Archive for the ‘Career’ Category

We just hired several new employees, to replace ones that were let go, and I have to say that I’m not feeling the love. I get along with most everyone in my department—the exception being two people that are relatively new. I have been in this situation before, and I don’t plan on making the [...]

I recently went out to dinner with a former colleague who now works at another company. I was, of course, very interested to hear what he had to say about his new work environment. He is employed by another Fortune 500 and has only worked for them for a couple of months.
I should also mention [...]

I have worked through several bad economies. The average company will immediately put in cost-cutting measures. By this, I mean that they will limit things like travel and office expenses. Every company I have worked for has done this. Most companies don’t look for ways to grow during an economic downturn. One company I worked [...]

A couple of my colleagues have their laptops physically connected and wired, in other words, they don’t use a docking station. They never take their computers home. This is impossible for me because I’m often required to do additional work away from the office. Both of these co-workers are a higher level than me and [...]

Every now and then I have to get on a plane and fly to another country. I don’t enjoy doing it. It’s cool to travel somewhere a couple of times and get a feel for another country and its people, but after awhile it become tedious and tiring. I never divulge where I’ve been when [...]

Like many Corporate Americans, I receive way too much e-mail. While e-mail communication has its place, I often find that it’s a crutch for people who don’t know how to develop relationships. I get dozens of e-mails everyday, from people in the company that I hardly know—asking me to do things that take up a [...]

The kind of grapevine that I’m talking about isn’t necessarily one that will help you advance in your career. I know people who really believe in networking—I’m not necessarily one of them. I have never received a job or promotion by “knowing somebody.” This begs the questions that if creating a grapevine won’t help you [...]

One of the most frustrating things about working in Corporate America is trying to guess what’s coming up next. Many times your boss will act like you’re in line for a promotion, when in fact you’re not. They do this to keep employees from complaining. It’s easier to retain someone by constantly dangling a carrot [...]

I’ve been watching the Olympics and have to say that I have truly been impressed by the demeanor of many athletes. With that being said, I also have to say that I have been truly disappointed with the behavior and treatment of many athletes as well. One of the most impressive events for me came [...]

Before I got my first promotion into a management position, my boss pulled me aside and asked me the following question: “Are you ready to move because I think we’ve got a management position for you if you’re willing to relocate?” At the time, the company wanted to prmote from within, the only problem was [...]