Sources of Procrastination

What are the sources of procrastination?  For me, it’s the white sheet of paper.  Not knowing what to do, where to start, who to ask, how to ask, or how to do something will cause me to freeze up and justify waiting another day and another day and another day to get moving on a project.  Of course, each delay makes it that much harder to begin because now I’m late and I still don’t know how to do it, so the task seems increasingly more daunting with each passing day.

How much easier my life is when I just admit that I don’t know how to do something, learn what I need to know and proceed.  Acting in this manner gets the job done in a timely fashion, causes much less stress and usually makes me feel pretty good about myself in the process. 

What are the sources of your procrastination?

Tags: Advice, procrastination

What To Do Before You Call IT

As a sequel to yesterday’s post on how to deal with IT people, here is a list of things to try before you get IT on the phone.

Believe me, your IT geek will love you for it, and may never again suggest your problem is an id10t error.

If your program or application freezes (Windows):

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys simultaneously.
2. Choose “Task List.”
3. Select the program that you want to stop from the list, and press the “End Task” button.

If your program or application freezes (Macintosh):

1. Press the Opt + ⌘ + Esc keys simultaneously, or choose “Force Quit” from the  Menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
2. Select the program that you want to stop and press the “Force Quit” button.

If your monitor won’t turn on:

Make sure the power cable, and the cable that runs from the monitor to the computer, are properly plugged in at both ends.

If your computer can’t access the network or the Internet:

1. Make sure the network cable is plugged properly into the CPU and the wall.
2. Shut down the computer.
3. Wait 10-15 seconds, and turn it back on.

If your printer won’t print:

Turn the printer and your computer off; then turn them both on again.

If your computer won’t shut down when you try to turn it off (both Mac and Windows):

Push in and hold the power button until your computer shuts down. Wait 10-15 seconds before turning it back on again.

Got any additional advice? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: Advice, computers, information technology, IT Department

How to Ask for a Raise

Yes, this seems like the worst possible time to ask for a raise — and of course, it’s also the time when you need a raise the most.

If it’s been some multiple of six months since you started at your company, or if you have done some very valuable work recently, then you are fully entitled to ask for more money. The worse your boss can do is say “no.” (I’ve worked for at least one company that had a habit of firing anyone who asked for a raise. You don’t want to work for that kind of employer anyway.)

Some workers don’t ever ask for raises, under the assumption the company won’t give them one. But increases in compensation are your right. Some bosses are perfectly happy to give raises, but won’t do it until they are asked.

Take the risk. You might get more money.

Some tips:

Put together your case for a raise. You’re not simply asking for more money, you’re selling yourself as an employee who deserves more compensation. Make a written list of your accomplishments. Have some ideas for improving your work in the future. But never compare yourself favorably to other employees — I do way more work than Barry, and he’s always late. Sell the positives about yourself, but don’t drag in the negatives of others.

Be confident. If you’re unsure you deserve a raise, then why should your boss believe it any more than you do?

Talk to your boss in private. Never discuss compensation in front of others; and never talk about your pay to anyone but your superior or human resources. I once had my boss’ boss tell me I made more money than my immediate superior — this was meant to convince me I didn’t need a raise. Instead, I was (1) appalled that my boss made less than I did and (2) appalled that this guy would tell me about it.

Don’t demand a specific dollar figure. And certainly don’t make ultimata — I’ll quit of you don’t pay me $65,000. If your boss wants to give you a raise, let him or her come up with an amount. If it’s not enough, then you can try negotiating. But never threaten, even if you do plan to quit if the money’s not enough.

If you get a raise, show your appreciation. Hardly anyone celebrates a raise by giving their boss flowers, or a card, or an edible fruit bouquet. Bosses like to feel appreciated, especially if he or she had to go to bat with upper management to approve your raise. Show that you’re thankful. (Your boss may not want other employees to know you got a raise. If so, then keep your gesture of appreciation low key.)

