» The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is $12.00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the $100,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         $10 Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than $50 for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the $50 limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 The Real Cost of Black Friday: Retail Employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:00:17 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11705 Another Black Friday has come and gone with a lot of fanfare from the media. Of course there were plenty o' deals mixed in with long lines, pepper spray, and fighting amongst one another for waffle irons and Madea Goes to Jail DVDs at Wal-mart. But the real story isn't the sales during Black Friday, but the employees in retail who must work during the holiday in order to ensure that the big box stores truly go in the black during this time of year. While we are busy enjoying the pomp and circumstance of Black Friday, some (including myself) forget that people have to work instead of enjoying their Thanksgiving. This year while looking over the Black Friday sales, I tweeted about how excited I was to be getting some good deals. A follower on Twitter (who wished not to be named) told me she was disappointed because I was participating in Black Friday. "Stores love to be greedy and don't think about anything else but the bottom line....so I will be spending my Thanksgiving evening working  because my store is open. I was threatened when I asked for the night off." Per a comment on another blog post I wrote about Macy's being open at midnight on Black Friday:
No. They’re forcing employees to go through 9-14 hours of thanksgiving and then work 10 more hours until 9am the next morning. This crap should not be supported.
It's true. The real cost of Black Friday is retail employees, many of whom didn't opt in to work on Thanksgiving. And now that  stores including Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy are open at 12 midnight (or earlier), they can barely get in some turkey and trimming before they have to head out and work until later the next day. One of my Thanksgiving guests had to leave my dinner in order to prepare to work at a large department store at the mall at midnight. And no, they don't get time and a half because Friday is not a holiday. The HR side of me understands business and the need to be able to compete in the marketplace. I also understand the need to have employees to take care of those coming into the store to shop. But the consumer side of me wonders if its worth the cost. It's one thing to have employees volunteer to work on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It's another one to make it mandatory. So what are your thoughts on Black Friday and opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/28/the-real-cost-of-black-friday-retail-employees/feed/ 4 Black Friday Line Madness http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but that figure can be reassessed and changed to your benefit. Always negotiate your salary and don't always accept the monetary figure that is first thrown out. Most of the time, it's a low-ball figure and is intended for you to accept without question(s). 8. Sometimes we are wrong Human Resources is not a science, and there are times that we may be wrong about an issue. I was always the type of HR manager that would rather say that I didn't know, but I would find out rather than make up an answer, especially regarding the sensitive topics which involve privacy and confidentiality. There are instances when we may be wrong---we can admit it! There's nothing pretty in the life of an HR manager, but it's a necessary position. I hope these 8 things will help you when dealing with your own Human Resources department.  ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/feed/ 14 » The Water Cooler http://www.thecubiclechick.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Check Out Think Positive! Magazine: Positive Media on a New Level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:08 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12648 As a Black professional for many years, I have felt a void of positive and enlightening publications geared towards this important group. Magazines like Black Enterprise have been mainstays in this segment population but focuses more on business than on lifestyle and personal goals.Think Positive! Magazine is changing that by offering positive perspectives and newsworthy information for young, urban professionals. Founded by Miracle Media, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Think Positive! Magazine is a quarterly publication that will inspire, enlighten, and help share news and information in a positive light. It's not your average publication, in that its focus is on positivity in a negative world. According to Telie Woods, co-founder and marketing manager:
“There are many magazines that contend to reach our demographic, but this publication is truly more than a magazine. The name says it all. Think Positive is a call to action. It is a lifestyle. Daily our readers seek to improve their health, finances, education, career, family, spirit and community. Every interview, column, feature and photograph within this magazine speaks to those desires and helps society live a more productive way of life. For far too long the urban community has been stifled economically, broken spiritually and force-fed negative images in the media.”
