5 Rules

Out of school for a little over a year, my learning certainly hasn’t stopped. Throughout my daily experiences in an office setting I’ve developed 5 rules that continue to help me stay sane, productive, and professional.

1.     Don’t promote stereotypes.

As a new addition to the work force, it is wise to be aware of the negative stereotypes associated with being a Millennial. However unfair or wrong it may be, it is human nature to compare and judge other people and I can guarantee you that you will also fall victim. Being young is associated with foolishness, mistakes, immaturity, and inattention. But, by knowing these assumptions, it is easier to proactively avoid them. For example, I have heard numerous people older than myself talk about how youth seem to be constantly glued to screens (computers, cell phones, tablets, etc.). One could counter this complaint by explaining how prevalent technology is becoming in our everyday lives and that knowledge spreads like wildfire through these means but most of the time you can’t even tell when someone is thinking that about you. Instead, I try to always shake a person’s hand and look them in the eye. I turn my phone on silent when I know I’m going to be conversing or spending time with someone. While in waiting rooms, I tend to get lost in my thoughts instead of my newsfeed. These are small changes that make big impressions.

2.     Be kind.

Burning bridges early in your career could lead to ripples of bad outcomes later in life. Unless time travel was finally invented by the time you read this, it is impossible to know what action or words may come back to haunt you. More importantly, networking is an essential skill that could lead to previously unheard of opportunities that you may miss out on. In every professional setting, the best idea is to act like you’re meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time. Be polite and on your best behavior. I doubt being kind has ever cost someone his or her job.

3.     Always take the high road.

This goes along very well with the “Be Kind” rule but I thought it was important to separate, mostly because it’s something I’ve run into and I did not come out on the favorable side. People can be very difficult to work with but that never means that doing things such as spreading rumors, talking back, or complaining about coworkers is ever an appropriate response. If a problem does arise, talk to a superior and do not try to handle it yourself.

4.     Remember that they are paying you.

The next time you find yourself with an urge to log on to Facebook at work, instead think about how much company time and money that would be wasting. Even if it’s just five minutes a day, that time adds up! If you spent 5 minutes on Facebook everyday at work, that would average out to about 22 hours a year. Your company thinks that your time is valuable; don’t forget to show them the same respect.

5.     Always ask questions.

No matter how long you’ve been on the job or what you think you’re supposed to know, always ask questions if you have them! When beginning a new position you may find out that tasks are done a very specific way. How are you supposed to know unless you ask? Unless you lied on your resume and aren't trained as you've portrayed, asking too many questions is never a bad thing. In multiple jobs, people have assumed that another coworker had taught me a certain task, or they didn’t know there was a different way to do it, or just forgot to tell me, or sometimes were testing me to see if I would ask for help when I didn’t know how to do something. It’s much better to be a little embarrassed asking for clarification than to do an entire assignment wrong.

Of course there are many more things to know while on the job but these are a great way to make a good impression and kick start your career. Define your professional self in the best possible way to ensure close connections, a great work ethic, and an ever-evolving professional course.

Love and coffee,
Christine

What NOT to discuss at work

7 topics to avoid at work at all costs and why.

1. Past Jobs

This is a very common trap to fall into. Saying things such as “This job is so much better than my last job because…” seems innocent enough. But at this point in your career, how well do you know your new job to assume it won’t be any of the things your last was? It also leads your new coworkers to wonder what you will say about your current job when you leave. No matter how bad a job is burning bridges is never a good thing to do.

On the flip side, if you start talking about how great your last job, it leads people to wonder why you are no longer employed there or if you’ll ever be happy in your current position. It’s best to avoid the topic altogether unless asked.

2. Politics

Everyone has different political views and work is not the place to discuss them. One simple statement can very easily be misconstrued. Saying something like “Obama sucks” could be interpreted as you are unpatriotic, uneducated, misinformed, naïve, immature, and a whole host of other judgments, all depending on that person’s beliefs. Remember, you have to see these people everyday. Tainting your relationship with them is not advisable.

3. Religion

Similar to politics, everyone has different views. Unlike in other situations, people can be avoided after heavy discussions about beliefs. However, at work, to maintain employment, you will have to see and work with these people. Remove phrases that take any religious figure’s name in vain from your vocabulary.

4. Stereotypes

The word "stereotype" means an oversimplified idea or image of a group of people. Instead of telling you why to avoid it, I’ll just list a few. I think you’ll get the picture.

• Men are messy. 
• Women are bad at sports. 
• Skinny people have eating disorders. 
• Blondes are unintelligent. 

