Just A Sec:The Lifestyle Blog for Busy New York Secretaries

Join the "Just A Sec" Team this Fall!

2009-06-15T16:55:00.004-04:00

Just A Sec is looking for secretaries, administrative assistants, and executive assistants interested in making a part-time, paid contribution to the blog.

How would you like to write articles about issues that affect your career and/or working lifestyle?

Or conduct research among your peers and report on the results?

Or serve as a Reviews Coordinator, gathering information and product samples for trial by our volunteer reviewers?

How would you like to brainstorm with other office workers like you to find ways Just A Sec can contribute to a better quality of life for your fellow desk jockeys?

Would you like to organize or spearhead a special program that unites administrative workers across New York City for a positive purpose?

Introduce yourself to us. We're planning an exciting expansion of our activities this coming autumn, and we'd love you to be a part of it!

In the meantime, the current staff of Just A Sec is going on summer hiatus to be creative consultants for JUST A SEC: The Movie.

Someone will be here to answer your e-mails, so don't hesitate to write!

We'll see ya in September -- and we'll be better than ever!

Love,
Violet Newsstead

Highlight Text without a Mouse in MS Word

2009-06-03T07:06:00.000-04:00

When you're working on a document in Microsoft Word, every time you lift your fingers from the keyboard to operate with the mouse, you're losing time.

You might be surprised at some of the things you can perform without touching your mouse, including highlighting text.

This handy website will show you the way.

Free Donuts on Friday @ Dunkin Donuts!

2009-06-03T06:46:00.002-04:00

On June 5, 2009, participating Dunkin’ Donuts stores throughout the country will give every customer a free donut of their choice, with the purchase of any beverage, limit one per customer.

National Donut Day, held the first Friday of June each year, was started by the Chicago Salvation Army more than 70 years ago. According to Dunkin’ Donuts’ Brand Marketing Officer Frances Allen, the day holds particular relevance in 2009. “From office meetings to Sunday get-togethers, donuts are one of those foods that lift people's spirits and bring genuine delight to any situation. And now more than ever, Americans are seeking those small moments of happiness," she said. "We hope our free donut offer will create an opportunity for people to celebrate donuts and bring some extra happiness to their day.”

Is Job-Hunting on the Job a No-No?

2009-06-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

Rumors of staff lay-offs are whispering through the hallways of your office. If you were smart, you know you'd start putting a few feelers out for another job now -- maybe send out your resume, search some online job boards.

Maybe you don't have a computer at home, so using the internet to cruise for possibilities is only possible when you're at work. Maybe you don't want to waste any time.

But is it OK to conduct a job search at your desk, during office hours?

Here are two points of view.

Survey Says: Secretaries Want TIME More Than MONEY

2009-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

Just A Sec: The Lifestyle Blog for Busy New York Secretaries recently conducted an informal survey of 300 secretaries, administrative assistants and executive assistants (for the purpose of this article, referred to collectively as "secretaries") working in New York City to find out what might entice them to leave their current job, if another company came a-courting, but did not offer an increase in salary.

Out of 300 secretaries surveyed, a whopping 282 would definitely consider leaving their current job for another -- even if their salary would remain the same. Clearly, this indicates very little loyalty on the part of secretaries to their employers, or even to their immediate bosses.

We asked the 282 who'd consider making a change what would entice them more: a company offering fully-paid medical insurance, or an employer offering four weeks of paid vacation and an additional 16 paid sick/personal days.

91 secretaries were more seduced by the paid medical coverage, leaving a majority of 191 who'd rather receive the benefit of more paid time off.

"I'd rather get a slightly bigger paycheck and know my medical insurance was always there, and not have to worry about it," one secretary commented.

Still others argued in favor of vacation and sick time.

"I'm used to seeing that money come out of my check for insurance premiums," an administrative assistant named Pam told us. "To me, it's more important to know I can stay home when I'm sick and not feel guilty about it, or not go in and work when I feel bad just because I'm afraid of using up all my days before the end of the year."

Jessica said: "Too many people work when they're sick, or come back before they're really ready. And it's not good for the rest of the office, because half the time they're just spreading germs around."

"I think having more paid vacation days is extra health insurance," said Linda. "It's important to take care of yourself. Everyone needs to balance work with time away from work. In the long run, I think people would do a better job when they're at work if they had more time to clear their heads and relax."

Elena, an aspiring artist, made another excellent point about balance and how it's a good thing for employers: "These corporate entities need to stop seeing (employees') outside interests as some kind of threat, or treat(ing) a person's extracurricular activities like they're going to bleed something important away from your efforts at work," she said. "If you have interests outside of work, I think it shows that you're a smart person...Wouldn't (employers) rather have smart, ambitious people working for them? So if you support your employees and their outside interests, and give them more time off to pursue those interests, I think you're going to get better employees all around. It's the ones who are unhappy and never get to do what they love who slack off at work or have a chip on their shoulder. Plus (an employer) can't really expect their entire secretarial staff to be as interested in the company's business as management and the executives. Those people went to school to do (the type of business the company engages in). And it's not like there are huge opportunities for advancement for secretaries. If (the company's business) was your one big interest in life, you probably wouldn't choose becoming a secretary as part of your career path. So (companies) have to accept that their support staff have outside interests. That's a good thing. They should support it!"

Of the 300 secretaries surveyed, only 46 receive four weeks or more of paid vacation (ouch!) Only 118 said they received more than 7 paid sick/personal days.

Most telling of all is the fact that only 12 out of 300 secretaries felt they received enough vacation, sick and personal days to adequately address their needs.

Male Office Workers in Japan are Wearing...BRAS.

2009-05-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

Underwear-maker Masayuki Tsuchiya says he had toyed with the idea of making bras for men for about seven years, but there was always one sticking point: What function could they possibly perform?

Relieving on-the-job stress, for starters. Find out what else bras are doing for dudes at Japan Times.

The Efficient Secretary: 1916 vs. 2009

2009-05-27T08:58:00.000-04:00

Richard's Grammar and Composition Blog, by Richard Nordquist, is worthy of your Favorites list. But his latest post is particularly entertaining, as he cracks open a copy of "The Efficient Secretary: Practical Suggestions, Information, Helps to Stenographers and Others Wishing to Become Secretaries, Ideas, Economy, Loyalty, Typing, Filing, Getting a Position" by Ellen Lane Spencer, published in 1916.

The author asserts, among other things, that, "It is but natural and right for a business man to want a good-looking, healthy secretary."

Find out how you're doing by 1916 standards -- read it here.

Your Next Employer May Find You Online

2009-05-25T08:01:00.000-04:00

According to a 2008 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), nearly 17% of employers surveyed reported plans to use online sources such as social networking sites and blogs as part of their recruiting efforts – up from 11% in fall of 2006.

Online resumes, social networks, and blogs have all become essential tools for employers in scoping out prospective hires, and online visibility is playing an increasingly important role in job search and career networking.

Whether you are happily employed or in the process of seeking employment, the value of your online presence should not be discounted.

Following are four tips from Abhay Parekh, founder and CEO of Flowgram, a new web-based communication tool, on how to use the Internet to build your visibility.

Four Ways to Build Your Online Visibility in 2009:

1. Create Your Online Brand.

The old adage applies here – you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. The information that appears about you online is the first chance you have to present yourself to a prospective employer. The internet is increasingly becoming a primary source for communication and information, especially with recruiters. You can create your own online brand by registering your domain name (firstnamelastname.com) and creating a website that highlights your work experience and your unique attributes. Make sure to include keywords relevant to your career, so that you can improve your ranking in search engine results, and become more visible to potential employers and recruiters within a matter of minutes. Register for a domain at sites such as Register.com.

2. Differentiate Your Work.

Whether you are an established professional or just starting out, effective career development means finding a way to differentiate yourself from the pack. There are a number of great tools available on the Internet that can help you present yourself in a captivating and innovative way. For example, Flowgram is a free web-based communication service that can be used to create an interactive multimedia portfolio of your work that incorporates web pages, slides, video clips, and more. Flowgrams are easy to distribute through e-mail, blog posts, intranets, and popular social media networks like Facebook, or through the Flowgram community online. They can also be viewed offline as downloadable videos. But rather than simply sending a static resume and hoping that someone will read it, Flowgram enables a dynamic experience that’s engaging and informative.

3. Establish yourself as an expert source.

Beyond showcasing your resume and your portfolio, the Internet can be used to create and communicate your own personal brand. A blog is a great vehicle for establishing your voice online, and can also be used to start a dialogue with a larger community of people by sharing opinions, asking for advice, or simply highlighting interesting ideas and information. By starting a blog, you position yourself as an expert source in your field, and also pave the way for making valuable new connections. MyBlogLog provides some tools for starting your own web log.

4. Explore your 6 degrees.

You’ve heard of the six degrees of separation theory -- now, put it to use by harnessing your own chain of connections. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn provide a perfect platform for job seekers to utilize their professional network of friends and current and former co-workers. LinkedIn offers a fast and effective way to stay in touch with friends, co-workers, and recruiters, in order to keep the pulse of these relationships alive. By using business networking sites such as LinkedIn, you can increase the likelihood that people will see your name and profile first when businesses or professionals are searching for someone to hire or do business with.

REAL Food for Dinner?: Easier Than You Think.

2009-05-22T09:01:00.001-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

You work all day. You come home, you're hungry for dinner.

How many of us still have the energy to do anything more than pluck a cardboard box from the freezer and toss its contents into the microwave?

You made that new year's resolution to eat healthier. And sure, if you had a personal chef, you too could enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home every night. Maybe a nice filet of salmon and a compliment of fresh-from-the-farmstand veggies. But who has time to deal with "real" foods during the work week?

You do! Haven't you ever thought about steaming?

Kim hates to cook, especially after a busy day. And in an effort to eat "better", she found herself relying on low-fat frozen meals. The problem was, they left her dissatisfied. "They taste like the box they came in," she said. "And the portions leave me starving."

We challenged Kim to prepare a healthy dinner employing fresh, whole foods -- and with minimal effort. To help her out, we gave her a Nesco 5 Quart Steamer with Rice Bowl.

So what did Kim whip up for dinner?

"A swordfish steak, zuccini and rice," she told us. Sounds intimidating!

So what kind of work was involved? Here are Kim's steps to preparing her meal:

1. "I stuck the reservoir under the tap and filled it with water." (OK. So far, we can handle this. But surely it gets more complicated.)

2. "I unwrapped a filet of fish from the supermarket and put it inside the steamer tray with slices of zuccini." (Unwrapping and putting. Still with you, Kim.)

3. "I poured some water and rice into the rice bowl." (Poured...OK, still in the game...)

4. "I put the rice bowl into the second steamer tray, and then stacked the trays on top of each other and put on the lid."

5. "I plugged in the steamer, turned the timer dial. Later I took the food out of the steamer and ate it."

You're kidding. That's it?

Well, OK, but how was the food?

