Seven reasons Pokémon Go is an occupational hazard

Seven reasons Pokémon Go is an occupational hazard by Amber Rolfe Want to become a Pokémon Trainer? You know it’s your destiny (and other, slightly relevant song references)…After the release of the eagerly awaited app, Pokémon Go has been everyone’s favourite thing to do for the past week. But with people searching far and wide in an attempt to become the very best (etc.) â€" things might be getting slightly out of hand. Especially when it comes to their working lives.We’ve all heard about the guy who caught a Pidgey while his wife was giving birth, and the people who think it’s OK to Pokémon Go and drive, but here are seven work-based examples that prove Pokémon Go has gone too far:  The guy who lost his job after an angry Pokémon Go outburstAfter moving from Australia, a newly employed Marketing Manager took to Facebook in a rage after realising he couldn’t download Pokémon Go in Singapore.His inappropriate rant soon got shared around the world and offended a lot of Singaporeans â€" including his own boss , who immediately let him go from his two-week-old job.Moral of the story: don’t broadcast potentially offensive comments about places you’ve just moved to â€" even if it is justified by your inability to catch ‘em all.  The girl who pretended her car was broken down to catch an EeveeAn Eevee appears. But you’re driving. What do you do?Pull over, pretend your car’s broken down, and put your hazard lights on. Obvs.At least that’s what one Pokemon Go-er decided to do. Not only do you get to catch the Eevee, you also have a totally valid excuse when your boss asks why you were late. It’s a plan with no drawbacks.You know, until they read all about it on the internet…  The crowds of people who flocked to Central Park for a VaporeonYou don’t always see the Pokémon you want on Pokémon Go (we’re looking at you, Rattata), so when a rare Vaporeon appeared at Central Park â€" it’s no surprise that everyone with the app lost their minds.Crowds of people tried to catch t he Pokémon, and one of them was so excited that he abandoned his car with the engine running.He might have caught the Vaporeon, but at what cost?  The customer who stalled a queue to catch a PokémonWhat makes waiting in a long queue (see also: traffic, a delayed train) OK? A Pokémon.So when a customer in the US saw one on the counter in line at a shop, the cashier actually didn’t mind waiting for them to catch it â€" because for a Pokémon, it’s worth the wait.People not being as angry about queues = proof that Pokémon Go is making the world a better place (and/or kind of getting in the way of everyday life).  The people who play Pokémon Go at workResisting the urge to catch a Growlithe when you’re supposed to be working is tough â€" especially if it’s the first time you’ve seen anything but a Pidgey…But unless you work for this one understanding boss, keeping your Pokémon Go-ing to a minimum while you’re at work is vital. Otherwise, you could end up like the emp loyees at the large aerospace company, Boeing â€" where the game got banned after a worker almost got hurt whilst playing it at work.And if you can’t stop completely, at least keep it hidden. Because meetings are not a subtle place to catch a Zubat who won’t stop dodging your poke balls.  The homeowners that can’t deal with Pokémon Go-ers on their propertyWith Gyms and Poke stops sometimes randomly placed on people’s actual houses, some residents are getting annoyed with the amount of Pokémon hunters appearing in their gardens. (They were probably working from home at the time).*And with a few passive aggressive notes and social media rants, it’s clear that Pokémon Go-ers should probably be more aware of their surroundings â€" unless they want another telling off from the guy who thinks ‘this whole Pokémon hunt is by far the stupidest thing (he) has ever seen’.But really, what does he know? *continues hunting Mewtwo in neighbour’s porch*  The people who quit thei r jobs to become full-time Pokémon mastersWhat’s the best way to catch ‘em all? Quit your job, of course.At least that was the answer for a few people, who decided becoming full-time Pokémon trainers was better than their regular jobs.And although not many of us are brave enough to (literally) follow in their footsteps, it’s still pretty great that these people get to live out most 90s kids’ childhood dreams. Even if it means they’ll probably be back to the job search again on Monday morning #GottaCatchEmAll.Hey, even Ash Ketchum had to pay the bills…  *some tenuous links may be entirely fictionalStill searching for the best Pokemon job? View all available roles nowImage creditsmothership.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/truyen-pic-2.jpghttp://images.radiotimes.com/namedimage/A_rare_Pok_mon_Go_catch_causes_an_actual_stampede_in_Central_Park.jpg?quality=85mode=cropwidth=620height=374404=tvurl=/uploads/images/original/112704.jpghttp://images.complex.com/complex/image/upload /t_in_content_image/MbNRSd4_oa3yd6.jpghttp://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/3095296-go5.jpgFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features Work-life balance