Think Positive! Magazine is currently available via annual subscription on it's official website, ThinkPositiveMag.com. A year subscription is .00. Digital subscriptions to the publication will be offered soon. In a world full of negativity and bad news, it's good to know there is publication focused on the opposite. Popular African American Political Pundit, Jeff Johnson, agrees. “I’m excited about the birth of such a relevant and provocative source of information that targets a demographic that is often ignored. Think Positive speaks prophetically to the desire of our communities to elevate our thinking; and then provides the content to do so.” For more information about Think Positive! Magazine, click HERE! And tell them I sent'cha!]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/27/check-out-think-positive-magazine-positive-media-on-a-new-level/feed/ 0 Goal Setting with Guidance: My Story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:33 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12564 One of my biggest faults has been that I didn't like to ask for help. I have always been a person who wanted to say that she did whatever she needed on her own. Being prideful and self determined to achieve all of my goals has been something I have done ever since I could remember. But as I have grown older, I learned to seek assistance from those who could offer me help when I needed it. And in doing so, it has given me the courage to then lend a hand to others. Goal setting with guidance has improved my life by leaps and bounds. After I entered college for the second time to earn my Communications degree, I was really scared of failing. Not grade wise, but failing as in not taking the opportunity that had been given to be by appreciating and taking advantage of a good education. I was paired with a women whom I worked with, who acted as my mentor and met with me weekly to make sure I stayed on task and on target. She also was an alumni of the college I was attending and knew a lot of the faculty and staff---through her, I had a bird's eye view on what the professors and instructors where looking for, and I was able to take that information and apply it to my work. My mentor didn't just help me with my collegiate education, but she also championed me at work as well. At the time, I was a HR Generalist and still wet behind the ears when it came to managing staff. She helped me gain confidence which I needed in order to excel, and it was essential to my performance. With my mentor, I achieved things that I never thought I would, and instead of being afraid to ask for help, I attacked her with questions and inquiries whenever I could. She allowed me to pick her brain and never turned me away. She taught me how to set realistic goals and take small steps if I needed to achieve them. It was with her tutelage that I was able to spread my wings and fly without being afraid. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance when you need it. It's not a flaw or a hindrance, or something you should be ashamed of. You should be proud for knowing when you need to ask for help, while taking that help to reach your ultimate goals. When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H&R Block. Filing your taxes with H&R Block just became an event worth sharing. Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the 0,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. H&R Block® –100,000 Refund Giveaway starts 1/17/12 at 12:00 P.M. (midnight) ET and ends 4/17/12 at 11:59:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, to learn how to obtain a free means of entry without purchase, to learn how to play the instant win game and enter the sweepstakes, drawings, prize details, odds of winning, restrictions, etc. click here [www.hrbathomegiveaway.com]. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years or older at time of entry. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: HRB Digital LLC, One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105. Disclosure: Compensation was provided by H&R Block® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of H&R Block® ]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2012/01/19/goal-setting-with-guidance-my-story/feed/ 2 Working Cubes: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:00:09 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=12090 Ringing in a new year means new resolutions, new goals, and a new agenda. Many of us often make New Year's Resolutions focused around our weight and breaking bad habits. But for those readers who work a 9 to 5 in an office, you may want to make some resolutions that focus on your career and work life in the office. Working on your career goals are just as important as anything else you may want to resolve to do, and the New Year is a great time to start making changes and improvements in your work life. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that you can make for your career:
  • Get work done at work: If you are working a lot of hours of overtime and spending hours away from the office knee-deep in work, then you may be working harder, not smarter. Resolve to change this by delegating when you can and prioritize your workload so that you get the most important of your work done while at work. I wrote a blog post on how to do this HERE.
  • Difference between a job and a career: Are you truly working in your chosen field? Are you doing something that fulfills you? If not, then it's not to late to make a change. If you aren't making a living doing what you are passionate about, then it's time to switch to something that does. Look into going back to school, or taking courses in the field you long to be in. Know the difference between a job and a career, and if you don't like your current job, change it! If you want to start your own business, do it!
  • Reach new heights: Many of us get stuck in a rut when we are working in our chosen profession or career. Change that by shaking things up a bit. Try for a new position in the company, or apply for a promotion. There is no reason why you cannot move up in the company if you want to, so resolve to take new heights this year!
  • Invest in 401 k or company savings plan: You would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of their company's 401k or savings plan. If you aren't currently enrolled, do so during the next enrollment period. If you are investing the minimum amount and have been for awhile, turn things up a little and contribute more if you can. This is a great investment for your future, and you will thank me later.
  • Tuition reimbursement, anyone?: When I was an HR manager previously, there were few employees that took us up on the company's tuition reimbursement program. Why not go back to school and get reimbursed for your education? It's like passing up free money, and the opportunity to get more education under your belt (thus being able to ask for a higher salary). Stop being lazy and go for the education you justly deserve!
