Behind closed doors: Bye Bye cubicle HEL-LO OFFICE!

After 4 years as a Benefits Administrator, I've gotten promoted into a HR Generalist role. I am very excited to learn my new job.  My hard work has definitely paid off.  I have created a very positive reputation among my colleagues and have also had several successes within the company.  So, along with my promotion, I have gone from a cubicle to office! Yes, more work, more travel and more intense projects will come my way, but I will be doing all of that gladly in the privacy of my office. Now, I've worked in cubicles in most of my jobs, so I was not a stranger to them, but it gets loud, I get nervous leaving things at my desk, like my ipod, I had nowhere to hang my coat in the winter and frankly, I had to always be on the lookout and ready to protect my computer screen as at any minute someone would be sashaying around the corner and my computer screen with non-work related images (oh! not that - I mean shopping or celeb blogs) would be viewed. 

As happy as I am about my upgrade (you have to walk into my office and then stand directly behind me to see what is on my screen, also my ipod and docking station is now safe because of my ability to lock my door when I leave and no one has to hear me cuss out Comcast about my high bill nor do I have to hear my neighbor cuss out their significant other), I do want to be the first to tell you that an office isn't a sign of making it or an indicator of great skill. Your talent is still king, whether you are sitting at a receptionist desk, a cubicle or working out of your car. Not all professions require an office and not all companies accommodate their employees with them.  My mother has been on her job for 33 years, has had an office for 30 of them but recently the culture has changed and she is now packing up her office to go to a cubicle. If you don't have an office at work and you really just want one, create a space at your home.

Working in Human Resources confidentiality and privacy is extremely important.  Having an office allows you to speak with employees related to performance issues, advancement opportunities or the dreadful reduction in workforce conversation.  So really, me having an office benefits the employees I service throughout the company! 

Either way, I am pleased with my career progression and ready to start decorating my new space.  Should I call HGTV???  Hey, TV show idea, right...

All better!

I am in my final days of antibiotics for the ear infection I had nearly two weeks ago!  I tell ya, when it rains it pours.  I am quite the healthy 30 year old, but that ear infection and a short bout with pink eye (yes, pink eye) that I suffered from simultaneously almost took me out!

What was funny to me, was when I spoke to two of my best friends this past Sunday on our ever informative 3-way call, after mentioning my sickly condition, and how I still was able to orientate a new employee, move into my new office, continue to work two roles and attend my own surprise promotion party, one said, "wait, you still went to work?"  And I replied with no hesitation, "yeah!".  "Why????", my inquisitive PhD'd friend shrieked....because I am a hard worker, I responded.  But long after I hung up, I thought to myself again, "why did I go to work, despite my feeling completely under the weather, unable to hear out of my left ear and squinting my red hued right eye!  Yeah, I looked and felt very crazy! 

Was it because I was worried about my reputation around the office?  Well, not really; because my only sick day in four years was when I sprang my foot, but I was back to work the next day.  So, that's not it. 

Am I trying to save my so called - "call off" day for something good.  No, can't say that is it either.  I plan my vacation time very wisely always have enough days to accommodate the activities I plan for myself.

Do I have very irrational and unreasonable bosses - no, not at all.  While my old boss was "something else" she knew I put in waaaaay more than I get in my job and recognized that I had integrity, therefore she was okay when I had to come into work late because I had to take my sick cat to the vet.

So, what is it?  My conclusion is that my internal self drive propelled me to work each day, with a smile on my face ready to handle my business.  I realized that my actions are simply not to impress, but a reflection of my own beliefs and while I believe that somebody is always watching.....the most important eyes are your own!

No invite for you...it's ok if you don't invite your boss or coworkers to your wedding - no, really

Well guys and gals - my attempt to blog everyday is quite the task and I am not succeeding here.  I am just coming off of a busy weekend (last) both mentally and physically.  Then I did the unthinkable earlier this week and washed my hair and went to bed with it damp so I had to battle what you might call a head cold - I guess. 

Anyway -  last Saturday I attended and worked as a host at my friend's wedding. which was soooo pretty and such a warm heartfelt event.  I still feel very warm inside just thinking about it!  Being a host was more than I thought - a friend of mine did warn me, but I thought how hard could it be....hello sir, this way; good day madam - your seat would be that way.....Uhhhh no - certainly more than that - but all incredibly worth it! 