"Perfect!" Kim raved. "I wasn't sure how steamed swordfish was going to turn out. I don't know, I just had this prejudice in my head that if it was steamed, it was going to turn out soggy and gross. But it was delicious. It was flaky and tender. The rice was perfect. The vegetables were a little softer than I like them, but next time I'll know to set the timer for less time so they're a little crisp. Then if I'm cooking them with something else that needs more time, I can just re-set the timer to continue cooking the other thing. Or, add the zuccini in later."

We were impressed that the Nesco steamer was able to cook a complete meal all together.

So how was clean-up?

"Very easy. The product manual says the plastic trays are dishwasher-safe, but I don't have a dishwasher. So I tossed them in the sink with some warm soapy water while I ate, and half an hour later I was able to rinse them clean right under the tap. The food doesn't really stick to the plastic surface that much. The inside of the water reservoir wiped clean with a soapy sponge, then I just rinsed it out with a slosh of water."

Will Kim use the steamer on a regular basis?

"No doubt! I didn't know you could get something like this. I'm going to buy a lot more fresh food from now on. This is awesome!"

The Nesco steamer works with a wide variety of foods including grains, vegetables, fruits, eggs, seafood, meat and poultry. It comes with a 60 minute timer and is equipped with an automatic shut-off when it's out of water.

And this beautifully simple little appliance costs only $29.95.

For more information, visit www.nesco.com.

10 Most Blocked Web Sites at Work

2009-05-22T05:47:00.000-04:00

Companies who block employee access to certain web sites may think they're forcing workers to be more productive, but in reality they're only creating resentment, which results in the employee having no particular loyalty to the employer.

Besides, these days most people have devices that allow them to check personal e-mail and web sites without using their desk computer, so how much "time-wasting" do employers really think they're preventing?

Employers aren't stopping to think that their most talented people might like or need the occasional access to these sites, and that their work product wouldn't necessarily suffer as a result. Do companies really want to risk losing their best people over the occasional Facebook update? Top talent is usually smart enough to realize when they're being treated like children, and smart enough to go where they'll be best rewarded, not just monetarily, but in overall treatment.

Curious about which web sites are most blocked by employers? Check out the top ten here.

When Firms Unravel, Secretaries Get Left Behind

2009-05-18T08:03:00.000-04:00

106-year-old Philadelphia law firm Wolf Block is dissolving. Most of its lawyers have found new jobs, but secretaries and others are still looking.

Take a peek into the disappearing firm, but let the lesson be to remain prepared, flexible, and skilled.

Winners and Losers in the MTA Bailout

2009-05-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

There are few winners and potentially many losers from last week's bailout of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, experts said.

After months of haggling, state leaders produced a $2.9-billion rescue plan they admit is deeply flawed.

Read more a Newsday.com.

Why are Women Bullying Women?

2009-05-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

40% of workplace bullies are women, according to a survey published by the Workplace Bullying Institute. Moreover, these women bullies target other women more than 70% of the time.

In the name of Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem, what is going on here?

Read more at The New Agenda.

U.S. Postage Rate Increase -- Effective May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T07:11:00.000-04:00

On May 11, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service will implement a new postage rate increase for the majority of mail services including First–Class Mail®, First–Class International®, Postcards and Special Services. The price for one–ounce First–Class™ stamps has increased to $0.44 from $0.42.

U.S. Postal Service Mail Class New Postage Rates
(effective 5/11/09) Previous Postage Rates
First-Class Mail® letter (1 oz.) $0.44 $0.42
First-Class Mail® letter - each additional ounce $0.17 $0.17
Postcard $0.28 $0.27
First-Class Mail® flat (1 oz.) $0.88 $0.83
First-Class Mail® parcel (1 oz.) $1.20 $1.17
Certified Mail (in addition to postage) $2.80 $2.70
First-Class Mail® International to Canada (1 oz.) $0.75 $0.72
First-Class Mail® International to Mexico (1 oz.) $0.79 $0.72
First-Class Mail® International to all other countries (1 oz.) $0.98 $0.94
Priority Mail® (1 lb.) $4.95 (and up) $4.80 (and up)
Express Mail® (0.5 lb.) $13.05 (and up) $12.60 (and up)

According to the U.S. Postal Service, the average postage increase by class of mail will be at or below the rate of inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index).

Religious Discrimination on the Rise @ Work

2009-04-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

Complaints of religious discrimination at work are on the rise, but civil rights advocates don't believe the reason is due to corporate intolerance. Instead, they think it has to do with more religious minorities becoming aware of their rights and being willing to stand up for them.

Read more at Beliefnet.

Get Your Boss to Buy a LaPazz D-Note for You.

2009-04-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

Here's a fun and useful tool you just might be able to get your boss to pay for -- and you'll get all kinds of personal use from it, too.

The D-Note DNA500 Personal Note Recorder by LaPazz is perfect for the kind of secretary who's constantly being called into her boss's office to jot down instructions that fly from his or her mouth at the speed of light. With the DNA500, you'll never miss a detail.

And best of all, if you've got a boss who's always contradicting what he or she told you, you can E-MAIL them the very notes you took when they were spouting off!!! In other words, "See...I wrote it down right here, just like you told me. 'Tell Vince to order the BLUE tablecloths for the banquet...not PINK. BLUE. I wrote it RIGHT HERE..." And e-mailing it allows your boss to save (a little) face by reading it in an e-mail and not having to look at your and say they're sorry. (Because let's face it -- that's usually SO very difficult for them.) It saves you the trouble of doing the "ha ha you're wrong" dirty work face-to-face, too.

Here's how the D-Note works, in a nutshell. The D-Note is a super featherweight tablet with a pad of real lined paper attached. It comes with two real pens, one each in black and red ink.

Ready to jot down a note? Simply turn the D-Note's power on and start writing. Every word, illustration or scribble you write on a sheet of real paper is simultaneously being recorded inside the lightweight base.

Via a USB cord connection to you computer, notes are easily downloaded using the software that comes with your D-Note. Right there on your computer screen, saved as a .JPG file, is visible the page on which you hand-wrote your notes.

Once your notes have been loaded into the D-Note's special software, you can do all kinds of nifty things to them, including changing the color of the background, inserting artwork or photographs in the background, adding shapes, underlining, etc. Notes can be e-mailed to anyone in a simple step.

While working, the D-Note allows you to create notes in separate "workbooks", and letting the device know you're turning a page of your paper tablet is the easy work of pushing a button.

The manufacturer also sells separately software that recognizes your handwriting and converts it to editable text.

The D-Note is so light (and comes with a sleek carrying case), that you'll want to take it home with you every night for jotting down lists of chores, grocery lists, etc. -- and then distributing them to the spouse and kids via e-mail at work the next day. BRILLIANT!

You can own a D-Note DNA500 for as little as $49.99. For more information, Visit www.lapazz.com.

10 Most Blocked Web Sites at Work

2009-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Office Gossip: Debunking the Myths

2009-04-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Office gossip is a dangerous thing. It can cause people to lose their jobs and even result in a serious downgrade in a company's overall rep.

But what counts as gossip? Are certain types of "gossip-esque" communications OK depending on who's dishing them out? Are you a gossip and don't know it?

Find out more from the Examiner.

Surprising Recession Trend: Secretaries Hiring Secretaries

2009-04-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

An unexpected trend has emerged from the ashes of thousands of lay-offs: overburdened secretaries hiring their own secretaries, with their own money.

With the trimming down of so many office staffs, secretaries and administrative assistants are finding themselves saddled with extra work as the duties of the departed are now being heaped on them.

To keep from losing their minds, certain clever secretaries are pooling their financial resources and paying out-of-work secretaries to help with both personal and work-related tasks, thereby relieving the pressure. And these hired "virtual assistants" are able to bring in some much-needed cash in an otherwise bleak job market.

A secretary we'll call Angela and two of her co-workers asked to remain anonymous, because they're concerned that their employer would not approve of them sharing work with an outsider.

"There's the confidentiality issue," Angela says. "I'm pretty sure my firm doesn't want anyone on the outside seeing our internal work product. I don't give anything sensitive to our secretary. And she doesn't care what she's looking at, she just needs to get paid like we all do. Of course, we don't want to get fired over this. But (our assistant) is a friend of mine, and I know I can trust her."

Despite the risks, Angela sees the "secret secretary-to-the-secretaries" solution as being resourceful. She's taking action where her employer can't or won't.

"My firm has a dumb rule about having no part-timers. If we had just one part-time secretary in our office it would make a huge difference to a lot of secretaries. I know (the firm) is trying to cut costs, but if the three of us (secretaries who are sharing a virtual assistant) can get enough money together from our salaries to pay for help, the firm should be able to do the same. But they won't."

"It doesn't make sense that they're willing to pay us extra for overtime, when that same money could probably pay for a part-time person," she added.

"We're not going to suffer just on principle," one of Angela's co-workers said. "It's true the firm should be able to get us a little extra help. But if they won't do it, why shouldn't we take matters into our own hands? I'd rather pay to keep from going out of my mind and be able to see my kids at night instead of being here 'til all hours of the night. If I said, 'I'm not paying out my own money for help on principle, because the firm should do it', I'd still be miserable and overworked. So let's just take control, pay up and be happier."

Another of Angela's co-workers added that "It's not just about the firm's money issues. Sometimes I think the reason we can't get what we need has more to do with being blocked by one stupid person in middle management who's either too stupid to take action or too afraid. If it was up to the managing partner, maybe we'd get a part-time helper. But we'll never get to him because we have to go through this terrible manager who's just not that smart."

So what kind of work do these secretaries-to-the-secretaries get? In the case of Angela's virtual assistant, it's a mix of the professional and the personal.

"Whatever we can farm out," Angela said. "I scan hand-written stuff and document mark-ups and e-mail them to her for typing. I know (one of my co-workers) gets her to make travel arrangements. She took care of a major pain-in-the-ass problem for me with the cable company the other day."

Similarly, across town, an entire office full of secretaries is handing work off to one recently laid-off co-worker at home in Queens. They, too, are on the down-low because of confidentiality issues.

"We know (our hired secretary) isn't going to do anything with the (company)information," Donna told us. "It makes sense for her to be doing the work anyway. She used to work here. She's seen all this stuff before."

Further uptown, two other secretaries, Nora and Rayna, are helping out a recently laid-off co-worker by paying her to run personal errands.

"We're buried in the work left behind when Leslie was fired," Nora said. "We don't leave the office for lunch anymore, and we're constantly staying late."

Until recently, this overworked lifestyle left them feeling like their lives were being lived on a treadmill.

"By the time the weekend comes, all you have time for is the shit you didn't get to do during the week," Rayna complained. "Laundry, go to the supermarket, all that crap. And if you have to make a phone call and be on hold or something, forget it. I don't have time for that at work, and a lot of people don't have hours on the weekend. It's just ridiculous. It's a stressful way to live."

