Free Job Matchmaking With Jiibe

This is a guest blog post by job hunter Sally Lawton. 

Company: Jiibe.com
Slogan: Company culture
Pros: Empowers the job seeker; Learn more about what YOU want in a job  
Cons: Limited sample size; Can't search geographically; Company write-ups a bit stale

Finding the right job is a lot like finding the right partner. So what happens when you take a job classifieds site like Monster and smash it headfirst into a matchmaking site like eHarmony?  Jiibe.com is born.

Jiibe.com’s defining characteristic is a lengthy personality quiz that examines 18 'critical factors' of employment. By asking questions that compare your current company’s culture to your ideal company’s culture, Jiibe promises to scientifically match you to your next employer. By the end of the compatibility quiz, users will know which cultural characteristics are important to them, and which companies value the same characteristics.  

Once a 'match' is selected, users can then read more about the company, see if there are any job openings, and even reach out to other Jiibe users currently employed there to get the real scoop.

Examples of questions Jiibe asks users include: Does your current manager stay positive under stress?; Are you encourage to take risks?; What is the level of gossip at your current job?

Be getting a peek into what you currently deal with at work - and your feelings about it - both Jiibe and the user get a snapshot of what works and what doesn't.

By thinking in terms of what a job seeker wants in a company rather than what an employer wants in a candidate, Jiibe stands the traditional job search model on its head. Jiibe not only gives power to the job seeker, it makes company-targeted networking a cinch.

Because Jiibe gathers information about companies from its users, it can only provide information about employers that users have contributed. However, as Jiibe grows, this limitation should diminish. Another drawback is that users cannot limit their job searches by city. After an hour of answering the quiz, it was a bit disappointing to see a lengthy list of companies with locations half way across the country.  

While Jiibe has some frustrating elements, it has incredible potential, and seemingly, so do online matchmakers looking to find love between the job seeker and the employer.  Jiibe's success relies heavily on user-generated content.  If they beef up their inventory of information, they will continue to attract users. By requiring companies to meet certain qualifications,  Jiibe might even change the way people look for jobs.

I intend to keep an eye on the site as I push forward with my own job search, and hope that Jiibe matches me to a company in my city.

5 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

It's 7pm on a Sunday night. You've just finished dinner and you are starting to settle down for the evening. Normally this would be a relaxing time. Maybe you take this time to reflect on the past week, or perhaps settle into your latest Netflix arrival. But this night is somehow different. You suddenly become filled with a certain something.  You can't exactly but your finger on what it is.  Unfortunately, there's a good chance that it's anxiety.

Rather than relax you actually begin to get worked up, even annoyed. It comes in waves and is an overall malaise. This is a serious indicator that you could be experiencing the early warning signs that it's time to leave your job.

At some point most of us will reach this crossroad.  Maybe you're there now but just don't recognize it.   With that in mind here are five surefire signs that it may be time to change your job.

Change in Appearance

This can include weight gain or loss, bags under the eyes or simply an overall devil-may-care attitude towards your appearance. If you've thrown in the towel with regards to your look or you find yourself either unable to eat or rather using food to pacify your angst it may be time to punch up that resume.

Lack of Sleep

Insomnia brought on by the dread you feel waiting for the alarm clock to sound. Even if you do manage to catch a few winks they are often restless and disturbed by nightmares. How do you get these negative dreams to stop?  Read this.

Complaining About Work

Some people just can't leave it at the office. They are defined by their jobs. If you suddenly find yourself
consumed by work and unable to shake the negative attitude you have towards it, you may be heading down a dead-end path.  In many cases, this behavior starts at work with a small clique.  Each member works the other ones up on how horrible  everything job-related is.

Job Search Addiction

You start by checking once a day, then twice a day - before you know it - you're refreshing Monster like a madman.  Before you know it, you're looking to change fields and take a $15k pay cut.  Read more from "Confessions of a Job Search Addict."

Internet Search Balance Shift

Sure, most of us surf the web at some point during our workday if only to check our bank accounts or the weather. But if you find that you are spending more and more time Web window shopping, or treating fantasy football like it was reality football you might as well start clearing out your desk.  Give yourself this one-question quiz: Are you begging to be caught?

It might sound dramatic, but unhappiness at work can quickly lead to anger - which is anxiety's best friend.  And if you're not careful, anxiety will introduce you to his big brother: depression.

