A Quote on Art

I'll have more to say about this next week (here's a hint: it doesn't just apply to artists), but for now, here's a great quote to think about over the weekend:

The biggest thing separating people from their artistic ambitions is not the lack of talent. It's the lack of a deadline.

-- Chris Baty, from No Plot? No Problem!

Job Satisfaction, Whiteboards, and Inflatable Slides

Personally, I don't think it's ever a good idea to burn bridges when leaving a job. You never know when you might work with someone in the future, or have a company as a vendor or a client.

However, not everyone agrees. Some people torch them with whiteboards*, while others prefer inflatable slides and beer.

I really can't blame them, though; not really. Who among us hasn't wanted to do something like that on some days, even if we'd never go through with it?

And what's more, if the poll mentioned in this article is accurate, a lot of people (34%) are thinking about saying goodbye to their employers once things get better. It makes me wonder if we'll see departures even more audacious than these over the next couple of years.

* Yes, it was fake, but the point still stands, so chill, folks.

Always Improve Your Position

Sometimes, I decide that I want to write about a topic on this blog only to find out that someone has already done it, and very well at that.

When I was doing a Google search for the quote "Always improve your position," which I like but couldn't remember where I heard it from, I came across a great post on The Simple Dollar. Titled "It Doesn't Matter What Your Position Is Right Now, You Can Do Better", it says everything I wanted to and then some. I was already an occasional reader of the blog, and great posts like this remind me why I need to keep up with it.

While the blog and the post is about personal finance, I think it applies equally well in the world of work as well. So think of one thing you can do today to improve your position, whether it be revising your resume, doing a Google News search for articles on a company you're interested it, or even something as simple as shining your shoes.

A Punk Rock Farewell

No, not for me. But Laurie Ruettimann over at Punk Rock HR has set an end date for her current blog, as she co-launches a new company and takes her blogging ventures in a new direction.

Fortunately, she plans on keeping the posts available in some form, which means that if you've missed out on her insightful, subversive, and downright hilarious blog over the last few years, you'll still have the chance to catch up on it. I've loved reading her blog ever since I was introduced to it back in 2008, and it's easily one of my top three blogs about work to read. I've had the pleasure of meeting her in person, and she's just as awesome to talk to face-to-face as she is to read.

I wish her lots of luck in her new ventures, and can't wait to read the next few weeks of Punk Rock HR and whatever she chooses to blog about next.

Housecleaning

So, I haven't really done much with the layout, structure, and visual elements of this blog in quite some time, and it's definitely due for an update. I'm trying to come up with an idea for a very basic logo, symbol, or even a mascot to represent the site. In addition, I want to update the blogroll (mostly additions, and making sure everything I've listed is still active).

I make no guarantees as to how long this will take. :) Hopefully before the end of the month, but don't hold me to that. Along with that, I hope that a bit of housecleaning and polish will encourage me to write here more.

So, if you want to be included in the blogroll and have a blog that is about or sometimes covers workplace issues of any sort (not just about freelancers, contractors, or temps) feel free to let me know in the comments.

Ambition vs. Hard Work

Ambition and hard work are not the same thing. They're often confused for each other, and it is true that people with one often have the other. But they're not synonyms.

I've known people who were hard workers, but not terribly ambitious. They were great at what they did, and always made sure their output was the best quality possible along with seeking out ways to be better at their jobs and make themselves more effective. However, they didn't necessarily want a position with more responsibility or to advance in their company. They were happy where they were and were content to be allowed to stay in their position indefinitely rather than being promoted or making a lateral move to a different team or part of the company.

On the same note, I've known people with plenty of ambition, but who weren't willing to do the grunt work and the primary job functions they were hired to do. Instead, they focused on doing projects and work that would get them noticed and would look good on a review, rather than the mundane tasks that won't make a person stand out (even though someone has to do them in order for the team or company to fulfill its mission).

I don't blame anyone for wanting to be promoted -- I want it as much as anyone else. And I know that a lot of people with ambition realize that hard work is essential to getting where they want to go. But it's important to recognize the difference between wanting to have accomplishments and recognition, and wanting to be good at what one does.

A Quote on Company Culture

Your culture is what people do when no one is looking.

-- Herb Kelleher, Chairman, Southwest Airlines