Downsized Executive Thrives As A Coffee Entrepreneur - VocationVillage

Downsized Executive Thrives As A Coffee Entrepreneur - VocationVillage This interview was originally published in 2010.Imagine losing your job right after Christmas! Thats what happened to Fortune 5 executive Forrest Graves. He turned his career challenge into an opportunity to launch a successful business as a coffee roaster. I am excited to tell the story of this coffee entrepreneur.Forrest, what type of career did you have before you launched your business?I was a Business Consultant for a well known Fortune 5 company. I was part of a broad team that sold capital equipment to the print industry. My career has spanned sales, marketing, and sales operations.Describe the circumstances of your job loss, how long you looked for a job, and how your job search went.I was laid off along with countless others in response to the economic downturn of October, 2008, with my employment actually ending the day after Christmas, 2008. I was seeing job openings after I got word, but to me, the jobs were actually false indications of opportunity because I was also see ing hiring freezes, a steady rise in unemployment, and fewer new job postings.  While I kept looking for several months, I was more aggressive in deploying my plan “B”…to hang out my own shingle. While I searched and considered my options, I simply felt a knowing that I would be better off to do my own thing.Please tell us about the business you started.Our flagship business, JumpinGoat, is coffee and tea, but more specifically, it’s Coffee Roasting. We purchase green coffee that comes from the 10 major coffee regions around the world…we roast it fresh, and we sell it via retail, wholesale, and over the internet.It’s a very exciting time for our business, and due to an overwhelming response we are currently developing a JumpinGoat license business opportunity. The most unique aspect of our coffee shop business plan is that we don’t actually vend coffee by the cup. When they come into our store in Helen, GA, we offer our patrons a free cup of specialty gourmet coffee. O ur business model success is driven by the simple fact that customers can brew at home for much less than they pay for a cup of coffee at big box retail.How did you survive financially while you started your business?I was raised in the country, and subsequently I was taught some pretty basic values about self reliance and survival. I was taught that survival is largely about good planning, tools, and resources.Community is also a great thing. For instance, with barn raising, if you help raise a barn when you yourself don’t need help, more than likely when you need help to raise your own barn, you will get the help you need. I also get a lot of inspiration about survival from observing nature. Even a squirrel will bury nuts for a hard winter and that behavior is innate. I can not imagine a squirrel trying to outsmart Mother Nature, meaning, since we can not possibly know the future, it’s best to be well prepared.How does your current income compare to your previous income?I was at six figures prior to starting JumpinGoat, but I was way underpaid and even more underutilized at my former job. I don’t fault anyone for that; its just an unfortunate fact and a testament to me of how easily large corporations can lose sight of what’s important to people. My passion and income are now fueled with the truth that I’m actually building something sustainable. I am now the benefactor of a few additional streams of income: a better work life balance, freedom to make my own mistakes and failures, and the notion that there is no cap on my financial well being.JumpinGoat outperformed my previous income after only six months in business.What skills and previous experience were you able to bring to your business that are helping you to succeed?Perhaps my most appreciable skill is listening. My wife may disagree, but when I’m not waiting to hear myself speak, I can be one of best listeners on the planet.I also love people, too, and I’m experienced with dealing with people. I fashion myself a pretty good life observer of sociology. I think when you put that together with hard work, execution, and the ability to envision what success actually  looks like, you have a fair chance to realize your own rendering of success.What is the best part about running your business?When I see the customers happy, I’m at peace.If a happy customer tells someone about our products and that customer also became happy, I’m ecstatic. If that second person tells someone, and they also become happy, at that point, I have reached one of my most important business goals. I’m not sure I can describe how that makes me feel, but it’s really, really good!What is the most challenging part about running your company?Bridling growth. I am always balancing top line revenue with bottom line cost while scaling the business. It’s easy to want it all, but it’s not sustainable or practical.What new skills did you need to learn to be a successful entrepreneur?I reached an appreciable level of success as a person and in busin ess when I learned how to “execute.” I fundamentally believe this is one of the most important skills an entrepreneur can have. Without execution, all you have are perhaps a few ideas, or worse yet, unrealized ambition and dreams.What career advice do you have for job searchers who may be considering an entrepreneurial path?The new paradigm in business, marketing, and web 2.0 is the social media revolution where everybody seems to be an expert. I’ve been in computing for perhaps 30 years…I’m a certified network technologist, and I believe that social media can be a huge gotcha for many people starting out in business.Don’t operate with the belief that if you build it, they will come. Be cautious about search engine optimization and social media pitches. Instead, focus heavily upon cost. Controlling cost is one of the most important thing you can do for a new business. Don’t start out with the notion that you need three rounds of funding to start your business. Instead, try to begin where you are, and where it’s appropriate, to keenly identify your market and build your brand.Once you define your market and you have proven beyond any doubt that that there is a demand for your product or service and that people want to purchase your product or service, write a detailed “go to market strategy,” and then execute! The free enterprise system is built around supply and demand, and it’s best to validate both components before you engage in business.Anything else you would like to share?Yes, thank you for asking. I extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to share with your many readers. I appreciate the valuable contribution that you folks are making in providing tools, resources, and community…that is such a valuable contribution. Keep up the great work!Thank you, Forrest!Please visit JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters and buy some coffee beans! Also, if you enjoyed this entrepreneur success story, please share it with your friends.

