Reuse Your Stuff and Revamp Your Mindset

Can’t bring yourself to toss that ultra-soft, threadbare T-shirt you’ve had since the early 80s? Does your throat catch when it comes time to check out at the grocery store and you’ve forgotten your cloth bags? Do you feel a sense of dread that teeters on compulsion when faced with having to buy retail? Then just relax, because you’re in some pretty awesome company with Alex Eaves. The mastermind behind Stay Vocal’s principle has been inspiring people to reuse and regenerate since he was a kid; if he could influence folks to pay attention at that age, it’s no wonder how he’s become a go-to guy for the growing reclaim movement, collecting awards and accolades along the way.

"Every day, I live and breathe reuse. It's how I dress: from vintage USA made Chuck Taylors to used jeans to the shirts that I sell. It's how I cut my hair: I donate it to charities who reuse it, like Matter of Trust. It's how I shop: I never leave home without my reusable bag and mug (which is good, because I drink A LOT of coffee)."

Alex’s long-time obsession with sports, music, skateboards and T-shirts created an amalgam of reuse potential that eventually spawned the popular Green America certified ReUse apparel company known as Stay Vocal, whose mission has recently spread to redirecting young minds toward embracing this philosophy. His soon-to-be kids workshop will seek to change how children think about product regeneration (not so much toward recycling since that’s still the act of throwing things away). The “Reuse Pro” will drive home his message by having his young audience craft reusables like toilet paper tubes into animals, puppets, presents, etc. they can easily make with or without their parents.

Homeless dogs have also firmly planted themselves on Alex’s radar as he incorporates animal adoption in his mission to reach and teach about giving products and pets a second chance.  I guess you can say Alex is somewhat of a magician the way he breathes new life into what others throw away. But he’ll be the first to tell you that what he does has nothing to do with illusion and everything to do with awareness. Some immediate campaigns Alex is undertaking include encouraging Dunkin’ Donuts to offer discounts to patrons who bring their own reusable cups to reduce ever-increasing environmental damage from polystyrene foam cups; and marketing his “Water Saver” T-shirts as a way to offset the 400 gallons of water it takes to grow the amount of cotton used for a single new T-shirt.

All this only scratches the surface of Alex’s penchant for pioneering the reuse concept until it becomes commonplace rather than innovative. See what else he has up his reproduced sleeve on Stay Vocal’s Facebook page (where there’s a 10% off purchase coupon waiting for you), Alex’s Facebook page (where you can see him make more amusing faces) and Twitter.

Not Your Grandma's Rummage Sale

There's no rapture quite like unearthing a barely broken-in pair of Sorel hiking boots for $30 (and yes, they're also the right size, so no need to stuff socks in the toes). And the bliss that comes with locating a favorite pair of Rider's comfort fit jeans the company no longer makes is beyond compare; you smile with suppressed giddiness as they swing happily on the hanger, while your eyes are drawn to the dangling tag that reads "$5."

"Nearly New" to "Well-Worn"
The "gently used" quality of vintage and secondhand clothes punctuates the value of thrift shopping: while there is always the potential to come home empty-handed, that mad anticipation of what prized possessions may await makes the hunt as thrilling as the find. Sure, there's a big difference between junk stores and potential treasure troves, but don't be too quick to write off the smaller, independent shops just because they don't have as much eye appeal; since many people avoid these little gems in favor of more popular names, the inventory is not nearly as picked over.

Unleash Your Inner Philanthropist
Scoring some of your best threads is only one benefit of shopping thrift stores, because the money you spend supports many different charitable organizations from animals and abuse victims to feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. Some non-profit groups rely solely upon selling donated goods as the financial lifeline that keeps them operating, so remember to ask for a tax receipt when you contribute to your local resale shop.

Teach Your Children Well
We all strive to impart our kids with a sense of social responsibility, yet they're constantly bombarded with conflicting outside influences that can counteract our efforts. Introducing them to the world of recycled apparel not only gives the opportunity to budget without compromise, but it also broadens their worldview. Supporting thrift and secondhand shops with consumer dollar power is a surefire way to spark community spirit while giving a good turn to local groups doing good. And who knows -- teens may even want to volunteer their time behind the counter after finding out they get benefits like a great discount and first dibs on incoming merchandise. :)

Find a shop near you with the National Thrift Store Directory, and arm yourself with 12 how-to tips to make your shopping excursion more successful.

Whose Life is Worth More?

If given a split second to decide which people are rescued from a 2-car collision where an explosion is imminent, it's likely you'll grab those nearest your reach. But what if one vehicle is shuttling a global leader, popular celebrity or wealthy businessman, while the other holds several college freshmen? Would you grapple with your conscience about whether one life holds more value from a "greater good" standpoint?