Got any advice for employees seeking more money? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: Advice, negotiating salaries, raises

Unemployment Benefits — Keeping People Out of Cardboard Boxes Since 1932

It’s funny how some people decry higher taxes, paycheck withholding, and government “entitlements,” until they’re out of work.

Then it’s “hey, where’s my check?”

Some things to keep in mind when living on the dole:

Apply for unemployment benefits the moment you get laid off or fired. You may consider waiting until your savings begin to run out. But if there’s going to be a problem with your benefits, such as your ex-employer refusing to pay, you need to know right away.

Provide the UI office with complete, accurate information. Don’t do anything that will slow down processing. This is no time to be careless. And, some government bureaucracies look for ways to deny you service — don’t give them the ammunition.

If there’s an in-person meeting or a phone interview, be on time and make it a priority. Rescheduling these things can be difficult or impossible, so don’t risk it.

Fulfill any job search requirements. Some states require you to apply to a certain number of jobs each week. Don’t cheat, just do it. If they call you, go to the interview. If they offer the job, take it. If you’re offered a job you really don’t want to take (let’s say, it’s a half-time internship, and you’re a former C-level exec), talk to the benefits office. Sometimes they’ll let it slide, and you won’t have to take an unsuitable job.

Again, don’t cheat. Follow all UI regulations. If the benefits office thinks you’re doing something skechy, they’ll launch an investigation — and refuse to pay benefits until it’s settled.

Check to see what other benefits, besides checks, are available. The state may offer job search resources. They may have programs to help you survive financially. And they may offer free training — not just typing classes at the local community college, but real, career-enhancing high-tech classes at major learning institutions.

If you’re turned down for benefits, appeal, appeal, appeal. Don’t freak out — find out what you have to do to fix this mess. Make a list. Then do it, methodically and calmly. Chances are, whatever problems exist, they can be solved. Always deal with everyone — the UI office, your ex-employer — politely and professionally, no matter how awful they are being or how angry you get. You will get nowhere by being furious, or snippy, or aggressive. It’s impossible for a bureaucracy to say no to someone who is diligently following procedure.

Tags: Advice, bureaucracy, career training, job search requirments, unemployment benefits, unemployment insurance

Follow Your Bliss — or, the Real Reason Dr. Kutner Killed Himself

Someone once asked me a question that really bothered me. Basically, I was asked if whatever I had done that particular day was worth the cost of an entire day of my life. Would I trade a day of my life on Earth for whatever experiences I had or accomplishments I made that day?

Because of course, that is what we do every day. Whatever you did yesterday, you spent a day of your life doing it. Since we’re all going to die one day, each 24 hours we’re alive has a lot of value. But are we spending it well?

If you have a job that isn’t fulfilling and meaningful, then probably not. We can’t all be so lucky as to work as astronauts, emergency room surgeons, rock stars or the Prince of Wales. But anyone can have a job that is worth spending your precious life on, if you really want it.

I was reminded of all this today. On this week’s episode of House MD, one of the title character’s staff doctors, Dr. Lawrence Cutler, killed himself. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, that was a spoiler — so don’t read it.

Anyway, the characters spent the episode trying to make sense of his death, which no one had foreseen. Those of us watching the show tried to figure it out too.

But today we learn that actor Kal Penn, who portrayed Dr. Cutler for two seasons, voluntarily left one of the highest rated programs on television. Why would an actor, who has starred in a handful of popular movies and whose career is just now breaking through to stardom, quit the show that was making his career as an actor?

Because the 31-year-old Indian-American from New Jersey has accepted a position as the associate director of the White House’s Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs. No, really. Not on some TV show — it’s the real White House.

A man who already has what many would consider a dream career is giving it up, at least temporarily, to pursue something he finds more meaningful and important. Good for him.

If this man can leave a great career for a greater one, why can’t you give up the job you hate for something that might make you happy?

Of course, Kal Penn has money. He can afford to make major changes to his life. You may feel you don’t have the financial freedom to switch careers.

But you’ll never know what opportunities may be available to you until you start looking. A great new career track isn’t going to come looking for you — you have to go out and find it.