When you are working for a living, things can become stagnant and status-quo. I hope these 5 New Year's Resolutions for your career help you and your professionally career path.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/31/working-cubes-5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-career/feed/ 3 Giveaway: Get to Know BeKnown & Win a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:57 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11954 LinkedIn has been known as the preeminent professional social network online. But there have been several start-ups that are hoping to also break into that genre, and if Monster.com has their way, they will be a major competitor in the professional social networking game. Monster.com has created their own professional network application on Facebook called BeKnown. According to the information I received:
BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page. One of the apps newest features, College Pages, even provides a way for alumni to network professionally on Facebook and view job postings from their fellow graduates! With BeKnown College Pages: Any jobs posted by alumni on BeKnown are added to the College/University profile page and Alumni with job opportunities can post jobs to students and recent alums for free Students can follow their school and build relationships/connections with alumni working at top companies & discover alumni  jobs In addition to College Pages, BeKnown also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, young professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company or job opportunity they are interested in.
With Facebook being the top social network, it was smart of Monster.com to launch BeKnown within Facebook as an application. So people can use the tool while being logged into Facebook. Genius! There is also a BeKnown mobile app for phones: Facebook app: http://apps.facebook.com/beknown Mobile apps: http://app.beknown.com/mobile/ (only accessible from your mobile phone) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beknown/id459774317 Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beknown.android Monster.com would like you to try BeKnown on Facebook or via their mobile app. They also want to help you snag the job of your dreams by giving away a BeKnown Interview Survival Kit to one lucky TheCubicleChick.com reader. The kit includes: ·         Limited Edition Beauty Kit by Benefit Cosmetics ·         Professional Business Card Holder ·         Starbucks gift card To enter to win the BeKnown Interview Survival Kit, you must do the following:
  • Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
  • Download the BeKnown app and/or mobile device
  • Comment and let me know why you would like to win the kit
That's it! One winner will be selected on December 30th, 2011 at random. This giveaway opportunity is open to U.S. residents only, void where prohibited. And to read my tips for a successful interview, click HERE. Good luck! And check out BeKnown! I, The Cubicle Chick, is offering this giveaway to my readers via BeKnown and Monster.com. This is not a sponsored or paid giveaway.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/16/giveaway-get-to-know-beknown-win-a-beknown-interview-survival-kit/feed/ 2 Apartment Hunting: 7 Items You Should Look Out For When Renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:28 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11861 Buying your own home is the American Dream, but many of us rent our homes. It could be that one is not ready to own a home and everything that comes with it. Or it could be that it is out of the budget for now. Whatever the reason, many Americans decide to rent a home, condo, or apartment for their living quarters. When you rent, there are a lot of things you should know, before you sign on the dotted line. These items are very important, and may make you think twice before putting your signature on that lease. Here are 7 items you should look out for when renting: You cannot break a lease Some people think that a lease is just a formality, but it is a legal and binding agreement and is enforceable by the courts. If you are planning to move before the end of the leasing term, there may be an early move out charge that you are required to pay (that is usually up to three times the amount of your monthly rent). In most instances, the only way you are allowed to legally break a lease is: deployment into the armed forces, being transferred more than 75 miles away from your home (a letter from your employer detailing this move is required), or death of you or other lessee on the lease with you. Anything else is not considered a legal reason to break a lease, including termination from a job.   Know what utilities you are responsible for Most leases state what utilities you are responsible to pay for. If not, it should be spelled out by your landlord. Have the utilities changed over in your name before your move-in date (you can have them turned on in your name on the day of your move), and make sure to record the transaction number of those orders to give to your landlord. If you don't have your utilities turned on in your name, your landlord could suspend service and you could be without water, electric, gas, etc.   Question before you sign If you have questions about your lease or what's in the lease, ask before you sign. As I mentioned earlier, a lease is a legal binding contract, so it is better to clarify the concerns you may have then to sign and think that they will work themselves out. Your landlord should also allow you to have an attorney preview the lease before you sign, at your cost of course. If there are any changes made to the contract that are different from the contract, spell out those differences and initial them since they have been added to the contract. Your landlord should also initial as well.   