Are You Better Than Me?
Utility requires society to act on the benefit of the majority; while siding with the greater good is not necessarily best for all, it is alleged to be the most equitable under general circumstances. Utilitarians will argue against the claim their social philosophy is merely totalitarianism in disguise, being there is simply no way to satisfy 100% of any group. By appeasing the majority, more people are served at the minority's expense, an unfortunate situation that often leaves the same individuals to adapt to –- or be detrimentally impacted by -- the greater good.

The main tenet of utility, according to Brue et al, is rational self-interest rather than selfishness, because "increasing one's own wage, rent, interest, or profit normally requires identifying and satisfying somebody else's wants," such as when parents pay their children's college tuition. Another way to understand this is by examining the meaning of altruism, which by today's standards has transformed into a philanthropic definition from its origin of perpetuating the species. This biological reality is easily demonstrated by how a bee stings an intruder, ultimately forfeiting its own life to protect the queen and hive.

Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it's not difficult to perceive utility as an opposing force to our altruistic nature. So many contemporary societies still endure incredible poverty, disease and homelessness despite global resources fully capable of feeding, clothing, educating, housing and medicating the suffering masses.

That Pesky Moral Compass

Warren Quinn, author of "Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Doing and Allowing," notes how the cloud of dispute swirling around this sociopolitical disgrace can quickly spin out of control when emotions override the greater good. Ask yourself what you'd do if you were in the following hypothetical scenario.

Engineer Bill is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: does he avert the runaway trolley to save little Sarah who is caught on the tracks at the expense of 100 passengers headed for certain death if he switches tracks? Or does he spare those hundred people in exchange for one little girl's life? Utility compels Engineer Bill to save the passengers by forfeiting Sarah, yet this does not relieve him from struggling with his battered moral compass. Harming someone is inevitable in this situation, but the question is whether making the least damaging choice is always the best decision.

Clearly, the vast opposition between utilitarianism and ordinary morality creates a disturbing issue within Engineer Bill that forces him choose between the value of different lives. But as Wendler duly points out, "our attitudes in this regard are based on a rational cost/benefit analysis. To that extent, these attitudes do not provide an ethical argument" for exposing some people to certain risks for the benefit of others. Nemo Taylor provides a lasting reminder when faced with the choice between social mandate and ordinary morality: "Don't do the right thing out of some bland sense of duty or obligation. Do it because you recognize it's the only way to truly be happy and content with your own life."

Bird photo by Greg Kowalczewski
Pyramid graphic by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert

The Importance of Workplace Hierarchy

The need for organiza-tion, unity and consis-tency is paramount to any business or industry to stave off chaos; when a chain of command is not maintained within the structural unit of authority, stability is challenged as subordinates assume decision-making roles. While the idiom "too many cooks spoil the broth" speaks to the need for defined roles and responsibilities along the entire chain, there is still room for a more collaborative approach beyond the rigidity of traditional hierarchy.

Empowerment
Traditional management and leadership practices have evolved considerably to incorporate a more collaborative dynamic that not only favors hierarchical strength but also bolsters workforce productivity. The chain of command doesn't have to be rigid to be successful; a strong and empowering hierarchy positively pushes the comfort zone by keeping the labor pool learning, inspired, and communicating.

Checks and Balances
The system of checks and balances perpetuated by a well-functioning workplace hierarchy helps to eliminate problems that otherwise might develop when individuals address situations meant for management. For example, a subordinate who makes a decision without first consulting his superior may create a negative outcome if he doesn't have all the pertinent information to make that call.

Ineffective Hierarchy
A company's health index starts at the helm and works downward to include what many organizations consider the inconsequential bottom workforce layer. As such, it's difficult for employees to respect corporate hierarchy when those in charge fail to recognize and acknowledge weak links in the upper echelon. Management is not exempt from accountability any more than those lower on the command chain; leaders who rely on subordinates to absorb the consequences of their ill-advised decisions threaten the relationship between organizational culture and its human capital.

Learning from Real Life
Popular culture has been instrumental in demonstrating the importance of workplace hierarchy, with the reality show Undercover Boss being one of the most enlightening examples. A common denominator among the show's featured CEOs and company presidents is how nary a single one is in touch with his or her organization's daily operations. Time and again these commanders discover sizable weak links throughout the company chain that necessitate immediate damage control mode.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Moral Issues About Dating Coworkers

Interpersonal relationships play a critical role in daily workplace operation; without the ability to create rapport, employees may not establish strong communication. Given how much time people spend in the workplace, it's easy to understand the lure of dating coworkers; when those working relationships cross over into office romances, however, the moral component of such intimate interaction comes into play.

Policy
The desire to curb romances with a no-dating policy has increased with the growing awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace. This heightened awareness aside, companies are not jumping on the no-dating bandwagon as much as it might seem; just 12 percent of survey respondents in 2003 implemented such a policy, according to the American Management Association (AMA), with the majority specifically prohibiting morally questionable boss/employee fraternizing. Even with such a rule in place, there may be little legal power to enforce it if the state considers it privacy infringement. To sidestep this possibility, employers can impose an ethics code that more solidly supports the company's stance.