But then Nora and Rayna got wise and started paying their unemployed friend Leslie to take care of personal errands for them, freeing up their evenings and weekends for just plain enjoying life.

"Oh my god, it's made a world of difference," Nora sighed. "It's absolutely worth the money. We have no regrets."

For Leslie, it means much-needed cash-in-hand, and a powerful weapon against inertia.

"If I didn't have things to take care of, I'd be completely depressed, sitting on my couch and stuffing my face," Leslie said. "(Helping Nora and Rayna) gives me a reason to get up every day and I feel good knowing I'm helping my own friends."

Nora and Rayna don't have the same concerns regarding confidentiality, because they chose to keep their noses clean and keep the work they give Leslie personal in nature. Leslie stays busy making phone calls, processing health insurance claims, sorting mail, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and even doing light cleaning.

They are, however, paying Leslie in cash under-the-table, $10 an hour.

The same seems to be true for everyone doing the secret secretary thing -- cash on the sly. But the arrangements differ from one situation to the next.

Donna and her fellow company secretaries -- all twelve of them -- pay their unemployed former co-worker per task, and each secretary takes individual responsibility for paying for the task he or she assigned. Their assistant gets $15 an hour. For any task that falls under an hour, she still gets the full $15.

Angela and company made an entirely different arrangement. They pay their assistant Valerie a flat hourly rate to remain on-call during certain hours -- $5 -- just for the security of knowing she's available. However, when work arises for Valerie, she gets an additional $10 per hour, or $10 per task if the task takes less than a full hour. The secretaries split the $5 on-call fee equally, but individually pony up the extra cash for any tasks they've personally assigned to Valerie.

If you're interested in getting help on the side, and you want an arrangement that's as risk-free as possible, consider keeping your hired hand's duties in the realm of the personal, and ask him or her to sign an Independent Contractor Agreement. When your assistant is an independent contractor, they are responsible for reporting their income to the IRS, and you need not withhold taxes from their pay. However, treating someone as an independent contractor comes with some rules. Get familiar with them on the IRS web site. They're fairly simple rules to comply with, so don't let them discourage you from putting a fellow secretary back to work.

-- Margaret Haney

Boost Your Morale in Uncertain Times

2009-04-24T15:58:00.000-04:00

In the workplace, more than ever people are in a state of fear over things beyond their control.

How can you be expected to maintain a positive attitude and stay calm in the current economic climate?

Here's some advice on how to have your own personal morale-boosting party in the quiet of your own mind.

Your Next Employer May Find You Online

2009-04-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

It's YOUR Day!

2009-04-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

So, it's Administrative Professionals Day, formerly known as Secretaries' Day.

Do you care?

Tell Just A Sec just how wonderful (or not-so-wonderful) this annual day in YOUR honor truly is. E-mail us.

Thanks!

Hate the Idea of Office "Cliques"?

2009-04-21T16:07:00.000-04:00

Think you'd never see a clique again once you graduated from high school? For those of us who work in offices, the phenomenon continues. More than 85% of people say they see cliques in their workplace, and 66% say they feel left out of an office clique.

Arguments exist for and against cliques. Some actually say they can be a positive force in a work environment -- "team spirit", we suppose. But others argue that cliques only foster gossip and inevitably make the outsiders feel just that -- left out.

Does the thought of being considered part of an office clique make you sick? Would you much rather be seen as someone who's friendly with everyone?

Or, do you belong to an office clique and like it, but wish you could be seen in the most favorable light possible without departing from your circle of friends?

This article addresses how to avoid being cliquey, and how to be the nicest person in a clique if you insist on staying.

Are YOU a Pain on the Train?

2009-04-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

Did you ever stop to think that you might be annoying your fellow bus or train riders? Sure, we're all quick to find fault with a fellow passenger when we're the ones being inconvenienced. But have you examined your own behavior?

Check yourself with the help of our neighbors at Baruch College.

Resume on Monster, Hot Jobs? BEWARE!

2009-04-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Have you posted your resume on job boards like Monster, HotJobs, or CareerBuilder?

BEWARE. There are unscrupulous headhunters out there who will pluck your resume right off the web and shop you to potential employers without your consent.

Before you say to youself, "Hey, the more places my resume goes, the better -- I don't care how it gets there," consider this: job recruiters may be crushing your reputation and destroying your hireability, and you might not even know it.

For starters, recruiters could be representing you in ways that would make you cringe.

Some recruiters are downright obnoxious -- loud, brash, overly aggressive. Some have the vocabulary of third graders and the grace of hungry warthogs. And their behavior does reflect upon you. A potential employer doesn't know you didn't personally select this person to represent you. If they suspect you did, what does that say about your judgment?

A recruiter's less-than-professional approach might turn off your potential employer and cause them to toss your resume or move it to the bottom of the pile. With possibly hundreds of resumes to consider, do you really want to give them any excuse to discount yours?

The HR director at your would-be workplace could be so irritated by a recruiter's approach, she might discard your resume just so she won't have to pay a commission to that buffoon headhunter who rubbed her the wrong way.

Unfortunately for the upstanding ones, recruiters are notorious for lying. They have no qualms about lying about your background, and many will shamelessly assign you "stories" to tell in your job interview. Play-by-play. Some of them are really quite creative.

I recently met with a recruiter who felt that some short-term gaps in my employment history were working against me. Even though the real reasons behind those gaps were nothing scandalous, the recruiter insisted on hiding them behind made-from-scratch scenarios. She wove a pair of fairy tales, which I was meant to memorize and repeat to my (maybe) future boss. In one, there was a failed attempt at buying the house of my dreams and a flurry of wedding plans with a non-existent ex. The other was an outrageous fib about a whirlwind trip around the world won in a sweepstakes, which, God forbid anyone should ask me "And how did you like Prague?", I'd never be able to fake my way through convincingly.

Silly me. I thought my boss dying of a brain tumor was a pretty good excuse for being jobless. I nodded, tight-lipped, through my "instructions", and then went into the interview and told the truth. If I was going to work with these people someday, what was I doing to do, spend the years covering up the lies I told in my interview? No thanks.

Recruiters won't think twice about tweaking your resume, either. They'll change job descriptions, dates of employment, etc. Anything to give you a perceived "edge", thereby increasing their chances of getting you hired and getting themselves paid.

And don't trust a recruiter to have good judgment, or to even be reasonably intelligent when making "adjustments" to your resume.

For instance, many headhunters don't understand the nuts and bolts of the jobs they're filling, and they're strangers to the terminology.

I work in an area of law called "patent prosecution", which falls under the heading of "intellectual property". One recruiter from Access Staffing called me and said, "I have the perfect job for you. It's patent and prosecution. And I think it has...wait, let me check...yes! It also includes just a little bit of intellectual property."

I admit it. I laughed right into the phone. Just a little intellectual property? That's like saying, "Doctor, I have an ideal opportunity for you. It's general, and it's medicine. With just a dash of healthcare."

This could mean that your unofficial reps-in-the-field are changing vocabulary on your resume incorrectly, making you look like you don't know your own field.

This happened to me, in front of my eyes, at a headhunter's desk at Gainor Staffing. She started marking up my resume, making inaccurate changes to patent-centric terminology. She even reversed some of my correct punctuation so it was incorrect!

These self-appointed agents could also be doing your reputation a giant injustice by flooding the job market with your resume. I became a victim of this recently. I didn't find out until a forthright recruiter (whom I willingly engaged) started calling his contacts at local law firms and told me, "Your resume is all over town!" He started naming firms I'd never even heard of who'd already received not one, but multiple copies of my resume.

I didn't give anyone permission to approach these firms on my behalf, to speak on my behalf, to pass on my name, address, phone number and employment history to other people. They just did it, casting around for a bite, exploiting my personal information with the hope of some future monetary gain.

I suddenly thought of a woman who called me one day -- an overbearing type, with a voice like an air raid siren. I'd never even heard of her before, but she informed me that Law Firm XY&Z loved my resume and wanted to see me for an interview as soon as possible.

"Who are you?" I asked. I wish I could remember her name so I could share it with you. This woman had actually led a big, respectable firm to believe she had a relationship with me -- familiar enough to coordinate an interview on my behalf.

I was livid and I told her so. She was desperate to make a sale, and was unbearably pushy about getting me to go through with the interview. I refused to make the appointment through her. Later that evening, her "supervisor" had the nerve to call me and, barking at me like a scolding parent, demanded to know why I didn't take the interview. Unbelievable.

I knew these were the kind of people who'd spread my resume indiscriminately "all over town", who were diluting my opportunities for decent employment at the city's more reputable patent firms.

As my favorite recruiter Robert Hadley explained, when a resume is received by an employer from multiple sources, it can, in a sense, curse the applicant. The employer doesn't know you didn't ask every recruiter in town to find you a job, and quick! But that's what it can look like when an employer is bombarded with your resume.

And what if different recruiters are altering your resume? How does it look to the employer to get several different versions of your career path, with suspicious changes in key information?

And what if these recruiters are lying about having met you? It makes it seem like you've made the rounds to every employment agency in town and boy, you must be desperate! Which naturally leads the employer to wonder -- what's wrong with this applicant that no one is hiring her? It's just too easy to drop a resume into the trash can. The smallest inkling of doubt can count you out.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Web sites like Monster and Hot Jobs are still a great place for employers and recruiters with integrity to find you. Each individual has to weigh the pros and cons of uploading his or her resume on these sites. But here's something I did that I encourage you to try, because it may start a trend that unscrupulous recruiters will have to acknowledge and work around. Who knows, it may even lead to some much-needed legislation. At the top of my online resume, I have a statement which reads:

"NOTICE: Recruiters are welcome to respond to (Your Name), whose name appears at the top of this resume. However, by printing out this resume, downloading or saving this resume, or forwarding this resume via e-mail or other means, you agree that you will not present yourself as a representative of (Your Name) by any means, either verbally or otherwise, express or implied, to any employer or employer's representative, without the express advance written consent of (Your Name). Furthermore, by printing out this resume, downloading or saving this resume, or forwarding this resume via e-mail or other means, you agree that if you present yourself to any employer or employer's representative as a representative of (Your Name) or (Your Name's) resume, bearing or not bearing (Your Name's) name without the express advance written consent of (Your Name), you agree not to accept any monetary compensation for the successful placement of (Your Name) in any position of employment for which you submit the resume of (Your Name)."
OK, so maybe it wouldn't hold up in court, but it could serve as a deterrent.

You can also make it crystal clear to any recruiter who calls or e-mails you that they do not have your permission to represent you or your resume to employers. You can tell them you will consider giving them written permission in an e-mail to represent you for specific positions only. This is important. In this way, you can keep track of who's legitimately sending out your resume and where. Heads-up, though: most recruiters will do anything to avoid giving you the name of the company they want to sell you to. They're afraid if they tell you it's Law Firm ABC, you will apply to the Law Firm ABC directly, cutting them out of the deal. Be insistent. Refuse to give them carte blanche to send your resume anywhere they want. Dole out your permission on a job-by-job basis, and if they refuse to name companies, politely tell them you prefer to work with another recruiter. Headhunting is a highly competitive field. Recruiters know they have plenty of competition. They'll either cooperate with you or they won't – but if they don't, the loss is entirely theirs. Trust me – you will eventually hit on a recruiter who will name names. They're out there, I've worked with them.

