Ah, the life of a freelancer. Always on the move, taking on exciting and different challenges. But what happens when the work dries up. There's only so much Days of Our Lives that you can watch. That's why the folks at FreelanceSwitch have put together a great "master list" of Web sites where freelancers can search for gigs. Whether you're bidding, begging or bowing for your next job, good luck! … [Read more...] about Freelance Web Site Resource List
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Being an Astronaut Is Not Rocket Science
Holly over at Worksona (a great Web site which we will talk more about in the future) tipped me off to a sweet interview with real-life astronauts Cady Coleman, Chris Cassidy, and Marsha Ivins. If you're under six feet tall, can resist passing wind in a spacesuit and enjoy time alone - this might be the job for you!In episode #51 of the Working Podcast we spoke about how much money a year astronauts rope in. But this interview on "This American Life" reveals, from the space cowboy's mouths, what it's like to be on the NASA payroll in the highly coveted job. Among the things you'll learn:- Yes, they have business cards. And yes, they say "astronaut."- Almost 50% of active astros have never been to space. Talk about being benched!- Just like you and me, they are forced to attend a lot of meetings.- They admit that being an astronaut is "not rocket science." It's a nice interview and worth checking out. As you guys know, if … [Read more...] about Being an Astronaut Is Not Rocket Science
Free Webcast: How to Say "NO" at Work!
Remember all those 80's sitcoms that drilled that "No means no" message into our skulls? By simply uttering the two-letter word we were supposed to circumvent danger. Now while we might not be experiencing rape, violence and drugs at work (unless of course you work for a major media company), the word "no" can still be a valuable tool. We can say it in our minds over and over again, but when push comes to shove, many of us chicken out.Saying "no" at work might seem like a career killer. But fear not you cube dweller, there's hope ahead! The American Management Association is offering a FREE one-hour Webinar that will help you tell your boss to buzz off - all while keeping your job!Learning to say “no” effectively and at the appropriate times, is a critical skill that can move your career forward and build your professional credibility. Covered topics will include:- 20 different ways to say "no" - 5 … [Read more...] about Free Webcast: How to Say "NO" at Work!
Your Career Is Like a Bonsai Tree
BONSAI: A living plant transferred into a pot or tray that can continue to live semi-permanently. It is often said that there are four disciplines that must be mastered to successfully grow and care for a bonsai tree: horticultural, technical, artistic and philosophical. I propose that the elements to perfect your career are really no different. Here's how: Ongoing Relationship - Sure there's birth and death, just like there's hiring and firing. However, the in between is an ongoing process that will always be in a state of flux. Unlike other things that happen in your life, you must remember that pleasure in your career will not come from completing work, but rather from the act of making it fruitful and worthwhile. Just like the bonsai, your job is a "living sculpture."Nature vs. Nurture - Bonsai growers often develop a deep relationship with their tree. Not only does this result in a great feeling of … [Read more...] about Your Career Is Like a Bonsai Tree
Most Obnoxious Blogger of the Year?
While I'm fairly certain we don't fall into that category - maybe you read another blog that dose. If you think you know the best, worst or freakiest blog ever - then you want to vote for the best blog during the Bloggers Choice Awards. I think you can nominate this blog, but we're content to rack up the podcasting awards! A blogging nod would just be gravy. The Web site is a who's who of the blogosphere. The best part is is that democracy rules. No stuffed ballot boxes. Only YOUR opinion. And there's no shady dude in the background playing games since the voting is displayed in real-time. Apparently, there's even going to be some sort of awards ceremony. And while I highly doubt Jack Nicholson will be sitting in the fron row as Billy Crystal ribs the crowd, it should still be a sight to see. Wil Wheaton walking the red carpet as the blokes from engadget capture the whole thing on some handheld Nintendo Wii camera hack. You can vote for as many blogs as you like, but you can … [Read more...] about Most Obnoxious Blogger of the Year?
