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Is Your Workspace Killing You?When we think about pollution we automatically think about some smoke stack in Jersey coughing out smoke colored in different shades of white.  But INDOOR pollution can actually be more harmful to your health.  Indoor air pollution has been linked to a wide variety of adverse health effects, including: that never-ending cold coughing / sore throatchronic headachesbreathing difficultiesrasheseye irritationlethargydizzinessmemory lapsesDo those sound familiar?  Heck, I think I’m 9 for 9!  Now what exactly could you potentially be breathing in?  The list is rather lengthy, but a snapshot reveals: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, radon – among dozens of other dangerous substances.According to the New York Times, the World Health Organization estimates that one out of every three workers may be toiling away in a workplace that is making them sick.What’s causing the problem?  That depends … [Read more...] about Death by Office: The Ultimate Firing!

The other day, some bloke at work commented on the fact that my cubicle is kinda sparse.  Aside from two tiny scenic pictures, the obligatory wallet shot of my wife and stacks of paper - there's absolutely nothing to check out.  Unlike this dude, who has been here like four minutes, and brought in a crate worth of crap. I guess he's trying to make his mark in the mud. "I'm here to stay!" Good for you, buddy. And that got me thinking about the reasons why my area is a barren wasteland.  It's not that I'm lazy or only been here three weeks.  Here's my logic: - Keeps separation between work/home.  As you all know, it's a tough juggling act - and like all relationships - there's no going backward.  Once you let someone "in" - they are there to stay. - Less gawking.  Everyone always has to glare at your monitor - why give them another reason to look over? - Easy departure.  Knock on wood, I've never been fired from a job.  But whether it's my choice or there's - I'd … [Read more...] about Why My Cubicle Is Empty

Headhunter, recruiter, placement coordinator, executive search firm - many titles with the task of filling vacant positions or getting strong applicants for ones that are difficult to fill.  Some can argue there are differences, but at the end of the day dear job hunter, they're all darn close.  If you're confused about how they work or if one of these could help you - read on!  Here's the deal:- YOU don't pay a cent.  Headhunters are contracted by corporations and paid either per placement (a percentage of your salary) or on contract.  There are many variations of how they are paid - and it's fair to ask. - Know your worth. It's important to remember that they answer to the person who hired them - so their best interest might not be with you. In other words, they are there to fill jobs and might try to get you to take a more junior position if you're desperate.- On a path. They are good if you are looking for the same type of work you currently do (or have … [Read more...] about The Truth About Headhunters

Back in 2005 we tried out Officescopes.  They were exactly what they sound like: a cutsie little rundown for each sign of what the career-world holds for them.  At the end of the day I decided the content just wasn't strong enough to warrant it as a regular feature on the Working Podcast.I was just doing some research just now for a blog I'm going to post tomorrow about headhunters (Please subscribe so you don't miss it.) and I came across Monster.com horoscopes.More like horriblescopes.Not only is it worthless fortune-cookie-like info, but every sign toggles through the same horoscopes.  So whether you're a stubborn and loyal Taurus like me - or a lovable Leo - you're going to find out "If you stay in your current job for another few years you may get that long overdue raise you deserve."No one expects Monster to staff a real astrologist, but I do expect they put a little more effort into their promotions. People searching for jobs are often feeling discouraged and can … [Read more...] about Monster.com HORRIBLEscopes

They're hard to ask for - but essential to the job search. Or are they? Certified career coaches Christine and Jen from Make the Leap answer all of your reference letter questions. When to ask. Who to ask. How important are they? Do they expire?  Direct Download And for you super lazy blokes, you can generate fake reference letters here. … [Read more...] about A to Z on Reference Letters