Worker Bee's Book Club - Freakanomics

I have recently gotten back into checking books out of the library - not only because I live across the street from the public library but also there is no need to buy a book unless I am really drawn to the book or am collecting a particular genre. In trying to stay sharp and well read I checked out the book "Freakanomics - A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner at the suggestion of a friend and the obsessive urging of the librarian, when I asked her if she could help me find it. She said "it was a must read - all while a hard read" - and boy was she right!

Being that I barely passed my economics class when I was in grad school, this would certainly be a freakish topic for me to consider reading leisurely. Admittedly, I've had this book checked out since November 2008 and have already paid late fees twice, I am in my final check out according to the library check out lady, as I checked it out for the third time. I was like yeah yeah yeah - just scan the book lady! Oh and can you believe I owe a third round of late fees right now as we speak. Some recession proof activity I've succumbed to - I could have bought the book by now!

Anyway - I just finished and yes today is March 20th but it really a was a hard read. However, in the process of reading it, I found that the concept of the book was aligned with my "what if", question way of thinking. Technically, if you ask me this should be called "The Book of Questions" with chapter titles like "What do Schoolteachers and Sumo wrestlers have in common?" and "What makes a perfect parent" this critically acclaimed book forces you to question your opinions, perceptions and thought processes.

Although after five months and five chapters I finally made it to the sixth chapter (this book is structured more like a book of case studies so it was light on chapters and heavy on text) which happened to be my favorite "Perfect Parenting, Part II; or Would a Roshanda by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?" Chapter six explored the importance of choosing a name for your offspring by comparing and contrasting the trends among name choices of those from both African-American and Caucasian descent. I've always been interested in what brings parents to their final name selection for their child whether the name was chosen at seven months along in the pregnancy or seven hours after delivery. The authors brought up great points that revolved around the futures parents may or may not create for their child when they give them creative names or traditional names. Names that will cause a future employer to throw their resume to the side or to eagerly contact them for an interview regardless of their credentials or experience. Obviously the chapter morphs into a deeper discussion of ethnic names versus non-ethnic names and higher income names versus lower income names and lastly lower educated names versus higher educated names.

The entire book just takes you in a dizzying circle of what if this, what if that, if all factors are constant its possible results yield this and studies concur and show that. But as confusing as that last sentence was, I can appreciate the fact that the authors do admit in their epilogue that this book just raises lots of questions with no unifying theme, at the same time setting out to challenge the reader to "think sensibly about how people behave in the real world." Mission Accomplished!

Everyday I'm Hustlin'...

When I was growing up I used to think you go to college, get your degree and get that one great job that will be the start of your career that you'd work at for years to come and then retire. That was it - your one skill set, industry and so on. But what a distorted thought I had.

Once I got settled into my career path and began to get out and network with other professionals I started to encounter not one but two business cards at our departure, often times hearing "I work in Finance by day and I am an interior designer on the side" or "I am an Account Manager and I teach English at a junior college". On the side! What are you talking about, when do you have time, could I do that and many other questions crossed my mind. I then realized that we can indeed do any job or as many jobs as we good and well pleased. I mean, when I was in college I can remember holding down 2 or three jobs at a time - but that was things like working in a deli at the supermarket, tutoring football players or telemarketing, all part-time. But these were adults - trained professionals in some skill or trade or many in fact.

I began to question my thinking all along. I realized that my view of holding down multiple jobs or "hustlin'" meant you needed to earn more money to supplement your main income versus the fact that one has many talents and passions that don't have to be given up just because you've secured a full time job! So, of course I got to thinking - I have things I love to do that I am good at, if I say so myself, and there is nothing wrong with earning extra money!


According to merriam-webster dictionary online search, hustle means "to make strenuous efforts to obtain - especially money or business" (as applicable to this entry). If working forty plus hours a week and then putting in another 20-30 hours into your own side gig isn't strenuous efforts - I don't know what is. People are expanding their work scope to include additional passions and added income potential. Often times your career although you like it - does not satisfy all of your interest. I once read that if you have a hobby or interest something that you enjoy doing, why not make money doing it. Whether it be card making, a cleaning business that is done on the weekends, real estate sales, or investments, freelance writers, web developers, secret shoppers, personal shoppers, teachers and professors, event planning, making jewelry or selling Avon or MaryKay, etc. I would imagine if you are good at it - go for it!

