Any Work Is Better Than No Work--Not Always

If you are unemployed currently or have been unemployed, you no doubt have heard or even said to
yourself that "any work is better than no work." In other words--at least your working and paying some of the bills.  I have worked in all kinds of jobs throughout the years that were mentally and physically demanding.  However, not all jobs are equal in the toll they take on you.   In the past, there was one such job for me.  I would never want to do it again--call center work!  Call center work may be defined for our purposes as working in a center (or large room) that makes continuous calls through an automatic dialer to new or existing customers regarding an existing product or service.  Here are some of the pitfalls I found in call center work...

• You may find yourself working in a room of 50-60 people all talking at the same time to their customers.  The room can get very noisy with the inability to hear your customer. At times, your customer may not be able to hear you.
• Calls are put through to you by a random dialer of which you have no control over. You barely get a breather between calls.  As soon as you are disconnected from your customer, a fresh call comes through your earpiece immediately.  Little or no time to mentally prepare for the next call.
• You are expected to talk for eight hours, less your breaks and lunch.  Very little downtime is allowed away from the phones.  After two hours or less of straight talking you may begin to lose your voice.
• Since the job requires sitting most of the hours you are there, you get very little physical exercise.  Also, we won't talk about the eyestrain you also get from constantly looking at the computer screen.
• The dialing system used may repetitively call the customer at work or at home. Many customers do not like being called at work and may get irate; or do not like getting called so frequently.  Consequently, many times you will be the brunt of their frustration. Not fun...
• Depending on the company, many companies have a pay rate based on a tier system.  Low sales, despite your best efforts, will not mean much in your paycheck.
• Most call centers have intense monitoring by supervisors that critique the quality of your calls.
  New employees may already be nervous, this only adds to their nervousness. 
• A call center can be sales-driven or customer-service-driven.  Make sure your personality is a good fit for the particular center.  A wrong fit can be as disastrous as a heavy-duty construction worker wearing white dress gloves to do his job.  It just doesn't work.

I listed a few reasons why call center work is so difficult and for some people will go against their grain. Of course, different strokes for different folks would mean there are some people that actually enjoy call center work.  That's great for them.  In my estimation though it is just a tough job. 

So what should you do if you find yourself in such a job?  Move on.  It is always best to have another job though before quitting your present one. The conclusion is to remember not all work is equal.  Find out as much about the job before you take it.  Know your physical and mental likes and dislikes as well as your limits.  Yes, you just might want to pass this job up.

What is your "nightmare" job?  Most people have worked one some time in their career.  I would love to hear from you on this. 

Do You Really Know More Than Your Boss?

So you think you know more than your boss; maybe you do.  As a result of any downturn in an economy, many seasoned workers and professionals have found themselves in entry level jobs. Taking instructions from a supervisor that is both younger and less experienced than you are can be a humbling and upsetting experience.  Do you find yourself in this situation?  If so, how will you react to your supervisor's instructions and at times even criticism?  Here are a few things to weigh out that may help you to remain calm and still find joy in your job:

1. You don't know everything.   Despite the fact that you have years of experience, it is likely that your supervisor has kept up-to-date on the current facets of the particular job you are in.  Yes they may not have the experience you have, but they may be up-to-date with the current procedures and fresher techniques involved in your job. 
2. Let your work, not your mouth, display your abilities and skills.  Nobody likes a know-it-all, including your boss and co-workers.  In time, your abilities will shine without offending those above and around you. 
3. Volunteer for special projects.  From time to time, situations may arise that will create an opportunity for you to volunteer to take on projects you are experienced to do.  This also shows you are willing to help when the need arises.  That would be an opportunity to show what your experience is about.
4. When the pill is too hard to swallow.  Obviously, there will be situations where you find it extremely difficult to adjust to ineptness and the lack of knowledge your supervisor or boss have about the product or procedure you are working with.  However, when faced with glaring safety or legal issues  it is a different ballgame.  Management needs to know the particulars of such issues.  If they do not respond to the factors involved, then think about moving on to another position elsewhere.  To cover yourself, make sure you document the dates and conversations that you relay the safety or legal issues to management. 

