OK, so now I have finally given in to the latest tecno craze- I have signed up on Twitter.  Just search for Workplace Doctor and tweet me.  Even my young daughters were surprised.  Let’s face it, I give quidance to my clients regarding the specific needs of the younger workforce (I am a Boomer and proud of it) so I really should understand how they communicate.  My favorite thing about twitter is that you are limited to very few words but who really cares what you are doing?  Instead of boring my 15 followers (yes , I only have 15 but they are adding each day) with what I am doing, I try to give a valuable piece of information regarding the workplace or your career.  I must admit, I would really like to have more followers, Aston Kutcher or Oprah but as long as someone cares to follow , I will continue to share my abbreviated thoughts.

AND. . .check me out on Facebook and write on my page at Your Workplace Doctor.  I still don’t know what a poke is!

Ok, so with all of the media bombarding us with massive job losts, falling real estate prices, empty stores, businesses closing, the value of our 401K’s continuing to plummet and credit disappearing what are we to do?

In my opinion, stop listening and watching the media, try not reading the newspaper for a while and spend some time focusing on what YOU CAN DO.  As I used to tall my daughters, “put on your big girl panties and take some control over your life.”  Fear can and will paralyze us! 

At your job, fear can cause a lack of productivity and direction.  At home, fear can create tension and stress.  Fear is not good.  Did you know that Fear is a Noun: 1. feeling of anxiety, 2. frightening thought, 3. reverence, 4. worry . . .and Fear is a Verb: 1. be afraid, 2. feel reverence, 3. express regret?  That explains why ‘fear” conjures up the negative.  Now I am not saying that fear when appropriate can be not only good for us but necessary to survive- like being afraid when you sense someone is following you or fearing your child may get too close to a busy street.  However if fear is not managed appropriately, you may never leave your home or allow your child to play.

Take steps to be in control of your own career.  You don’t have control of your job- jobs are something that employers own.  You do have control over the work that you do, and a collection of the work that you do over time is called a career!  Be “state of the art” in whatever you do; be very clear what is “unique” about what you do; and most importantly have 200 people in your network THAT CARE ABOUT YOU.  If you work on these three elements, it will keep you too busy to be fearful!

Now get out there in your big girl panties and your big boy boxers and take back your life!!!

Doc B

The most common question I am getting right now is who is hiring.  Naturally there are a lot of “depends on” responses to that question, however I will give some general direction.

Generally speaking two industries are not only hiring but have a serious NEED for employees.  Those industries are Healthcare, and Education.  Let’s take a look at Healthcare.  Houston is the number one place for the medical industry in all of the U.S.  That means lots of opportunities exist right here for jobs and careers.  Most people are aware of the Nursing shortage, but keep in mind that the medical industry has needs for ALL kinds of disciplines from accounting & finance to maintenance and construction.  Think about the Medical Center as just one huge corporation.  Just like any other company, it takes many people to operate their business and that includes an awful lot of non-clinical positions.  So if you aren’t interested in being a Nurse or Doctor there is still plenty of opportunity for you.

When it comes to Education we have all probably heard that there is also a shortage of good teachers.  This includes K-12 and the college level.  Population growth continues, more schools are being built, and more teachers are needed.  There certainly are educational and state requirements for certification as a teacher but if you have some college, or you have a degree that is not in education, you may be surprised to learn how quickly you may be able to qualify for a teaching certificate.  If you have a master’s degree, consider teaching at a Junior College or University.  If you don’t have a master’s degree, consider teaching in adult education curriculum.

Now for those who have “squeaky clean” backgrounds- you should know that the FBI is hiring now.  This is the largest push for hiring in it’s 100 year history.  They will be hiring 3000 people, about 850 Special Agents(wouldn’t you love to flash that FBI shield) but the remainder are professional staff like computer specialists; analysts; language specialists and finance.  Talk about job security!  You know what they say, “if you can’t beat em, join em” so if you can stand the red tape and inefficiency of government jobs you could make the FBI your last career stop.  Check out the info on their jobs and career fairs at www.fbijobs.gov .

If all else fails, marry rich!

Enjoy your life, Doc B

Yes, it is that time of year again.  We will be straddling the old and the new as that infamous clock ticks down 2008 and ushers us into 2009.  For me, I am excited to see what 2009 brings and grateful for all of my blessings in 2008.  I am reminded that one of our great gifts is the gift of choice.  We get to choose how we are going to react to all that life brings to our doors.  The good and the bad!
 
When it comes to our careers, we can re-invent ourselves and venture out into new worlds of work.  We can pursue our dreams with as much gusto as we want.  We can re-educate; re-tool; renew our attitudes.  We can decide to change that dead end job into something that brings us joy or we can just change jobs!  We can make every effort to build a better relationship with our boss or we can make every effort to find a new boss!  We can be accountable for contributing each and every day to our work or we can point our finger somewhere else!  
 
Choice. . . what will you choose for 2009?  Whatever you choose, my thoughts for you will be that 2009 will be your best year yet!