There are so many more indicators and solutions, many of which we plan on discussing in the coming weeks.  Please subscribe to the blog and the Working Podcast.

Every Jobacle entry in incomplete until you leave a comment.  Please leave a note on your experiences and warning signs that have not been included above.

If any of the above scenarios sound familiar, you need to learn more about beating the Sunday Night Blues.

Why You Must Talk to Your Manager or Boss

Throughout my career I've always been amazed at the lengths employees will go to to avoid talking to their supervisor or boss.  The result: The person in power feels like an outcast - a situation that benefits no one.  Especially you.  I've been on both sides of the fence and trust me, it's time you start chatting up your boss.  Here's why:

Someone who likes you is more apt to help you...

The best career advice is usually simple.  That's why I'll never understand why 10 new employment books come out every hour.  But I digress.  Ask yourself a simple question: Would you rather help someone you like or someone you don't?  If you want to get ahead in your career, you're going to need your boss's support at some level.  Whether it's submitting the paperwork to HR or submitting a proposal to the clowns upstairs, being nice to your boss today will make your life easier tomorrow.

Makes your motives crystal clear...

Chapter Four of the Manager's Handbook reads something like this:

When an employee approaches you regarding a promotion and/or vacancy, be sure to act surprised about their interest, regardless of how long they've been with the organization. Suggested responses include:

"I had no idea you were interested."
"You should have come to me sooner."
"Hang tight. Other things are in the works."

You goal must be to communicate often and early in order to preempt any of the above statements.  You owe it to yourself to figure out what you want and then go for it.  Part of that equation might include telling your boss (and documenting) your intentions.

Eliminates awkwardness of infrequent communication...

The more we do something, the easier it becomes. Repetition breaks down walls of all heights and depths.  Asking your boss for something is never easy. Whether it's for a raise, promotion, reference letter, day off, etc. - odds are - your stomach will be in knots.  Imagine how much more difficult you make things for yourself when you only talk to your boss when you need something.

An added bonus is that you also get to brush up on your 'suit speak.' Leadership speaks another language.  The sooner you speak it fluently, the better chance you have of running with the big boys.  Unfortunately, there's no Rosetta Stone for this dialect.

Helps you learn your enemy...

We hope you get lucky and have a cordial relationship with a boss you genuinely want to talk to.  However, whether it's a love or hate affair, knowing what makes your boss tick works to your advantage.  The only way to uncover that information is to actively engage.  Is he or she religious?  Wealthy?  Ill?  

You will be in a better position to get what you want.  Also, by letting your boss think he/she 'gets you,' will put you in a better position to be a manipulator - and not a manipulatee.

Spreads the word from above...

Another important reason to get along well with your boss is because you want he or she to sing your praises. Your boss has access to the heavy hitters.  These are the people that you want to know your name.  The more you talk with your boss, the better chance you'll have of ending up on the corporate radar - an essential element to move up the ladder.

The bottom line is this: Don't be a kiss ass - but be human.  Your boss has feelings and emotions just like you.  If you think you're not hurting their feelings when you avoid them like the plague - think again.

I hope you see the benefits of regular communication with your boss.  Anyone have anything they'd like to add?

If you like this post, please subscribe! 

Retailers Screw Over Employees on Black Friday

An open letter to stores that feel they have to push the envelope this shopping season, specifically on Black Friday:

Dear Kohls/JC Penney,

Congratulations!  You're one-upped your retail counterparts by opening a whole 60 minutes earlier.

As if your employees weren't thankful enough for the crappy pay, lousy uniforms and non-stop Christmas music - now they have the pleasure of reporting for duty at 3am.

I'm sure they'll have plenty of nice things to say about you over Thanksgiving dinner.

Retail giants won't be happy until the PR nightmare hits.  The headline will read something like this:

Family of 3 Killed When Soccer Mom Careens Off Road Rushing to Save 10% on an Irregular Pair of Levi Jeans

Have you guys ever even been out at 4am?  It's dark and lonely.  A time reserved exclusively for silence and 9-1-1 calls.

I get it.  We're a capitalist nation and our economy relies on hardcore holiday shopping.  Or at least that's what the media tells us.  It's up to the folks making $48k a year and $9 an hour to shop 'til they drop.

