Did I Say Something Wrong?

How do you deal with insecure bosses?

Actually, I've stopped counting how many times I've experienced bosses who seemed to have personal issues. Their supposed issues are manifested in such a way that can really get into someone's nerves.

If you're the subordinate and you have this kind of boss, how on earth would you handle the situations and not get yourself on the chopping block?

If you need to hold on to your job, this can be quite a dilemma. Either you tolerate the boss, act blind and deaf so you can go on with your employed life or you can start looking for another job. The downside of putting up with the boss, however, is that the stress can take a toll on your health. Do you have the patience? Do you have the skills to manage up?

Politics play an important role in the workplace. No matter how good you are in your job, you still need to do some politicking to get them to notice your efforts. Some people leverage on politics to move pass the deserving ones. How unfortunate, isn't it?

What I'm saying is, you need to play your cards right. Being assertive can be a double-edged sword. Think about it.

A Month Shy of 2012: Some Thoughts

No, this blog is not dead yet.

I've been busy for the past months with work and some personal stuff. A lot of things definitely had happened and frankly, I don't know where to begin my story.

To keep it simple, I'll start with the "now".

First, I have to congratulate myself for staying in this job longer than 5 months. I was tempted to move out several times because I was unhappy with the way things are going. But I have made a pact with myself to give this one a chance. Another chance. No job is perfect and no boss is perfect either.

Second, if things are right on schedule, this might be my last Christmas at home. And having said that, I decided to break my own rule of not putting up decors during Christmas. I am no Mr. Scrooge. It's just that Christmas is so commercialized and somehow, lost its meaning.

The thought of leaving makes me feel homesick already.

Third, I'm glad to have rekindled friendships this year. I've met up with friends whom I haven't seen for years and when we got together, the connection was still there. How cool is that?

There's a whole gamut of laundry list I want to put in writing but words escaped me.

How To Deal With Job Burnout

Job burnout is inevitable especially if you're the type who often overextends himself in the workplace. The bleak economy and the scarcity of jobs nowadays are huge stressors which is why most people find themselves in this challenging situation.

But there are ways to reduce and manage stress. Here are some tips I've culled in the net and hopefully, apply the same to my daily grind:

1. Take a pro-active approach at work.

There is fierce competition in the workplace and every single person I know would do everything in their capacity to keep their jobs. The fear of losing one's job is a major cause of distress and that fear may drive them to accept more tasks than they can handle. While it's true that they get to keep their jobs but unfortunately, at the expense of their physical and emotional well-being.

Question is, how long can your body and mind tolerate such abuse?

One critical issue here is to address the problems to your superior. Don't wait for the situation to get out of hand.

2. Go on a vacation.

A little R&R goes a long way. Don't wait for the stress to drain your energy up to the last drop. Take a quick vacation and replenish your batteries.

3. Review your job description with your boss.

This can be quite tricky. Just make sure that when you talk to your boss about your expanding responsibilities (which apparently are not part of your original job description), you don't sound as though you're whining. Instead, show your boss how you've been performing over and beyond your job description.

In a nutshell, it's all about dealing with the source of stress head on. Because if you let it take its own course, burnout will eventually takes its toll on your health.

The Talkers

I'm a huge fan of Robert Greene. In fact, The 48 Laws of Power is one of my favorite reads.

A recent experience made me re-think how I appear to other people. Then I remembered one law that says, "Think as you like but behave like the others".

If you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, people will think that you only want attention and that you look down upon them. They will find a way to punish you for making them feel inferior. It is far safer to blend in and nurture the common touch. Share your originality only with tolerant friends and those who are sure to appreciate your uniqueness

.

Mindless chatter turns me off. Really.

In a world of sheep, however, behaving like one of the herd can backfire. People would play on your alleged gullibility. But unbeknownst to them, the act is all part of the game.