Ex-buzzers wreak havoc 
The work blog
Category
Working Life
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Dec 24, 2008RT: Year One
Permalink | No comments | by ArnabIn September I completed my first anniversary of working diligently at ResponseTek (RT), an employer of mine. As a principal developer of the flagship Customer Experience Management (CEM) product and visionary founder of the Council of Office Lunches (COOL), I was given great responsibility and many learning opportunities at the organization. While helping ResponseTek grow as an organization, I also grew as an individual (includes net gain of 15 pounds over the year). “You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.” - Anonymous Some of the highlights during my time there: People Good ...
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May 04, 2008Celebrity Sightings
Permalink | No comments | by ArnabOne of the perks of working in the heart of a major metropolitan city such as Vancouver is that there are many opportunities to spot the celebrities who are out wandering the streets during the day. Actors, musicians, reporters, and politicians are all either working or relaxing in the general vicinity of my office. Apart from occasions when flocks of busy professionals and ESL students shriek with delight after spotting me in the downtown core during my lunch or coffee breaks, there have been two other prominent celebrity sightings during my days with ResponseTek so far. Gene Simmons, member of the ...
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Apr 14, 2008Finding meaning in indirectly meaningless work
Permalink | 2 Comments | by PeterWhen I walked through a hospital last month, I was reminded of how the employees there endlessly care for those who are in great need. Then as I commuted to work the next morning, I walked past construction on the new Canada Line transit route and thought of all the people who were contributing to something that would ease the transportation woes of many citizens. When I got to work, I sat down at my desk and thought about how the material I write and edit could help people. (I work as an editor for a software company.) The worst case ...
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Apr 03, 2008Business communication: good responses to criticism
Permalink | 5 Comments | by PeterLearning how to take criticism (or "feedback") well, and more importantly to make good use of criticism, is a crucial skill, both in the workplace and in life in general. Once we have accepted the premise that we are not always correct, we realize that for many things, unless other people tell us about it, we will go on being harmful, inefficient, impolite, and incorrect. Unfortunately, we don't always respond to criticism well, making the same mistakes repeatedly. The negative associations with the word "criticism" bring up several barriers that often prevent human interaction from bearing good fruit. What if we ...
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Mar 23, 2008ARNABloating
Permalink | No comments | by ArnabTrading in the physically exerting role of globetrotting adventurer for that of an office dwelling software engineer has taken a toll on the wondrous ARNABody. The attractive structure is increasing in mass at an alarming rate of 2-2.5 pounds a month. My Adam's apple has receded and my rugged jawline has become soft and rounded. To alleviate my concerns, a chubby coworker cheerfully declared that "You're only fat if you feel fat". He also mentioned he has not seen his Adam's apple in years. Some of my colleagues attributed my rapid swelling to my "pregnancy". Just as female frogs change sexes ...
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Jan 27, 2008The Satyam Diet
Permalink | 3 Comments | by ArnabI lost weight during the year I spent working in India. Most of it can be attributed to the Satyam Diet plan that I followed in Bangalore. My eating habits changed to accommodate my work schedule. My hours spent in the office were from around 10 in the morning to 7 at night. One hour on each side could be added as traveling time. Since my carefree existence allowed me to indulge in at least nine hours of sleep a night, by the time I woke up and got ready, there was no time for breakfast apart from some fruit ...
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Jan 14, 2008Blogging – a career limiting move?
Permalink | 4 Comments | by Ms. CareerI first became aware of the phrase "career limiting move" (CLM) at one of my first co-op jobs. My colleagues liked using the term to joke about various things that were happening in the office. A CLM (as defined by The Office Lexicon) is "an ill advised activity", and the example they give is complaining about your boss when they can overhear you. Another obvious example is getting drunk and belligerent at a staff party. Getting overly drunk at staff parties is quite an obvious CLM, but have you ever considered whether blogging about your work situation could be ...
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Dec 29, 2007The Interview
Permalink | 3 Comments | by ArnabA man with unshakable integrity and an inherent reservoir of talent will seek out a place of work that recognizes his capabilities and hires him on the basis of his education, past experiences, and potential for growth with no trace of favoritism bestowed upon him. To level the playing field, I chose to apply for new positions through the Internet using job sites such as Monster.ca and Working.com. I also skimmed through emails sent to the SFU Computing Science jobs list for any interesting opportunities. A few hours were spent applying to a handful of companies with positions meeting my ...
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Nov 21, 2007Don’t drink and schmooze.
Permalink | 6 Comments | by ShirleyThis is one story for my pink and glittery books: Last year I, as a lowly PR assistant, attended a wrap party for my company's biggest video game. I was only 2.5 months into my job and was excitedly reveling in the euphoria of corporate success. Drinks were flowing, people were cajoling, and cartoon dollar signs were spilling from execs' eye sockets. There I was, fresh-faced and poised, confidently sipping my glass of vodka soda when I came across the product manager (PM) on the title. While we engaged in some serious banter about our vacation hopes and dreams, the GM of ...
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Nov 21, 2007Happily ever after?
Permalink | 1 comment | by Ms. CareerUnless you are an accountant and have to continue with CASB studies, I think graduating is pretty fun! I never realized the mental energy school took until I finally graduated and I found all the free capacity I had to enjoy other things in life. School was really an all-consuming activity for me. From the never-ending course work/exams/group work, to the club involvement, to finding money for tuition, there was not really a lot of time left for other interests or thoughts. Once school finished and I got a job, it took me bit of time to realize, yes, ...
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