Which side of the fence do you belong?

I will just discuss and comment on various topics in this blog and let you decide where you fit in after you read it with an open mind. These topics are all related to each other in some way and it may apply to you as well.

Performing at work is in itself a challenge with the competition to rise up and be the cream amongst your work group. You are required to finish work on time and effectively, be there to support your team, motivate and help the group perform as a whole. You are always doing something or the other to impress your boss, so that when the time comes it pays off, I mean literally see that chunk of cash come your way in the form of bonus. Some can call this ‘sucking up to your boss’ and can very bluntly say ‘I am not that kind’, but come on, everyone does it in some way or the other.

I see boss as a guide, a navigator, and an adviser, who trains you, chisels you, pushes one out of the comfort zone, so one gets to know their strength and learns to perform under pressure as well. In this regard I have been very lucky for I have a boss who is very understanding and motivates me in all possible ways and guides and trains me for the job I do. Ok folks, cut that smile, all right. I have a good team with who I work and have fun while working. After all, I spend more time at work than at home and I am sure you do the same.

Why I say all this is because of an article I read in the ‘Post’ about how understanding your boss is in various regards. If you have any problems, May it be physical or mental, discuss it with your boss, if it affects the work you do or your performance at work. In the article, it does focus on having mental illness and how employees can discuss this with their boss depending on how good a rapport they have with their boss and the likes. But is that not applicable to any issue you might have that impedes your work, to be discussed with your boss to find alternatives, instead of the boss seeing a down shift in your performance? So, how good is your boss? Give it a thought.

OK, so your job is great but you are stressed here and there. Add another job to it. What do I mean? More than 5 percent of U.S. workers hold more than one job, to maintain good living conditions, to support their family and for various other reasons. It can all be exciting at the beginning, to do two jobs, seeing that big check at the end of the month but also remember that it does double the pressure. If the second job you take on is for learning and to have fun, to get extra cash to buy something in the near future or flexible or in some cases, just plain old – ‘to keep you busy’, then it is ok. When you grow out of it, you can let go of the second job. Don’t do a second job if it takes your time away from the family; instead see how much you can save off of the first job to keep you going. Spending time with your near and dear is more precious than those extra $$$$.