Maybe this year I'll eat straight through until 4am.  With a tummy full of turkey giblets and cranberry Jell-O, I'll take the maximum number of items into the dressing room and jam a hanger down my throat.  That'll teach these stores a lesson.

Nah, it'll just be the unlucky bastards at work who'd have to clean it up.  I'm sure the only place the CEOs of these companies will be at 4am on Friday is in their beds - where everyone belongs.

I say do your shopping online, and actually enjoy the extended weekend.

Sincerely,
Andrew G.R.
Jobacle.com

Thankful for the Greatest Boss I Ever Had

I often think about Dino. Whenever I hear Springsteen, Miles Davis, or think about the New Orleans Jazzfest (an event that Dino never missed), I think about what a great boss, great friend and great man Dino was.

So the holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving then to take a moment to tell you about someone I am truly thankful to have had in my life.

My career started in radio. It was a small local station, and while it wasn't exactly what I wanted to be doing, I felt it put my foot in the door. I had dues to pay, so the sooner these positions got out of the way, the better.

Rather than bore you with the details of the work I'll just let you know that it was the bottom rung. I worked overnights, weekends, and holidays. I learned little and moved on to the next rung. I'm not sure if it was a step
up or down.

My second gig was also in radio. It was a children¹s station that wound up being sold to a Spanish broadcasting group - and I was included in the sale since I needed a job and I knew how to run the equipment.

The job was miserable. I worked for a maniac that was constantly berating me and everyone else. It was just his way. To make matters worse, the station was located in a rat-infested, fire-code failing, hell hole located in the ghetto. I reported for duty by 5am. With my 30-minute commute I had to be up no later than 4am.
 
I was seriously beginning to worry that what I thought I always wanted to do for a living was not all it was cracked up to be. I was getting nowhere and I needed to take a step back.

At this juncture of my career I took a low level job at a private airport. The work was dirty and  dangerous. After a summer and fall of night shifts and soul searching I decided to give the media thing one more shot.

I quickly found a production job at the Westwood One Radio Network. I was now in NYC making a salary with benefits. I had arrived.

What really made Westwood a special place for me was my boss, Dino Tortu.  More than a mentor Dino became a great friend. He had confidence in his staff, and always made sure we had what we needed to get the job done. Above all else he treated us all with a level of respect that made it easy to show up for work everyday.

More importantly, Dino was a genuinely likeable and easy-going guy. In return he was respected and well-liked by everyone that had to work with him.

Sadly, Dino died a little over a year ago. He left behind a wife and two daughters. Losing Dino was one of the saddest moments of my life. He was one of the good guys and was taken from us way too young.

I am thankful that I had the chance to know him.

I had a lot crummy bosses before Dino...several more after.  Hopefully, you'll be lucky enough to come across  a Dino in your career travels too. 

Find a Job With Podcasts

Jobacle is proud to present episode #74 of the Working Podcast. This week, the Web's #1 career advice podcast brings you:

- An Interview with Chris Russell, founder of Jobs In Pods - a revolutionary way for employers to find great candidates and for great job seekers to find jobs.

- We bring you the best career resources in the Career Filter, including: Yahoo Kickstart, Tractis, Emurse and Dice Discussions.

- Are you committing conversation no-nos at the office? The weather, Fridays and the holidays should be banned... Learn about the Five Small Talk Sins.

Plus, a song about work and more!

There are three ways to listen:
- Stream on our homepage (shows plays instantly)
- Stream from the player below (about a 60 second load time)
- Download direct

Losing a Finger on the Job...Kinda

Recently, Andrew G.R. took a walk down memory lane with his blog: Working at K-Mart Taught Me How to Work. I thought it was nice to read about what my friend had learned at his first part-time job - and it got me thinking about my first jobs. I had several as a teenager, and while I’m sure I took something away from all those positions,  my fondest memory- or at least the one that is the most interesting to tell- was the one that took something away from me… a fraction of my left index finger to be exact.

It was a Thursday in November of 1993. I was 16 years old and worked maintenance (for lack of a better description) at the local bowling alley. The job consisted of a few main tasks;  Oiling the lanes; sweeping the gutters and approach before league bowling started at 4pm; wiping down the tables and keeping them free of beer bottles, overflowing ashtrays, and plates of cold French fries, etc.