One of my best friends joined a sorority when she went to college. She seemed so much happier and outgoing than how she was in high school. We got together one day and I started a sentence saying something along the lines of “I see that you joined a sorority! That looks-” and here she interrupted me with a frustrated groan. She started to explain that they don’t just party all the time and that they do some great volunteer work. I told her that I was just going to say that it looked like fun, that she seemed very happy, and that I’m excited that she found something she enjoyed so much. This is a perfect example of stereotypes and the negativity they can portray. 

5. Sailor Talk

Turn on your filter in the workplace. The new “f” word can be fiddlesticks. The new “s” word can be sugar. Using George Carlin’s seven dirty words could be seen as offensive or immature. Do everything you can to portray yourself in a positive light.

6. Money

When money gets brought up in the workplace, it reminds me of the ancient Egyptian caste system. People start ranking themselves based on how much they make. When this comes up, you have to remember that there are multiple ways salary is determined and that you are most likely not fully aware of them all. If you do believe, however, that something unfair is happening, set up a meeting with your boss. Do not be accusatory or angry, just seek information using phrases such as “I am really looking to reach the next step in my career; what can I do to get there?”

7. Coworkers

Remember the telephone game? One phrase is whispered from person to person in succession. When it reaches the last person, they say what they heard followed by the first person saying what the original message was. If you’ve ever played, you remember how the two phrases are usually barely related. Keep this in mind.

At some point during this, I’m sure most of you wondered what to do if someone brings up views that you don’t share. Usually, I go with the smile and nod technique. Remember, you aren’t at work to spend hours discussing these things. Smile, nod, and go back to work. If it’s something that is very offensive to you, however, sometimes it is worth saying something along the lines of “I would prefer that you not say things like that with me around.” Coworkers don’t have to be your best friends nor do they have to share any of your views. You do, however, always need to find a way to successfully work together.

Much luck,
Christine

Difficult Dwight #1

Friends,

If we have had any type of conversation within the last 2 years, it was probably at some point evident that I have watched far too many episodes of "The Office".  

For those of you that have better things to do with your time than binge on Netflix for hours, the above named is a comedy about the daily situations that arise in a mid-sized paper company. One of the main characters, Dwight Schrute, is the epitome of someone that you do not want to work with. He is an irritating, boastful, stubborn, and closed-minded man with no common sense or social skills that is constantly sucking up to the boss, Michael Scott. Essentially, a co-worker's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, I have worked with a few Dwights. 

Difficult Dwight stories are all true stories that have happened to me with things such as names and other incriminating details changed. However, none of these are about my current position. 

As an entry-level employee at any organization, you are at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy. You have the least experience and are the most easily removed. Because of this, if there is a Dwight in your office, doing anything about it is almost impossible. 

From what I understand, most professional environments have a mutual understanding of two topics to avoid in the workplace at all costs: politics and religion. Other than those two things, I think healthy discussion, especially about ways to be more productive and beneficial, are good things to talk about. What I did not expect, however, was to be immediately shot down and repeatedly kicked for my ideas. 

I was having a seemingly open-minded discussion with two coworkers, let's name them Polly and Jeffrey, regarding the way that the company hierarchy was set up. Being extremely familiar with this workplace and its history, I mentioned things that I believe were done better in previous years but had been lost during current times. Polly and Jeffrey did not agree. However, instead of simply stating their opinion, they took it personally. The next thing I knew, I was being attacked for my views. Jeffrey got angry, insulted me, and left after slamming the door behind him. Polly continued to yell at me. 

This is probably where you're thinking that I am being bias and I must have said something pretty awful to elicit this type of response. I didn't. Even if I had, their behavior has no place in an office. 

After a break, I was still extremely upset and unable to calm down. I felt like my physical presence was unwanted and I could see and hear coworkers talking about the spat as the rumors started to spread. I then did what I thought was best, and I sought out my immediate supervisor, Cory. I told Cory about the incident but still felt mortified and bashed, so I couldn't keep my emotions down and was crying. I told Cory that I felt extremely disrespected and that I didn't think there was a place for me in a company where I could be treated that way. Then Cory acted in a way that I hope to never, ever relive. 

Cory called Jeffrey over and instead of having us talk, he embraced him in a hug and stood with arms over each other's shoulders while lecturing me about not understanding Jeffrey's personality or sense of humor. My opinion on what happened was not asked. Needless to say, I did not stay at this position for much longer. 

This incident happened years ago and I still hear about my previous coworkers getting together for a beer after hours and bashing my opinions, my actions, and me in general. To you, Jeffrey, Cory, and Polly, I say this: thank you for teaching me about the working environment that I now avoid at all costs. Currently, I work in a place where my thoughts and opinions are not only listened to, but asked for. 

Even as an entry-level professional, never should a person have to feel so disrespected, demoralized, and disheartened. 