Yes, it is not easy for the thousands of workers that find themselves now, through no fault of their own, in positions they held many years ago when they left college or finished high school.  As the job market continues to rise, you may be able to find more suitable work that will utilize those awsome skills you possess.  Until then, you may know more than the boss.  That's okay.  You don't need to prove anything to anybody.  Continue to allow your skills and experience to speak for themselves.  Look at your current job as floating devices that are keeping your head out of water (financially).  Be happy, you will swim again...

It May Be Time to Scrap Your Job

Yes, in an economy where everyone is holding on to their job for dear life, why would anyone quit or scrap their job?  It would be nice to think that there isn't any job too hard for you to tackle.  That just isn't the case.  The real truth is that not everyone can physically, mentally, or emotionally handle any job.  So how do you know when it is time to let go of your current job and move on?  For those of you who have recently joined the ranks of the employed again, would you recognize that the new job just isn't right for you?

When is it time to look for another job?

• Physically Challenging - Obviously, each job has particular physical requirements specific to the job. However, whatever those requirements, no job is worth damaging your physical body.  Whether you suffer short-term or long-term damage, the price you pay is too high.  While some injuries are temporary--others may cause permanent damage along with chronic pain. Lifting heavy objects, standing in one spot for hours, repetitive motion without a break, and exposure to hazardous chemicals may be more than your body can adjust to.  If you have already taken ergonomically-corrective measures in your job and are still having problems, then you may want to seriously reconsider moving to a a job that has less of an impact on your body.  Always check with your personal physician if you are having physical problems that are either caused by or aggravated by your current job.  In some instances, the problems you are having could be covered under workers' compensation such as repetitive motion in your job.  Check with your doctor first before filing a claim.

• Mentally or Emotionally Challenging - If you are absolutely exhausted every day as a result of the mental or emotional strain of your job, then you should reconsider another line of work.  You may have a bad day once and a while dealing with customers or clients.  However, if you find yourself mindlessly staring at the television set night after night feeling drained, then you too may want to consider moving on to a job that is less demanding mentally and emotionally.  Are you suffering depression as a result of your current job?  Again, is it every day or just now and then?  Some jobs such as nursing, sales, working with ones that are mentally-challenged can be very taxing.  People that love these types of jobs just glide through them with ease day after day.  Others may struggle through each day. Every job is not a perfect fit for every person.

Yes, changing jobs in itself can be stressful.  The good part about this situation is that once you are employed, you become much more employable to other employers.  I know, that is a mouthful.  Never quit a job until you have another one, especially in this economy.  If you just went back to work, after being on the unemployed ranks for a while, it may be jolting to even consider changing your job.  However, just because you haven't worked for a while doesn't mean you should subject yourself to the strain and drain of a job that is not right for you.  With dignity and a little smarts you will be able to find work conducive to your physical, mental, and emotional makeup.  Knowing what you don't need or like in seeking a job is just as important as what you do like or need; in some cases it may be more important! 

Don't Be a Part of Workplace Gossip

Unfortunately no matter how nice the job is, you may still encounter workplace gossip. What exactly is gossip? Although by definition gossip can refer to chatty talk, it most often refers to habitually revealing personal or sensational facts about someone or rumor or report of an intimate nature.  For those of you that have been unemployed for some time, you may have forgotten how harmful workplace gossip can be.  Yes, I said "harmful."  Why is workplace gossip harmful?  How can you avoid being a part of it?

Why is workplace gossip harmful?  Here are a few reasons why you should avoid gossip:

• Factual or not, revealing and spreading personal information about someone can result in distorted or outright untruths about an individual.  A person's character and name could be orally slandered which could lead to defamation of character.
• Even if the gossip is true, is it something you want to spread?  Would you want someone spreading information around about your personal life?  Put the shoe on the other foot.
• Defamation of character, by reason of slander, can lead to a lawsuit you don't want!
• Gossip could actually cause a person to lose their job--your job and the person you are slandering.
• Gossip can create tension and uneasiness in the workplace between co-workers.
• You could be known as a gossiper. Nobody wants to be known as a gossiper. Once you are labeled, it may take a long time for people to trust in you again.
• Gossiping can lead into bullying.  Bullying of any kind is hurtful to those being abused, and is also illegal in certain states with legal penalties.
• You are paid to work for your employer; not get involved in gossip.