For a short time, before the mechanic showed up, I was also in charge of keeping the machines running. Yes, this job probably broke all sorts of child labor laws but I wasn’t complaining. I liked the grittiness of it all. That is until The Day.
 
Thursday afternoons belonged to the senior's league. They were into their games by the time I arrived.  The joint had 18 lanes to maintain and usually those days were pretty quiet. Most of the seniors had quit smoking and the only thing they really drank was coffee. It was never rowdy like the drunks from all the job leagues.

But it was also never exciting. Maybe this was why I decided to liven things up for the old timers that day.

I was making the usual rounds wiping up the tables when the call came over the intercom: “Eric, we need a ball return on 13”. Since the actual mechanic (Mauricio) wasn’t due to arrive for another two hours it was show time for me.
 
There isn’t too much that can go wrong in the back of a bowling alley. Basically it is a mechanism driven by a chassis and is nothing more than a series of small pulleys that work to control bigger pulleys. There is also a huge drum that spins and drops the pins one at a time onto a small conveyer belt. That belt moves over the carriage and drops the pins into their proper place. If any one of those functions breaks down the timing is thrown and it causes the whole system to back up.  If you’re lucky, there is a pin blocking the small hole that your ball rolls into, which is then grabbed by a huge pulley that drops it down the chute and back to you. This can be done from ground level right behind the machine. If not, you have to climb up about six rungs and work on a plank above the machine. There is very little space to maneuver and things become far trickier.
 
To this day I still don’t know what was wrong with the damn machine. I just know that the biggest pulley responsible for returning one’s ball had stopped spinning - despite the fact that the three smaller pulleys that control it were spinning away. Standing up on that plank I investigated the chassis. Without even noticing how close my hand was, I was suddenly yanked: my left hand snatched up by one of the smaller pulleys. My hand was pinched between the belt and the wheel and maybe I would have been okay if I had just gone the complete turn, but as a natural reaction, I yanked my hand out of the machine literally ripping the tip of my finger off.
 
Standing there, I didn’t know what to think. My brain hadn’t even sent the signal that I was now in agony. I looked down and saw that I was not a whole man anymore.

Just like a horror movie, I jumped off the plank, blood shooting out of my hand and on the adjacent wall (pity the poor bastard that had to clean this mess). I ran as fast as I could towards the exit stopping to wrap my finger as tight as I could.

This was my second mistake.

The bowling alley had stocked that single brown roll of sandpaper-style paper towels. The kind that you find in public school bathrooms that still has pieces of wood in it. With my nerve exposed this great idea shot a pain up my arm that made me see blinding light. I ripped off the paper towel as fast as I put it on and I proceeded to run to the front of the alley, past all the seniors - spraying blood all over the pastel colored lockers. I could only imagine these people’s faces as they tried to make sense of what they were watching.

I quickly ran into the snack bar, simply because it was the closest area to where I was, and good ol’ Annie (an old woman that probably took the job as a quiet way to spend her days serving up smiles along with one of the best damn burgers I’ve ever had) would make sure I was taken care of.
 
I threw my hand into the aluminum sink and made the decision to just let the blood run out of my body until the ambulance came. Now, until this point I hadn’t even muttered “ouch.”  I just kept breathing heavy and squeezing my eyes as tight as I could. With seniors gathering and Annie yelling for help I could no longer keep it all in. I had to let something out if I was going to cope with this level of pain. With my head on the edge of the sink and my hand draining out I stomped my bloodied work boot as hard as I could on the floor three times, and on the third stamp I let it out. I howled the nastiest obscenity as hard as I could through teeth clinched so hard I thought they would shatter in my mouth. I went for the big gun, a long guttural, straight from the belly F bomb.
 
After that things began to go fuzzy. I knelt. All I wanted to do was lay dawn. My finger began to throb. Before I knew it an EMT was wheeling me out on a stretcher. I was a bloody mess. I never returned to the job. Not because I became afraid of bowling alleys, but simply because with my hand wrapped and my arm in a sling to keep it above my heart rendered me useless for the tasks one must do in that position. I received a great workers comp check that I probably blew on cigarettes and CDs (two things I have given up since) and even though many people told me I should’ve looked into suing either the bowling alley for negligence or the company that designed the machines that left its pulleys completely exposed - I decided not to. Not a popular decision during those sue-happy times, but I knew what I was doing.