When you do find one or two recruiters who name names and give you honest representation, reward their integrity by letting them earn their commission. Don't do what I described earlier: circumventing their efforts by applying to the firm yourself. That's almost as scummy as being a recruiter who steals resumes off the internet.

-- Kim Brittingham

Employers Underpaying Secretaries...Because They CAN?

2009-04-14T09:03:00.000-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

By Teresa Illiano

This time last year, Julia was earning $68,000 a year as a legal secretary in midtown Manhattan.

After getting laid off earlier this year, she interviewed for three similar positions requiring the same or even more challenging skill sets. The highest salary offered among those three jobs was $48,000.

"I think employers are definitely taking advantage of the recession and the tough job market," said Julia. "I think they know how many applicants they have to choose from, and they're going to offer as little as possible, regardless of what you happen to be worth."

Julia didn't get the impression that any of the companies she interviewed with were suffering financially. At least not enough to underpay her so dramatically. "If they're doing so badly, maybe they should start by selling the overpriced designer furniture in the waiting area. Or the original Lichtenstein over the receptionist's desk, you know?"

Deanna, another legal secretary in a highly specialized area of law, was laid off before the end of 2008. Her employer cited economic issues when laying off a handful of support personnel. Deanna was earning $65,000 annually.

Now Deanna is learning that her former employer is hiring new secretaries. They haven't asked Deanna or any of her fired co-workers back. Instead, they're filling in the gaps with cheaper labor.

"One of them is supporting my guys, so she's essentially my replacement. I have it on good authority that this new chick is making $52,000," Deanna told us. That's more than $10,000 less than Deanna was earning for supporting the same people and performing the same work.

Are employers using the economy as an excuse to clean house of their higher-paid secretaries? Are employers taking advantage of the skyrocketing number of unemployed workers to underpay skilled secretaries and pocket the difference, simply because they can?

Employers may think they're striking a savvy deal now, but will their decisions come back to haunt them later?

It already happened for "Neil", an attorney in a very small firm in midtown, who agreed to talk to us if we didn't reveal his identity.

Neil had the same secretary for eight years before she resigned to move out of state. "She was terrific," he said. "She really knew her stuff."

When it came time to find his secretary's replacement, Neil saw an opportunity to put some money back in his pocket. "I did hire a gal for about $20,000 less (than what I paid my former secretary). I admit it, I was trying to save a buck. Well, 20,000 bucks, to be specific."

But within weeks, Neil ended up firing the secretary who'd work for $20,000 less, "...because she couldn't hold a candle to my old secretary."

Would Neil have been as quick to fire his new secretary if he didn't think he had a huge pool of unemployed secretaries to choose from?

"No question," Neil confessed. "I felt like I had better options, so I interviewed again, and hired another girl."

Neil hired the new new secretary for, again, $20,000 less than his stellar, eight-year secretary.

"I fired her too," said Neil. "She just didn't have the right instincts, the right sense of responsibility."

Neil now has a secretary he thinks he'll stick with -- as long as she'll have him. She has the experience and qualities to do the job well, and Neil bit the bullet and offered her a salary comparable to that of his original secretary.

Neil says, "I really think when you try to cut corners and take advantage of a situation like this (recession), you come up short in the end. I really do think you get what you pay for."

When a secretary is laid off and then, out of necessity, has to take a job for significantly less pay, will she resent it? Will she perform her job with the same enthusiasm and loyalty knowing that she's worth much more? And if she suspects for even a moment that her employer could have met her most recent salary but simply decided not to, how devoted an employee will she be?

Diane weighs in:

"If I had to take a job for $20,000 less than what I was making just a few months ago, and then the economy got better and I had more options, I would not hesitate to leave. They were looking out for their own asses when they tried to get a super secretary for cheap. Well, I have to look out for my ass, too, and do what's best for me."

Some unemployed secretaries are refusing to work for significantly less than they were making before their lay-off, because they feel it does irreparable damage to the work history they've built.

"It took me twelve years to get to $70,000," Lois told us. "If I take a job for, say, $50,000 now, how can I expect to build on that $70,000 ever again? Any job I get in the future will pay me based on the $50K. It's like all those years of work and loyalty never happened. I got pushed back to a level from when I was still in my twenties. It's smarter for me to stay on unemployment and wait and see."

Some secretaries will hold out for indicators of a stronger economy before seeking a job similar to what they had. Others will have to take what they can get. But when that brighter day comes (and it's bound to, eventually), those compromising secretaries just might leave their cunning employers in the lurch, without a second thought.

Like Neil said: you get what you pay for.

The Post-Interview Thank You Note.

2009-04-14T09:00:00.003-04:00

Writing a thank you note after a job interview is not such a bad idea. It distinguishes you from the applicants who were too lazy to bother. It also serves to give your interviewer a nudge after you've gone that says, "Hey, remember me?" Staying in the forefront of his or her mind is a good thing. Don't let them forget you.

But if you are going to send a Thank You note, there are a few simple guidelines your should follow to get it right. Read about them at U.S. News.

Smart Phone Etiquette -- How Rude ARE You?

2009-04-10T08:26:00.003-04:00

Most of us have enough common sense to realize that taking a call on your cell phone in the middle of a staff meeting is just not cool.

But what about e-mails, texts, and tweets?

Your professionalism might be taking a hit if you keep your crackberry out on the table during a meeting, or even lunch.

Learn more here.

Confrontation in the Workplace

2009-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

No matter how great the environment, the benefits, the management at your workplace, it's hard to avoid the occasional clash with a co-worker. People are...well, human. There's friction between different personality types, moods flare and offense is taken.

But there are a few simple guidelines you can keep in mind that will contribute to a much more harmonious work environment. Check them out here.

Open Your Ears @ Work to Domestic Violence

2009-04-03T08:50:00.000-04:00

Domestic violence will follow anyone into the workplace.

It could be affecting that seemingly happy-go-lucky secretary in the next boss. Or your strictly-business boss. Maybe even you.

It's important that you open your ears for these victims, or tell a trusted co-worker about your own situation.

Employers themselves have been hesitant to accommodate domestic violence issues. But Safe Horizon is working to change that. Read more.

No More Ferry Between Rockland & NYC

2009-04-03T08:49:00.002-04:00

If you've been enjoying ferry service between Rockland and Lower Manhattan, or were considering trading in your traffic-congested commute for a pleasant boat ride, you're going to be disappointed. Ferry service will discontinue on May 1st.

Runs from Yonkers may continue with reduced service.

Get the details here.

New Rules: Tea & Coffee in the Office

2009-03-31T09:01:00.000-04:00

This blogger has set his own five rules about the making of hot beverages in the office.

Synchronized Desk Swimming

2009-03-31T06:10:00.003-04:00

Russian office workers combat desk boredom with synchronized "swimming" at their desks -- and delight a planet of "leg men" with the video to prove it. Have a peek.

Get Pricy, Healthy Snacks on the Cheap -- Here's How.

2009-03-30T09:01:00.000-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

Got a sweet tooth that flairs up around 3 PM?

Would you love to replace those junky candy bars with healthful, super-sweet and delicious dehydrated fruit snacks from the health food store, but you just can't afford that regular expense?

In our 'hood, dried strawberries go for about $8 a pound, and dried raspberries, $17 a pound!!!! No wonder so many of us reach for the M&Ms -- they're a quick fix for less than a buck. (A fix that doesn't last very long, however -- you're sugar-crashing an hour later.)

Maybe, like us, you looked at those neatly sealed bags of pricy dried fruit and automatically assumed they came from giant drying factories, and that nobody had the ability to do the same thing at home. At least not without a lot of fuss. And who needs that?

We were delighted to discover that fruit-drying can be done at home, very simply, using personal food dehydrators by Nesco.

To test the ease of the process, our volunteer Stacia put the Nesco Snackmaster Express Dehydrator and Jerky Maker, Model FD-60, to the test. Never having used a food dehydrator before, in one weekend, Stacia dried enough strawberries to feed all the secretaries in her office during the following Monday's 3 PM energy plunge.

So did Stacia have to labor the entire weekend for those few moments of glory?

"No, it was easy. Much easier than I expected," she said. "I sliced the strawberries in half, placed them on the (dehydrator's) trays, turned the dial (on the dehydrator) to the recommended temp for strawberries, and came back six hours later. They were done. I put them into baggies and stored them in the fridge 'til Monday morning."

Wow -- pretty simple!

The dehydrator is made up of a plastic base, a lid (which contains the drying mechanism -- fan, temperature gauge, etc.), and a stack of trays in between on which fruit is placed for drying. Stacia's Snackmaster Express came with four trays, but additional trays may be purchased and added to the machine, creating a taller "tower" with space to dry even more fruit at one time.

The dehydrator's literature stresses the option of pre-treating fruit before drying it. Although not necessary, pre-treatment reportedly gives dried fruits a longer shelf life, and for fruits that tend to brown (like apples), it reduces browning.

Stacia opted not to pre-treat (to save prep time) and still got a perfect product that her co-workers raved about. But pre-treatment would have been as simple as soaking her strawberry slices in fruit juice for five minutes before drying.

We were impressed by the variety of things the Nesco FD-60 is designed to do.

Besides drying fruit (not just for snacks, but for adding to granola, yogurt, cereal, etc.), the Snackmaster Express comes with a special tray for making your own "Fruit Roll-up"-type snacks using your own homemade puree. Nesco's dehydrator comes with recipes for fruit roll flavors like "Orange Julius", "Strawberry Daiquiri", "Strawberry Cream Cheese" and "Pina Colada".

The Snackmaster dries vegetables and herbs for use in stews, soups, casseroles, marinades, pizza, breads, etc.

The Snackmaster is also a jerky maker. Dried meat snacks aren't cheap. Making your own is much cheaper.

For you crafty types, the Nesco Snackmaster Express FD-60 will keep you busy in all sorts of new ways, drying plants and flowers for potpourri, dried flower arrangements, wreaths, etc. There are some clever instructions for drying dough ornaments, too.

Stacia added that cleaning the dehydrator was also easier than expected. "I thought if any part of this process would be hard work, it would be cleaning those trays. They have all those little slots in them and I thought I'd end up spending a lot of time cleaning them up. But I just let them sit in my sink full of warm soapy water for a few minutes and the pink residue from the strawberries rinsed right off with plain water."

You should know that dehydrated foods, when stored in a cool, dry place, can last a year or longer.

You might even find ways to bring in extra income with a Nesco dehydrator -- think about it.

You can get your own Nesco Snackmaster Express for $59.95 at www.nesco.com. Not only is it affordable, but it quickly pays for itself.