Staying busy will keep you sharp and keep you from becoming stagnant or status quo. Keeping busy with meaningful and enjoyable work and tasks also increases a happier disposition. All while remaining financially sound, increasing your wealth, and preparing for the future.

So I say - get your "Hustle" on! Wish me luck on my state real estate exam!

Courses they should have offered in college! ~ Just a thought...

Often times I think about the skills I learned in school and how I am utilizing them to do my job everyday. All the case studies, group work, term papers and that very long, yet very informative thesis I wrote for my masters degree and think I missed out on a couple of valuable lessons that would help me right about now!

I'm sure that many of you could think of classes or subjects that should have been offered to you in preparation for the "real world". Take a look at my top 3 classes that I think should have been offered in undergrad or graduate school and their descriptions.

1 - How to successfully hone your "Acting" skills for the workplace
Introduces to corporate practitioners to the theatrics needed to achieve the highest level of "fake". Lecture, discussion and performance.

2 - Brown-nosing / Kissing up 101
Defining what a "brown-noser and/or kiss up" actually is. The introduction of types and tactics and fundamental concepts needed for application.

3 - Strategies to remain sane in an ever changing office environment
The integration of concepts, theories and framework that will explain in detail the "how to" in keeping your sanity, moral character and ethics when thrust into an office environment where you will encounter multiple personalities and difficult situations.

Week - in - Review...

Hope everyone had a good week last week!

Monday - Feb 23

A coworker came into work sick today. I made sure I steered clear of them all day! Don't you hate when people come into work sickly. I mean I love my perfect attendance record so if I happen to feel slightly under the weather with a minor cold or sinus headache, I generally medicate myself prior to coming into work. I make sure to quarantine myself at my desk with all my tools - tissue, cough drops and medicine. However, I totally draw the line when someone comes into work with some sort of stomach virus, or stomach flu (I have a severe phobia of vomit) stay at home!! When I am sick, I mentioned that I stay put, but I have encountered those who wonder around the office like a social butterfly fly at a cocktail party spreading their germs like Johnny Appleseed. I just remembered that I need to take a can of Lysol to my desk!


Tuesday - Feb 24

Today I went into work a little late, as I had to take my cat to the vet. I found that he had a urinary tract infection. He's fine, no need to worry. But it made me think of the luxuries that parents have in the workplace. I recently read an article on msn.com that questioned the treatment of childless employees. As a childless worker I am expected to stay at work late, and take very limited personal time. I have no school functions to attend, there is no late fee to try to avoid because I am late picking up the little one from day care, can't stay home for little Billy who has an ear infection, and can't come in late because little Tiffany missed the school bus and I had to take her to school. I often joke with my childless friends, "we gotta get some kids!"

Wednesday - Feb 25

In order to remain sane among my hectic work schedule and rat race lifestyle, I try to get involved in community service efforts, read books (I am reading "Freakonomics" by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, stay tuned for my review and discussion), and meet up with friends. Hey are we living to work, or working to live?? Anyway, I went to a meeting to discuss my next community activity and also vowed to myself in front of my enabling coworkers to end all viewing of reality tv. Its taking over my life! How are they enabling you ask - watercooler chatter anyone??? Who wants to be the one to say, "what show is that?"

Thursday - Feb 26

Business lunches - to eat or to talk...that is the question? I had a business lunch this day and I tell ya - how hard is it to successfully eat and talk when you are at a meeting to accomplish an objective? Oh, the pressure - you have to make sure you order something that is not overly expensive (comparable to the buyer who is treating), also something that is not going to make you look foolish while eating and talking, etc. I always end up taking small bites in between conversation and having to get a carry out box and finishing my lunch back at the office. I know that there some business eating etiquette guidelines, wonder what they are technically - I am definitely gonna have to look that up!

Friday - Feb 27

As I ended my week, I had committed to finishing all the tasks on my to do list. I am a list writer - even with my access to streamlined computer programs like Microsoft Outlook - I still like to use the good old fashioned written list. I like to check my list, and check it twice and then actually check off that I completed all that was on it! This was a great way to end my week - having accomplished what I had set out to do! I didn't even lolly gag - as I am oh-so tempted to do on a Friday afternoon, but I stayed my course.

I'd have to say this was a good week! My fingers are crossed that I may have a repeat this upcoming week!