Dear WorkMinded,

"I'm being fired, just two years before I qualify for full vesting in my company stock. I am nearly certain that this is a calculated move and am wondering what my options are..."

Getting Screwed Outta my Options

Dear Getting Screwed,

This situation is a common one...and I have to say that it is even more frustrating when you have been working toward a longer term goal.  The first red flag waving my way is that "getting fired" suggests that you have not performed to standard or you have stepped over company regulations in a serious way. If this is the case, your options are very limited. 

If, in fact there is a layoff of multiple positions, your first stop is at the HR Department.  Express your concerns...feel them out and see what their response is.  Now listen carefully...Don't go in loaded for bear! Go in with a calm and respectful attitude.  If you don't have one of those at this point, wait a few days...and don't sign anything yet! 

Next, you can try to negotiate at least a partial vesting.  If they are not responsive, it would probably be a good idea to consult with a labor attorney.  Don't get your hopes up though, most states follow "employment at will" regulations meaning you can walk away at any time and so can they.  The bigger picture is that you have to be a good "leaver".  The word will be out on the street if you get difficult and your chance at getting stock vested somewhere else in the future will be slim.

I wanted a forum where I could speak less formally about the topics I love to go on about: managing a career, dealing with change, communicating better with everyone else on the planet and even how to actually like your work. 

I am creating this forum for my  coaching clients large and small, and for friends and colleagues both local and all over the world who may or may not have access to the advice of a career professional who's been around the block a few times. 

WorkMinded is a place for me to help anyone interested in working through everyday job issues in a way that's both more personal and less personal, at the same time. 

Dear Camille,

I recently finished college and am so confused.  I keep getting offers to work these bogus sounding jobs on a commission basis, etc. but can't decide what I want to do.  That's not what I slaved away in school for.  Nothing seems fun...what would you do?

- Confused UCLA Grad

Dear Confused,

I can still remember wanting so badly to finally finish that second semester of my senior year in college.  I was ready to blow that place and get out in the the real world.  Yep...this is one of those situations where you have to be careful what you wish for.  I realized really quickly that the fun part was being in school...and while I loved the work I found after graduation, the responsibility part wasn't all it was cracked up to be. 

The best thing to do is start trying different types of work and make a list of your "likes" and "dislikes" in each position.   You will start seeing patterns and by eliminating what you DON'T want to do, what you DO want to do will finally emerge. Whew...are you with me? 

Did you know that Adecco and Manpower staffing agencies are some of the largest employers in the world?  Yep...there are other people...and not all grads...like you trying to figure out what kind of work they want to do.  Try temping and start eliminating!

Many temporary jobs turn in to full time positions...and not necessarily in that same role.  You get to see what the company is REALLY like from the inside.  Oh yeah, and while you are there, build a reputation for having a positive attitude and being willing to do any kind of job.  I promise you it will pay off.

Dear Camille,

My coworker is always stealing my ideas and then acts like they are his while at the same time being two-faced enough to pretend he is my friend.  Advice?

Thanks,

Robbed in San Diego

Dear Robbed,

Uh oh, somebody's Mom didn't teach them how to play nice in the sandbox.  What really gets on my last nerve is how often this type of co-worker seems to come out smelling like a rose while you are standing there wondering "hey, what happened?"

Lesson #1 - except in very rare cases, these people DO know exactly what they are doing.  They are basically spotlight stealers who don't have any original ideas of their own.  The first time this sort of behavior rears its ugly head, you have to go back to the person and let them know that you're on to them...and so is everyone else.  The next time, you have to keep your ideas to yourself. 

And Lesson #2 - branch out and find some other friends...this so-called "friendship" is going nowhere fast.

Wondering how to separate  yourself from the pack and build a reptation for excellence?  Read on...

Here's a motivator for you...commit to one - or a series of Primm & Partners webinars and complete the recommended action items to keep your work skill sets on the cutting edge! Webinars are cost effective and set at convenient hours so you can fit them into your busy schedule. Sign up here http://www.primmandpartners.com/services-individuals.html

Each session content is presented as a separate topic, so you can complete one or all courses.  I lead each of the courses personally, and with a webinar, you dial into a toll-free number so you can ask questions.  You also follow a slide presentation so you can submit questions in advance as well. 

Following are the current P&P topics - we are adding more all the time, so stay tuned!

Personal Brand Building

When you think realistically about YOU, what do you have to offer to a potential employer?  What are your traits and values and skills?  What are you known for?  What motivates you? Your brand evolves over the duration of your career...design it exactly as you want it to be! Loads of self-assessments and areas to examine on a regular basis in your custom -made world of work.

Resume and Marketing Collateral

A resume and other communication pieces are a permanent core of any professional's toolkit.  Hey, you need be ready to talk to anyone, anywhere, any time.  Create pieces uniquely tailored to your personal brand.

Networking to Your Goals

You probably noticed by now that social networking is king in the professional world.  It is also the power of your professional core.  It is all about going in with the intent to support others...not about what you can "get" from others.  This session gives an in-depth plan on where, how and with whom to network.

Interviewing

Interviewing is sometimes a pressure situation and we look back afterward to have brilliant thoughts as to how you could'a answered the questions.  After this session, you will feel comfortable in interviews whether over the phone, impromptu or planned in advance.  Know what questions to ask and prepare for, close the sale and follow-up.