Tags: Advice, Barack Obama, career challenges, career choices, career path, House MD, Kal Penn, television

More Advice for the Unemployed

Read part one.

If you see layoffs coming, negotiate with your company. If things are going badly at your company, you probably think the worst thing you could do is go bother your employer. But this is not the case. If layoffs are on the horizon, your employer may be happy to negotiate with you, to compensate you for leaving voluntarily. Most employers would be happy to see an employee leave voluntarily, rather than being laid off — and they’ll offer money and severance packages. Worst case scenario — your employer makes no offer, and you get laid off with everyone else. Best case scenario — your employer wants to keep you, and your worries disappear. In fact, maybe they’ll even offer you something to encourage you to stay!

Refinance loans, and cut expenses. Lost your job and can’t pay your bills? Call your creditors. Let them know your situation. Some will work with you, and even the ones that won’t will look more kindly on people who bother to call. And, heaven forfend, if you ever end up in court, judges and arbitrators will look more kindly on you as well. If you pay rent, then be sure to pay that before anything else. And cut your extraneous expenses — eating out, movies, cell phone data charges. But don’t cancel your World of Warcraft account- that’s sacred, and you can get a lot of leveling done while you’re unemployed.

Get health insurance. If you’re like most people, you’ll lose your health insurance the second you’re laid off or fired. Sure, COBRA offers continuation of your existing insurance, but even the people who run COBRA admit it’s waaaaaay too expensive. Lots of companies offer personal health insurance plans. They’re expensive too, but often not as expensive as COBRA. And don’t take the chance of going uninsured — disaster can strike anyone at any time. Angry that all this costs so much? Then support national health care.

Don’t dip into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. Just don’t.

Tags: Advice, COBRA, health, health insurance, layoffs, personal finances, severance packages, unemployment, voluntary buyouts, World of Warcraft

Advice for the Unemployed

New to unemployment? Don’t beat yourself up, with the economy the way it is, it’s happening to everyone.

Here are some tips to think about:

Don’t waste any time responding to your new situation. Don’t take a week off to mope or to give in to depression — the week will turn into a month, then six months. Sign up for unemployment benefits immediately, the same day if possible. Start your job search at once. Rewrite your resume at once.

Learn everything you can about the unemployment benefits for which you qualify. Employment Development Departments offer many services, often for free, and you may qualify for those even if for some reason you don’t qualify for payments. You may be able to get high-quality, free training in your own field or a new profession. You may qualify for partial benefit payments if you work part-time. And your EDD may have job placement services. Your taxes pay for these benefits — use them!

Work hard on your resume. Is it complete? Easy to read? Printed on nice quality, white or off-white paper? One page, both sides? No images or wacky fonts? Do you tweak your resume for each position for which you apply? Do you include a cover letter every time?

Don’t try to use your “free” time for other pursuits. Everyone says they’ll use their time while unemployed to write that novel, or build an addon to the house, or learn to play bass guitar. Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. You’re just avoiding what you need to be doing — searching for a new job. You need to work on your job search every day. Finding a job is your new job.

Sign up for a temp agency. Even if you don’t want to do temp work, it’s a great way to find a permanent job. But don’t sign up, and just sit back and wait to hear from them. Call the temp agency every weekday.

Good luck with your job search!

Tags: Advice, EDD, resumes, temp agencies, temp jobs, unemployment, unemployment benefits

What’s Your Email Address?

Here in the first decade of the 21st Century, we may be lacking flying cars, personal teleportation and household robots. But what we do have is the Internet, which is taking over every aspect of our lives.

That’s why today, if you’re going to hear from a recruiter, you’ll most likely have your first contact by email, rather than by phone. Your email address needs to be on your resume and cover letter; it must be associated with any info you have posted on job search sites or company career pages; and it should be on your personal web site.

You don’t have a personal web site? What are you, Amish?

But it’s important what email address you provide to possible employers. Create an email account specifically for your job search, separate from any other accounts you use in personal life or your work.