Hostile Work Environment
The ethical components of an office affair can impact other employees if it's known that one or both workers are cheating on their spouses with another staff member. The workplace can also turn hostile once the affair is over and the one-time lovers are not emotionally capable of working in the same space. Moreover, the burden of liability may fall upon the employer if one of the romantic pair files a harassment complaint that's not immediately addressed and rectified.

Turning a Blind Eye
While employers may not be happy with knowing their subordinates are fraternizing, they may respect the couple's privacy as long as the relationship does not detrimentally impact either employee's job performance. Should such concerns as favoritism from one toward the other, arguing in the office or decline in productivity arise, the boss has reason to step in.

Legal Aspects
What employees do on their own time is beyond the scope of workplace policy; however, once the relationship spills over into office space, the amorous coworkers cross a line that takes them into more legally stringent territory. For example, if they exchange personal and/or intimate messages while using a department computer on company time, the employer is within rights to take action as long as an electronic messaging policy is in place.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Modern Theories on Workplace Ethics

To live within a given society is to conform to the ethical components dictated by its governing culture. This same philosophy applies to the organizational environment, whereby workplace ethics is an ever-evolving entity that can be evaluated from a number of theoretical dichotomies.

Norms
Cultural values dictate workplace ethics and encourage staff to behave in certain ways. Adhering to these corporate social norms provides a structured path for people to follow; without this man-made construct, companies would have greater difficulty maintaining a socially and psychologically healthy environment. Breaking social norms, such as eating another employee's refrigerated food or undermining a fellow staffer's performance, indicates overstepping very specific guidelines that mandate certain behavioral expectations within that particular workplace.

Utilitarianism
In its raw form, utilitarianism might seem to uphold everyone's best interest, but in reality it benefits a greater number of workers while compelling the rest to adapt to majority rule. Since it is highly unlikely to appease everyone in any given workplace, the utility theory serves to satisfy needs of the many over the few, and may even be construed as a form of Darwin's survival of the fittest.

Deontology
The intrinsic value of good will — behavior that is not dependent upon an outcome to justify its occurrence — is the basis of deontological theory. This Kantian perspective applies to workplace ethics by highlighting man's need to reap a perceived value for doing what's considered a social and moral obligation. For example, an employee helps a coworker reach an important deadline without expecting recognition for his efforts.

Egoism
In stark contrast to deontology, egoism gives people permission to consider only what benefits their personal needs. This theory can create a hotbed of contempt in the workplace due to its lack of social responsibility — being aware of the impact your actions have upon the workplace as a whole. Ethical egoists believe that no reasoning can overrule what is otherwise the moral and righteous actions all human beings are expected to uphold.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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The Best Jobs for Your Personality

Many people tend to enjoy their jobs much more and achieve greater productivity when their personalities are matched to the tasks. In fact, career suitability and interest tests are based on the idea that certain individual characteristics are more likely to bring about greater success and job satisfaction. Heading down a particular career path based on prominent personality traits is an approach that can demystify the whole "What do I want to be when I grow up?" quandary.

Learn About Yourself
Finding the right vocational fit begins with identifying who you are by assessing factors such as interests, talents, hobbies, achievements and desired lifestyle. Pinpointing these traits can be somewhat challenging to achieve, given how people are not always aware of all their unique personality facets. Enlisting the input of friends, family and even school counselors can be one strategy for learning about and recognizing your personality characteristics.

Gauging Your Forte
Whether you're extroverted and spontaneous, or calm and calculated, any number of vocations can complement your abilities. Finding your forte comes from pairing personality traits with career paths that highlight those characteristics. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, long considered the gold standard of personality assessments, not only provides a finely-tuned psychological insight, but it also identifies the most relevant career options that can steer you toward a satisfying livelihood.

Career Compatibility
Dr. John Holland's career-choice theory is based on the idea that six different personality types gravitate toward different work environments: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional. People rarely fall into just one work-related personality type, and are often drawn to and suitable for a combination of categories. Consider your options in more than just one area to find your niche.

Holland's Hexagon
Holland's Hexagon, a model that outlines relationships between personalities and work environments, shows conventional personalities are orderly, systematic and like set plans, making them suited for occupations like bank teller, bookkeeper or court clerk. The dynamic, ambitious, "take charge" enterprising personality is well-suited for positions such as bank president, lawyer or customs inspector. Having a social personality lends itself to the nurturing, helpful and principled approaches seen in nursing, social work, teaching, counseling and physical therapy. Artistic dispositions thrive in independent and expressive environments where they are free to create in such careers as dancing, designing, writing, comedy or composing. The rigorous and intellectual nature of investigative personalities works best in such careers as lawyer, architect, veterinarian or chemist. Practicality and mechanical abilities represent the realistic personality, which include law enforcement, firefighters, pilots and carpenters.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Careers for Hearing People Using ASL

American Sign Language (ASL), which provides a window of communication between the hearing and hearing-impaired communities, is the conduit for many different career opportunities. Hearing people fluent in ASL are poised for jobs in such industries as education, social services, health care, law and linguistics on local, state and national levels.