How to Survive the First Week of Your New Job

How to Survive the First Week of Your New Job So you battled through the application process, you were on fire in the interview and you’ve landed yourself the job. Congratulations! Of course this calls for a celebration, but the biggest obstacle is yet to come. The first week at your new job is the real test. You will want to make a good impression and this can be a scary prospect, so here are some tips from The Graduate Recruitment Bureau on how to make sure you carry on that winning streak and get off to a good start: REMEMBER NAMES: “And you are?” May sound overly simple, but it’s an everyday mishap. Most people when introduced to others easily forget names. If this happens to you, just politely ask for their name and apologise. Don’t attempt at guessing, as getting it wrong may not go down too well… If your memory lets you down, perhaps go on to the company website and learn their names from there. Some websites will have a ‘Who Are We’ or ‘Meet the Team’ page where you will see a list of everyone who works in the office. For sites that don’t have this, try writing down everyone’s names using a bird’s eye view of the office layout. SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY: “Did I remember to un-tag those photos of myself?” Once you’ve started getting friendly with people in the office, don’t be surprised if Facebook friend requests and new followers on Twitter come your way. Ensure to be tactful with what they will be able to see on your profile, so make sure there is nothing on there that is too controversial or inappropriate. Just imagine what you would and wouldn’t want your boss to see … Also ensure to have your account settings set to private, just in case those who haven’t added you want to have a cheeky look at your profile. OFFICE GOSSIP: “She did WHAT?” With any sort of social setting, gossip will always circulate and it is certainly not rare to the office environment. Stay clear from this sort of chitter chatter as you will become associated with this gossipy behaviour and it will give you a bad image. Bite your tongue and remain polite. ASK ASK ASK: “Erm…and this means what…?” Nobody expects you to know all the answers on your first day, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. It always looks good to ask for help, rather than sitting there twiddling your thumbs. It’s also key to remember that sometimes if you don’t know the answer, it’s best to just sit tight and LISTEN. You may have got the job, but you aren’t the big shot. Communicate effectively and show you have some valuable skills to bring to the company, but remember you are essentially there to learn. Be open minded, ask questions and be co-operative. WORK HOURS: “But will I be back for Eastenders?” There is nothing worse than routinely arriving to work late and leaving early. Especially in your first few weeks, it looks good to arrive early and leave a little later. Your evening TV itinerary can wait. Normal work hours are 9 to 5, so arriving at 8.30 and leaving at 5.30 will make a good impression and will show you are dedicated and keen to work. But when I say arrive early, perhaps not at 7 in the morning, as that may look a bit odd… TRACK ACCOMPLISHMENTS: “And I did this all by myself!” It’s always a good idea to keep a record of all your accomplishments. These can include the results of actions you took, obstacles you overcame and opportunities you saw. This keeps you prepared for reviews with your boss, as well as for personal satisfaction and future job hunting. So keep a record and be mindful of your achievements!