Well, I didn’t, but I took responsibility for the fact that I decided to show up every afternoon.
 
So that’s my story. At least that’s the only one probably worth sharing. Now we want to hear from you. What was your first job? Do you have any stories from the trenches? Everyone started somewhere. Tell us about it.

Confessions of a Job Search Addict

My name is Eris S. and I was once a Job Search Addict.

I would like to go on record right now and say that all things considered, I have a great job (knock on wood).  My boss trusts me to do what he hired me to do, I have a great office/studio (one of the perks of being an audio engineer), and above all, I am doing what I set out to do. There was, however, a time when I was not so happy.
 
Sure, I was still in the same industry, but I felt like I was working at a level that did not challenge me. I also had problems with the way my departments were run.  Not to mention my bosses left little to be desired with regards to leadership.
 
It was during these years - yes YEARS - that I found myself descending deeper and deeper into a world of serious addiction.

I got hooked on job hunting.

In the beginning it seemed harmless. I was dabbling; just a couple times a week. But before I knew it, hunting began to take control of my life. First I was just seeing what else was out there. I would go to industry-related sites and see if anyone was looking for someone with my skill level, and even then, it was only during stressful weeks.
 
Before long I was looking several times a week. Then everyday. After some time, perpetual job hunting wasn’t strong enough.

I began rethinking all my career choices. I went from someone who was so confident with their career path to a person willing to do anything to make ends meet. I felt too old to go back to school. I had come so far and starting over was not an option. I began looking into joining a union. Maybe I would learn a trade. Become an apprentice in some field I had never even considered. Sure it would be the bottom rung, but at least I would be earning a wage. Yes, I was becoming desperate.
 
It spiraled out of control. I began going to job sites in the morning, and then checking again throughout the day just in case the perfect opportunity was posted while I was away. Looking back on it the behavior was sad and preventable. I had no clarity. I only prolonged my woes by running into another position with the same issues. In the beginning it was great; new faces, new tasks, new environment. But before long I ran myself right back into the same situation. I thought I went dry, but within a year the hunt began to take control of me again and I was back on the wagon. Job Search Addiction (JSA), like all addictions, is terribly hard to shake for good.

This could’ve probably all been avoided if I had just taken a few steps back, thought about what I really wanted, and took a much closer look at what I was leaving and what I was running into.
The problem was that once I started telling myself that the company was bad, the department was run poorly, and that I wanted so much more out of life - my desire for more just seemed to take over. My job hunts ran on autopilot, and it was as if the more I reached for something better to come along the further away I seemed to push any good opportunity.
 
Now I don’t know why things work out the way they do. I’m not sure if we get what we need when we need it or if we make our own opportunities by playing harder and going further than the next guy. What I do know is that it is unhealthy and irrational to spend a good portion of your workday job hunting, and spending the time you’re not looking, thinking about doing anything else but your current job.
 
With that in mind, here are a few telltale signs that you might be addicted to job hunt.  
 
1)  You do a job search everyday. Same engines, same keywords, same results, but that doesn’t deter you. You still make time to do this everyday. Einstein once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2)   You begin to entertain jobs that you are clearly not qualified for.  The end result is a waste of your time – and if you actually get an interview – a waste of the employers’ time too.  You also start considering jobs that you are way over qualified for - even if they're in the same field.

3)  You start searching for positions that aren’t even in your area of expertise. Sure, you’re a trained veterinarian, but you’ve always been good with numbers so maybe, just maybe, they would be willing to give an honest hard worker like you shot. This is highly unlikely and spending an abundance of time on this type of search is a clear indictor that you have a problem.
 
4)   You look for new postings at hours when no business in their right mind would post. The same results you got on those HotMonsterBuilder sites at 3 pm are the same ones that are going to be there at 10 pm. Companies just don’t have HR do these tasks in the middle of the night.  Even the weekend are a long shot.
 
Just like the big pharmaceuticals probably don’t really want to cure cancer – why would anyone want you to recover from Job Search Addiction?  The career sites benefit (hey, this one too), employers benefit by getting a ridiculous number of choice (which means they can pay you less) and the cycle goes on and on.

Sad as it may seem there is hope and with time and a little patience you too can overcome hunting. It may be one of the hardest things you ever do, but in the end you will be much better off.  