Interpreter
As the country's fourth most commonly used language according to the University of Rochester, ASL bridges the comprehension gap for several deaf and hearing-impaired populations. Students from kindergarten to university further their studies with the assistance of lecture hall and classroom interpreters, while social events such as theatrical performances and political rallies are more fully perceived when translated into sign language. Courtroom trials and depositions are two of many legal areas where ASL interpreters provide definitive understanding of often complicated processes and subject matter.

Instructor
Interest in learning ASL has grown considerably over the recent past, leading to an increased need for educators. Sign language instructors can have quite an eclectic group of students, ranging from those who are curious about the language, those in a deaf studies curriculum, deaf or hard-of-hearing students, or students who have a hearing-impaired friend/family member with whom they want to communicate. Whether at the beginner level where basic technique is taught, or at the graduate tier where students are ready to embark upon a career, instructors diligently guide students through every facet of ASL and deaf studies.

Tutor
Deaf or hard-of-hearing students who may not have classroom interpreters, or simply require more specialized academic attention, gain considerable benefit from ASL tutors. People who want to brush up on their sign language skills can call upon a tutor's expertise to enhance sign expression and finger spelling dexterity. One of the best aspects of this career choice is that tutors can meet online with students, which allows much more schedule flexibility for both.

Social Services
The gamut of careers available to people fluent in ASL is rich and rewarding. Areas of social services alone offer multifaceted options to help the deaf and hearing-impaired community navigate through myriad health and personal development options, not the least of which includes speech pathology, psychology, counseling, medical, audiology, nursing and language development. Social workers with ASL skills can better aid their hearing-impaired clients.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Dying of Boredom: Creative Teaching

The first image many think of when identifying a boring teacher is the droll, monotone instructor lulling his class to sleep in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." While that portrayal may be the iconic go-to example, it really isn't far off the mark when it comes to approaches some educators take to infuse knowledge. What's sorely lacking is any sort of entertainment value that grabs students' attention to keep eyes front and minds sharp.

Personality and Charisma
Often there is an instructor whose antics are so engaging and memorable that they create a buzz around campus, making his class the one not to be missed. Unlike the boring faculty member who dryly runs through the syllabus without a twinge of originality, this teacher brings a sense of flair that captures students' attention, keeps them interested in the subject, and encourages them to talk about it outside the classroom.

Interactivity
Lecture hall is a staple of college life, but that doesn't mean it must also be a boring, uninspired experience. Engaging students on more than just a superficial level is an important component for grasping lessons, according to the Creative Learning Site. Good college teachers mix it up to reach beyond the conventional classroom by assembling in a grassy park, scheduling a field trip or simply strolling with students around campus while they're immersed in stream-of-consciousness conversations and enjoying some hot chocolate.

Good Teaching Practices
Students are unique in how they absorb information, which means different learning styles require different teaching methods. The one-size-fits-all approach is not only a disservice to students in general, but can produce graduates who are ill-prepared. The NDT Resource Center points out how a curriculum rich in visual (diagrams, videos), auditory (group discussions, word association) and tactile (hands-on experiments, role playing) techniques hits the trifecta of good teaching.

Technology
Technology's interactive nature engages students far beyond conventional standards, thus challenging the status quo and taking education far beyond what teachers of the past could offer. Computer simulations and games, for example, take the focus off one-directional lectures and encourage group participation. If you ever walk past a classroom filled with loud outbursts and raucous laughter, find out who the teacher is and sign up for his next class.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Gifts for People Whose Dog has Died

Honoring the memory of a deceased dog is a loving way to help friends and family with the mourning process. For some, pet-loss bereavement can be as emotionally devastating as losing a human. Being mindful of and compassionate toward the owner's grief is a gesture she will long appreciate.

Ashes Pendant and Wind Chimes
While some pet parents can't bear daily reminders of their departed dogs, others are empowered by their ever-present spirit. Those who choose to cremate or bury their dogs can keep a tangible piece close to their hearts with a small pendant that holds ashes, crushed flowers, fur clippings or soil from a special resting place. Wind chimes, too, are a thoughtful remembrance. Their sounds can make the bereaved feel as if the dog's spirit gently floats on the breeze that moves them, offering a soothing peacefulness.

Customized Gifts
There's no shortage of opportunities to create a personalized memory keepsake. Some of the many heartfelt options include an urn sculpture, photo collage, portrait (on glass, canvas or as a clay-like photo sculpture), engraved frame, etched garden stone, Christmas tree ornament and scrapbook. Myriad online shops and brick-and-mortar stores offer extensive options for creating a unique keepsake; with personal photos so readily available on social media sites, it's relatively easy to surprise the recipient with a warmhearted gift.

