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Do you debate politics at work?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In Sunday’s ajcjobs cover story, two Atlanta lawyers who vocally debate politics at the office are profiled. As the election season heats up, so do people’s passions about the candidates or the party they support. For some, political convictions are as sacred as religion. As this historic presidential race inches closer to Election Day, it is almost inevitable that water cooler talk will turn to politics. Problems arise when these types of discussions turn into heated arguments that can erode relations between co-workers and decrease job productivity.
Do you discuss political issues while on the job? How should management handle those employees with deeply held political beliefs that wish to express their opinions in the workplace?
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Are you a daylighter?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Do you work a second job on company time? Then you are a member of a growing segment of the workforce called daylighters. Some people squeeze in work on side gigs during their full-time job to have extra spending money. For others, the faltering economy has made juggling multiple jobs necessary.
I was a daylighter once, where I worked at a tedious cubicle job that nevertheless paid most of the bills. I took on a side gig that didn’t pay enough to do by itself, but allowed me to begin a career path more suited to my skills and desires. I mainly worked on it at home, during the evening and on weekends. But on slow days at my regular job, I would check emails and do other online work related to my side gig. The funny thing was, despite not exactly giving 110% on the regular job, I was consistently near the top of my department for quality and quantity of production. I did this for years, and never got caught. Eventually, because of my dedication to my side gig, I was able to find a full-time job in that industry, and gladly gave up being a daylighter.
What do you think of people that try to work on outside gigs while being on the clock for their main job? Would you report daylighters at your company to the boss?
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Has your 401(k) taken a hit?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the ongoing meltdown on Wall Street, and the impending federal bailout plan, many employees are seeing their 401(k) earnings decrease in value. On top of high unemployment rates, the housing market collapse, the bank mergers and the gas shortage here in metro Atlanta, it’s just one more thing for local workers to be worried about.
Experts are offering tips on how to manage your 401(k) during a bad economy, but it’s still hard to watch your retirement nest egg dwindle as the stock market takes a nosedive. Find more advice on protecting your finances on ajc.com’s new resource called Your Money.
Has the faltering economy hurt your 401(k)? Will you keep contributing to your employer-sponsored retirement plan during these troubled economic times, or are you waiting until the stock market settles down?
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Atlanta gas shortage impacting your work commute?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The AJC ran a story on Sunday about how many Atlantans are seeking job commuting alternatives in response to the current gas shortage impacting the metro Atlanta area. Because employers realize that some of their staff members may not be able to get gas in order to drive to the office, they are becoming more receptive to telecommuting and four-day work weeks.
Of course, not all jobs can be done at home, so those employers are encouraging the use of carpools and mass transit. The Clean Air Campaign has had to add extra workers just to respond to all of the alternative commute requests pouring in from frustrated residents. A recent ajcjobs cover story highlights Atlanta companies that have successfully implemented mass transit and carpool programs.
Have you changed the way you commute to work because of the current gas shortage in Atlanta? How understanding has your boss been about the situation?
Check out more money saving tips at Your Money
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Telling the boss you’re pregnant
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Having a child is an exciting time. The question after the fabulous news is how do you tell your boss you are pregnant when there is already too much work for you and the current staff to handle?
Radio Silence: Don’t tell employees you are pregnant before telling your boss, unless they are great friends and trust is not an issue. The worst way for a boss to find out you are pregnant is through office gossip. It is always best to tell your boss first.
Don’t Jump the Gun: Wait until your second trimester to tell your boss unless you are showing early. Then rather than office speculation you are being professional in how you deliver the news to your boss.
Due Diligence is Key: Know your rights. Pull out the old employee manual probably covered in dust and figure out what your company expects. Look over the local and federal laws associated with pregnancy in the workplace. You probably know how it has worked out with other women in the office in these situations. Knowledge is power.
Professionalism is key in these situations. Be sure you are confident, understand your rights and are positive. The nicest thing you can do for your boss is be realistic and honest.
Do you have any advice on how to make this a smooth and exciting time without drama or stress? How soon should you tell your boss that you are pregnant?
Latest comments
I wonder if you who are scolding others for working other jobs during working hours are doing it while blogging from work!!!... read the full comment by DarkBrown | Comment on Are you a daylighter? Read Are you a daylighter?
As a salaried employee, how many times have you had to work weekends, nights, early mornings, etc. all w/o extra pay? For myself, it was many, many times. I felt not one iota of guilt to use a couple of hours here and there to pursue my own business (which... read the full comment by momtoAlex&Max | Comment on Are you a daylighter? Read Are you a daylighter?
And people wonder why their company isn’t making any money and they’re getting laid off.... read the full comment by Kenny | Comment on Are you a daylighter? Read Are you a daylighter?
Not only did I do my MBA work while at my job, I used their resources - paper, ink, office supplies, and one quarter (yes GSU used to be on the quarter system) I took a 2 day a week class at mid day w/o telling my boss. Do I feel bad about it? Hell no.... read the full comment by Mike D | Comment on Are you a daylighter? Read Are you a daylighter?