Category Archives: Working For Others

Handling nepotism issues intelligently

Nepotism, the favoring of a relative over other employees, can operate at any level in a company. High level nepotism may be so ingrained in the DNA of a company that it cannot be eradicated, but nepotism amongst mid and … Continue reading

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To Be or Not Be a Commodity – that is your choice

Being a commodity can be very rewarding under the right circumstances. If you are a commodity that commands high wages, you show up, do your job and rake in the money.

Some past examples of this type of commodity were design engineers, system analysts, database administrators, and MBAs from recognized universities.

I was a commodity for the first eleven years of my working life and never knew it. As a computer design engineer I was always getting job offers at higher salaries and as a result, I changed jobs every two and a half years. The fact that I was difficult to manage and didn’t understand office politics made little difference during those golden years. I was a scarce commodity at the time and benefitted greatly from being in that category.

I didn’t realize there was a downside…

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Having trouble staying focused at work?

If your boss is avoiding you and you are wondering whether you should be looking for a job elsewhere, take a look at the conversations developing at the Danger Quicksand Career Forum. If none of the threads describe your particular … Continue reading

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Facing Layoffs at 50 -part 2

If you are a hard working and conscientious employee, you are not being laid off because of your performance. Your company has decided to lighten ship and you will be chosen because your manager could not justify keeping you.

You may be able to find another berth in the company if you act fast, but generally all personnel requisitions will have been frozen some time ago.

If you have been networking (hint! hint!) you will probably have some idea what groups in the company are going to be hiring after the layoff is complete and will have a slight chance to interview for the position with the added bonus of being able to come up to speed quickly in the new position.

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