Living Memorial
Let your creativity run wild with thoughts of rejuvenation: Help the owner plant a tree or bush in her yard, scatter flower seeds over the dog's favorite outdoor spot or surround the pooch's photo with a small indoor garden where the grieving friend or family member can take solace. Also check the policies of local parks to see if a tree may be planted there for everyone to enjoy.

Donation to an Animal Organization
Saving another life can be one of the most cathartic experiences for someone in the throes of pet-loss grief. Whether public operation or private shelter, all animal-related organizations have ongoing needs, things they require to help keep their charges happy and healthy. Many groups have a wish list of specific items necessary for everyday operations and for their special-needs residents. Cash donations also help -- and they allow the shelter's staff to determine how to best utilize your generosity -- from veterinary costs to daily expenses. Consider giving locally so you're better able to track how your donation is used.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
English springer spaniel image by Jeff Dalton from Fotolia

Proper Dress for a Bartender Interview

The job interview process, which can be tricky to maneuver under the best of circum-stances, begins the moment you walk through the door. Because tending bar is often considered a casual position, applicants can make the mistake of wearing attire that's too informal or too extravagant. Dress the part by choosing appropriate clothes that make the right impression, and you'll set the tone for a more successful interview.

Follow the Example
Establishments make it pretty simple to dress appropriately for a bartender interview. On a day other than when you're scheduled to meet the hiring manager, visit as a patron and learn from what you see. If employees wear a uniform, simulate it as best as you can with similar colors and styles. Establishments that let their bartenders choose their own attire based upon general guidelines (such as T-shirts and jeans or shorts and tank tops) are too casual to copy for the interview but do give you a bit more leeway to assemble an appropriate look. Smart casual is a good guideline to use, similar to an outfit you'd wear to dine with a colleague or in-laws.

Women
Black pants are a standard in the bar industry, so you won't go wrong with this choice. However, choose a style that's more form-fitting with a proper hem and remember to press them. Avoid low-riders; they cross the line between casual and unsuitable. Interject a bit of your personality by choosing a top color other than white; not only will you make more of an impression than other applicants who stay with the standard, but you'll also demonstrate a certain flair that employers value in this particular position. Be sure to choose a full-length blouse that does not show your midriff or cleavage; aim for subtlety over seduction. Flat, black, closed-toed shoes finish the look.

Men
Black pressed pants work as well for the guys as they do for the gals, but men should stick with more muted shirt colors like white, gray, blue or subtle pinstripes. Refrain from choosing a collar that's either too wide or too skinny and be sure the shirt is not so loose-fitting that it hangs over your belt when tucked. A tie is optional if the establishment's dress code is unknown but should be worn if it is part of the existing uniform. Choose flat, black, unadorned shoes to complete the look.

Accessories and Details
Inappropriate attire can throw the interview before the first question is ever asked, so it's important to pay attention to the details. First and foremost, always cover tattoos and remove piercings other than subtle earrings. Women's jewelry should be subdued and sparse, such as a simple necklace and short-hanging earrings. Health hazards are many behind the bar, and employers may consider hanging bangles an accident waiting to happen. Proper grooming is a critical component for making a good physical impression, so be sure your fingernails are manicured or just trimmed and clean. Men's hair, both facial and on the head, should be short and neat, while women's hair is best in an up style or down but not hanging in the face. Use a very light hand when applying perfume or after shave.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Identifying a Micromanager

The way a boss manages his staff can make the difference between empowered, motivated employees and demoralized, intimidated workers.

Good Manager
Effective bosses lead with a firm but empowering hand. They give employees the necessary project details, then leave them to their own abilities with minimal supervision. At the same time, good managers are easily accessible for consultation and suggestions when staffers request it.

Micromanager
Micromanagers have difficultly delegating even the smallest projects without constantly having to oversee progress. This can result in frustrated employees who lack confidence in their abilities. Micromanagers often ignore the big picture to focus upon little or insignificant details. They may rescind an assigned project after finding one mistake, and require every aspect of the decision-making process be run past them first.

Effects On Productivity
While being detail-oriented and hands-on are two important characteristics of a good boss, these traits can quickly become detrimental to productivity when taken to an extreme. For example, supervisors who assign projects to highly competent employees and then hover over them every step of the way create unnecessary tension, stymie employee morale and interfere with project outcome.

Working With A Micromanager
When circumstances prevent you from escaping the clutches of a micromanager, "Forbes" offers suggestions for mitigating the negative impact. Identify trigger situations that cause the behavior and anticipate what's needed to lessen the controlling response. Empathize with a boss who may also be under the thumb of a micromanager. Be the ever-present and reliable role model, and encourage change by unceremoniously demonstrating how well an empowering approach works. In some cases, bosses don't realize they are micromanaging productivity into the ground, so a gentle, nonconfrontational chat may be all that's needed to move things in the right direction.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Show Your Employer You Can Be a Supervisor

While some people are content to remain in their positions without aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder, others use their cur-rent job as a springboard to the next level. Getting there, however, takes considerable effort on the employee's part to demonstrate how and why he's a better candidate for promotion than anyone else in the office. This quest for advancement means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the tenets of change.