MTA Votes to Raise Fares, Cut Services

2009-03-25T16:25:00.001-04:00

That's right, kids. Read it and weep.

Thai Lunch @ POOKET: Skip it!!

2009-03-25T09:01:00.000-04:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

We sent Kathy, one of our volunteer restaurant reviewers, out to find a Thai lunch special near her workplace. She landed at Pooket at 945 Second Avenue at 50th Street.

She thought the lunch menu looked promising: 30 different items to choose from for $7.95, which included complementary soup of the day or house salad.

It was a bad experience from the moment Kathy walked in.

"The service was completely chaotic," she said. "It looked like there were two kids running around the dining room trying to do everything."

"First, they sat me down and forgot to give me a menu," she went on. "Eventually the waitress came back. I gave her a blank look, she looked at the empty table and said, 'Oh, you didn't get a menu yet?' Bad sign! Especially when a lot of people are in a hurry to get back to work at lunchtime. How hard is it to remember to give someone a menu when they sit down? I mean, shouldn't that be second nature for the hostess?"

"I couldn't believe it when the guy came with my salad and soup," said Kathy. "He literally threw the bowls on the table as he whizzed by." She also added, "I noticed the menu said you have your choice of soup or salad, but they gave me both. Were they too overworked or careless to bother asking, so they just gave everyone both? Or was that a menu typo? I'll never know."

And how were the soup and salad?

"They were both completely disgusting. Let me just say that I am not a picky eater. I will eat a lot of mediocre food when I'm hungry and not complain. But I took one bite of that disgusting salad and pushed the bowl away. If you'd been sitting there watching me, you'd clearly see how disgusted I was. I'm sure I made a total face."

"The salad was a meager portion of wet lettuce and a cucumber slice in a bowl without dressing. It tasted like something you'd eat out of the dumpster at the end of the day."

"The soup was like dishwater. Water with a vague hint of onion flavor, filled with limp pieces of cabbage, exactly three julienne slices of carrots the size of blades of thin grass, and exactly three squares of tofu."

As for the entree, Kathy kept it uncomplicated and ordered her favorite thing: classic Pad Thai with chicken. She knew what to expect, and had plenty of Pad Thai experiences to compare it with.

"I ate it. It tasted OK. But it was not the best Pad Thai I've ever had. No way. First of all, it was incredibly watery. The whole thing was sitting in a pool of broth, which is NOT how Pad Thai should be served."

She went on, "One of the things I love about Pad Thai is the different textures in your mouth of the smooth noodles and the fresh crunchy peanut crumbles. Pooket did one thing right -- they served the peanut crumbles on the side so you could put them on the noodles yourself and they wouldn't soak up the moisture before getting to the table. The problem was, the peanuts they served didn't taste freshly-chopped anyway. They arrived in a clump. Like they'd been stored for a while and the bits got all stuck together. I had to put the clump on top of the noodles, and break it apart with my fork. Not first-class Pad Thai."

"They were too busy to check on me during the meal, it seemed they were so understaffed and just wanted to throw bad food at you and get you out the door." "While I was eating, I noticed one customer across the room had a problem with his check. It seemed he was charged too much. And a guy at the table next to me at one point was calling out, 'Excuse me! Excuse me!' Then he turned to his friends and said, 'Nobody's looking!' So I don't think I was the only one who was unhappy."

So Kathy, how was the decor?

"The place was really shabby. I was surprised. I haven't seen a place that bad in a while. (The upholstery in) almost every booth was ripped to pieces, and they repaired them with so much black tape it was ridiculous. One booth had black tape going all the way up the side."

"It seems like Pooket has been trying to cut costs for a long time with the bad condition of the dining room. Taping up their booths, please! I don't know how long they've been passing off the poor ingredients in the food, but I think Pooket is suffering the effects of the economy, and they're passing the suffering on to the customer. I will never go there again." A note from the editorial department: we went to the Pooket web site address as printed on their take-out menu and found the account had "been suspended". Does this lend muscle to Kathy's theory that Pooket is trying to cut expenses? Web site account suspended, restaurant understaffed, pathetic ingredients and meager portions? We couldn't help but wonder.

Just to play devil's advocate here: Kathy, it was $7.95, for an entree, soup and salad. What do you expect?

"I've been working in New York for a long time. I've been to a lot of places. There are plenty of places with that kind of lunch special, where the food is decent. I can't believe Pooket gets away with being so bad when they have so much competition."

Kathy added this excellent point: "...getting a free soup and salad isn't a great value if what you're getting is tasteless shit that won't stick to your ribs, makes you want to hurl, and you'll probably not eat it anyway. What are you getting for free? Garbage. You're getting water and a couple of water-logged vegetables as thin as paper. So you've just paid $7.95 for mediocre food, when you could've walked down the block and found five other places who will feed you something decent for that much, or less."

In midtown east, when you're craving Thai, skip Pooket. You work hard for the money -- get fed by people who care about your satisfaction and your business.

COBRA: Even Cheaper Now

2009-03-23T06:47:00.003-04:00

If you're about to get laid off and your company employs at least twenty people, you'll most likely be continuing your health insurance through the COBRA program. But did you know that COBRA is now a lot more affordable, thanks to the prez's economic stimulus plan? Learn more from Daily Finance.

New Ferry Terminal @ Vesey Street: A Waste?

2009-03-19T08:25:00.003-04:00

The Port Authority opened its beautiful new ferry terminal at the World Financial Center yesterday. But was it an extravagant waste of money?

Commuters seem to feel the only plus is that it has a bathroom. Otherwise, it doesn't impact their commute for the better.

Find out how riders are weighing in at the New York Times.

Baby Born Under Big Sign in Penn Station

2009-03-19T08:22:00.002-04:00

Yesterday during morning rush hour, a woman gave birth to a baby boy, right under the "Departures" sign in the main waiting room at Penn Station. Can you guess what she named him? Get the full story here.

Surprising Recession Trend: Secretaries Hiring Secretaries

2009-03-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

Hugs vs. Handshakes

2009-03-16T08:07:00.002-04:00

Hugging is the new handshake in the workplace. At least that's what one article in a Pennsylvania newspaper tells us.

Is it true -- do you see the embrace taking over in the office where the handshake was once the norm? Read more about the phenomenon.

Office Gossip: Debunking the Myths

2009-03-16T08:03:00.003-04:00

$1 Oatmeal at Jamba Juice!!!

2009-03-13T09:02:00.000-04:00

Now through March 31st, get yourself a deee-lish oatmeal at Jamba Juice for only a DOLLAR. Just print and present the coupon below. To find the Jamba Juice near you, use the Jamba Locator.

New Tolls: Exempt City Residents?

2009-03-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

That $1.2 million MTA operating budget gap still has to be dealt with -- and state legislators are volleying around some ideas.

A $5 proposed bridge toll has been recommended -- but Congressmember Anthony Weiner, a representative of parts of Brooklyn and Queens, is arguing on behalf of an already-cash-strapped middle class to exempt city residents from paying the toll, leaving the burden of the toll to outsiders driving in.

Read more about Weiner's four-step plan in the Queens Courier.

Boost Your Morale in Uncertain Times

2009-03-10T05:42:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers Suddenly Feeling Happier

2009-03-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

Forget your troubles, c'mon get happy! There's a reason your friends and co-workers have a little more spring in their step today. Read about it in the Daily News.

Paying a Notary: $2 MAX.

2009-03-05T07:57:00.002-05:00

Legal secretary Jessica R. discovered that friends and family members had been charged more than $2 for the services of a notary. She advises us that "it is against the law for a notary to charge you over $2 (in New York)."

See the excerpt of Notary Law below, taken from the following website: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/lawbooks/notary.html

Notary Public Fees in New York State:

§136. Notarial fees.
A notary public shall be entitled to the following fees:
1. For administering an oath or affirmation, and certifying the same when required, except where another fee is specifically prescribed by statute, $2.
2. For taking and certifying the acknowledgment or proof of execution of a written instrument, by one person, $2, and by each additional person, $2, for swearing such witness thereto, $2.

Software Troubles? Carol to the Rescue!

2009-03-04T07:07:00.005-05:00

We'd like to introduce you to Carol Bratt. Carol is a certified Microsoft Office specialist, and her mission is to provide a life raft to workers like you, navigating the sometimes rocky seas of Microsoft Office. She offers various educational products to help you learn more about Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point or Publisher.

Due to firms trimming their staffs, some of you may find yourselves having to take on responsibilities that once belonged to someone recently departed -- responsibilities that require software know-how you don't have. Do you find yourself suddenly plopped in front of Excel spreadsheets, and you have no idea how to use them? Or do you now need to understand mail merges, when you never had a call to use them before? Investing in some learning tools can reduce your panic and boost your confidence more quickly than you may have imagined.

Visit Carol's Corner Office for more information. And be sure to sign up for her free monthly Word Bytes Newsletter!

How to Beat Office Stress

2009-03-03T06:56:00.000-05:00

We let stress get to us. Keeping stress in check is a matter of health, which is why, every now and then, we remind you how. This time, Men's Fitness has the tips. And if you've read them before and are putting them into regular practice, feel free to tune out. Otherwise, pay attention -- this post is for you.

90% of American Workers are Still Employed!

2009-03-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Let's try looking at the sunny side of the street for a change: 90% of American workers are still employed!

And some people are actually doing really well at work. In fact, we know of more than one secretary who not only got a bonus this past December, but got raises at the start of 2009! But why aren't we hearing more about these people?

Get a clue from MSNBC.

Two Ways to Save $$$ on Work Clothes

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

There's no getting around it: you need a decent work wardrobe. And few secretaries we know are finding a surplus in their fashion budget these days.

But we know of at least two ways to save money while still dressing your best:

METHOD #1: Stop Paying for Pressing; Spray the Wrinkles Away!

Who likes ironing? It's so much easier to hand off your stuff to the drycleaner and let them worry about getting your shirts crisp, smooth and office-ready. Of course, that can get expensive.

All right, so you can't imagine doing all that ironing yourself, no matter how much money it saves. Hey, we respect that. We don't iron anymore either. We found a surprisingly effective alternative for lazy people: Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover. It's a secret we're happy to share.

We don't understand how this stuff works -- we just marvel that it does.

Here's how to duplicate our test: Take your favorite shirt and hang it on a hanger. Spray Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover on the shirt. Then, work the wrinkles out with a combination of two motions: tug the garment down and outward gently to pull the fabric flat so the wrinkles flatten, too. Then smooth the fabric out with the palms of your hands, as if your hands were irons. Work your way around the garment one section at a time, tugging and smoothing. This doesn't take long, mere moments. You'll be amazed at how smooth and tidy the garment becomes in no time at all. Plus, the clean scent of Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover freshens your clothes and chases away any stale odors in the garment. Give the garment about two minutes to air-dry and it's ready to wear!

