Vacate from Talking about your Vacations

Must I really start off this message by saying that, “Times are Hard?!” If a person hasn’t lost their job these days, more than likely their hours have been cut or their salaries have been furloughed. And if it is not your coworker, maybe it’s their spouse that hit economic troubles. You just don’t know these days. A loss of a job could equal out to a loss of healthcare. And who’s to say that your coworker that depended on their spouses’ healthcare can afford to pick up the slack. Yet-in-still, you want to talk about your previous or future vacation to every person in your sights.

Really though, must everybody hear about how many points you’ve saved up from your trips across country and the world abroad? Must we hear about the car service that picked you up from the hotel and drop you off on white sand beaches with violinist awaiting your arrival? What if I’m broke? What if I could barely afford to get back and forth to work? Yet you are blocking off the exit to my cube so I could hear about you learning how to belly dance.

I get it. I’m supposed to be happy for you. You went off on a 14-day cruise of the Mediterranean, and you just wanted to share your experiences. Cool, I get that. But it is when you are talking about your next trip, and how your husband travels all the time; so now a 7 day trip will only be charged for 2 of those days. Wow, won’t you open up your eyes. I lost a lot of weight huh… well maybe because I’m not eating as much, because I can’t afford to! You should think about whom you are talking to… when was the last time you saw this person take a vacation? Never, right? But you are going on and on about clear waters and tropical fish.

How about this… how about you go and sit your ass down somewhere before you get cursed out by your stressed out coworker. Stop being self consumed. What, you don’t believe that talking to a person that lives in an apartment, about the next house you’re about to buy, is wrong? And you wonder why nobody wants to spend their 60 minute lunch with you. Be considerate of others…

...Or Hardly Working Tip of the Day: Working with The Office Grouch

I think we've all run into this problem, as it's very common. There's always one to every office and unfortunately you may have to actually interact with this person more frequently than you'd like. In either case, I'm talking about the office grump --The "Oscar" of your cubicle block so to speak. How do you handle said party pooper whose always gushing negativity, telling you what he will or will not do, and complaining about every little thing? Below are two scenarios and a few tips to get you through your work day. Hope you find them helpful.

Mr. Grinch is late on an assignment and your boss tells you that you're responsible for collecting it:

1. Do Not Panic: Your first step is to send Mr. Meany an email as soon as you learn your mission. If he doesn't respond in a timely manner, unfortunately this means you will need to confront him. Don't be afraid. Grouches can sense fear and if he gets a whiff that you're even slightly nervous, you've lost the battle before you even pic up a weapon.

2. Approach with Moxy: Confidently approach the grump and firmly state your business.

3. Control the Convo: Before he can fix his tight lips to rebut, tell him your manager has put you in charge of this project and that you need his input as soon as possible. In fact give him a deadline. Tell him you really wish you could be more flexible, but your hands are tied.

4. Get In and Get Out: After you've told him your business and set the deadline, leave posthaste! You don't want to be around for the complaints that are bound to begin pouring out of the grump's mouth. More importantly, this doesn't give the grump a chance to hunt for any weak points in your stance.

You have to work closely with the mean girl on a new project:

1. Make like a duck: In this instance you've gotta develop a tough skin thick enough to let crap roll off of you like water off a duck's back.

2. Never respond in kind: If she's always packing attitude, not being cooperative and shooting down your ideas, just let it go. Never react and mirror her negative attitude. It doesn't help anything and may get you into trouble. Try being as diplomatic as possible. Remind her of the deadline, which may help get the ball rolling.

3. Ask to work with someone else, or on a different assignment: Hey, sometimes it's impossible to work with grouchy people. Pull your manager aside and tell him what the deal is. Make sure you have facts to back up the reason you want to switch partners, or else you'll be stuck.

4. Get to know the Grinch: That's right you read it! Maybe the Grinch is a nice guy deep down. Try to find out more about him. Does he have a family? Does he enjoy his job? What are his hobbies? You'd be surprised at what you'll find out if you take the time to learn about your co-worker!

Hope these tips start you on the path to a better relationship with the resident office Negative Nancy. And if all else fails, make sure to keep your resume updated and active on those nifty job search sites! (but that's no guarantee of escape either) If you have any tips leave them in the comment box. We'd love to hear them.

-the gurus










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It's 3:45pm on a Friday, LEAVE ME ALONE!

I understand, you don't want to go home for the weekend because you'll have to spend it with the family you've built. This is why you are calling just before I am out the door with 15 minutes to go, with a conversation that is bound to last for 45 minutes!

Look, I want to go home, and I will go home when the clock allows it. I could care less if your kids have Karate practice or your spouse is sick with the flu, and you don't want to deal with it. You will not keep me from leaving my office when I am allowed!

Why are you calling or stopping by this late on a Friday anyway?You know that people are getting ready to leave the office. Why didn't you finish your project this morning? Oh yea, you were yammering your mouth this morning and now you want to bother me. Hardly!!!

Here is what you should do... Stop procrastinating and get your work done early. Leave me alone. I know that I am on the clock, but you're breaking an unspoken rule, "When Friday's time is winding, don't come arriving!"