~ Let your boss know you want to advance in the company and have him evaluate your performance. Ask for an honest assessment of your performance and find out which additional skill sets you need in order to move up. You should also ask about the company's goals and strategic initiatives so you'll know the best way to align your performance with future corporate aspirations.

~ Take on more responsibility beyond the scope of your current job. Volunteer to help colleagues with their projects, and step up to accept some of the tasks no one else wants to handle. Show initiative and the desire to learn by grabbing tasks before they're designated to you.

~ Become a sponge for knowledge. Develop relationships with and ask questions of different colleagues and department heads. This will demonstrate your desire to learn about the entire operation and provide valuable insight into the company as a whole. In addition, stay abreast of industry news and changes.

~ Learn your boss's routine, his primary goals and what makes him tick. The best way to do this is observe him in action, ask questions from time to time when he's not too busy, and pick the brain of colleagues who work directly with him. Cultivate his trust by following through on all workplace commitments. Be consistent, dependable and ambitious.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Top 10 Dog Breeds With Bad Reps

Breed specific legislation in states and munici-palities across the country has targeted many types of dogs that, often through no fault of their own, are labeled as dangerous. Breeds classified under this law can cause an increase in insurance rates for homeowners or may face euthanasia.

Blackballed Breeds
Dogs of every breed respond to the stimuli presented to them, whether nurtured by love and trust or provoked by pain and fear. Certain breeds, however, are considered more dangerous than others, including the Akita, bulldog, bullmastiff, chow, Doberman, German shepherd, husky, Presa Canario, Rottweiler and pit bull, or any mix-breed combination thereof.

Size Matters?
Each of the dogs on this Top 10 list is considered large, extra-large or giant based upon breed size standards, which indicates that the bigger the dog, the more dangerous he is -- or is perceived to be. While dog breed statistics do reflect a higher number of incidents in association with the 10 breeds on this list, Dog Bite Law says that dogs of certain breeds are not born dangerous by default. "Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, even though its breed is considered to be potentially dangerous."

Identifying a Pit Bull
The pit bull is branded as more dangerous than any other not only through misled perception but also because many people cannot identify the breed. Dogs with triangular jaws, muscular bodies and cropped ears are all lumped together as the generic "pit bull," when in fact the pit bull can be any of the following breeds: American Staffordshire terrier, English bull terrier, American bulldog, Presa Canario and Staffordshire bull terrier. The subtle differences of each one have cast them all into a much-debated single grouping based only upon how they look.

The Human Element
The common denominators among these 10 dog breeds are strength, size, independent attitude and intelligence, making them highly sought-after as guard and protection dogs, as well as combatants in the fighting ring. According to Dog Bite Law, any breed of dog is capable of biting when trained to do so; dogs whose physiques make them more popular sentries than their smaller, allegedly "non-dangerous" counterparts are often taught to attack, which brings more attention to incidents involving these particular breeds.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

How Workplace Temperature Impacts Productivity

If you've ever had an ongoing thermostat battle with a colleague or been forced to outfit yourself depending upon the boss's fluctuating comfort zone, then you've experienced the frustrations associated with workplace temperature issues. However, this constant climate conflict becomes more than a pesky annoyance when it impacts overall productivity.

Hot Versus Cold
When the brain is preoccupied with monitoring body temperature, it's easy to see why workplace productivity can suffer. The optimal temperature range for the greatest output at work is between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a 2006 study by the Helsinki University of Technology. A 2004 Cornell University study found workers who struggle to stay warm make more mistakes, which in turn can lead to a 10 percent spike in hourly labor costs. A 9-degree boost in office temperature -- from 68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit -- significantly improved worker performance. Typing mistakes decreased 44 percent, while overall keying output yielded a 150 percent increase. In contrast, an overly heated workplace can leave employees fatigued, irritable and struggling to concentrate.

Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish
It's important to keep heating and air conditioning costs within a specific range to meet operational budgets, but sometimes the meager savings made in one area can be exponentially lost in another, more important area. Bosses who control the thermostat by keeping it low in winter and high in summer can ultimately cost themselves more in reduced staff productivity. According to a 2009 CareerBuilder study, one-third of more than 4,000 workers surveyed cited temperature as a primary workplace issue.

Gender Fluctuation
The battle of the sexes often takes place near the workplace thermostat, a dispute that's physiological rather than sociological. Due to their greater muscle mass, men usually get hot more quickly than women. At the same time, women have a greater number of constricted vessels that keep blood near the skin's surface. This is partly due to the female body's biological tendency to pool blood around the core organs, which draws it away from the extremities and leaves women with the constant need to warm up their cold hands and feet.

OSHA Recommendations
There are no specific OSHA guidelines or regulations that pertain to a work environment's climate. However, the agency does address the subject in its technical handbook by suggesting temperatures stay within the range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and that humidity not dip below 20 percent or rise above 60 percent.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Job Interview Etiquette

Before you even say a word, prospective employers are sizing you up and making mental notes about your suitability for their business. While standing apart from the crowd of applicants can be a good thing in many ways, interviews are an aspect of the job-seeking process where you want to demonstrate unparalleled professional etiquette.