Try not to worry about your drycleaner's receipts when you stock up on Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover instead at www.GrandmasSoap.com. A four-pack of 8-ounce spray bottles goes for $19.95.

METHOD #2: Keep the Clothes You've Got in Good Shape.

Stretch your budget by stretching your wardrobe into one more season. Trust us, in these economic times, no one will blame you for giving last year's clothes at least one more go 'round.

One of the most common reasons that clothes get discarded from one year to the next is stains. And they always seem to fall right smack in the middle of your best sweater or blouse, where it can't be hidden with a scarf or piece of jewelry, right?

In a downtown legal office, a group of secretaries kept a set of Carbona Stain Devils on-hand for several months, and promised to use them as needed. Carbona's Stain Devils are specially designed to treat specific stains. Carbona makes Stain Devil formulas to treat:

- Gum & Glue
- Ketchup & Sauce
- Ink & Crayon
- Blood & Milk
- Fat/Grease/Oil
- Make-Up & Grass
- Motor Oil & Lubricant
- Fruit & Red Wine
- Rust

Each special formula also treats other, similar stains. For example, the Stain Devil for Gum & Glue also removes stains from correction fluid and nail polish.

During our secretaries' test period, they found occasions to reach for Carbona's Stain Devil formulas for Ketchup & Sauce, Ink & Crayon, and Gum & Glue.

Carla used the Stain Devil for Ketchup & Sauce to get rid of a barbecue sauce stain. "I noticed the stain right away, so I treated it right away. I had to wait several hours to go home and be able to throw my shirt in the laundry, but the stain came out like it was never there to begin with."

Irina had similar results with Carbona's Stain Devil for Ink & Crayon on a blue ink stain. "No, I didn't notice the stain right away," she said. "In fact, I didn't see it 'til I got on the subway at the end of the day, but I waited 'til the next day to take that Carbona bottle home from work to try it out." Even after letting the stain set in for at least 36 hours before treatment, Irina found that Carbona did a great job of getting rid of the stain. "I didn't bring the bottle back to the office," she confessed. "The stuff worked too good, so I kept it."

Diane was equally pleased when she used Carbona's Stain Devil for Gum & Glue on a sweater. "I got some gooey *#@# on my sweater from a strip of double-sided tape," she complained. "I got most of the gooey part off in little rolled-up balls, but it left behind a sticky mark." "I used the formula for Gum (& Glue) and it lifted out the stickiness, and when the sweater was washed there was no spot leftover. You couldn't tell where the tape had been." "I probably would've gotten rid of (the sweater) if I couldn't get that spot out." It sounds like Carbona saved Diane's sweater!

So the next time you get a stain that you think is hopeless -- including shoe polish, suntan lotion, Vaseline -- stop by the supermarket on your way home from work and get the Carbona Stain Devil made for your stain. It's one of the best ways we know to extend the life of your wardrobe!

The Carbona web site lists all the different types of stains each type of Stain Devil treats, and you can buy them individually for $3.49, or get the entire line for $27.92.

An Argument in Favor of the Office Popularity Game

2009-02-26T05:36:00.000-05:00

Here's one article that says vying for office prom queen may not be such a bad thing. (In other words, getting people to like you may get you everywhere.)

Commuters Want Train from Flemington to NYC

2009-02-25T05:43:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time (almost 50 years ago), there was daily train service to NYC from Flemington, New Jersey. Up to 55 trains per day, in fact. But that ended when most of the tracks were torn up to build condos.

But now, a task force of community leaders self-named "The Traveling Circus" is making a serious effort at encouraging the restoration of rail services to NYC.

How likely are they to succeed? Read more at NJ.com.

How to Turn Workplace Fear into Courage

2009-02-24T08:59:00.000-05:00

If economic fear--of losing your job, retirement fund, and security--is starting to take a toll on your emotional health and workplace performance, there's good news. You can transform fear into its positive, antidote emotion--courage--much like you'd flip on a light switch. All it takes is a few tried-and-true techniques.

Check 'em out at the Minneapolis Workplace Examiner.

NJ Commuters Flocking to PATH, Abandoning Buses

2009-02-20T05:56:00.002-05:00

If you ride the PATH train, this probably will come as no surprise: business on PATH is booming. Ridership is waaaaaay up, resulting in an overcrowded, inhumane experience for almost everyone. On the flip side, bus services are seeing a huge decline in business. (Anyone want a seat?)

Read more at The Montclair Times.

Beating the Afternoon Blahs

2009-02-19T08:06:00.001-05:00

Feel your eyes glassing over in that dead zone between lunch and the end of the workday? This article from CNN will help you put a little oomph back into your afternoons.

Mock Funeral for G Subway Line

2009-02-18T08:40:00.002-05:00

The MTA recently announced service cuts on the G subway line -- and in response, The Straphangers Campaign held a funeral for the G at the Coutr Square Station in Queens -- complete with bagpipes.

Find out what other lines are headed for the grave here. Will your commute be affected?

Beauty Secrets from the Secretarial Pool

2009-02-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

These are serious times. But too much seriousness is just...well, too much seriousness. Our worries will still be there tomorrow, so let's give ourselves a break by turning our attention to something completely frivolous: our looks.

The winter can wreak havoc on our hair and skin, among other things. By the time February rolls around, many of us could use a little beauty TLC. And as much as we at Just A Sec believe it's what's on the inside that counts, there's no denying that when you look your best, it gives your whole outlook a boost.

Well, we weren't willing to wait for spring -- we wanted the glow of youth and renewal YESTERDAY. So we asked several secretaries to give up their personal beauty secrets. We wanted in on their discoveries -- things that really work and have a significant impact.

Here's the scoop:

Longer Lashes, Without a Prescription
RAPIDLASH EYELASH RENEWAL SERUM

"I would say, the one thing I've used that's made the biggest difference for me is RapidLash," confided Lisa in lower Manhattan. Rapidlash is an eyelash renewal serum that gives the appearance of longer, fuller lashes while nourishing your lashes to make them grow in thicker and healthier.

"Every night I put it on before bedtime, like the instructions recommend," said Lisa. "You use it just like liquid eyeliner. It goes on clear and you can use it on your upper or lower lashes. It doesn't sting, it doesn't irritate my eyes. It just feels like eyeliner, basically, until it dries."

"In about a month, I really did see a noticeable difference in my eyelashes. I have puny little eyelashes to begin with and after using RapidLash, not only were my lashes longer and there were more of them, but for some reason when I wore mascara, I got less clumping. It just seemed like my eyelashes defined themselves better individually. And that part happened for me right away. I didn't have to wait a month for that."

RapidLash claims to work by delivering essential proteins, vitamins, moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients to replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes, while adding shine and elasticity. They also say it works just as well on eyebrows, although Lisa only uses RapidLash on her lashes.

Rapidlash sells for $49.95. For more information and to purchase, visit www.RapidLash.com.

Work Magic on Droopy Eyelids
REVITALEYES EYELID SERUM

"I don't have any problem with my face, no wrinkles yet and my complexion is usually pretty clear. But God, do I hate my eyelids," Noreen admitted. "My eyes are deep-set. It's a family trait, and we all have heavy eyelids to begin with. I feel like my droopy eyelids make me look old before my time, and it's worse when I'm tired or have a cold."

"I tried RevitalEyes and I was really surprised by how quickly it worked," Noreen told us. "Granted, if you want it to work all day, you do have to reapply it a couple of times. At least that's what I find. But it really will give your eyes an instant pick-up."

RevitalEyes Eyelid Serum by Reviva Labs is a lightweight, silky liquid that you apply to your eyelids. It's designed to improve the tone and appearance of the delicate skin above the eye that's so prone to sagging.

Noreen applies RevitalEyes on her eyelids, all the way to the brows, and gets the best results when she tugs the skin gently upwards with her fingertips, smoothing the serum up from eyelid-to-brow in delicate sweeps. "It seems to lift the eyelid skin and the serum somehow keeps it in place, more lifted. I get an instant more wide-eyed look. I don't know how it works, I just know it makes a difference. I don't feel like my eyes are buried deep inside a lump of eyelid skin anymore!"

Noreen added, "I keep the bottle with me at all times and when I feel like I need a perk, I just rub some more on."

RevitalEyes costs $23.00 a bottle and can be purchased at www.RevivaLabs.com.

THEE Cure for Itchy, Dry Winter Skin. Period.
OLAY IN-SHOWER BODY LOTION

"I can't say enough good things about Olay's In-Shower Body Lotion," said Julie, an administrative assistant near Rockefeller Center. "Every year starting around October, I get itching, burning skin on my legs. If you looked at the skin close-up, it looked like the cracked surface of a desert. Soon after that my arms, boobs and butt start itching like CRAZY. It's like the cold weather just sucks the moisture right out of my body."

Olay In-Shower Body Lotion works differently from regular lotions, because you apply it to your clean, wet skin while you're still in the shower. "It's very easy to use, and it saves a lot of time.," Julie told us. "You don't have to spend several minutes rubbing lotion into every inch of your body. It goes on so smooth in the shower, and spreads over your body in seconds."

"You put it on right before you get out of the shower, as a last step. And it's like it locks the moisture from your shower right into your body. It kind of feels like you've got this protective layer over your body, but not in a gross way. Your skin feels so amazing and smooth, and even when you dry off with a towel, it doesn't rub away the moisture."

"I can still feel the softness of my skin when I get in bed at night. It literally lasts all day. My skin feels amazing slipping between the sheets. And I love the way it smells, very clean, but not overpowering."

"Olay's In-Shower Body Lotion is probably the single most successful product I've ever used in my life. It takes care of your dry skin right away, and I mean completely cures it. I would recommend it to anybody."

Olay In-Shower Body Lotion is sold in the skin care or shower gel sections of most drug stores for about $6, or buy online at www.olay.com.

Put On a Happy Face
SOMME INSTITUTE SKINCARE REGIMEN

"I've never been the kind of person to get suckered into buying all those products in fancy skincare lines like they sell behind the counters in department stores," Leslie told us. "I never thought it was necessary to go through twenty different steps every morning and night to have good skin. But I will tell you, when I started using the Somme Institute stuff, I got so hooked on it, I never use anything else now."

So, does that mean Leslie sucked it up and goes through twenty paces? "No, it's not that many steps," she laughed. "It's actually only five. And they're all worth it!"

What makes Somme Institute products so remarkable is their patent pending MDT5 delivery system, which nourishes the skin on a deep, penetrating level with Vitamins A, B3, B5, C and E. According the Leslie, this system really works.

Somme has worked its groundbreaking technology into a line of skincare products, including the 5-step daily skincare regimen that Leslie follows, which includes a cleanser, "Transport" toner pads, a serum, "A-Bomb" moisturizer, and Double Defense, a protecting sunblock with SPF 30+. Somme also makes specialized applications for the eyes and neck.