I’ve been there.  I’ve suffered.  And if you need a sponsor for your Job Search Addiction, I’m ready to listen.  Remember, the first step is admitting you have a problem.

Office Worker Gift Guide 2007

There's no escape: the holidays start NOW. The Jobacle gang has rounded up a list of gift ideas for your favorite office worker.  Whether you pulled a co-workers' name out of a hat or just want to bring some holiday spirit to your cubicle, we've got you covered with the 2007 Office Worker Gift Guide.  If you're looking for a motorized tie rack, move on!

Smencils
$1+

Back in sixth grade we had a "invention contest."  I vividly remember submitting a flavored pen.  Basically, I popped open a 19-cent Bic, poured some fruit juice inside and thought I'd be sharing flavor across the world with my fellow pen cheers.  I didn't win.  But I sure like
these Smencils.

Made out of paper that is soaked in "gourmet liquid scents," these pencils are packed with fun scents such as cherry, rootbeer, watermelon, chocolate, etc. - or buy a kit and make your own at home.

You already know how important positive items are on your desk, at $1 a pop (minimum pack of 5) these #2 graphites promise two years worth of odor.

Mouse Envy
$40+

MouseEnvy begs the question: What does your mouse say about you?  Mine says I'm pretty generic (oh, and that I have a pretty filthy hand).

Buy your co-worker a plush velvet heart mouse.  Or maybe one shaped like a dog or a ladybug.  If you're looking to kiss some serious boss butt, go for the totally blinged-out Swarovski crystal mouse.

For about $40 you can bring some much-needed flair to your cube. Put the 'S' in superfluous and order one today.

Mouse Rug
$19+

You've already pimped out your mouse, now give it the pad it deserves! Surprisingly comfortable, more attractive, and far more durable than standard mouse pads, wow your colleagues with the beauty of a handmade rug pattern.  Vacuum cleaner not included.

Handi Stapler
$10

Forget a red Swingline stapler - how about a lime green one?  Impress your co-workers with your toughness as you staple with authority!

USB Christmas Tree
$12

Spread some Christmas cheer around the office when you decorate your desktop with a fiber optic USB Christmas Tree.  No assembly, no stray pine needles and no worries about starting a wildfire. No word if a USB Menorah or Kwanzaa Candles are coming soon...

Like what you're reading?  Please subscribe!

InAnimate Stickers
$4

Bring your office supplies to life! For a few dollars you can have your stapler staring at you or your coffee mug smiling back. Two sheets of removable stickers are sure to make any cube dullard the life of the office.

Flameless LED Scented Wax Candle
$17

Flourescent lights suck...the life out of you, that is!  Maybe all my cubicle is missing is that romantic vibe.  Enjoy a real wax candle with the warm glow of flickering candlelight — without the worry of real fire.  It smells like Vanilla, runs on a timer and will totally freak HR out when they first see it.  500 hours on 2-C batteries gives you plenty of time to set the mood.

Digital Frame
$88

Stare at your loved one all day long while you toil away at work, thanks to this 7-inch digital frame.  The thing will also playback video and audio. Just jam in almost any kind of memory card and you're set.  A remote control will allow you to toggle images.  When you boss walks by you can put up a motivational poster like "TEAMWORK" and when your wife comes to visit you can make sure she goes home happy!

Office Scapegoat
$7

You're gonna find someone to blame, why not this lovable plush guy.  He can take the pain as you jab him with stickpins for dropping the ball on that monster project, sleeping through that meeting and missing that tight deadline.  Oh wait, it was all your fault?  NOPE!  Blame it on the goat - he's a jackass!

Nature's Fire Color-Changing Volcano
$30

Fact: People generally feel better when they are outside opposed to inside.  Why not bring a little of the exterior elements to your desk?  Emulating the action of an erupting volcano, this bad boy will change light patterns with multi-colored effects.  It's a whole lot neater (and cheaper) than buying your own rain cloud.

MyCuppa Coffee Mug
$28

I don't drink coffee.  But if I did, I'm sure nothing gets the day started right like the perfect cup of java.  The MyCuppa Coffee Mug promises that it takes the guesswork out of this delicate art.  Just choose the strength of your coffee based on its color – pour the milk and stir, watching the swatch, until what's in the cup matches what's on it!  Dishwasher and microwave safe, you can feel more secure about sending that new assistant to get you a cup.  Why you're not just drinking tea, I'll never understand!

