Like a high school career test, but with more ads.


Choosing a career is one of those horribly stressful choices in life that can take a lot of time, energy and thought. And whenever something takes so much effort, human beings have this habit of looking for an easier way. Thus career tests were born. You probably remember these tests from a high school career class. If you're like me you thought they were a waste of time, and manipulated the answers to see what kind of crazy career you could make it come up with. The career test at Project Career is a lot like those tests, except with a ton of annoying ads imploring you to sign up for some online university. The test asks you 105 questions about your interests and then provides an assessment that ranks your interest in certain fields such as Social Services, Finance/Accounting and Health Care. Here are some pros and cons with the test...

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More Sex and the City than Head of the Class, many of today's teachers are just like you and me: potty-mouthed servants living paycheck to paycheck, suffering from the Sunday Night Blues.

As a kid, teachers were in a league of their own.  They existed only to teach.  I never pictured them heading home, cooking dinner, paying bills, and so on.  While none of these are major revelations, it's a good time to remind you about the truth surrounding our nation's educators...

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Here's a look at some of the big career news from the past week.

JOBACLE:  For the blog, March came in like a lion...and is leaving like a lion! Over 15,000 unique visitors, new partnerships and lots of freelance work: I can't thank you all enough! Your continued support is appreciated.

ENTRY LEVEL EMPLOYEES:  CollegeGrad.com, an entry level job Website, has released the results of a survey examining what employers want most from recent college grads.  The results...

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Earlier versions of the Working Podcast used to include the Office Supply Review.  Every few weeks I toy with the idea of bringing it back as a blog feature.  After all, if we are going to be your #1 source for everything work related (minus the BS) then we might have to talk about the sweetest supplies on the market.

Pendaflex has announced the launch of the PileSmart® Office Organizer Pack, a kit designed to help people organize their desks by making sense out of their piles of crap work.  I employ a similar method, but it involves binder clips and stacking papers in different directions.  This sounds much more efficient.

Included in the kit...

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What the hell has happened to the way the average American white collar male looks today? If I didn't know better, and just looking around, scanning offices and cubicles, I would swear that I had just landed in SLOBovia, no passport or visa required.

True, the number of studies, books, advice columns, etc. are virtually endless in stating the very obvious - that looks do indeed count. And not just first impressions, either. In fact, a recent book by Prof. Gordon Patzer 'The Power and Paradox of Physical Attractiveness,' states that not only is physical attractiveness a very potent measure of a guys' future, but that this is a universal phenomena, transcending all cultures and countries. So what happened to the gentlemen at my office?

Well, this thinking is directly at odds with, yup, you guessed it, the ethos of our old pals at HR and EEO. One might say that to them, ugly for men, anyway, is 'in,' and plug-ugly is, well, even better. I'm not sure if this is due to the phony glorification of the grubby under the guise of 'democracy,' or a desire to protect the underdog (as if he were an endangered species). In many cases, especially where men are concerned, being a slob can almost have its' benefits.

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Being stuck, trapped or powerless at work is nothing more then a mind f*ck.  You have a lot more control then you think.  Don't believe me?  I'll prove it to you.  Enter exhibit A: The Energy Wheel.

Life expectancy varies from country to country and is based on many factors. However, assuming you are reading this from North America or Europe, there's a good chance you will live for more than 25,000 days.  Each day brings a new feeling. A new chance to make it what you want. At this very moment you might feel stuck in a 'dead-end job' or career, but you are not.  Take a look at the image...

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This is a guest blog by Chris O’ Hara

Ever noticed that everyone in executive management positions speak in the exact same annoying, almost clone like, subdued, yet slightly rude, Ben Affleck voice. They even have the same mannerisms in the way they act and dress. It’s like there is a secret training club where directors go and learn these skills. Actually there is a club, and I’ve been there, but tell no-one, or I may be at risk of losing my spleen.

Here are 4 ways to develop an executive persona...