House Hunting Weekend
The seemingly never-ending search for a house continues this weekend… It's like a constant tug-of-war: where will the market move – up or down? In the NY area things are still so bloated that it might make sense to pick up and head to Scottsdale AZ. Sure I'd have to deal with the heat but I'll probably sweat a lot less with a lower mortgage payment! … [Read more...] about House Hunting Weekend
It's a Numbers World Out There
Every day I am bogged down with numbers. There's a reason I got into creative fields. To avoid numbers, duh! I understand that it's money that keeps the company going and keeps me gainfully employed. So for that, I guess I'm a math fan afterall. Now for those of you who read this blog, I wanted to let you know about a lead management solution that will allow you to not only track leads, campaign, and revenue dollar amounts - but will integrate sales lead management, visitor tracking, and sales analytics. Ah, now that sounds like the kind of thing my company needs to invest in. Maybe it's just my bad luck, but why does every company I work for have so many internal rifts. I've never been threatened by the "competition" - only corporate civil wars! So many people are busy hiding information from one another that we end up with 10 tools that do the same thing. I'll run a report with one set of numbers and someone will inevitably run the "same" report using a different program. We … [Read more...] about It's a Numbers World Out There
What to Wear on an Interview = Garbage
We try not to be overly critical here at Jobacle.com - but at the same time - we are trying to push existing career Web sites to a higher standard. Today's example of "Holy crap, we gotta jump into this Web video craze" belongs to the folks at Vault.com. Now, in general, the site does offer some great resources for job seekers. However, the video below is a career site doing video just for the sake of doing video. The content is flat, production is weak and it's a waste of :53 seconds of your life. Career Web sites can post all of the video in the world. They can blab on and on about whether video resumes are "the next big thing. BUT, all of these career Web sites must realize that if they don't evolve with the needs and wants of today's online job seeker, they will eventually be left behind. I implore these companies to only tackle Web 2.0 if they have a useful and well thought-out product. Quite frankly, these Vault videos look they were done by a high school film class. … [Read more...] about What to Wear on an Interview = Garbage
INITECH vs. Dunder-Mifflin
Weigh the facts and tell us where you'd rather work and why...THE BUSINESSInitechAustin, TXComputer software companySocietal Contributions: Red stapler, TPS Reports, FlairORDunder-MifflinScranton, PennsylvaniaPaper supply companySocietal Contributions: The Dundies THE BOSSMichael ScottMarital status: singlePosition: regional manager Weapon: severe awkwardnessCatch phrases: "That's what she said"; "Shut it"Car: Chrysler Sebring convertible ORBill LumberghMarital status: singlePosition: regional manager Weapon: micromanaging, paperwork, Mmm, yeahCatch phrases: "What's happening?"; "Mmm, yeah, I'm gonna need you to..." Car: Porsche 911 w/ license plate "MY PRSCHE"THE LEAD WORKERJim HalpertPosition: Paper sales representativeObsession: Receptionist Pam BeeslyWeapon: pranks ORPeter GibbonsPosition: software engineer Obsession: waitress JoannaWeapon: sarcasmTHE CO-WORKERSDwight SchrutePosition: Assistant to the Regional ManagerObsession: … [Read more...] about INITECH vs. Dunder-Mifflin
Only YOU Can Fire Don Imus…
Don Imus gets suspended for two weeks. There's no need to repeat the reason why since you can't escape this story if you try. However, he did apologize. My question for you is do you think his employer(s), CBS and MSNBC have screwed him over?In order to do your job well, it's important to have the full support of your boss. If you don't, you will not only be less creative, but you will likely take less risks - resulting in status quo.I am NOT an Imus fan. And I would never say what Imus said. But picture yourself saying something stupid and then having the Rev. Al show up at your cubicle. Of course if he's there, it means dozens of cameras will be too.The Rutger's women's basketball team will "break their silence" at 11am today. As long as it doesn't preempt the DNA results of Anna Nicole's baby, it's all good. In a way, YOU are the boss of every celebrity. You can easily fire a star by turning the other way. And if … [Read more...] about Only YOU Can Fire Don Imus…