Carpool Kenny
$20

Fustrated by endless traffic jams? Do you glare at the HOV/Carpool lane wishing you could cruise past everyone. Of course, in order to do that, you need at least two people, but you're a loner who would never carpool with some small-talkin' freak.  That’s why you need Carpool Kenny! He’ll get you where you want to go without the annoying chatter. Just inflate him and you’re good to go!  Oh, and we have no words of advice explaining this one to the authorities.

ChatterBlocker
$20

One of the most infuriating things about work is hearing other people's inane conversations when you're trying to concentrate.  You need ChatterBlocker, unique software that blurs recognizable speech with a soothing blend of nature sounds, music and background chatter. Tune out disruptions and increase concentration at the office.  Heck, this one sounds like your company might even foot the bill!

There are many other cool gifts out there for office workers.  If you know of one, share the details in the comments section below!

Working at K-Mart Taught Me How to Work

Bosses at my first job referred to me as Clock #26 and required me to wear a red vest. Yes friends, $6.05 an hour at K-Mart was where I received my inaugural paycheck. Don't laugh, I learned a lot! In fact, I attribute portions of that job - even though it was about 15 years ago - for getting me into podcasting.

I started innocently enough by collecting carts, ringing register and stocking the shelves. I don't know if it was the way I scanned or the way I bagged, but I was quickly moved up to the big time: Register Supervisor. Now, when someone ran out of quarters or needed a 15-minute break, they came to me, Clock #26, keeper of the keys and master of your bladder.

Now you're probably wondering - what the heck does this have to do with podcasting? See, a register supervisor was allowed to play God in one other way - he or she had control over the store intercom. A long-necked, flexible microphone with a black button that only I could press. And when I did, my voiced echoed throughout the store.

"Clock 88, please return to your register."
"Maintenance to aisle seven for a wet spill."
"The store will be closing in 15 minutes..."

Then there were the Blue Light Specials. These were my invitation to be obnoxious; an area where I could flex my "creativity" and alert shoppers about specific, limited-time only specials.

"Attention K-mart shoppers. We are currently having a Blue Light Special on... DORITOS! Cool Ranch and original Nacho. Two bags $4. It's a deal that can't be beat and it's only at K-Mart."

Maybe in text it reads innocently enough, but click play on the audio player below for an idea of what it sounded like.

I milked it for everything it was worth. Under the fluorescent lights at 17 years old there was little to get excited about. Cute new hires and the store PA - that's it.

With each passing day I became more embolden, relishing the power of the mic. My announcements became longer, more detailed, and probably a little, well, strange.

Eventually, clock number 404 put me in my place. (Clock numbers in the 400s were reserved for management.)

"Andrew, please tone it down."
"Huh?"
"Don't abuse the intercom."
"Huh?"
"Just cut it out!"

Bastards. Ruining all my fun!

Not too long after, the following sequence of events led to the end of my K-Mart career:

1) A customer fought with me about returning an open box of tampons. Oh, and she brought a used one to support her case for a lack of 'absorption.'

2) A customer threatened to choke me with my own ponytail when I wouldn't reduce the price of baby formula since the can was dented. (ah, my rebellious, long-haired days)

3) I graduated high school and was moving on to college.

This was more than I needed to hang up my ring of keys and retire my red vest for all of eternity. Needless to say, they did not retire Clock #26.

That K-Mart store has since shuttered its doors, but I'll always be grateful for the things I learned at my first job. From this point on I knew that I would always be a motivated employee who'd take pride in everything he did. Yes, even if it was stacking a pallet of mustard, interviewing Oliver North, recording Rufus Wainwright, letting an employee down gently, or recording the Working Podcast or writing the Jobacle blog. On a certain level, all tasks are equal, and deserve to be treated as such.

That first job proved to me how capable I was. This was helped along by managers putting trust in me at an early age. When I work with younger folks, I try to keep this in mind, and am unafraid to make the leash a bit longer than it ought to be until proven otherwise.

I also learned I liked making obnoxious announcements. And I'm proudly doing it to this very day. Take that Clock #404!

ADDENDUM: In one of those beautifully random twists that rattles your cage, I was actually e-mailed by my first K-Mart boss, Scott G. The ironic thing is that he contacted me the night after I wrote this post but BEFORE it was ever posted. So freaky!