"I wouldn't say I ever had problem skin," says Leslie, "but I will say that the Somme products make my skin look consistently really good. I have fewer break-outs before my period, and just on a day-to-day basis, my skin has a nice glow and a clarity to it. I guess it's hard to describe. It just looks healthy, not dull. I also noticed a reduction in freckles on my cheeks and forehead that I started to develop in my late 20s. I'm not kidding, they're lighter now than they've ever been since I started using these (Somme Institute) products."

"I hope they never stop making this line because I will never, ever want to use anything else!" Somme Institute gets high marks from Leslie!

Somme Institute skin products range in price from $40 to $82 individually, but you can land a great deal with their Mobile kit which includes the basic 5-steps products in small travel sizes for $85.00. For more information and how to buy, visit www.SommeInstitute.com.

Help for Hard Times from Just A Sec

2009-02-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

Don't think we haven't noticed. These are scary times for a lot of people. We personally know some stellar, top-notch secretaries and admins who've been unavoidably laid off around these parts, and the rumors of more firings to come are running rampant.

Just A Sec feels for all of you -- the recently-axed, the workers on pins and needles.

We wish we could eliminate your concerns, give you all jobs or at least total peace of mind.

But the one thing we can do is point you towards some helpful information. So we've compiled a list of links to past posts that may help with some of the challenges you're facing now: recent lay-offs, threats of lay-offs, unexpected job searches, loss of benefits, financial stress. Knowledge is power, so stay informed. Start here:

IF YOU'VE BEEN FIRED

When You Get Fired: Important Advice

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A JOB

Interviewing for a Job? Think about this.
Is a Cover Letter Necessary with a Resume?
The Post-Job Interview Thank You Note
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
Resume on Monster, Hot Jobs? Beware!
Even in a Recession, Keep your Job or Find a New One

LOST OR REDUCED BENEFITS?

Health Coverage after a Lay-Off
401K Matching Contribution Eliminated?

IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR JOB

Make Your Job Recession-Proof
Even in a Recession, Keep your Job or Find a New One
Is Job Hunting on the Job a No-No?
How to Prepare for a Lay-Off
Dealing with Workplace Changes

IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SANITY

When You're Trapped in a Job You Hate
Dealing with Workplace Changes
Boost your Morale in Uncertain Times
Reduce Stress During Tough Financial Times

IF YOU NEED TO CUT SPENDING

Cut What You Spend During the Work Week

You're Not Alone: 800 Law Firm Jobs Lost in a Day

2009-02-13T07:52:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, nearly 800 associates and legal staff across the United States lost their jobs -- further victims of the economic downturn.

Among the firms making the cuts were:

DLA Piper
Holland & Knight
Dechert
Bryan Cave
Epstein Becker & Green
Cozen O'Connor

For more details, read the full article in the National Law Journal.

Although not mentioned in NLJ's article, earlier this week intellectual property boutique Darby & Darby also laid off several attorneys and an array of support staff, including secretaries and paralegals, in its New York and Seattle offices.

Heads-Up! Free Dunkin' Donuts Gift Cards for Commuters!

2009-02-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

OK, here's the deal. TODAY, Thursday, February 12th, Dunkin' Donuts "spies" will be roaming the New York metro area handing out loaded $5.00 gift cards to anyone they see holding a Dunkin' Donuts bag or cup on their morning commute. Four lucky commuters will be random recipients of $99 wildcard gift cards!!!

The "spies" will travel on foot, as well as on LIRR trains, the subway, New Jersey Transit and the Hoboken ferry in search of loyal customers at these locations:

Iselin
Secaucus
Hoboken
NYC

It's DD's version of on-the-spot customer appreciation.

By the way, if you've been trying to trim your luxury spending and have declared $6 lattes out of the question, listen to this: all Dunkin' stores in the tri-state area are now offering lattes for only 99 cents, costing you less than a normal cup of coffee. Dunkin' wants to help their customers indulge in high-quality espressobeverages without charging them a fortune like...well, you-know-who.

Thanks, Dunkin'!

Resume on Monster, Hot Jobs? Beware!

2009-02-12T09:01:00.000-05:00

The Post-Job Interview Thank You Note

2009-02-12T08:04:00.001-05:00

Treated Like Crap Because Jobs are Scarce?

2009-02-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

Are you a secretary, administrative assistant or executive assistant whose employers are getting away with treating you like crap, because they know you fear for your job in the current economy?

Are unscrupulous managers or supervisors having a field day terrorizing their staffs because they know you feel lucky just to have a job right now, even if it's torture?

Tell us about it. We want to hear your stories. Send them to justasecnyc@yahoo.com. We may print your story, but we won't use your real name.

The Congestion Pricing Plan, Revised.

2009-02-10T05:45:00.002-05:00

Last spring, Mayor Bloomberg proposed an $8 "congestion fee" for drivers entering certain parts of Manhattan. But the plan had its flaws.

State Senator Daniel Squadron has stepped up and proposed a "smarter" version of congestion pricing, noting that similar programs are working with success in other cities around the world.

Find out how this plan is different, and reasons why you should support a congestion fee, in the Gotham Gazette.

Economic Stimulus Package: What's in it for NYC?

2009-02-10T05:39:00.003-05:00

So if Obama's proposed economic stimulus package passes, how will it help people like us in NYC?

We're going to receive funds for improvement in transit, highways and bridges; tax cuts for workers earning less than $200,000 a year; funds for new job training and development, and much more.

Read all about it in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

5 French Hookers in Brooklyn Subway Station

2009-02-10T05:34:00.002-05:00

Subway advertising is routinely reviewed for racy content. But this time, they let full-frontal nudity slide when five naked babes got hung in the spotlight at Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street subway stations. Find out why in the New York Times.

Think You're "Middle Class"? Not in NYC.

2009-02-09T06:02:00.002-05:00

If you live within the five boroughs of New York City, this article may reveal to you for the first time exactly how much cheaper it is to live outside the city.

Friction Between Generations in the Office

2009-02-09T05:53:00.003-05:00

One source of tension between office co-workers might just be a good old-fashioned generation gap.

Younger workers are more tech-savvy, while older workers stick with ways of doing things that are familiar and comfortable, but not necessarily the most efficient ways of getting things done.

Older workers sometimes resent younger workers for their use of certain technologies (which in the minds of mature workers equate to goofing off), and their relatively casual approach to things like dress code.

How might differences between the generations be causing tension in your office?

Sometimes a little perspective and understanding goes a long way. Read more here.

Girl Scout Cookie Rules for the Office

2009-02-06T06:06:00.002-05:00

Remember when the girl scouts used to take cookie orders door-to-door? Maybe you even remember being one of them.

That era is long-gone, as parents worry about the safety of their kids approaching the homes of strangers. Instead, many parents of scouts are taking on the responsibility of selling their daughters' cookies themselves, and usually at work. But it can sometimes be a sticky situation.

What are the ethical issues of selling girl scout cookies in the office? Check out CNN before you buy -- or sell -- another box of Thin Mints.

Hate the Idea of Office "Cliques"?

2009-02-04T08:51:00.002-05:00

Yoga Enters the Office

2009-02-04T08:47:00.002-05:00

If your employer has introduced an employee wellness program, or is just thinking about it, maybe you should encourage them to incorporate yoga.

They might be interested to know that yoga improves the immune system, which means fewer sick employees and fewer absences.

If you need more ammunition, check out this article. You might even send your boss to the link.

Revolutionize Your Office -- One Chat at a Time

2009-02-03T05:49:00.000-05:00

From Minneapolis, we've discovered a great little list of advice on how to revolutionize your workplace one conversation at a time. Absolutely everyone should read this.

Tappan Zee Bridge Repairs to Continue

2009-02-02T05:54:00.002-05:00

Use the Tappan Zee for your commute?

The New York State Thruway Authority announced that routine repairs on the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue today, Monday, February 2 through Friday, February 6, during off-peak travel times.

Get the whole story here.

Improving Fulton St. Station

2009-02-02T05:51:00.002-05:00

Ever complain to yourself (or for that matter, someone else) that the Fulton Street subway station makes you feel like a rat in one of those cheese mazes?

Ah! But change is coming! Read it in the New York Times.

Religious Discrimination on the Rise @ Work

2009-01-30T08:05:00.000-05:00

It's All Right to Cry...

2009-01-30T06:11:00.005-05:00

In her column The Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk offers up five bits of advice she's sick and tired of people handing out to women, one of which is "Don't cry at work".

Find out why she thinks you should let those tears rips -- and what else is irritating her lately -- at The Hook.

Metro-North Parking in Orange Co. Gets Changes

2009-01-30T06:08:00.003-05:00

Do you take Metro-North from stations in Orange County? Have you been unhappy with certain aspects of the station parking lot, including snow removal or other maintenance?

Take heart. The management company for those lots will be changing as of April 1, 2009.

Read more.

Decaf at Starbucks? Prepare to Wait.

2009-01-29T05:44:00.003-05:00

Starbucks has announced it's going to stop brewing fresh decaf in the afternoons. They say the demand for decaf lessens as the day progresses, and they're left with a lot of waste.

Instead, if you want decaf in the afternoon, you can still get it -- but it'll add at least four minutes to your wait. They'll have to brew it specially for you.

Read more here.

Obama Wants to Change Your Work Experience

2009-01-28T06:05:00.003-05:00

President Obama has proposed changes that would positively affect the average American worker.

As a sampler, he wants to raise the national minimum wage to $9.50 and guarantee all employees seven days of sick leave per year.

Source: PLI SmartBrief

Your Office is Full of Sick People.

2009-01-27T05:58:00.002-05:00

We know, we know...tell us something you didn't already know, right?

Oh, wait -- we're talking about the flu. What are you talking about?

According to a new survey by OfficeTeam, more than 40% of office workers said they often go to work when they feel under the weather.

Only 17% of bosses, on the other hand, believed this was common practice among their employees.

In our humble opinion, this just screams for more paid sick days for everyone, period.

Source: Memphis Business Journal

Are YOU a Pain on the Train?

2009-01-27T05:54:00.002-05:00

Workers Dismissed Early to Go Make Babies

2009-01-27T05:49:00.002-05:00

In Japan, 12-hour workdays are the norm. But at Canon headquarters, employees are now being urged to leave at 5:30 sharp two days a week, with a very specific purpose. Workers are being encouraged to make more babies.

Find out why at CNN.

Share Cab with a Stranger to Save $$$?

2009-01-26T07:07:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the conveniences of taking taxis, but the meter's taking too big a bite out of your wallet?

You may not have to forego the luxury completely. Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a system of cab-sharing stations throughout the city.

Read more in the New York Times.

Women Like Dressing Like Ho's to Get Ahead

2009-01-21T07:09:00.003-05:00

A recent survey conducted by fashion forum site TheRagTrader revealed that most women have no qualms about dressing provocatively in order to get a promotion at work.

In fact, 1 in 20 women are already dressing to highlight their feminine charms in order to stay in the boss's good graces.

Read more.