Know what can be changed in the interior/exterior of your home Just because you rent doesn't mean that you want a static or boring home. You may want to paint the walls or hang pictures or add your own screen door to your home. Whatever the case, you must check with your landlord first to see what changes are allowed and what aren't (they should also be spelled out in your lease). Your landlord may allow you to paint the interior walls in your home as long as you return them back to the color they were when you moved. Your landlord may also not allow you to use nails or studs when hanging pictures. Make sure you understand what is allowed before you make changes. Doing so may cause you not to get your security deposit back.   Pet rent or pet exclusions Some landlords or apartment communities allow pets, but only allow them under a certain size. They also may disapprove of certain pets or breeds (pit bulls being one of them). Your lease may also require you to pay an additional pet rent or pet fee if you have a pet. Know your lease and understand if pets are allowed as well as what types are allowed.   Association fees? When you rent in a condo complex, association fees are common. Some landlords apply the association fee into the lease as one payment, but I have seen landlords who do not add on this fee, but state that you are required to pay it each month, quarter, or year. Association fees can be quite steep and could make the difference between you wanting to rent from that particular landlord or not, so make sure you understand which of you is responsible for this fee.   Maintenance hours One perk of renting is that your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the home (unless stated otherwise) since they are the owners of he dwelling. Know the maintenance availability, if there is emergency or on-call maintenance after hours. Know the number to the maintenance office and never try to do repairs on your own. Always notify your landlord of a problem or issue. Renting can be a mutually convenience and beneficial experience, but you have to make sure you know the ins and outs of your lease, what is expected of you as a tenant, and what you are responsible for when you move in. I hope you find this list of items beneficial. Happy renting!  As a former property manager, these are tips that I recommend you be aware of before renting. This is not a substitute for legal advice and there is no implied warranty in the above information given.]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/14/apartment-hunting-7-items-you-should-look-out-for-when-renting/feed/ 4 If You Had to Choose: Christmas Cash Bonus or Company Christmas Party? http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:20:39 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11828 Let's face it. If you are in the workforce, this is the one part of the year you love the most. Many companies dole out Christmas bonuses in the form of money, gift cards, company stock, and other swagalicious offerings. It's a fabulous feeling to open that lovely envelope and find a nice sized check in it, which is usually based on your tenure at the company. I know many of Christmas bonuses that I received in the past that went towards paying off a credit card or buying an extravagance that I felt was due to me for my hard work. Added to the Christmas bonus is usually a company Christmas party or dinner which can be something simple as a catered lunch in or a full-out after 5 affair in a ballroom with all of the trimmings of an extravagant event. Company Christmas parties can be great fun and a chance to unwind and have fun with your coworkers and their families. But what if the company you worked for said that they were going to nix the company Christmas party altogether? Or they made you choose between having a Christmas party or receiving a Christmas bonus? Personally, receiving a Christmas bonus is something that I would fight for my company to keep. Christmas parties are great fun, but during these times of cutbacks and economic turmoil, spending money on a lavish party may not be the way to go. Having the extra money and or gift card, or even company stock, would mean a lot more to me than attending an over-the-top affair. Many companies this year are letting the employees choose what they would prefer. I know of two friends in the HR profession that both have had the chore of calculating the results of this poll for the upper powers in the company. Upper management usually likes to throw lavish affairs because of the PR that comes from it, but dolling out money and bonuses, they feel, costs the company more money. They would rather throw a Christmas party than to give bonuses. Then you have companies that are no longer throwing Christmas parties or giving Christmas bonuses due to money shortfalls. Bonuses can become quite expensive for businesses that are still in the red during the 12th month of the year. "We were told that we would not be receiving bonuses this year due to the economy," said Tracey*, a property manager who I interviewed for another story on another website. "It's a shame because I have worked for this company for twelve years and I have received a bonus each year. I count on that bonus to pay off bills and other expenses. I feel I have worked hard for it." What are your thoughts? Are you receiving a Christmas bonus this year? Has your company nixed the company Christmas party to save money? *name has been changed at the request of the interviewee]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/12/if-you-had-to-choose-christmas-cash-bonus-or-company-christmas-party/feed/ 8 The Most Inappropriate Secret Santa Gift Ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:05:12 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11767 Below is a recounting of an actual Secret Santa gift exchange experience that I encountered while working in an office. This is a true story! Back in 1998, I was working at a computer parts manufacturer in the Tampa Bay area as a receptionist/switchboard operator. It was my 2nd real job in an office and I was learning the ropes of the professional environment. The office manager went around asking employees