4 Steps in Creating Your Video Interview Environment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

4 Steps in Creating Your Video Interview Environment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you had a video interview? If you have not been in a video interview yet, just wait. This could be done via Skype, Google Hangouts, or a variety of other platforms. The key to a successful video interview is to look and, more importantly, sound your best. Room Selection The room environment where you will be interviewed is key. You want good, consistent lighting and excellent acoustics. Pick a room that is devoid of hard surfaces (like tile or wood floors), glass table tops, or lots of windows. Select a room with carpet and possibly drapes on the walls. When I record my webinars, I am in my master bedroom closet where the hanging clothes creates a studio-like audio environment. You probably cannot hold a video interview in your closet, but you get the point. You will want to position yourself in the room where you are less than six feet from a wall. If your webcam has an auto focus feature you will want the camera to focus on you and not something behind. A little trick is to buy a simple room divider with smooth surfaces and place it behind you. If you select the right room for your video interview everything else becomes so much easier. Lighting You want even, full spectrum lighting on the front of your face. If this is your home or office, most lighting is from above or the side. Purchase three inexpensive desk lamps and install full spectrum light bulbs. These will act as key lights and give you even lighting. Place these pointing up at your face on the front, left and right. Finally, close all of the window shades. Do not spend more than $50 on the lighting. You may already have the lamps in your house or office. Audio In the world of high definition video, your audio is more important than your video. Our tolerance for poor audio is much lower than for video. You will want to sound great. If you have picked the room properly with sound deadening materials this is fairly easy. Use a set of headphones. These could be the ear buds from your cell phone. You can run the wire underneath the back of your shirt so they do not show. This will eliminate any chance of an echo. If you use headphones you can use the microphone built into your computer. However, I prefer to use a USB condenser microphone. I use a Samson condenser microphone that I purchased with a pop filter several years ago for under $100. Clothing and Body Positioning Pick clothes that have color and look good on you. For most of us guys, we will need to ask for help. Avoid patterns on shirts, jackets and ties. The cameras have gotten a lot better at dealing with patterns, but it is still best to avoid them. I prefer my clients to be standing up when being interviewed. You will be able to use your hands naturally. Since you will only be on video from the waist up, wear shoes that will not generate any noise when you move around. Flip flops work great. The most important feature is to be in an environment where you feel comfortable. You are on stage and you want to give your best performance. Much has been written on how to perform during a video interview. However, a great performance can come across poorly without the right environment. Marc Miller â€" Career Pivot Check out my book Repurpose Your Career â€" A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers Do not forget to follow me on Twitter or FaceBook

Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce

Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce Photo Credit- Pexels.comAutomation has the potential to transform industries. Untiring and efficient, robotics and artificial intelligence For further analysis, McKinsey divided jobs into three categories:1. Highly Susceptible to AutomationPredictable physical work: 78% of time spent can be automated. Welding and soldering on an assembly line, food preparation, packaging goods, etc.Data processing: 69% of time spent can be automatedData collection: 64% of time spent can be automated2. Less Susceptible to AutomationUnpredictable physical work: 25% of time spent can be automatedConstruction, forestry, raising outdoor animals, etc.Stakeholder interaction: 20% of time spent can be automated.3. Least Susceptible to AutomationApplying expertise: 18% of time spent can be automatedCoding, copywriting, etc.Managing others: 9% of time spent can be automatedRegarding jobs with high susceptibility to automation, McKinsey concluded by saying that, “Since predictable physical activities figure p rominently in sectors such as manufacturing, food service and accommodations, and retailing, these are the most susceptible to automation based on technical considerations alone.”The Effect of Increase Labor WagesPhoto Credit- stocklogos.comThere was a 5% wage inflation last year, and it’s expected to be 4% this year. These increases in minimum wage, especially in the fast food industry, have led some brands to turn to robotics and automation to offset costs associated with higher wages.Wendy’s, a prime example, recently announced that it plans on installing self-ordering kiosks in 1,000 of its locations by the end of the year, an endeavor that it started last year.evalDavid Trimm, CIO of Wendy’s, explained that “there is a huge amount of pull fromAfter all, AI can search more thoroughly, piece codes faster, and achieve better results than a human.DeepCoderExemplifying the concerns outlined above, researchers at Microsoft and the University of Cambridge have created a syst em called DeepCoder that can write its own code using machine learning and a technique called program synthesis.In its most basic form, program synthesis takes lines of code from existing software and pieces them together to create new programs, just like a programmer might do.Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comThis allows people from all walks of life, from experienced coders to introductory level students, to build basic programs.In essence, they need only describe an idea and let the program do the heavy lifting. With a given list of inputs and outputs for each code fragment, DeepCoder learns which pieces of code were needed to achieve the desired results. It can then create programs in fractions of a second, improving over time as it learns which combinations work and which don’t.In its current state and limitations, DeepCoder can work with a maximum of five lines of code. It won’t be taking over any programming jobs just yet, but who knows what the future holds. For now, it’s doi ng some of the tedious parts of programming, leaving coders to devote their time to more sophisticated work.We’re Safe… for NowAutomation is nothing new, nor is is something to be feared. We have self-checkouts in grocery stores, industrial automation in car assembly plants, and even online shopping.For the most part, automation benefits us by replacing hard physical labor and monotonous work. It also improves our well-being by taking over jobs that pose safety issues.Our concerns, if any, should come when advances in AI make it indistinguishable from a human mind. Until then, if there is a then, we’re okay.