Absolutely DO NOT use your current work email. Not only may your company be monitoring your email, they actually own any information you share via that account. Also, if prospective employers see you using your current company’s email for job searches, they’ll assume you would do the same thing to them.

Who hosts your email is important. If you have your own web site, let’s say jennywilson.com, then having the email address jennyw@jennywilson.com is pretty impressive.

If you can’t host your own email, the only real option for a free account is through gmail.com. Nobody will think less of you for using Gmail.

But on the other hand, DO NOT use any aol.com address. People who still use aol.com email come across as unprofessional. Maybe your grandma still uses AOL, but professional people do not. If you are still, for some unfathomable reason, using AOL as your service provider, then use AOL to sign up for a Gmail account.

Make sure you choose a professional-sounding email address. You’re not going to get an interview if the recruiter has to type in “ilovesex69@gmail.com” in order to contact you. Likewise, no one wants to hire spongebobfan@ or tonylovessylvia@.

Stick to your real name: johnsmith@, john_smith@, johns@, jsmith@. Lots of people like to add their birthdate (johnsmith1963@), but are you sure you want to advertise your age up front?

Don’t get cute. The address johnsmithworksrealhard@gmail.com might get a laugh - and then your resume hits the round file. Keep your email address short, easy to spell, and directly relevant to you as a professional.

Good luck with your search!

Tags: Advice, computers, email, Job Search, job search advice

Save Your Health — Eliminate Stress at Work

US News & World Report published today a story called “Why Your Job Could Be Making You Old.” The story cites the claim that stress contributes to health problems and rapid aging.

Physicians have long observed that people with stressful careers and lifestyles tend to develop health problems–especially when their jobs carry extreme consequences for mistakes. According to a theory advanced by Michael Roizen, chair of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and co-founder of RealAge.com, many American presidents have aged approximately two years for each calendar year in office.

The author, Emily Brandon, then discusses ways to to cut back on stress, and advises exercise and healthy living to to build up an immunity to stressors. She only briefly touches on employment stressors, so here are a few more valuable tips for avoiding stress at work.

Build a Firewall Between Your Work and Home Lives

Allowing your work problems to follow you home can have a devastating impact on your home life, your family and relationships. It’s not the easiest thing in the world just set aside your work issues, especially if your job requires a huge time investment, or if your career is central to who you are as a person. But it is possible.

Likewise, stress at home can adversely affect your work. They key here is to remain mindful of your emotions. If you’re stressed at work, ask yourself if what you’re really upset about isn’t an issue from your personal life.

Maintain Good Communications with Your Superiors and Co-Workers

Work stress often comes from being in a position of ignorance. Does my boss like my work? Will there be layoffs? Will I ever get that promotion? Yet workers often don’t try to find their own answers to these questions, out of fear — fear of their boss, or fear that they will get an answer they don’t like.

Instead of wallowing in stress, just talk to your boss and your co-workers about your issues. Be professional, of course, and don’t ask inappropriate questions or spread gossip. But if you’re worried about how your boss perceives you, then ask. You may be worrying about nothing. But if you do get negative feedback, that’s good too — you need to know these things if you want to keep your job. Don’t wait for a performance review to find out how you’re doing.

Be reliable.

If you’re late for work a lot, or miss too many work days, then you’re creating your own stress. It’s not as hard as it seems to change your life and health habits so that personal issues don’t get in the way of your career.

However, there are issues — serious illness, family problems, etc. — that will affect your work, and you can’t do anything about. Or at least, solving the issues will take time. This is a common source of work stress, but it’s easily fixed. Talk to your HR manager. Your firm may have policies directly related to your situation, and might be willing to help you out with paid time off or extra money.

Even if your company won’t help you out, at least they’ll know your work is being affected by serious issues, and that you’re not merely irresponsible.

Got some advice of your own? Comment below!