to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange before the holiday break. It was my first time doing so, but I was game. I thought it would be fun to purchase a gift secretly for a co-worker. We were all given the rules and criteria: you were to spend no more than for the gift. You had to have the gift wrapped and if you participated, you had to buy someone else a gift. The rules were simple enough and I drew a name of a woman who I knew loved arts in crafts, so I bought her a scrapbooking kit from Michaels. I was due to drive to St. Louis for the holidays so I ended up leaving my gift on her desk the day before Christmas Eve. We were all supposed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which was a half day in our office. I figured when I got back to the office after the holidays, I would have a gift waiting for me. I spent the holidays in St. Louis, then my then 4 year old son and I made the 18 hour trek back to Florida. When I arrived back to the office, there was a shiny red box wrapped on my desk. I was so excited that I began ripping away at the gift. After I discarded the wrapping paper, I opened the apparel box and was shocked at the contents---inside was a black lace neglige with matching panties. Lingerie!? I instantly put the lace items back in the box and closed it. I was so embarrassed! I began looking around the office to see who would've purchased such an inappropriate gift for me. No one had ever flirted with me in the office or shown me that they were interested so the gift was a shock. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I went home and took my gift with me and it stayed in my drawer for years. I never wore it because I felt like it was nasty. Even though it was a nice lace gift from Victoria's Secret. It also still had the price tags on it and cost more than the limit. I was obviously working with a freak nasty! Later when I began working as a HR manager, I made sure to indicate in the Secret Santa rules that the gift had to be appropriate for office employees. A gift like that could be considered sexual harassment. Do you have any Secret Santa gaffes to share? Have you ever received an inappropriate Secret Santa gift?]]> http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/12/05/the-most-inappropriate-secret-santa-gift-ever/feed/ 6 8 Things Your HR Department Doesn’t Want You to Know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know http://www.thecubiclechick.com/index.php/2011/11/30/8-things-your-hr-department-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000 The Cubicle Chick http://www.thecubiclechick.com/?p=11733 Being a former HR manager gives me a lot of insight into the employment world and upper management dilemmas. When you are working in an office, or any type of business for that matter, it's the Human Resources department that is the bridge between the employee and the managers. More often than not, the HR department is your contact for expressing grievances and complaints, managing your benefits, and conducts your reviews. It's a very important institution within your employer, but there are a lot of things you may not know about your HR department or the goings on wherein. We do have our secrets... Here are 8 things your HR department doesn't want you to know: 1. We do have our favorites In the world of HR, we are supposed to be impartial and practical. Decisions made affect the business as well as the employee, so making them based on facts and not opinions are what we specialize in. But, truth be told, we do have our favorite employees---team members that we may like more than others. This, of course, is not supposed to affect work, but sometimes does due to poor judgement. Having favorites and showing favoritism are two different things, but when the later occurs , it's usually because judgment became impaired. 2. You are not indispensable The powers that be at your job may make you feel that you are interchangeable and can be replaced, but many times, that isn't the case. When we find an employee that is good at what they do, they are very hard to replace. And add on the fact that it costs more to hire and train up an employee than it is to keep one (turn-over costs are staggering these days), if you are a good worker, you probably hold the upper hand and just don't know it. 3. We have "rats" Call them tattle tales, rats, snitches, et al, all HR managers have a person that they can go to that spills everything. When we want to get to a root of an issue and have a hard time doing so, it's the office rat that usually sets the record straight. Now keep in mind, the rat isn't held to a higher standard of truthfulness, as they may not always be honest, but having a rat or office snitch does help us. 4. We count on you to NOT save/keep your paperwork Paperwork is an HR manager's best friend, and while we keep meticulous records, we count on the fact that you don't. Many times we hope that you lose that last write-up you have received so that we have complete control over the paper trail. And while this does sound like a mean thing for us to desire, it's much easier when we have everything we may need to perhaps, terminate you. But if you are a good employee AND you keep all paperwork from your HR department, then you have nothing to worry about. 5. We will fight your unemployment claim If you are let go (for any reason whether terminated or laid off), 85% of the time, we will fight the unemployment claim. Have all of your paperwork in order, dates, facts, etc. to make sure your claim goes through. 6. We are easily impressed If you do your job and do it well, with minimal supervision, we love you. We are easily impressed. We don't expect you to jump through hoops, we just expect you to do your job well. Be consistent and you will go far. 7. Your salary is negotiable This rings true especially if you are applying or interviewing for a new job and end up snagging the position. The offer letter you may receive will include your salary and perks and may feel like it's a done deal, but th