Because I work at home alone, I’m always looking for new ways to procrastinate besides shop on Overstock.com. So after much important research for a Jobacle post, I came up with this idea.With all the Super Bowl fervor, I wondered what it would be like if your office ran like a Super Bowl party?AGENDA FOR MONDAY’S MEETING"Let’s go over the key topics, people. Bullet points, please."· Yet again, Phil forgot to bring in the guacamole for Monday’s staff meeting. Everyone knows you can’t face Monday morning without some smashed avocado and chips. Geesh, Phil!· A company-wide email from HR reminds us that wearing a Cheesehead is considered to be inappropriate and borders on harassment. The same goes for waving yellow things to antagonize your cube-mate. It’s important to take this seriously and be in … [Read more...] about Why Can’t Work Be More Like a Super Bowl Party?
Work Humor
22 Movie Quotes About Work
When it comes to a philosophy of working, in recent years, some of the greatest wisdom has come from movie quotes about work. From Gordon Gecko’s famous paean on the joys of greed to Tyler Durden’s harangue on the condition of modern man, there are movie quotes to inspire or amuse every working stiff. Here at your favorite career advice blog Jobacle.com, we’ve put together a selection of some of our favorites. The importance of work: “A man should be what he can do.” - Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, From Here to Eternity, 1953 “It’s not about the paycheck, it's about respect, it's about looking in the mirror and knowing that you've done something valuable with your day.” - Dave Kovic, Dave, 1993 “A job is not just a job. It's who you are." - Remy, Repo Men, 2010 “They say the number one killer of old people is retirement. People got 'em a job to do, they tend to live a little longer so they can do it.” - Budd, Kill Bill Vol. II, 2004 “I love the smell of commerce … [Read more...] about 22 Movie Quotes About Work
7 Stinky Office Foods You Should Avoid Bringing to Work
With today’s tough times, eating out is a luxury that you might only be able to afford once in a while. Unless you have access to an expense account (or are independently wealthy), the best option is to bring a packed lunch from home. However, there are do’s and don’ts of bringing food to the office. Rule number 1: don’t bring stinky foods. Remember that your workplace will usually rely on re-circulated air and any strong odors have the tendency to stick long after lunchtime. Rule number 2: if you can manage it, bring enough to share with co-workers. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the extra goodies. Here are a few things you might want to avoid for fear of being branded the office stinker by bringing in the worst smelling foods. Curry There’s something satisfying about a warm bowl of curry, and it’s even better with rice. A staple in Indian and Asian cuisine, curry has found its way to the hearts (and stomachs) of the rest of the world as a comfort food. The spiciness and … [Read more...] about 7 Stinky Office Foods You Should Avoid Bringing to Work
Top 10 Words of Wisdom From Pam Beesly, Your Favorite Personal Assistant
Imported from the BBC, “The Office” has become a new American cultural phenomenon. And chief among its characters is Michael Smart’s personal assistant Pam Beesley. Pam is a mix of smart and sassy and just doesn’t know how to put it quite into words. She has the moxie to hold her own in a company that sometimes seems to be out to get its own employees. And like all high caliber, high performing personal assistants, Pam Beesley is wise beyond her years. Granted her wisdom comes from the minds of a group of television script writers, it is wisdom nonetheless. There is something to be learned from Beesley in every episode. Presented here, in no particular order, are 10 of her most important contributions to the lexicon of business wisdom. • Sleep only with certain bosses and even then, only for very good reasons. In the first season Beesley is wondering whether her boss will try making her work on Saturday when she and her fiance have plans. … [Read more...] about Top 10 Words of Wisdom From Pam Beesly, Your Favorite Personal Assistant
Songs to Listen to at Work
One of the few perks I truly appreciated when I was a “worker bee” was being able to listen to music. For most, it makes the day go by faster, is a welcome alternative to office gossip, and lightens moods. And it doesn't cause employers to have to shell money out of their pockets to provide a win-win situation for all involved.Even scientific studies suggest that music has the ability to “soothe the savage beast” and serve as therapy in an array of scenarios. If you haven't tried it, don't knock it!Whether you're dealing with an “achy-breaky heart”, boogie fever, or a manic Monday, here's what Jen recommends...The 9 to 5 playlist1. SHOUT---By Tears for Fears---Okay, so I may be dating myself with this one, but it's an oldie but goodie! Even if you don't understand the lyrics, the music is awesome and the refrain rocks! “Shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without!”2. … [Read more...] about Songs to Listen to at Work
Birthday Office Party Treats and What They Say About You