How can you avoid workplace gossip?

• Go to work to WORK! The busier you are the least likely you are to get involved in workplace gossip.
• If others try to pull you into a conversation that may be heading toward gossiping, try and change the subject or walk away.  
• If current employees try to persuade you to think badly of a co-worker, as a new employee, give everyone a fair shake.  Just because someone else had a bad experience with someone doesn't mean you will.  In other words, give everyone you work with the "benefit of the doubt."
• Do not be part of a click. 
• If you are privy to personal information, keep it to yourself.
• Practice the "golden rule." If you wouldn't say it or reveal it about yourself, then don't reveal it about others.
• If it isn't positive or kind, then don't repeat it.  That's pretty easy!

These are some common-sense suggestions that should be reminders to all of us in the workplace to avoid gossip.  For those re-entering the job market, you may have forgotten how easy it is to get sucked into the gossiping trap.  However, with a little wisdom and self-control, you don't have to fall into the twisting vortex called gossip.

Good Manners May Seal Your Next Job Interview

Good manners may make or break your job interview. When on an interview do you smile, greet the potential employer, and when appropriate shake their hand? Do you say "please" and "thank you"? Do you find yourself interrupting the interviewer? All of these are questions you might want to consider before the interview.

Most people just enjoy being around a considerate person. Working with a considerate person is a bonus. Let the employer know you are that person. No doubt your skills and work experience will be the primary area the employer is looking at. However, having good manners may actually put you over the top and land you the job.

Here's something else to think about. Manners, specifically greeting people, have gone wayside. However, certain areas of our country seem to take the lead in good manners. Read my latest article, Are You a Fine Southern Gentleman?, orignally posted at Blog Critics.

What Are the Seven Blessings of the Unemployed?

So you haven't worked for a while, and things have not been easy.   However, despite the negatives there are many positives or blessings to be grateful for.   Here are seven reasons to be happy:

 

• With limited funds you are forced to prioritize your entire life.  How?  Realistically, with less money your budget will eliminate your "wants" and keep your "needs."  You now can focus on the more important things in your life.
• You have much more time to spend with your family; you also have a lot more time for yourself to meditate and process life's changes.  You may want to set some new goals.
• Consider new ways to entertain your family and friends.  Instead of going on expensive excursions, have family night with friends.  Game night together with some popcorn can be great fun.
• Extra time to volunteer.  Taking your mind off of your problems and looking to see what you can do to help others is another source of happiness.  There is More Happiness in Giving Than There Is In Receiving--Volunteer at a woman's shelter, animal shelter, or whatever cause moves you.  Just do it.  This may be the single most positive change in your life.
• Eat less meat and more vegetables and fruit.  Many health experts agree that less red meat is the way to go for a healthier you.  This should also fit into your budget quite nicely.
• Exercise and fresh air should be your daily routine.  No more crammed days leaves you time to get out and either walk, run, or bike.  Perhaps all three once you get your second wind!
• Time to take up that hobby you always wanted to do.  If it's too expensive, pick a new one.  I personally like to write poetry--it cost nothing but a pencil and paper.

So here are seven great reasons to be happy.  Less money can actually equal  a better quality of life.  Isn't that what we all want?

It May Be Time to Look At Part-Time Positions

At this point in time, many unemployed have tried everything to land a full-time job. Sadly, for millions of people it just hasn't happened. At this point, you may need to change gears. It's time to look at the part-time positions available for you.

Actually due to the economy, many companies are favoring part-time work. Here are a few of the part-time positions I have seen advertised in the newspaper, posted on job sites on the internet, or heard about by word-of-mouth:

• Cashiering - CVS Drugstore and Blockbuster (Check Local Stores)
• Green Jobs - Check With the Unemployment Agency in Your Area (Gulf Area Especially)
• Sales Agents - Department Stores Within Malls Especially During Holiday or Busy Seasons
• Cleaning - Personally Ask Business Owners If They Need Someone to Clean For Them
  (Don't Forget to Check Local Requirements for Licensing If You Work For Yourself)
• Craigslist.org - Posts a Variety of Part-Time Positions (Check All Drop-Downs)

These are just a few ideas. Remember, there is no reason why you can't juggle two part-time jobs! Good fortune to you.