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I really enjoyed speaking with Alexander Kjerulf on Show #53 about being happy at work.  It IS possible - and probably even easier to make a reality then you think.  But it also got me thinking that sometimes it's simply impossible.  It's my feeling that once you can't smile at work - or at least feel good about what you do - it might be time to move on. Making the decision to quit a job can be tough.  Several years back I put in my two weeks notice WITHOUT having another job lined up.  Some people said I was crazy (I had just gotten married and was carrying a mortgage), others thought it showed courage (nah, just big balls).  In hindsight it was 100% the right decision to make.  Sometimes you just gotta know when to fold 'em.  While I don't pretend to be an expert, I figured I'd share a few things that I made sure I did before I quit.  The road wasn't perfect, but this stuff can help pave it a bit better. - Quit today? Every single morning I'd tell myself 'today is the day.'  My … [Read more...] about Quitting W/O Another Job Lined Up

Please check out the relaunch of the Working Podcast and send us your thoughts/comments/feedback.  E-mail us, call the 888 #, or leave a comment below.  Our goal is to give you the show that YOU want.   You can listen to the show using the audio player on the home page. On this episode you'll hear from Chief Happiness Officer Alexander Kjerulf on why "Happy Hour is 9 to 5." Get tips that can make you happy while on the clock. Career coaches Jen Zobel-Bieber and Christine Cookman, owners of Make the Leap, share 5 FRESH career resolutions for 2007. Our resident expert The Voice of Reason answers your workplace queries.If you like what you hear please tell a friend and subscribe to the podcast feed here.I'm really excited to hear what you think! … [Read more...] about #1 Career Podcast Relaunches

I started writing a WorkHack blog entry on remembering names.  In fact, it was pretty much done.  Then I Googled it and saw how thoroughly exhausted the topic is.  We've made a commitment to our readers and listeners to offer a unique take on all things work related.  That being said, I literally just hit delete on the whole piece.You already know you need to make an effort to "catch" their name, repeat it immediately, sprinkle it in throughout the conversation and say it again at the end.You probably also know that it's useful to ask people how it is spelled or what variation they prefer to help you recall it later on.  Andrew?  Andy?  Drew?I always try to draw a parallel between the name and a famous person or band or song.  Whatever.  Enough about that.Eric and I are almost done with the Working Podcast #53 - our first show back after an extended hiatus.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited we are to be back on this … [Read more...] about Blog Entry Deleted for Lameness

I recently was scanning my bookshelf and stumbled back onto an oldie but a goodie, "The Games People Play" by Dr. Eric Berne.  While it's not a career book, if you've ever felt that each day at work repeats like a vicious cycle, the book will give you some interesting insight into how people interact.  At the very least, you'll know you're not alone!Today I'm gonna talk about "strokes."  I will resist any temptation I have to be punny.  In the world of Transactional Analysis (also known as TA, and sounds much scarier than it it) a stroke is the fundamental unit of a social transaction.  The underlining theme is that all of us need recognition from other people - even though we spend a lot of time trying to convince ourselves otherwise.  These strokes can all add up to a ritual, many of which we have EVERY freakin' morning!ME: "Hey Bob."CO-WORKER: "Hey Andrew."ME: "Can't believe it's winter, eh?"CO-WORKER: … [Read more...] about Stroking Each Other At Work

Sitting at my desk.  Minding my own business.  And then it hit.  A smell that was like no other.  Fortunately, I've never smelled a dead body in my life.  But I imagine it smelling something like this.Apparently, it's called natto.  And it got the whole office talking.  In fact, I don't think that poor Asian girl I work with is ever coming back.A Google search turned up that natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.  Man, I like soy - but this stuff is rancid. Seriously, we're all so distracted now that it's impossible to work.Granted, if our bastard employers gave us the lunch hour we deserve, eating at your desk would be a non-issue.Do you think certain foods should be banned from the office?  I've got my list below (by no means complete!) and I'd love to hear from you.   Visit the message board to join the conversation.Natto (a new reason to bring up an old topic!)EggsTunaSalamiAny type of nuked … [Read more...] about Should Offices Ban Smelly Foods?

A clear desk means a clear mind.  It also means a quick exit!  But that doesn't mean you don't have room for some personal items.  We're anchored to our desks for the majority of the day - so we might as well make the best of it. Here are some personal items that I have found very useful to keep on my desk.  Your results may vary.  I'd love for you to share your ideas in the comments section below. And this is the kind of stuff you won't mind leaving behind if you ever get fired!Plant This Did you know that the large seed in the center of a papaya can turn into the perfect office plant?  Aside from giving you a boost of oxygen, a plant is something that can still thrive - even as your career dies! To learn more about the benefits of desk plants and what kind will work for you, listen to episode #42 of the Working Podcast.Breathing ReminderPut a tiny symbol in your field of vision (mine is on my monitor) that serves no other purpose than remind you to take … [Read more...] about 9 Positive Items for Your Desk in '07