Negotiating at Work

In today's workforce, the talent (that's YOU) needs to know the value of their skills and who is buying them.  Negotiating for exactly what you want in a work situation (within reason, now) is expected in today's transactional work environment.  Learn what is OK to ask and what you need to steer clear of.

Managing Across the Generations

We have four distinct generations in today's workforce and that means lots of potential disconnects when it comes to work ethic, expectations, values, communication styles, etc.  This session gives a terrific overview that you can use to strengthen your leadership, team and personal communication skills.

Eight Keys to Career Success

Lots of P&P clients say that they want to take charge of their careers and just plain don't know where/how to start.  This session will provide you with a tool to assess the critical points of a balanced, proactive career.  You will learn which areas need attention and build a plan from this information.

Those who constantly learn new skills will be those who survive the continuious changes at work.  For more information or to register, email us at camille@primmandpartners.com or give us a call at 619.298.1965. 

Oh, and another cool thing...all webinars/career development coursework and coaching is tax deductible! 

Dear Workminded,

They're b-a-a-a-a-c-c-c-c-c-k...It's Girl Scouts cookie time again.  But it could be anything: greeting cards, candles, toys, books, puzzles, pretzles, chocolate...you name it, the kids are selling it to raise money for their schools and/or activities.  That's OK with me, but when it is your boss bringing in the goods and "expecting" everyone to help junior or their little princess win a trip to Disneyland things get sticky.  I mean, I like me some thin mints, but this is getting out of hand.

Held Hostage by the Peddlers in La Jolla

Dear Held Hostage,

Yum, thin mint time is an annual highlight.  But feeling obligated to buy something sold by one's boss smacks of harassment.  Yes, mild, maybe benign, since you ARE getting something out of it too.  But, anytime we feel like we must  do something or else "something" will happen, it is clearly a misuse of power.  And the peddler boss knows their behavior is crossing the line...they always do.  That is part of their Machavilian strategy. 

You simply must say "no thanks", I am not interested.  Stop.  Do not...repeat...do not....make up stories like "uh, I am diabetic ..." or "I am on a sugar-free fast..." or the very next time you are sitting in your fav eating place chowing down on a "Death by Chocolate" dessert with your possee, your boss will walk in.  It always happens...guaranteed. 

So, don't make up excuses.  Simply say "no thanks" and then when you can't get the thin mints off your mind, buy them directly from the adorable scouts outside the grocery store.  That way, you will get to have your cake.....er...cookies...and eat them too.

Dear Camille,

The woman in the cubicle next to me eats potato chips, crunchy nuts and crackers every day. I've asked her to stop, but she persists. What do I do? Our boss is not someone I can talk to about this..."

Getting on my last nerve in Pacific Beach

Dear Last Nerve,

All-righty now...we have all been there.  The oaf who just doesn't get it.  The cubicle monkey that is constantly creating discord in the tribe. If you have talked to this revered co-worker and she refuses to play nice, you may have to get down to her level.  Just temporarily.  To raise her awareness of what an annoyance it is. 

Have you considered bubble gum?  Chewing and poppin' it, that is.  But  ONLY when no one else is around to hear or witness this professional reputation killing behavior.  See if she breaks...and if so, call a truce...no crispy snacks from her side of the cubical farm and no gum poppin' from your side. 

If that doesn't work, some discrete earplugs available at you local drug store are in order.  Believe me...you CAN still hear what is going on around you with them in.  In the meantime, her cholesterol will still be sky high from eating all that junk.

Dear Camille,

I have a real dilemma at my part time job - a market research company.  I used to make about half my income there, but things have really slowed down.  I just happened to go into the office last week and there was a focus group going on - the job I usually handled.  I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. My two work friends there were very upset. They didn't know whether to tell me or not and didn't know if I had been asked to work the focus group. I have tried emailing the boss, but he doesn't respond to me. What do you think I should do? I'm such a wimp but I'm afraid bugging him and calling him at this point will just make things worse.

Wimp in Walnut Creek

Dear Wimp,

I feel your pain.  You know it is over, but you aren't ready to let go. First, I recommend you try to disconnect emotionally from this part time job.  From all the drama. 

If the "project" work you have been doing is in a lull or even gone forever due to changing business needs, (or hiring the boss's neighbor friend in your place) find something else and appreciate the work you had with them.  You can't make them give you work...they owe you nothing, so no need to take it personally. 

Use the experience and move to a new pasture.  Give the boss a phone call tomorrow and if he is not here, leave a pleasant message and call again in 2-3 days.  Let it go...sounds like it's over.

Dear Camille,

I love my hobby, but can't seem to  make any money doing it.  I hate my job, but make money there.  What's a guy to do?

Surfer in Leucadia

Dear Surfer,

Well, congratulations on having a hobby you love...lots of people never get off of the couch.  I think you need to do some brainstorming.  Plenty of people make a living running surf camps, representing manufacturers who make surfing gear or working for media that captures all the excitement of the sport. 

If none of those work, I recommend compartmentalizing your life.  Work/play.  Try to balance it as evenly as possible and keep one eye open for work opportunities that are more aligned with your motivators.  You may just be in the wrong company culture or not challenged enough. 

Most of us are part of the work thing for the long haul...so keep on trying to find a better fit - it's like dating...you probably dated more people you didn't like than those you did!