Make Your Job Recession-Proof

2009-01-20T06:11:00.003-05:00

Is there anything you can do to protect your job in a recession?

Yes! Don't just sit around waiting for the axe to fall. Be proactive. Some friends in Kansas offer this advice.

You CAN Get a Raise in a Recession!

2009-01-20T06:06:00.003-05:00

We know of at least one legal secretary who not only got a very nice raise last week, but her end-of-year bonus in 2008 wasn't too shabby, either. And she works for a company supposedly in dire financial straits.

(And no, she didn't sleep with anybody -- get your Tuesday morning minds out of the gutter!)

It is possible to get a raise in an economy like ours. But how?

Learn from the Wall Street Journal.

Staff Lay-Offs at Akin Gump

2009-01-20T06:01:00.001-05:00

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is laying off 65 staff across its US offices.

Stay abreast of developing news here.

Bedtime Gets an Upgrade

2009-01-19T09:01:00.000-05:00

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

At Just A Sec, we believe in making weeknight bedtimes as cozy and welcoming as possible.

Drifting off into a heavenly, quality sleep goes a long way towards having a happier workday the next day. When you sleep well, you feel better. Tasks seem closer to effortless. You're nicer to people, so they act nicer to you.

So why aren't you looking forward to your bedtime?

Angeline is a secretary in midtown who, for months, wasn't getting enough sleep, and the quality of sleep she was getting was poor. She volunteered to test our drug-free, three-step formula for giving the end of the day a well-deserved upgrade. Here's her feedback:

Step One: The Happy Company Sleep Mask

First, we advised Angeline to sink into her own private world with The Happy Company's Sleep Mask. Not only would it block out any annoying light from streetlights, a too-full moon, etc., but the soothing lavendar tucked inside the lining would calm her senses, aromatherapy-style.

"I've never worn a sleep mask in my life," said Angeline. "It's not something I ever thought I needed. I always imagined they'd be kind of uncomfortable, anyway. Like why would you want to sleep in one of those?" But Angeline's experience with The Happy Company's sleep mask changed her mind. "This is really nice. I'm hooked now," she admitted. "It's really soft, it smells wonderful, and it wasn't tight like I imagined a sleep mask would be. It fit really comfortably, and the sensation of having the mask on my face turned out to be really comforting. It was very light and soft. It was like someone gently encouraging my eyes to rest."

The Happy Company's sleep mask is made of 100% cotton flannel. features a "lights out" lining, and fluffy-as-a-cloud filling with lots of lavender. It has fouble elastic straps and comes in two color choices: lavendar or cream. Cost: $8.95. Find out how to get yours at www.thehappycompany.com.

Step Two: The Happy Company Body Wrap

Next, we prescribed the sleep mask's perfect companion: The Happy Company's soft flannel Body Wrap. It features a grain-filled insert which can be heated in the microwave for steady, long-lasting heat comfort. And like the sleep mask, it too contains lavendar for sweet, soothing aromatherapy.

When we asked Angeline about her experience with the Body Wrap, she rolled her eyes and sighed. "If I'd known about one of the these, I would've used one a long time ago."

"It seems like in the old days, people went to bed with hot water bottles a lot. But that never struck me as especially soothing," Angeline told us. "(The Happy Company Body Wrap) is another story. It really melted away my tension. I felt like a happy little infant drifting off in her crib! Most of the time I fall asleep with it flat under my shoulder blades, while I'm laying on my back. But occasionally I'll curl up on my side and just hug it to me." "Oh, and it's really nice when you have menstrual cramps," she added. "Is that TMI?"

The Happy Company Body Wrap has a machine washable cover, which comes in your color choice of lavender or cream. Cost: $16.53. Find out how to get yours at www.thehappycompany.com.

Step Three: Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow with Sound Therapy System

"This was the magic ingredient," Angeline said of the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow and Sound Therapy System. "This changed my world."

"I used to stay up late every night watching TV shows I really didn't care that much about. And here's the stupid reason: I felt like by going to bed, I might be missing something. Not on TV, I mean just in general. Like life was passing me by if I went to sleep. Meanwhile, I'd be getting so freakin' tired. I told you, it was stupid. It was completely psychological and made no sense. Total anxiety."

Sound Oasis made its first difference for Angeline by making her look forward to going to bed. "Oh. Oh, you don't know. I value that time so much now. It's my time. Better than a trip to a spa, I'm not kidding."

The Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow is a standard-size pillow with two slender speakers buried inside. A plug extending from the side of the pillow attaches to the Sound Oasis Sound Therapy System, a small, sleek machine that produces sounds scientifically designed by doctors to relax and/or induce sleep.

When laying one's head on the Sleep Therapy Pillow, the sounds from the Sound Therapy System gently surround you in ambient music or sound effects. There's also a button to optionally launch Sound Oasis's patented Sleep Enhancement technology, which alters your chosen sound to specifically lull you into sleep, rather than just relaxing you.

Angeline reported that since using the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow and Sound Therapy System, she's been getting more sleep, and sleeping much better through the night. She's "less grumpy in the morning" and more attentive during the day. She also told us her frequent headaches have disappeared.

The Sound Therapy System uses tiny sound cards, each loaded with 12 amazingly soothing sounds. The system comes with the "Sleep/Relaxation/Wellness" sound card. Others are available, including "Ear Therapy" and "Spa Retreat".

"I'm not sure I can pick a favorite (sound)," said Angeline. "There are a few I use all the time. I like the ocean, thunderstorm, and some of the musical ones."

Angeline described her experience with the product. "This is the most relaxing thing in the world. Every night I lay my head on that fabulous pillow, and I get completely lost in the sound. The speakers are positioned just right, so you really feel surrounded. I find it works best when I lay on my back. You get real stereo that way. But it's still great when I sleep on my side."

"I never feel the speakers," she added. "It's not uncomfortable at all. You would think you'd feel these hard speakers in there, but you don't."

"I find that the SE button really works to put me to sleep." (She means the "Sleep Enhancement" feature.) "On the weekend sometimes I just lay down for a while and chill out, but I don't press the SE button, and I find I'm able to relax, but not drop off into a nap when I don't really want one."

Angeline uses her Sound Therapy System with its timer feature. You can program the machine to play the sound of your choice for 30, 60, or 90 minutes before gently fading away to silence. This way, it doesn't run all night while you sleep.

The Sound Therapy System also works like an alarm clock, allowing you to wake to a buzzer or your favorite sound.

"It's not for couples," Angeline cautioned. "If you're sleeping next to someone, they can hear the sounds too. The speakers don't work like private earphones. So it's best if you sleep alone, or if your partner doesn't mind the sound therapy. Actually, they'd probably enjoy it."

Here are a few other things you should know:

-- Pillow speakers are removeable, and the pillow is washable.
-- Pillow speakers don't just work with the Sound Therapy System -- you can plug them into your MP3 player, CD player, or TV!
-- You can buy the pillow and Sound Therapy System separately
-- The Sound Therapy System comes with an AC adapter for plugging into the wall, but it will also run on batteries for portability
-- Pillow has hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill

The Sleep Therapy Pillow costs $49.99. The Sound Therapy System retails for $99.99. Buy directly from Sound Oasis at www.sound-oasis.com.

Automatic Back-Up Copies of Your Work in MS Word

2009-01-16T08:20:00.002-05:00

You're working on a big, important document. Then by some computer glitch from hell, you lose the whole thing.

If you're using MS Word 2003 or 2007, there's a simple setting that can prevent this all-too-common disaster. Find out how it works.

Rail Tunnel Gets OK from Feds

2009-01-16T08:18:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday, the federal government issued final approval for a second commuter rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River, clearing the way for a project transportation officials and lawmakers say will create thousands of jobs, take cars off the roads and make commuting easier for hundreds of thousands of people.

Read more at the Star-Ledger.

Should MySpace & Facebook be Banned at Work?

2009-01-15T07:32:00.004-05:00

Some people argue that blocking the use of social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook at work is a good idea, because in theory it would prevent employees from wasting their time.

But could such bans backfire on employers and be worse for them in the long run?

Read more.

Quicker Accented Letters -- Á, Ñ, É, Ü, -- in MS Word

2009-01-15T07:23:00.002-05:00

Sure, you can insert characters with accents and other punctuation in Microsoft Word. For example, Á, Ñ, É, Ü. But it takes time going into the "Symbols" menu and breaks your stride.

Is there a faster way?

Yep. And believe it or not, the answer comes from the New York Times.

Free MetroCards from Dunkin' Donuts

2009-01-14T06:51:00.003-05:00

As part of its new "You Kin Do It!" campaign (which encourages working stiffs like you and me to keep America running during the current economic crisis), Dunkin’ Donuts is handing out free subway rides at four Manhattan subway stations.

DD reps will hand out free Metrocards between 6:30 am - 9:30 am on the following dates, outside these stations:

Monday, January 12th @ Lexington Ave/ 53rd Street
Tuesday, January 20th @ 14th Street/ Union Square Station
Monday, January 26th @ Grand Central Station
Monday, February 2nd @ Times Square/42nd Street

Love Your Cubicle -- It's Keeping You Healthy

2009-01-14T06:45:00.002-05:00

On those days when your cubicle makes you feel like a lab rat stuck in one drab corner of a maze, look on the bright side: an open office plan would be much more likely to make you sick. Curious? Read more.

One Blogger Agrees: Ladies, Stop the Petty Abuse!

2009-01-14T06:37:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week we pointed you to an article about women mistreating one another in an office setting. This writer responded and agreed. Ladies, it's up to us to support one another! It begins with you.

NJ Woman Sues Employer Over Perfume @ Work

2009-01-13T06:50:00.001-05:00

A New Jersey woman is suing her employer claiming she became ill when a co-worker sprayed perfume near her. The perfume, she says, exacerbated her lung condition.

Read more at The Daily Record.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

2009-01-13T06:41:00.003-05:00

Leaving your job? It's always smart to get a letter of recommendation from your boss before you hit the road. But how do you ask?

If you feel awkward about making the request, read this advice first.

Women: Their Own Worst Enemies at Work

2009-01-12T06:51:00.002-05:00

If you're a woman with a female co-worker who's a bully, watch your back, sister.

A recent study by the Workplace Bullying Institute examining office behaviors — like verbal abuse, job sabotage, misuse of authority and destroying of relationships — found that female bullies aim at other women more than 70 percent of the time.

Bullies who are men, by contrast, tend to be equal-opportunity tormentors when it comes to the gender of their target.

Read more in the New York Times.

Employers Increasing Work Week from 35 to 40 Hours: Is it Legal?

2009-01-12T06:46:00.002-05:00

In the current economy, it's becoming increasingly common for employers to start increasing the required number of hours its employees work weekly from 35 to 40 hours -- but without offering up additional hourly pay. Companies are looking for ways to squeeze more out of their workers without forking over extra money.

For salaried workers, this amounts to a decrease in their hourly wage.

Is this legal?

Find out from Newsday.