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Life Doesn’t Run on 9-to-5

Posted by Deborah Fike at 10:56 pm

I’ve worked enough 9-to-5 (and later) jobs in the past to know that the world does not accommodate the 9-to-5er.  Many banks aren’t open late and have limited, if any, weekend hours.  Doctors won’t see you after work.  Packages you need to sign for at home always arrive the minute you leave home. Lots of the things you need are only available while you’re supposed to be at a desk.

It’s like he’s waiting for you to leave home before he delivers.  (Photo by var resa)

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Worker, Uninterrupted (but not Hidden)

Posted by Deborah Fike at 5:25 pm

If you’re like me, you get interrupted a lot while you work.  Co-workers stop by to ask questions, the phone rings, or an instant message pops up with something to answer right away.  You might want to cut off these distractions, and that’s often a smart move.  Carving out time during your day when you won’t be interrupted will help you get more work done and keep you on task.

It will also keep you from being confused (Photo by notmargaret)

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Assume the Best (not the Worst)

Posted by Deborah Fike at 8:08 pm

We are programmed over time to assume the worst.  When’s the last time someone asked you to plan for the “best case scenario” only?  It’s not just events either.  Having lived through life and gotten burned once or twice, we tend to assume the worst in people.  Someone shows up late a few days to the office…he must be slacking off.  Co-worker snaps back at you during a stressful meeting…she must not have any self-control.

Also, she might need some gum (Photo by Evil Erin)

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Have You Used Your Network Recently?

Posted by Deborah Fike at 10:06 pm

It’s worth asking: when’s the last time you actively used your network?  And I don’t mean to just get what you want – to get a job, to make a deal, or to ask for an introduction.  I’m talking about really using your network to share or connect with people you know.  Someone get a job in your town?  Invite them out to dinner.  A friend lose a job?  Offer some resume and cover letter help.  Read an interesting professional article lately?  Share it with your old classmate who’s into that kind of thing.

You know, build the network.  (Photo by taylortotz101)

It always amazes me how people don’t use their network until they’re asking for something.  If you did this to your friends often enough, they won’t be your friends anymore.  No one wants someone who only shows up when they want something.  So work with your network and give back a little all the time.  You’ll get a much better return on your network when you really need the help if you’ve been taking care of it all along.

-Deborah Fike

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Tiny Tower and Task Management

Posted by Deborah at 9:34 pm

I’ve recently become addicted to an iPhone/iPad game called Tiny Tower.  In this quick-fix game, your goal is to manage a tower of residents and shops such that you can build and build upwards into a huge tower.  There’s no winning scenario – literally the sky’s the limit, as long as you keep stocking your stores, getting more residents, and hiring construction workers for the next floor.

If you look closely, you can see my weekend in there.  (Tiny Tower)

The strange thing about these task management games is that I’m willing to spend a ridiculous amount of time playing it.  Ordering supplies, assigning people to work, and waiting for customers to show up are generally not things people do for fun.  So why do we bother?

Because it’s rewarding.

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