Happy New Year,
Doctor Bonnie

Does my employer have to continue to pay me if my place of employment is no longer operating?
Although you should always check directly with your employer regarding their specific Disaster Plan, generally speaking if your employer is no longer able to operate they are not obligated to continue your pay.

Is there any kind of unemployment insurance benefits available if I can’t work?
Yes, if you live in one of the 29 declared disaster Texas Coastal Counties Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who:

How do I file for DUA?
Applications for DUA must be filed by October 15, 2008 and you may file by going to www.texasworkforce.org or you may call 1-800-939-6631.

What will I need to file for DUA?
Individuals will need their Social Security number, a copy of their most recent federal income tax forms or check stubs, or documentation to support that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. All documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed.

I lived in an area that had mandatory evacuation and I was asked by my employer to come to work but I can’t even get back to my home. Can I be fired or laid off if I can’t get to work?
It is always advisable to talk with the Human Resource department at your place of employment and find a reasonable compromise, however if you live in a mandatory evacuation area, your employer is prohibited from terminating or in any other way penalizing you for not being able to return to work. If you have specific questions or suspect Employer Discrimination due to the evacuation you may call 1-888-452-4778.

My employer required me to return to work on Monday after the hurricane and I could not get gas to get there. Can they fire me? Will I be docked pay?
If you do not live in a mandatory evacuation area, it is up to your employer. Check with their Human Resource Department regarding their specific policy on Disasters. Most employers are reasonable and understand we are in a very difficult situation, however they are trying to continue to run their business which in the long run provides your employment. Perhaps they can suggest some employees who live near you and there could be some car pool opportunities.

I have young children and the day care is closed so I can’t go to work but my employer still expects me to be there. What do I do?
Talk with your manager and explain your situation and find out what kind of policy your employer has regarding disasters. Perhaps you can work from home for a few days. What is most important is that you communicate with your employer and offer a few alternative solutions. Stay in touch regularly and make sure they know you are trying to get back to work.

If my employer is no longer able to operate do I still have a job?
You should check with your employer regarding the companies plans to re-open and when, however if your employer can’t operate their business they are not obligated to continue your employment.

My employer won’t be able to continue their business so what will happen to my health benefits?
Your employer will be required to offer you Cobra benefits which will require you to pay the monthly premium until you find employment elsewhere that provides health benefits.

My employer has asked me to come to work, however they have no power and my job is sales so I do not get a salary and I don’t expect to sell anything- why should I go? Can I be fired if I don’t go?
It is always my advice to make every effort to help your employer or anyone else for that matter during a crisis. If you are not in a mandatory evacuation area, you can be fired. If you find nothing to do at your place of employment perhaps you might suggest that your company volunteer at the local shelter or POD site in your area. The key is communication with your employer especially if you feel you are needed elsewhere.

I have been unable to contact anyone from my place of employment. What should I do?
If you have already tried cell phone numbers, email or checking your companies web site if they have one, if you can actually drive to the employment site do so. It is the unknown that offers us the most frustration. Clearly if every form of contact has lead you to a dead end, it is likely that the business is not open. Continue to try and reach someone, anyone from your company. It is likely that once your employer can reach you they certainly will. For future reference you might want to find out what the policy is at your company for disasters and if they don’t have one, help them create one so this does not happen again. Communication is key during a crisis.

There are office politics and then there are politics in the office.  With the Presidential elections looming more and more “discussion” is happening in the workplace.  I overheard a very heated discussion just this week between a group of engineering professionals.  I realized that like religion, politics in the office causes emotional discourse.  I also realized that there is no “business etiquette” that gives any of us direction as to what is appropriate in the office and what is not when it comes to talking politics.  What I do know is that it is a very personal issue so it could be smarter to save those discussions for home and play.   Doc B

Dear Patients,

I love my job!  I know, to some of you that is irritating and to others it feels exactly right.  As we have all heard, the ideal job is one that you love what you do and you get paid (hopefully well) for doing it.  For all of us I think this not only should but can be a goal.

For most of us, me included, loving the work that I do doesn’t happen every minute of every day.  We all have moments (sometimes hours or days) when we would rather be doing anything else but our work, that’s normal.  What I would like each of you to explore is how motivated you are on average with the work that you do.  Since most of us spend 75% of our time working it just makes sense to do whatever you can to make that time worthwhile.  You know that little (sometimes loud) voice in your head?  I want you to start listening.  When you get that uneasy feeling in your gut, when you find yourself gazing out the window at work, or perhaps secretly shopping on E-bay or playing a quick video game on your work computer, pay attention- that’s your little voice letting you know it could be time to take an objective look at your job. 

You don’t always have to change jobs or companies to start getting more “love” out of your work!  I think this misconception is one that keeps most from doing anything.  You do have to take responsibility for answering the following three questions:

1.       What are you good at?

2.       What do you enjoy doing?

3.       What kind of work environment is right for me?

Once you spend some time objectively working on the answers you are beginning your journey of being able to say “I love my job!”

Doc B

Soon I will be adding posts relevant to workplace issues—from generational conflicts to increasing your team’s productivity. I welcome all comments, questions and input on these and other workplace concerns. See you soon!

“Doc B”