Be Timely
Applicants who are punctual (or no more than 10 minutes early) and appropriately dressed for the position are already ahead of the game. Running in late and spending the first few critical moments explaining why you couldn't arrive on time may significantly lessen your chance to make a good first impression. Plan your route the day before, and include some extra time for factors such as potential traffic snares, parking and reaching the office floor.

Keep It Professional
A number of nonverbal cues throughout an interview can sabotage even the most qualified applicant. Greeting the interviewer with a smile, firm handshake and eye contact shows your unspoken communication skills. Physical poise can demonstrate a polished, confident air, so be mindful of your body language. In addition to sitting and standing up straight, keep your arms and legs uncrossed so you don't appear uncomfortable or guarded; women should cross their ankles, while men align feet and knees with their shoulders. Remember to completely turn off your cell phone rather than leave it on vibrate, which can often still be heard. And deposit your gum before entering the interview.

Limit the Chat
The open-ended nature of many interview questions, which allows you to offer more than a simple yes or no answer, is your opportunity to engage in brief, targeted conversation. While this approach encourages a greater free flow of thoughts and opinions, it can also lead to being overly chatty. Take a deep breath before answering the question to help calm nerves and keep your response on task.

Show Appreciation
Thanking the interviewer for his time is an after-the-fact gesture that brings the whole process full circle. Sending a thank-you note not only demonstrates a professional courtesy that's appropriate at any job level, but it also gives you the opportunity to include another attribute or detail that was not discussed in the interview. This simple step may not seem to hold much sway when it comes to landing the job, but acting on this final measure can distinguish you from other applicants by reinforcing a positive impression. Whether it's best to send a thank-you by postal mail or email is debated by etiquette specialists.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Disadvantages of Professionalism

It may be hard to imagine how professional-ism is a disadvantage in any capacity, but there are times when adhering to such high standards can work against an intended objective. While the tenets of professionalism -- which include behavior, integrity and accountability -- remain intact, the stringency associated with such a demanding combination may need some adjustment in order to realize a more positive outcome. The key is to remember that professionalism does not always equate to quality standards.


The Price of Professionalism
Maintaining professional standards is a costly venture when, for example, companies are compelled to provide their workers with continuing education to maintain the desired level of professionalism. Moreover, recruiting new talent may cost the company more in its ongoing quest to uphold such a strict standard; hiring an established professional can be a smarter financial decision than molding a newcomer.

Undue Tension
Leniency allows for certain situations to be addressed more suitably for the circumstances; adhering to a strict professional policy for the sake of compliance can create tension where it doesn't have to exist. Whether mandated to follow rigid dress codes, interpersonal relations or decorum, employees may feel so constrained by such stringency that the work environment becomes staid and dispiriting.

Tempered Talent
The steadfast attributes typically associated with professionalism can restrict environments that have a more creative atmosphere. The greater ingenuity and inspiration required in the workplace, the less need for unnatural restrictions in order to cultivate creativity. Advertising companies, for example, do well to employ a more casual, free-flowing approach to their professional standards, one that still emphasizes appropriate business behavior, integrity and accountability but with more flexibility.

Subjectivity
The notion of professionalism means different things to different people, which may lead one department's policy to significantly deviate from another. This lack of consistency can create an undercurrent of confusion and mixed signals when employees within the same company are not outfitted with a corresponding standard. Moreover, efforts to maintain a specific level of professionalism via micromanaging can stymie employee ingenuity and overall productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

The Best Career Options After 55

Careers, like relationships, can play out for a number of reasons, and often when we least expect it. This reality can be particularly challenging for people 55 years and older who have known only one, maybe two occupations throughout their entire lives. When starting over in the same field is not an option, the focus then turns to applying your transferable skills to other careers that can be financially secure and emotionally satisfying.

Entrepreneurial
If you've had a life-long dream to open a flower shop, operate a doggy day care, or sell fish tacos from a sandy beach shack, this may be just the right opportunity to realize that desire. According to the Missouri-based entrepreneurship institute Kauffman Foundation, you'll be in excellent company by committing to your passion, because those between the ages of 55 and 64 have held the top spot for entrepreneurial activity since 1996.

Get Paid to Drive
Unlike many industries where youthfulness is a company's unspoken desire, the trucking business opens its arms to the mature population, and even encourages the career to be a family affair. Earn your commercial driver's license within just a few months, and set out on the road, either local or long distance, driving solo, with your pet, or teamed with your spouse. This career choice, a key component in national commerce, is backed by a solid foundation of 3 million people who, according to AARP, make trucking one of the largest occupations.