How to Make the Most of One-on-One Meetings with Your Boss - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to Make the Most of One-on-One Meetings with Your Boss One-on-one meetings can be nerve-wracking, especially with your manager. What are you supposed to talk about? What kinds of questions should you ask? But there’s no need to dread these meetings. If you approach them the right way, you can actually learn a lot. Think of your meetings as the perfect professional development opportunity. So before your next meeting, read this article. We’ll show you five ways to make the most of the one-on-one time you spend with your boss. 1. Set an Agenda To make good use of your time, plan ahead. Outline any questions or concerns you want to address before you sit down at the table. If you know beforehand what you’re going to discuss, you won’t waste time fumbling through small talk or trying to think of things to talk about. It’s likely that you both have a lot to do, so your manager will be impressed by your efficient use of time. It’ll be even better if you run the agenda by your boss first. Send them a brief email saying, “Hey, I was hoping that we might be able to discuss x during our meeting tomorrow.” That way, they’ll know what to expect and can prepare answers to any questions you may have. When you’re both on the same page, your session will be more productive.   2. Try to Connect on a Personal Level You don’t always have to focus on work during your meetings. Yes, we do realize that sounds like an oxymoron. But sometimes it’s okay to get to know your boss on a personal level, especially in a new job. So, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about themselves. You might inquire about how they got into the industry, what they did before this job, or even about their family and hobbies. Bonding with your boss can help you build a more productive relationship. Obviously, it’s not always the right time for small talk. If your boss is very busy with a project, they might not want to field questions about their life outside work. But during slow periods, don’t be afraid to engage in chit-chat before diving into work-related issues. 3. Focus on Your Successes (Not Your Problems) If you want your interactions with your boss to be positive, you should talk about positive things. Try to bring them at least a few pieces of good news whenever you meet with them. That’s not to say you shouldn’t address issues when they come up. If another employee is throwing a wrench in a project, your boss would probably want you to bring it up. But you should discuss your successes as much as possible. Talk about the things that are going well in your department, and discuss how you plan to build upon them. Every office has at least one or two employees who always want to talk about the bad news. Try not to be that person. If you regularly have optimistic and uplifting conversations with your manager, they’ll see you as a positive force within the office. 4. Ask a Lot of Questions One-on-one meetings are the perfect time to ask questions. If you’re confused about anything in particular, now is the time to bring it up. For example: If you’re facing a particular challenge at work, ask for their advice. They may be able to help you find a solution. If you’re stuck on how to move forward with an assignment, ask them. They may have struggled with the same problem before. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s your boss’s job to provide leadership when you need it. They want to give you feedback and help you succeed. 5. Commit to the Next Steps Most meetings end with some instructions on how to move forward. This might include a new goal to work toward or a new project to begin. Make sure to take notes on these instructions during the meeting. When you leave, review your notes and determine a course of action. Conclusion One-on-one meetings with your boss can be very productive. They’re great opportunities to learn from someone who has more experience in your industry. Make use of the time you spend together, and you’ll grow as an employee. So before the meeting, set an agenda. During the session, discuss your successes and ask a lot of questions. Throughout the process, get to know your boss as a human being. And, don’t limit yourself to the five tips I’ve outlined here. Continue thinking of your own ways to make the most of your one-on-one time. Before you know it, you’ll master the art of meetings! Author bio Angus Flynn is the Business Manager for 2500 Biscayne. With over five years of experience in the multifamily industry, he is one of the most dedicated managers in his field. He loves to help others and takes great pride in working in a community that so many love to call home.

How to Write a Resume in a Wordy Way That Keeps the Employers Interests Piqued

How to Write a Resume in a Wordy Way That Keeps the Employers' Interests PiquedGood words to use when writing a resume are essential when you are trying to make a good impression of yourself in the eyes of the employers. They will surely choose the candidate who is able to impress them with their qualifications and relevant skills.The main point to remember is that each resume has its own specific criteria on what to highlight in the description of the job skills. Employers have to be convinced enough that the applicant has good and relevant skills for the job and more importantly, the target employer wants to find out more about him or her.Every resume, especially the one made by the recruiters, needs to contain some information that can be used for evaluating whether the person is suitable for the job or not. It is only then that you can know whether the recruiter is right for you or not.The most common skills that are expected in the job description are the language skills, organi zational skills, and critical thinking skills. Also, the candidate should have the ability to communicate well.If you have a good job history and previous work experience, the interviewer is sure to hire you because you have proven your abilities. However, employers want to find out why you have made the best out of the opportunity that you have been given. Since the resume is meant to persuade them about the quality of the person you are, you can highlight those qualities that will help you convince the recruiters.Another thing to be highlighted in the resume is your communication skills. When writing your resume, you should make sure that you spell everything correctly, that you know how to use the right words, and that you are able to use words that will enhance your communication skills to show that you are a communicator.Your thoughts and expressions are something important to be emphasized in the resume. You must try to build a good rapport with the people who are reading your resume and must demonstrate the personal qualities that you have exhibited to the hiring manager.Lastly, you must emphasize that you are confident about the job that you are going to apply for. Your recruiter will really like you if you talk positively and demonstrate that you are confident about what you have been given. It is your responsibility to let them know that you are a person who can handle the job and show them that you can do the job efficiently.