Having crossed over enemy lines, I see both sides of the recruiting game with much more clarity than before. I liken it to being in a smoke-filled room, with a strobe light and all the sudden, the house lights come on and everything looks much different than before. All the strange and wonderful people that were on the dance floor suddenly become much more average. The atmosphere has changed from one of mystery and darkness to one of clear light and reality.

In my previous life as a…

Ever go to a kid's birthday party that had a pinata? You know, you are blind-folded, spun around, handed a broomstick or baseball bat and told to "Swing!" I hated that game. Sure, some may find it fun to blindly swing a hard wooden object into the darkness and hope you hit something (or someone, if one of the kids at the party was one that shared their lunch with that boy you liked, maybe) and a bunch of candy pours out while everyone cheers for you. But, I really hated that…

Declining an Outlook meeting invite without looking at the date. Sorry, I can't make this meeting tomorrow because blah blah blah reason...even though the meeting invite states the meeting isn't until October. READ THE DAMN DATE PEOPLE! If people would slow down for 5 minutes and read instead of being Mr./Ms. Johnny/Janie On-The-Spot, Fastest Mouse-Clicker West of the Mississippi, Ms. Cleo of Outlook Invitations, I wouldn't have to write this. But no, it must be a race to see who can respond…

No, that's not a typo in my title, the ink I am referring to is getting ink, as in tattoos. These days, tattoos and piercings are being more and more common place - when I see then, they are just as normal to me as earrings or a guy with a beard. I was wondering over the weekend if I am alone in this fact, or if it is becoming more socially and corporately accepted to be tatted and pierced in the workplace.

The reason for my pondering began as I sat getting new ink Friday night…

So, normally, I try to stay away from commentary on other people's opinions, because everybody's got one and if they were all the same, this world would be a very boring place. But, a couple of weeks ago I posted on Penelope Trunk's article regarding ettiquette, and voiced my own opinion that she was way off base. Well, she's at it again and honestly I am now beginning to wonder if her writing is satirical because her advice…

Today on Yahoo's homepage there is a link to an article by the Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk. For the most part, I can see her point of view on most subjects, however this article is just plain bizzaro world. I am a Gen X'er. I am 30 years old. I am the new regime. Her tips on the "new workplace etiquette" are going to get people fired.

For example, she recommends:…

I have been up to my neck in employee performance reviews for the past two weeks, so needless to say, I am a little behind on all the gossip. But, I just came across the hullaballoo regarding Karen M and the ERE. All I can say is: "Seriously?" I mean, how does something get to that point? Aren't we all professionals? And adults? I am just sitting here with a blank stare on my face right now. Seriously?

To read more of the bizzaro world…

So, as usual, I continue my research by observing those around me. Write what you know. The most recent hypothesis I have been testing is that there is a definite difference between GenX and GenY, and it is more than just age.

I am a GenX'er - my parents divorced early on in my life, and my mom worked full-time, so I was a latch-key kid. I was (and still am) very independent. I did my own thing, and was usually left to my own devices. I had chores. I had to do my homework. I had…

I am generally speaking, a pretty perceptive person. I tend to trust my instincts moreso than statistics or the like. I remember when I was in the 8th grade, my science fair project was unlike anything anyone else did. One reason was that I hated science and thought that logic was overrated. The other was that I was a weird kid. My science fair project was to determine if Extra Sensory Perception is more prevalent in twins than other siblings.

I…