Tags: Advice, Careers, communication, Emily Brandon, health, stress, US News & World Report

Pedantry: A Simple Way to Impress Current or Future Employers

I’m a pedant when it comes to the English language. That’s a word that usually has a negative connotation, but I wear the label proudly.

From Wikipedia: “A pedant is a person who is overly concerned with formalism and precision, or who makes a show of learning… The term in English is typically used with a negative connotation, indicating someone overly concerned with minutiae and whose tone is perceived as condescending.”

Condescending? Is it condescending to point out when an adult professional is violating rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling that they should have mastered in the third grade?

A lot of people seem to think proper English usage is unnecessary, especially online. They are wrong. There are a number of reasons to speak and write properly — clarity, for instance.

But in the workplace, proper language usage is vital. Especially in this new, disastrous economy, you need to do anything you can to put yourself ahead of other employees and applicants.

Even people who themselves are incapable of forming a correct sentence can recognize when someone else is writing or speaking properly. It’s impressive. It says “I am a well-educated professional person, and I take my job seriously.” You don’t have to be pedantic like me, and point out everyone’s mistakes, unless that’s part of your job (it’s part of mine). But by employing proper usage, you’re making a statement about yourself. It’s as important as business-appropriate clothing and personal hygiene, or showing up to work on time.

If you’re not a writer and editor like me, you may have fallen out of practice, or you may be making mistakes you don’t know are mistakes. You don’t have to take classes or read grammar guides to improve your business English, although that would help. You just need to start consciously paying attention to your speaking and writing. By eliminating carelessness, I assure you your English will improve quickly.

Here are some tips to get you started, based on common mistakes I see in my job.

1.) Use your computer’s spell check function, but never rely on it. If the spell check in your word processing software or on your web browser identifies a word as misspelled, don’t just let the program fix it. Check it yourself — sometimes the spell checker makes mistakes. Also, read through and edit your text even if you’ve used the spell check. When I originally typed this very paragraph, I wrote “word precessing.” Since “precessing” is a real word, the spell check didn’t catch it.

2.) Pluralize properly. The plural of “mouse” is “mice,” but the plural of “computer mouse” is “computer mouses.” Yes, really. Words that end in “s” just get an apostrophe, so it’s “my boss’ car,” not “my boss’s car,” unless you’re in England. There is no such word as “mediums.” The plural of “medium” is “media.” So say “I am an artist in several different media.” “Data” is always plural; the singular form is “datum” (isn’t Latin fun?). And proper pluralization brings us to:

3.) Subject verb agreement. What’s wrong with this sentence? “The group of high school seniors and sophomores were late for the big game.” The problem is that “group” is the subject of the sentence, not “seniors” and “sophomores.” And group is singular — “the group WAS late for the big game.” Always make sure your verb matches your subject. Likewise, “the mainstream media are castigating Obama,” not “is castigating.”

4.) Only use quotation marks for quotes. That’s it. Don’t use them for emphasis. Some people will put quotes around a word when they’re using the word sarcastically — “Jane went to see her so-called ‘boyfriend.’” This is okay on occasion, but don’t do it all the time. And as that last sentence showed, a quote within a quote gets ‘these marks,’ whatever they’re called (I didn’t claim to know everything). The final quotation mark goes after the punctuation. “Understand me?”

5.) Another pet peeve. “Literally” does not mean “a whole lot.” It means “take what I saw as literal, not figurative.” So “his head literally exploded” is wrong, if you mean he got angry. It’s only correct if his head literally exploded — like in the movie Scanners. Say “he jumped the gun” if someone started something too early, and “he literally jumped the gun” if the person was in a footrace, and started running before the starter pistol fired.

6.) I’ll leave you with this quote, apocryphally attributed to Winston Churchill:”Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put!”

I could go on for days, but this is a good start. This stuff is really easy, and following these “minutiae” will make you, your writing, and any work you do seem more professional.

Oh, and please don’t confuse “its” and “it’s.” It’s really annoying, and English has its rules for a reason!

Tags: Advice, English language, grammer, job search advice, language, pedantry, punctuation, workplace