work," "bite off more then you can chew," "they'll never be a right time," etc. And I'm not saying that that's bad advice. But I am who I am, and I'm a fan of empirical data. Eventually, I'll pull the trigger on a real estate deal, but before I do, I need your input! Many people say that you should not spent more then 25% of your salary on housing. Others say don't exceed 40%. I'm in New York, and I ain't going anywhere... at least not right now.I'm bored with all of those "How Much House Can You Afford" calculators. There's nothing like real info from real people.So, if you can shed some … [Read more...] about What % of Your Salary on Housing?
You're Sooooo Middle Class
Where in the "middle class" do you fall? Leave it to the New York Times to care. An interactive graph lets you select your occupation, education, income, wealth - the tool will then show you where you rank against the rest of America according to U.S. Census data (as well as other sources). I actually ranked a little higher than I figured I would. And I don't mean that to brag (I'm hardly ready for East Egg). I have a fairly mediocre salary, in my humble opinion, considering what I bring to the table. In fact, let's be honest, I'm grossly underpaid. But who's not, right? Even if you're not, I tell myself that YOU are so I can sleep at night! According to Wikipedia, the middle class are people who have a degree of economic independence, but not a great deal of social influence or power. Do you care where you fall in the social hierarchy? … [Read more...] about You're Sooooo Middle Class
Second Graders Visit a Cubicle
Oh, Conan, you are so in a league of your own. Strap yourself in for a tour of Intel - where there's no individuality, no hope and chess matches at lunch. Suddenly, my cube doesn't seem so lame. … [Read more...] about Second Graders Visit a Cubicle
Would YOU Hire A-Rod?
Just in case you've been living under a rock - or have a limited interest in baseball - here's the 10-second version of the controversy surrounding baseball this week.New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez was running the bases. There was a pop fly. As he passed the player who was waiting to catch the ball, he yelled, "Ahhhh!" The player dropped the ball. The Toronto Blue Jays were mad. Screaming mad.Some players have called it "Bush league" - saying it was a play out of an eight-year-old little league game. Others have said that A-Rod was desperate for a Yankee win and was doing anything he could to help.Now I pose this question to everyone: Would you want a "screamer" on your team? Someone, who isn't necessarily cheating, but is willing to do what it takes to get your team "a win." In the business world, people are desperate to meet quotas, make sales and hit targets. And sometimes, you have to … [Read more...] about Would YOU Hire A-Rod?
Plan Your June Sick Days NOW!
We've been enjoying a nice warm stretch of weather here in NY. I curse the sunny days that I'm anchored to my cube, breathing nothing but recycled air and baking in the glow of florescent lights. That's why I figured it was a good time to remind you (and myself) that only fools save sick days.Of course, this doesn't apply to the unlucky (but wealthy) blokes who work for the bastards at Merrill Lynch (check out their sick day memo). These guys will show you the door if you take 9+ sick days. Check out more asinine company policy here.So, if you're looking for days that are ripe to (COUGH COUGH) call in sick, be sure to consult our official 2007 Sick Day Calendar.And if you're just looking to have some fun this June, why not celebrate one of the following:June 1 - Donut DayJune 18 - Int'l Picnic DayJune 20 - Ice Cream Soda DayJune 21 - First day of summerYour boss will use days. Your boss's boss will use days. Don't play the hero. And if … [Read more...] about Plan Your June Sick Days NOW!
Get Nostalgic! Report Card Comments…
My wife is a teacher and I was shocked the day she brought home a book that was nothing but report card comments. At first I was stunned, shocked and appalled that the teachers I so dutifully respected and looked up to were recycling comments on me! Andrew effectively uses non-verbal communication techniques. Hells yeah! Andrew is able to work independently and with confidence. Yes, leave me alone! Andrew encourages others in the group. Really? You mean all of those words of praise that made mom and dad so proud weren't solely for me? Ouch! Let's face it, managers adapt the same crummy comments for our annual reviews. Check out the list below. And no, you're not special. To read the document click where it says "Download as PDF." … [Read more...] about Get Nostalgic! Report Card Comments…
The New Work Craze: Tie Rentals
A few years back, when we were in a full wedding planning craze, I had my first experience renting a tux. I couldn't believe the expense. And the thing that blew is that it wasn't just me having to dip into my wallet, it was my groomsmen too. But as I suited up on that amazing day (and it was worth every penny!) I couldn't help but send a silent salute to the bastard who figured out how to turn a $500 outfit into thousands. I guess the same could be said about all of those bowling alley shoe rentals. Enter Net Tie - a Netflix business model for you corporate suits out there. I first learned about these guys when there Google ad appeared alongside my Web site. Here's what they do, it's quite simple. You pick a subscription plan, get ties in the mail, wear the tie (for as long as you like), send it back, and get more ties. The more you pay, the more ties you are allowed to have out at once. And a la Netflix, you'll receive a postage paid envelope to mail the noose … [Read more...] about The New Work Craze: Tie Rentals
How to Stop a Bully Boss
"You idiot!" "Monkeys could do a better job." "Utter incompetence." These are direct quotes from Joseph Damon's Big Bad Boss. He's a regular reader/listener who sent in the following e-mail:"Recently my boss has taken an uber-aggressive attitude with me and my co-workers. I don't know what gives but I almost feel like it's bordering on abuse. What do you recommend I do?"Well Joseph, you raise an excellent question with an annoyingly vague answer. While every situation is different, and I'm, by no means an expert (I haven't been having the best luck with this situation recently, either), I will outline a few options. I ask that readers of the Jobacle blog add their two cents too - and maybe together - we can get your bully boss to pipe down.Push back, immediately. Like most abusive relationships things get worse over time as the bully feels empowered that they can get away with this behavior. The tricky part is HOW to push … [Read more...] about How to Stop a Bully Boss
Need a Good Job? Flee the Country.
The Career Filter is a regular segment on the Working Podcast. In it, we highlight three little-known career resources on the Web. Since it's been a long time between podcasts - and might be even longer - I figured why not bring you a the 411 on a Web site I was recently turned on to: JustLanded.com. If you're thinking of working in another country they have all juice you'd even need. Let's say for example you wanted to work in Switzerland - hey, why not! Here's some of the useful info you'll find on the site: The job market:For most foreigners, Switzerland appears to be a paradise for working conditions. Swiss employees enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world. Despite widespread job losses in Switzerland during the early 1990s recession, unemployment is still among the lowest in Europe. more Work permits:Since 1998, Switzerland has a dual priority system for the issuance of work permits: this means priority is given to workers from EU member states and a … [Read more...] about Need a Good Job? Flee the Country.