Career Management

Today’s office gossip wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kim Kardashian and her failed marriage. Though the Hollywood spin machine is in full tilt, spewing statement after statement regarding how the demise of the relationship is a true tragedy, many people believe the whole wedding spectacle was just a sham. A well-orchestrated sham that paid very, very well. Of course, that leaves many office professionals asking themselves, "How far would I go to make money?"

It sounds flakey, right? The idea that your attitude in life can actually affect what happens around you. That embracing your crooked teeth or laughing at your terrible job can actually make the world around you—your world—a better place. But try it sometime. You’ll be surprised by how forcing happiness actually results in happiness.

We all know never to go into business with a family member. This is because sometimes things go wrong, and you have to fire people. No one wants to fire an employee only to have to sit next to them at Thanksgiving dinner. No, I will not pass the green peas. But an equally tense and cold relationship can arise from competitive siblings, particularly if they work in the same industry, perhaps even the same company. Sibling rivalries, which are common, can become heated and destructive, mostly because they’re fueled by a lifetime of resentment.

There are many office employees out there struggling with their professional decisions, wondering if they made the right choices regarding their careers, financial situations and future prospects. They’re looking for answers, and in need of mentors who can offer sensible advice that resonates with these difficult times. However, instead of walking down the office hallway and knocking on the CEO’s door, they should pick up the phone and call their grandmother.

Time is the most valuable thing we have in our lives. As an office professional you’re being paid not only for your work, but for your time: time away from your friends and family, time away from your children, time away from yourself. To put it bluntly, you’re giving your time in life to your company in exchange for money. For employees who love their jobs, this is a welcome compromise. When you love what you do, there is no sense of sacrifice because you feel your work is a part of your life that defines you in a positive way.

We’ve all implemented some new cost-cutting habits in our lives, and this includes sacrificing some of our favorite workplace indulgences such as overpriced coffee, costly lunches and online shopping excursions to blow off steam. As much as we may miss those luxuries, we’re now accustomed to life without them and we are financially better off. Congratulations. You did it. However, the economy will inevitably improve, and when it does, how committed will you remain to your new lifestyle at work?

Yes, money is important. Money is so important that disputes about money lead to divorce, termination of employment and heart attacks. Money is why office professionals work, but according to a recent survey, money isn’t everything when it comes to what motivates us at the job. In fact, when it comes to employee loyalty, money factors lower than many would think on the list of reasons to stay at a job.

The economy stinks. Your boss is a jerk. Your boyfriend is cheating on you. You hate your hair in cold weather. Your friends have moved on with their lives, and you feel all alone, left behind at a job you once thought was the key to your happiness. Here’s the good news: It still is.

You graduated from a notable college. You attended a prestigious graduate school. You landed your dream job. However, nothing in academia can completely prepare you for the real world of office professional life, so it just makes sense that seeking advice from experienced businesspeople is a sage endeavor. However, finding an effective mentor can be difficult, especially for women.

You know the power of a brand. Apple, Louis Vuitton and Mercedes all convey a certain message, image and set of values and priorities. The principles that dictate what constitutes a successful branding campaign aren’t just for companies or products; they can be applied to people, too—including you, for example. In fact, we’re all constantly developing our own personal brands by where we go to school, our sense of fashion, how we act, where we vacation and any other activity that helps define us as a person.