The office birthday party. The baby shower at work. Jimmy's promotion. Whatever the occasion, every office has a party planning butterfly, a person who will jump at the chance to gather people around the conference room table to indulge in saturated fats.Each office has its own ritual, but the most common way to facilitate a work party is to send around office party invitations in the form of an email to your coworkers (omitting the person at the center of the celebration, of course!). Each person is then asked to bring in a food item. It's that or a money collection, and we all know how the latter usually works out.These office affairs often have different names, but the menu items are the same. Are you the type who buys Hostess cupcakes on sale (2 for $5) on the way to work, or do you fire up the stove to bring in the honorees' favorite treat? We're not judging...but some sweet treats show you care more than others.Bagels. The party … [Read more...] about Birthday Office Party Treats and What They Say About You
Bored at Work? 8 Websites to Hone Your Time-Wasting Skills
It’s so hot here...fill in the blank. It’s so hot here I’m actually working to avoid mowing. But in true writer’s procrastination mode, I’m also finding many ways to avoid writing. Has the heat drained your brain and energy, too? Well, I’m on my usual shopping sites and IM-ing other folks who are in work-avoidant mode. But I realize I need to expand my time-waster repertoire, so I turned to an expert. Countess Blow-Off-Work (who also happens to be a writer) hooked me up with some Web sites. Some of the following I’ve (and you may have) seen, but several were new to me. (Disclaimer: I did pick those sites or sub-site that were rated PG. I'm NOT responsible if you venture beyond and get sent to the Principal's office.) If you are eying the donuts at work and murmuring, “Nom, nom…,” you are probably a frequent flier on icanhascheezburger.com (or lolcats). It’s been around awhile, but if you’re unfamiliar, it’s a site with pictures of cats with funny captions. You can submit your own pix … [Read more...] about Bored at Work? 8 Websites to Hone Your Time-Wasting Skills
The Office "Super-Fast Responder"
Hey, Boss, Pick Me, Pick MeRemember those classmates who practically knocked you off your chair in their eagerness to raise their hand and answer the teacher’s question? We thought of them as show-offs or know-it-alls. Now, in the office, we refer to them as suck-ups and as-ki-----. The office “Super-Fast Responder” has similar annoying qualities, but plays a different role.This is the guy who, when given an assignment or even just doing his routine work, always gets it done first and makes sure the boss knows it. It can also be the gal who responds to your emails, voice mails, etc. IMMEDIATELY, even when you don’t require a quick response. It almost takes the form of an obsession. Now, this could be a form or adult Attention Deficit Disorder or poor organizational skills. But the problem for the rest of us, who get our work done, too, is that the Super-Fast Responder (SFR) often makes us look bad.I experienced this when I worked for the graphic design … [Read more...] about The Office "Super-Fast Responder"
What Are the Most Dreaded Words at Work?
Hint - It’s Not “Can I see you in my office?”Not that “Can I see you in my office?” coming from the boss ever has a happy ending. You know he’s going to tell you how you screwed up, or worse, you’re being let go. I’m talking about your co-worker prefacing a statement with, “It’s probably TMI, but…” What follows is almost guaranteed to be cringe-worthy. But at least that person might have a clue that what he is about to share might be TMI.For those of you who don’t live by acronyms, TMI means “too much information.” I recently wrote a magazine article on setting limits and boundaries with people, especially those who wouldn’t know a boundary if they tripped over it. The office TMI-er more than likely has poor boundaries and shares personal information with anyone, regardless of the setting. What makes the situation worse is that most people’s workplaces are open and afford little … [Read more...] about What Are the Most Dreaded Words at Work?
Work Time-Out: Play Vending Machine Roulette
I want you to get a dollar's worth of change and go to your company's vending machine. When you get there, hold out your hand and count to the twelfth item. Start with the first horizontal row and work your way across. When a row is complete, skip down to the one below it. When you identify item #12, drop the change into the slot and watch the salty/sweet goodness drop to the bottom of the machine. Stick your hand into the metal slot and remove the treat. Unwrap and enjoy. Maybe 12 is your lucky number and you are eating one of your favorite treats. Perhaps you're trying something new. Whatever your 75 cents bought, it was a break from the routine.Habitual days define office life. Predictability provides a safe haven for some - it breeds contempt for others. Breaking the repetitive cycle is easier than people think. Sometimes it's as easy as a trip to the vending machine.There are a million ways to break up the monotony … [Read more...] about Work Time-Out: Play Vending Machine Roulette