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A big shout out to Manuel, a listener of the Working Podcast who lives in Detroit, MI.  He sent in this picture.  We know it's not Smurfette, but can't identify this blue bugger.  So we've affectionately named him Psycho Smurf, cause only a nutjob would be dreaming about work with an ear-to-ear grin across his/her face.Speaking of work and dreams, is it just me, or do you ever go through a spell where  you consistently dream of work?  Sometimes it's not anything good or bad  - just the fact that you are there.  It's a regular, boring day.  And then you wake up and have to do it for real.Please tell me I'm not alone...  … [Read more...] about Psycho Smurf Dreams About Work

I'm gearing up for one of those five-hour meetings that my company always seems so enthralled with.  That means my patience, among other things, will be tested.  In order to get through these marathon exercises of torture, I have to dig deep.  Today I'm leaning on the Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life to help me keep everything in perspective.1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.3. Follow the three Rs:      Respect for self      Respect for others and      Responsibility for all your actions4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.7. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.8. Spend some time alone every day.9. Open your arms to … [Read more...] about The Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life

I usually don't hype up podcasts in advance, but I'm really psyched about episode number 69 of the Working Podcast that is dropping this Sunday.If you subscribe now you'll get to hear an interview with Graham Langdon, the 21-year-old founder of the Million Dollar Wiki.  For those of you who haven't read about the MDW yet, you'll get the skinny on the podcast.  In a nutshell, it's a pay-per-page version of Wikipedia where you can buy a page (keyword or phrase of your choice) and set it up with anything you like.  Each page is $100 bucks and you own it for 15 years.I know it sounds simple (aren't most good ideas!) but I really see a lot of value in owning a page.  In fact, I bought the PODCAST page.  Right now I'm using it to promote this Web site, however, in the future I will probably lease out space to other podcasts.In any event, the chat I had with Graham was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've had since we launched this thing back in April '05.  … [Read more...] about Meet the Founder of the Million Dollar Wiki

It's back to school time and the Website Rate My Professor is soaring.  Over 6.8 million college students have spread the word about over a million professors.    Students can find out about workloads, potential mood disorders and the ever popular, is the teacher hot.  About 10 years removed from college I really have no use for the site (except to see how certain ex-girlfirends are performing and if some of the old timers are still alive.)  However, it brings up an interesting issue: how would YOU like it if your career now had this kind of transparency?Sure, there are similar sites, like ones for health professionals, etc.  But what if people were allowed to publicly grade what you do - regardless of what it is.Dave's a horrible waiter.John's a clueless IT guy.Brandy gives the worst massages.As the Web grows, it becomes harder and harder to control what people say about you. Famous people have always dealt with public scrutiny as part of their job … [Read more...] about Your Job Can and Will be Rated Publicly

Here's what happens when boredom gets the best of you:So, I'm an intern at a local unnamed company's IT department. This is what happens when I am not given any work to do and also have plenty of PC & monitor boxes sitting around and am also supplied with duct tape from an equally bored coworker. Needless to say, My boss wasn't too thrilled.Check out the pics.  … [Read more...] about Boredom Overtakes Intern

I fell asleep with the TV on last night and woke up this morning to a frightening image: Richard Simmons on the Today Show.  While not really the first thing I want to see in the AM, I had a mini-epiphany.  Richard Simmons, born Milton Teagle Simmons, is THE MAN!  In a world where the media builds people up, only to tear them down, Richard has stood the test of time, all while performing an amazing feat - helping Americans lose close to 3,000,000 pounds.Aside from trying to make work a better place, I believe that readers of this blog are hungry to achieve a certain level of success.  Let's see what Mr. Simmons can teach us.Humble Beginnings.  Born in New Orleans, RS's first job was selling pralines, fattening confections made from nuts and sugar syrup.  Needless to say he might have been the best customer.  He turned things around and eventually lost 123lb.  Boys and girls, that's motivation. Height Is Irrelevant. The average height of a Fortune … [Read more...] about Why We Should All Be Like Richard Simmons (I'm NOT Kidding!)

In the parking lot, break room, and bathroom you regularly ignore co-workers whose names you don't know.  Heck, you don't even know what department they work for.Aside from the occasional head nod, you pass these folks by every day without acknowledging them.  Why?  Probably, like most people, you are scared to talk to strangers.  Except these aren't strangers.  These are people you share a common bond with.  Your checks are signed by the same blowhard.  Here are seven reasons to talk to your nameless colleagues.- People are generally nice.  An engaging conversation where you learn something could be right around the corner.  You might even make a new friend.- It passes time.  Didn't you learn anything from our inefficiency expert?  Flapping your lips will help the clock march on.- Eliminates awkwardness.    There's a good chance you'll eventually have to deal with this person down the road.  Today's … [Read more...] about You Must Talk to Colleagues You Don't Know