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Getting drunk at work is a science for some, an art form for others. What happens if you down a few drinks and management finds out? The gang from The Knife Parade, a New York-based sketch comedy group, have an idea. Check it out below.

I'm not usually into re-posts, but we've recently received quite a bit of traffic from StumbleUpon.  Since many people are coming over from the buddhist/self improvement section, I thought this article which we posted last year would be of interest.  New posts coming later today...

BONSAI: A living plant transferred into a pot or tray that can continue to live semi-permanently.
 
It is often said that there are four disciplines that must be mastered to successfully grow and care for a bonsai tree: horticultural, technical, artistic and philosophical.  I propose that the elements to perfect your career are really no different.   Here's how:
 
Ongoing Relationship - Sure there's birth and death, just like there's hiring and firing.  However, the in between is an ongoing process that will always be in a state of flux.  Unlike other things that happen in your life, you must remember that pleasure in your career  will not come from completing work, but rather from the act of making it fruitful and worthwhile.  Just like the bonsai, your job is a "living sculpture."

Nature vs. Nurture - Bonsai growers often develop a deep relationship with their tree.  Not only does this result in a great feeling of tranquility, but since you are in control of many of the elements, you wind up feeling closer to nature.  This results in being cognizant of your surroundings.  This formula also applies to the office. Wind, rain and frost are replaced by attitude, actions and thought.  Nurture the relationship and you will feel more in control of your own career - not to mention - you'll be a whole lot happier.
 
Many Techniques - You and I might have the same job title but no two jobs are the same. Just like the bonsai, no two are alike and no amount of training will necessarily prepare you.  If you’re bonsai appears to be in ill health you will be forced to try different things to bring it back to health: differing amounts of sun, quantities of water and so on.  In fact, it can sometimes take years to figure out what will allow your bonsai to thrive.  Be patient with your career and don't be afraid to try different things to make it work.

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Choosing a Plant - Not every tree can become a bonsai.  The same way every job won’t translate into happiness, money or even a career.  When picking a tree for bonsai, it is essential to examine the roots, trunk and branches.  I'll save you on the analogies and let you come up with your own.
 
ROOTS: these should be thick and spread out radially.
TRUNK: Should taper for good balance and you should see "healthy," normal-looking bark.
BRANCHES: The first three branches give the tree it's character.
 
These three items should be quite evident when researching a future organization or position.   You have to figure out what each means to you and make sure your job has a nice balance of all three.
 
Repotting - The time varies but somewhere between a few months and a few years, your bonsai will need to be uprooted and into a new pot or tray.  This is no different then you feeling out your career. Maybe you've outgrown your cube.  It's essential to lay your roots at several gigs before you find the right one.
 
Pruning - Whether you're growing plants, trees or flowers, pruning is key.  It's the process of removing diseased, non-productive, or otherwise unwanted portions from a plant.  Think about that wacky neighbors yard - shrubs are overgrown and the place becomes an eyesore.  You need to regularly maintenance your job on several levels.  Not only should you be evaluating your happiness and overall performance, but you need to make sure you are still living according to priorities that make sense.  Assess your situation regularly, the way you would trim your bonsai. 
 
There are over 125 species of bonsai - and even more species of boss!  I truly hope you find a "good" one.

As always, please share your analogies and tips below.

Your desk is a germaphobes nightmare.

Interesting, considering your home is spotless and your car is shined to the max.  Yet, for some strange reason, you let the place where you spend the majority of your time go to hell.  Reorganizing folders and stacking papers does not constitute cleaning.  It's time you devoted some elbow grease.  You can't rely on your company's cleaning service.  (Don't believe me?  Run your finger over the top of that cabinet.)

A clean environment comes along with many benefits, including: better organization, better health and an overall positive feeling.  Respect your work environment  and it will respect you.  In honor of the first day of spring, here are some quickie tips on cleaning your desk and everything on it.

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