Moving on - with the bride being both my friend and coworker, I got to thinking is it customary to invite your boss and your colleagues who work in your department to your wedding?  I mean.....I personally wouldn't feel obligated to invite anyone from my job unless I forged a personal relationship or bond with the person or persons and I wanted them there.  Now, of course I was there, and then there were three people who were ex-coworkers from our job, but clearly that makes them friends now, because we no longer work with them.  However, we work in a department of 16 and my friend was advised to not "not invite" a couple of key work personalities, but just as I would have done - she decided to go with those who she is most close with and that only included me and 1 other person (not the boss).  I applauded her for not getting sucked into the office politics.  I mean, where does it end and who made those rules?  What if you were keeping your wedding small and quaint due to being on a strict budget and only wanted close friends and family?  On the other hand even if you were going all out, why should you have to share your special day with a coworker or boss you are only associated with because you work with them? 

Not that I am close to getting married anytime soon - but when I do - my invites to my wedding will include only those close to me and those whom I want there with me to share in a very important and memorable day of my life, not reluctant invitations to work people just to be politically correct (that goes for my hubby to be too!).  Is that politically incorrect???  Maybe to some (like the person who advised my friend to invite her boss) but lots of wedding sites, like www.theknot.com, www.wednet.com and www.savvysugar.com agree with me!

 

Summer is here!

Happy Memorial Day folks! 

While I know that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance those who died while in military service, which I totally respect and appreciate.  At the same time Memorial Day is also a symbol of the start of summer!!!

So, with summer starting I wanted to share with you 5 tips to a great summer!

1. Vacation Time Off Requests - Make sure you put in your vacation time off requests to your supervisor or manager in a timely fashion, to ensure you can take that wonderful vacation to Disney World, the Bahamas or wherever else your heart desires.  Managers have a very hard task in scheduling time off requests, making sure coverage is available and all staff is not granted time off at the same time.  Avert your crisis of having purchased your plane tickets and having to cancel or postpone your trip by verbally requesting time off and following up with a written request.  If your job does not have a timekeeping system for requests or a time off request form (I can't imagine that they wouldn't) send an email or make your own written request, submit to your manager for approval, and once approved - have fun!
2. Summer Dress Code - My company has a summer dress code policy as with the temperatures rising, wearing suits and button ups can make one very uncomfortable.  The first week of June we usually receive a memo mapping out the do's and don'ts of summer attire.  So, my advice to you is to basically "follow the rules"!  You don't want to go overboard with your board shorts and flip flops and lose out on this option for good.  My company's dress code includes capri pants and sandals for women and khakis and polo shirts for men.  If your company's policy gives you more wiggle room, make sure it is still professional, clean and wrinkle free.  Ladies wearing sandals?  Pedicures are a must!
3. Summer Work Hours - While my company does not have summer work hours, the place I worked before did.  It was soooo great, let me tell you.  7am to 3pm, 10am to 6pm and anything else in between.  Summer hours allows you the flexibility to enjoy the sun, plain and simple.  While I don't have summer hours where I work now, again, my advice to you who do, do not take advantage! 
4. Company Picnic Etiquette - Companies like to show their appreciation to their employees normally on an annual basis.  This could be during the Holidays or in the summer, so company picnics and cookouts are pretty common!  Remember you are still at work, this is not your family's backyard boogie, so remain on your best behavior.  If the food provided is not your typical cookout food, grab something you like and keep it moving, this was a kind gesture on behalf of the management, its not your wedding or birthday party so you were not the basis for the choices.  Most times, your CEO and other company executives will partake in the festivities to show their support and prove they are not above their employees, so you never know who will be in front or behind you in the buffet line.  Last year at my company cookout, the CEO brought his hamburger and chips to my table and we had a great conversation  about our summer plans!
5. Summer Work Standards - Lastly, keep your work standards up and continue to work at the same level (hopefully, your best work :o)) you have during the other part of the year, just because the sun is out, don't let the humidity cloud your brain and get you too laxed.  The summer is only 3 months - I am sure you want your job once September hits!

Here's to a great summer!!!

I believe I will see it!

Nine times out of ten, I am a "Believe it when I see it" kind of gal, but I can't hold my excitement any longer.  We have hired my replacement and I will be moving to my new job and office (hello door!) in three weeks! 

Yes, all pending a negative drug test, fraud free background check and minus any second thoughts the candidate may have resulting in her rescinding her acceptance of the job offer.  Dun DUN DUNNNNN!!!  

But I am staying optimistic, that all goes well and I can successfully pick up my new cactus (yes, a cactus) for my desk from Lowe's in the next couple weeks.

Fingers Crossed!!!!