How Not to Get a Raise

My boss emailed me earlier this week requesting some form of pain reliever.  January is a crazy busy month at work and she sensed an impending headache.  Like any brown-nosing loyal employee, I rushed to her side with medication in hand.  She returned the bottle a little later and inquired with a look of mortification concern, “Allison, is that [...]

A Little (Email) Help From My Friends

I may not see my former co-workers every day anymore, but I find it very comforting that in a crisis, they’re just an email away…
To: Chrissy, Shannon & Jenny
Subject: I need you guys…
Message: …to tell me if I look like the Great Pumpkin today.  I’m wearing an orange and black plaid skirt.  I hope I [...]

NYC, Here I Come

When my boss mentioned sending me to a training in NYC next month, my first thought was, “OMG, she secretly nominated me for What Not to Wear.”  My second thought was, “Yippeeeeee!”  Incidentally, if anybody feels inspired/compelled to nominate me for What Not to Wear, I promise that I will not be offended.  NYC shopping [...]

If Pooty Pootwell Took Pilates

I have an exercise comfort zone, and this week I walked right out of it.  In an effort to increase my strength and flexibility, and to get to know my new co-workers better, I took my first (lunch hour) Pilates class.  I did all of the important research before the first day of class– i.e., [...]

The Horror of ID Badges

I barely slept a wink last Sunday night.  Was I worried about learning new software, meeting new people, or locating the restrooms at the new job?  Sure, but only a little.  My main worry was the prospect of having my face immortalized on an i.d. badge.  What’s the big deal, you might ask.  The big [...]

Things I’m Going to Miss

My officemate, Chrissy.  And her son’s artwork on the walls.

Group outings to a favorite Mexican restaurant with my wonderful co-workers.

My desk and the snack machine.  
    
What I won’t miss: The 70’s flooring and counter in the bathroom.  Ick.

I start my new job on Monday.  I’m excited, but a little sad too.  I hope I’ll still [...]

Thou Shalt Not Steal (Unless You’re an Employee)

Hypothetically speaking, if asked, “Have you ever taken company supplies for personal use?” in a job interview, how would you answer?
If I am correct in assuming that everybody has done this in at least some form (e.g., photocopied something personal at work, sent a personal fax on the company machine, written a grocery list on a company notebook), then I [...]

Choose Your Table Wisely

Have you ever found yourself in (or next to) a conversation to which you have absolutely nothing to contribute?  That’s where I was today.  Actually, I was in the middle of two such conversations.  I attended a lunch/training session today and ended up seated at a table with 6 other women.  On my right, 3 women discussed every possible [...]