Saturday, January 8, 2011

Interru--"Are you busy?"--ptions at Work

A few days ago at work, I realized I had been interrupted nearly 40 times an hour (or so it seemed) by my coworker's rhetorical questions. "Should I package this job for delivery when I am done with it?" I never noticed the constant interruptions until I watched a video from TED titled, "Why Work Doesn't Happen at Work". See what you think about his views on this!

While it doesn't apply to my industry (print production), it could easily apply to many others. I thought it was worth a post. I only wish I could have that dreamworld of a workplace!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Resolutions Schmezolutions

Let's stay trendy and talk New Year's resolutions. Over the holiday break I finally broke down and bought two things that I had been wanting for so long. The first, and ultimately the best investment I have made in a few years, is my new iPod Touch. Amazing.

The second most important investment that I made over the break was in a little book by Kelly Cutrone titled, "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside". Love it. This book was approximately $26 at my local bookstore. For those of you who know me, you already know I would not pay that. However, on my new iPod, I have an app called iBooks. The digital version of the book was only $9.99--yes, please!

Her book was amazing. It inspired me. She's all about finding your inner purpose. That's what I have been trying to accomplish the past five years, to no avail. I've tried a few different things and keep scratching them off my list. I'm ready to find something that works for me and my lifestyle. New year, new ambitions.

I'm not really sure what I need to try next. I know I have about six months left here in Austin for sure, so I'm thinking big. I'm thankful for my job, but I guess I am selfish for not being satisfied completely with it. Do you know what I mean by "satisfied"? I want to delve into something and be truly good at it, but I also want to feel inspired and learn more. If you lose your interest, are you done learning, or just bored?

Am I crazy to be 23 and want to actually enjoy work? I mean truly enjoy it. I feel like I know my job pretty well, and I feel great when I help people every day, but I like ladders. I like goals and seeing what is the next step. How can I push myself even further?

That's what 2011 will be about for me. I'm kind of excited to be looking for more things to scratch off of my list. I should probably start running and start eating more fruits and vegetables, too. But let's not get too crazy.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Wanted: Amazing Job

I've been staring at wanted ads for months, always keeping one eye out for an amazing job. It's funny to me that you never see the other spectrum of the job hunting process: a description of what the job seeker desires. This is what my ad would look like.

Journalism graduate seeking full-time position that requires critical thinking skills, creativity and strict attention to detail. A strong work ethic and dedication are two of my most important qualities. The position must include utilizing my writing, organizational and communication abilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
B.A. in Mass Communication, with an emphasis in Print Journalism from SHSU

SKILLS:
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional organizational skills
- Expert multi-tasker
- 2+ years of managerial/supervisory experience
- Ability to handle customer service issues as they arise
- Knowledge of Adobe CS4, Microsoft Office, and iWork

DESIRED RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop story ideas and generate content as needed by the employer
- Utilize organizational skills to improve communication and effectiveness of overall tasks
- Heavy interaction with many people on a daily basis
- Handle customer service issues as they arise with a friendly demeanor
- Write for hours on end, with attention to AP Style

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Former Associate Editor for Your Austin Home & Lifestyle Magazine
- Former Entertainment/Copy Editor for The Houstonian
- Currently working in production field

If you feel like I would be a great match for a position, please send me a cover letter highlighting your accomplishments and a fact sheet about your company. Please include your salary history for this position and three recommendations from current employees.