Coming soon: Difficult Dwight #2. 

Love,

Christine  

New Job Jitters

I am already into the 3^rd week of my new position and I love it! It’s challenging, rewarding, enjoyable, and so much more. What’s odd is that this is the second time that I came in after another employee didn’t work out. I feel this adds an extra amount of pressure to me. I can’t help but wonder if my performance is being judged on a different scale because of the negative previous employees and experiences.  It is, however, such a relief to finally feel like my skills are being put to good use.

I also just moved into my apartment (I had been living with my aunt and uncle, who I am forever grateful towards, until it was ready). It’s the first time I’ve lived alone and so far I have mixed feelings. As an extrovert, it has been hard because I get extremely lonely. However, I also love it. It’s nice to do what I want to do when I want to do it without having to worry about anyone else. Through no fault of anyone except myself, I always worry if other people are having a good time or in a good mood or just in general how they are. It’s relaxing to have myself to focus on.

I feel like I have a unique opportunity to step back and evaluate where I am in my life. What makes me happy? What doesn’t? Who does and doesn’t? How can I improve myself? Where do I want to go in life? Etc. It’s been very daunting but very eye opening, and this is only my 3^rd night sleeping in an empty place. I do, however, miss my parents (and cats) very much. It’s weird to speak so little throughout the day.

The loneliness comes and goes but I’m hoping it will get better as I get more involved with things (and after I get internet…J). I’m hoping some friends will start emerging so I don’t turn into a hermit. Not that hermits are bad, I’ve just learned that I am overall happier with more human interaction.

I am very excited to get more involved! Please reach out. I would genuinely love to hear from you.

Much love,

Christine

Success!

To my friends, family, coffee date attendees, committed readers, and other interested parties,
I did it! I finally impressed a company enough to convince them to give me a chance. As anyone who keeps up with me at all knows, it was not easy. I've compiled a few things here that I believe made a difference. I do not claim to be an expert in job hunting but I do think that I have learned a few things.

1. Work hard. As much as I don't want to admit it, there were times that I was half-assing it. Here is where I can give you a myriad of excuses about how I didn't have time because I was working full time and living at home and trying to adjust and blah blah blah. The truth is I did the things I did to maintain my sanity but I do admit that I could have put more effort in. Just accept that it's going to be a lot of work.
2. You're an adult. Act like it. Stop partying all the time. Stop posting drunk pictures. Stop sitting on the internet all day and night. Stop throwing temper tantrums when you don't get what you want. Stop the kufuffin. Stop complaining. Stop thriving on drama. Get your face off of your phone and make eye contact. Employers will look at your resume and know you're young. Do not give them any reason to use that as an excuse to not hire you.
3. No one is worth giving up the things you want. People are selfish. Everyday, this is again proven to me. The people who understand that you have other priorities in your life are the ones who are also going to be successful. Do not let drama and other peoples' problems keep you from what you need to do. This was one of my fatal character flaws as I tend to always put other people before myself. You need to care about and for yourself. That being said, there is a difference between doing what you need to do and being selfish. However, it can be a fine line.
4. Ask for help. This was also a huge problem for me. I wanted to succeed all my own and not need anyone's help. As I'm sure you've had heard over and over, jobs nowadays are not always found by want ads. Some of the most promising and fulfilling positions are found by networking. Look for groups to join, people to meet, places to me. I joined PRSA and always followed up with people I talked to. I've met some of the coolest people I now know through looking through LinkedIn and making connections with people that are successful in doing what I want to do. For the most part, people love helping and will be very flattered that you thought of them. Make sure you always stay genuine and thank them profusely, however.
5. Never close your eyes. There are opportunities to better yourself everywhere. Do not put your life on hold while job searching. Continue to do things you love. There were too many times when people asked me what I was up to and my answer was "job searching." That's not really a response employers want to hear. 

I feel like a sentence to sum all of this up would go something like: Be a mature and passionate extrovert. Put yourself out there. You may not land the dream job but that doesn't mean it has to be horrible. Look at it as a stepping stone at the very least. But keep improving yourself. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me. I love talking to people! It's a very growing experience on all ends. Also, as I stated before, I am no job hunting expert. I've done a lot though and have accumulated some good information in my head. For example, there are a few things I did that I noticed starting seeing more results such as attaching a summary of a successful PR campaign with my resume. There are some things that I wanted to try but never did because I wasn't quite sure of the legitimacy or how it would be portrayed. For example, writing all of the words you can think of that pertain to your job search in white on your resume. This stems from the fact that resumes are now screened through computer programs because companies see so many of them. The ones that actually reach a person are the ones that had word matches with what the position was advertising for. But anyway!

Gros Bisous, 

Christine