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The media—and that includes blogs—love to drop the term recessionproof.News flash: It's impossible to recessionproof anything. That's like trying to stop a world war with a slingshot or hold back the ocean with your retaining wall. If the stuff is gonna hit the fan, it will find you. Sorry if it hurts, but that's life.There is seemingly no escape from the mood of economic doom and gloom that has permeated American society. But I have important news for you: All this recession talk is hurting your career. Jobacle.com urges you to vaccinate yourself against the latest illness plaguing working stiffs: recessionitis.How do you know if you're suffering from recessionitis?Read more of my blog at US News & World Report. … [Read more...] about How to Vaccinate Against Recessionitis

Like many of you, The Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie. In fact, it's arguably the greatest film ever to get completely snubbed by Oscar. I'm not usually a movie quote guy, but I think this flick has much career advice to offer.  There are some spoilers below, so if you've never seen the movie (shame on you!) stop reading and go Netflix it!"Get busy living or get busy dying" - Andy DufresneAndy utters these words to Red the day before he makes his triumphant escape from Shawshank. We'd never compare work to prison (nah!), but we do think it's a fair question to ask yourself on a regular basis. Are you 'dying' where you are working or 'living?' More..."How often do you really look at a man's shoes." - RedSorry Red, more often than you might realize - especially at the office. While you might not be violating any dress code laws, your shoes ARE noticed by your colleagues (and not just the freaky fetish guy in I.T.). Paying attention to every detail of your wardrobe - … [Read more...] about Career Advice From Shawshank Prison

It's a cardinal sin at work. Even though you know what the person in the cubicle next to you is earning annually, you can never use that information when negotiating a higher salary for yourself.But does the same rule apply to benefits?We're brought up with the workplace mentality that it's 'every person for themselves.' We each have the power to negotiate a better situation: more days off, special hours, and so on. However, I pose the question of whether or not this is fair. Shouldn't it be a level playing field for all? 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander?'(I never realized that a gander is just a male goose, meaning that what's good for the woman is good for the man.)If Judy is getting tuition reimbursement, shouldn't you?If Luke is given time off to study, shouldn't you get it too?When one department leaves early, why can't yours?We're not here to whine or cry about how everyone else is getting major perks while others suffer. Rather, we'd like to gauge how YOU feel … [Read more...] about Are Your Work Benefits Equal and Fair?

One of the most interesting aspects of blogging about careers and the workplace, is the 'people watching.' Everyone has their own unique style. One style, which I personally find quite irritating, I've coined as is 'Mr. Forceful.' You know the type. In fact, there's a good chance he's sitting next to you.He thinks imposing his will on you will help his 'career progress.' He thinks he's slick, but his actions are easily identifiable. Tactics used by this guy are more transparent than he'll ever know. Talking Loud: Particularly at meetings and in groups. As if the louder the decibel the greater the influence.Controlling All Information. You ask for a report and get the runaround. Even the simplest request gets stonewalled.Inability to Assign Tasks. Mr. Forceful has a staff, but you wonder what they're doing. He also likes to surround himself with passive people.Finger In All Pies. He tries to be involved in everything, yet is a master of none. Mr. F doesn't understand boundaries and ends … [Read more...] about Do You Work With Mr. Forceful?

It's early in the new year, and that means that well-intentioned, business-minded folks will be looking to better themselves. One way that is accomplished is by continuing education.My employer offers a pretty generous benefits package, but unfortunately, tuition reimbursement is not among the perks. I've been thinking about how to approach management to make a case for myself. Here's what I have so far. Any other ideas?Ways to lobby for tuition reimbursement...Read the rest of my post at US News & World Report. … [Read more...] about How to Get Your Company to Pay for College

While communication moves quicker than ever before, the presentation has digressed. We can send an email in a flash, post a blog up in less than a minute, and send text messages without even looking at our phones. The convenience of it all has taken away from the quality. And when it comes to workplace communication, the inferiority of our messages can cost us respect or worst of all, sometimes our job. Although they have been reviewed before, a 2009 refresher couldn’t hurt. Avoid these top 10 email mistakes at work... 1. Cursing or using inappropriate slang in email. Even if you think it makes you look cool, it doesn’t: Just unprofessional. 2. Forwarding chain letters. You really think your coworkers want the make a wish, send to 10 people you know, and the wish will come true email? 3. Leaving the subject line blank. Let people know what you want. That way they can decide to automatically delete it, or just a quick once-over. 4. Don’t be too lazy for spell check. It … [Read more...] about Top 10 Work Email Mistakes