Degree-Free Careers
Those who graduated from the school of hard knocks are often overlooked for jobs that require a degree. While the lack of higher education in no way means you're an unqualified applicant, it does mean you'll do best to set your sights on industries that look more for life experience or trade school, and even offer on-the-job training. Retail sales manager, tutor, administrative generalist, customer service representative, real estate agent, security officer, and forest fire fighter are just a handful of potential opportunities where previous experience can be viewed as transferable skill.

Feed Your Soul
If finances are solid and you seek more socially valuable career options, volunteering may be the perfect countermeasure. A joint survey by the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures found that approximately 31 million people between 44 and 70 want to make a career change into something that benefits the greater good. From walking dogs or brushing cats at the local humane society to tutoring at-risk kids and from serving meals at the community soup kitchen to building low-income housing, the opportunities to engage in more meaningful work are plentiful.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

Minimalism vs. Frugality

If you've recently reduced the amount of stuff around the house because you felt an overwhelm-ing urge to declutter your life, consider yourself on the path toward minimalism. If, on the other hand, your spouse thinks it's OK to chow down at a hotel breakfast bar even when not a paying guest, then you can be pretty sure frugality is at play.

Less is More
Minimalists are inspired by the need to simplify their lives, sparsely outfitting both their physical and mental spaces with just what they need rather than what they want. People who have amassed material things throughout their lives can ultimately become overwhelmed by the psychological, emotional and financial weight of such possessions. The chaos that accompanies having too much stuff is a critical component of this changing mindset; things that at one time brought great pride and joy are now just one, large albatross of consumerism. Removing the physical clutter, says author Leo Babauta in "The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life," relieves the mind and streamlines the desire to have quality over quantity.

Financial Prudence
Those who embrace frugality are keen on pinching pennies. While this behavior is often associated with being cheap, it may also be because finances are tight and scrimping is the only option. For example, frugal folks tend to use the same paper towel a few times before tossing it out, or shop at thrift stores to the exclusion of retailers. Some even go dumpster diving, physically entering merchants' outside trash bins to retrieve food and other items that cannot be sold even though they are still usable.

Creativity or Cheating?
Determining the point at which frugality slips from creative financing to compromised character is not too difficult a task. For example, it's considered socially acceptable to take unused soaps, shampoo and lotion from your hotel room before checking out, but if you can't resist the urge to graze the supply cart while housekeeping is cleaning another guest's suite, you're taking frugality too far.

Minimizing Down to Nothing
While the essence of minimalism is to live with less in order to appreciate life more, some people reduce their possessions to the point of having little other than daily necessities. They restrict themselves from what's perceived as wasteful or extravagant consumption, even though it may bring pleasure. For example, living quarters may be downsized to a salvaged van or an apartment that boasts a mere 175 square feet. Some, like Andrew Hyde, who blogged about the turns his life took after walking away from everything he owned, see it as an adventure -- a test of individual meddle -- to reduce the bulk of consumerism to a few dozen portable possessions.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Breaking Up the Workday

Engaging in any activity without a break, whether enjoyable or laborious, makes it difficult for the mind and body to relax and regain balance. This is particularly true in the workplace, where stress can be constant and relief options minimal. Establishing a dedicated area where employees enjoy some downtime during the workday is a strategic move that can reap many positive benefits for the company and workers alike.


Increased Productivity
The basic principle of a staff breakroom -- which is "often the most undervalued, underappreciated room in the workplace" -- is for employees to temporarily disengage from the steady stream of daily tasks. It only takes a brief respite in this work-free zone for people to relax and recharge, a combination that brings with it a greater level of productivity, job satisfaction and general health.


Socializing
The chance to step away from work-related issues lends itself to a more social atmosphere. People who gather in the office breakroom have an opportunity to catch up on coworkers' family news or shoot the breeze about current events. Talking shop is also an option that can be a challenge to avoid, yet its presence still adds to the relationship-building aspect of workplace cohesion.


Important Qualities
The office water cooler has long been a focal point when people needed a quick break, yet its typical placement in the middle of the office didn't allow for any downtime away from all the activity. The metamorphosis into a separate room calls for several key components beyond a simple sofa for designing a comfortable and inspiring space. A break room should have kitchen-type appliances, including a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave; food and drink, such as coffee, tea and healthy snacks; paper products, including disposable cups, plates, eating utensils, as well as shelves for reusable mugs and dishes; entertainment -- a television and reading material, such as local newspaper, trade and general magazines; and some cleaning supplies, including dish soap, sponges and paper towels.


Utopia
Some companies have elevated the concept of workplace break rooms to such a level that employees almost feel as though they've been treated to a spa day during their lunch hour. From mood lighting to nature sounds, plants to distilled drinking water, and cushioned floor pads to massage recliners, a growing trend is to create an oasis where people can refresh with meditation, short naps or light exercise. Another way to unwind and de-stress is to play games. A 2001 article in "USA Today" pointed out how pool tables, air hockey, darts and other interactive games can add a greater physical element to sideline stress and help employees regain focus.


Photo credit: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Article originally written for and published by Demand Media