Font ResizeThe workplace, its people and parts are as varied as the sizes of sticky pads in the office-supplies catalogue.
From first job to fully vested 401(K), today's workers deal with myriad issues such as commuting, health care cuts and day care. Employers worry about productivity, turnover and burnout.
Job-related stress was cited as a leading source of stress for 56 percent of those questioned in a 2006 national survey of more than 2,000 people by the American Psychological Association.
We asked what you wish you'd known before you entered the workplace:
You actually have to do work! No seriously, you do.
Honestly though, one of my biggest dilemmas when I started my job was picking an insurance plan. Having never needed to worry about such details as co-pays, doctor referrals or "Will I be covered if I'm admitted to the hospital?" I really didn't know which route to take. But thanks to opinions from my co-workers, I found a plan for me, which is another lesson for new young professionals -- your co-workers have a wealth of knowledge to share, so don't be afraid to ask questions of them.
-- Erin Marsicano, 28, a Hanover native, works in state Sen. Mike Waugh's capitol office.
1. Always keep your family first, always.
2. Go to work, do the best job and leave the work at work.
3. No one is watching you for positive things -- only negative. Make
4. Don't bring problems to management; Bring solutions. But you must learn to play the game. Managers are not looking for heroes.
5. Never, ever make your bosses look bad or embarrass them. Outspoken persons are looked on as not being "team players."
-- Peggy Doster of Shrewsbury, retired from a research and development position at Adhesives Research Inc. last year.
As a younger employee, one of the things I was the most surprised about entering the workplace was the lack of computer knowledge in my superiors that were five or more years older than I. At least in my small landscape architecture firm in the City of York, we use a number of computer programs that I knew more about walking in on Day One than my bosses with 20-plus years experience.
Another thing, I never really understood before I began working was the whole gym culture. I never understood what the big deal was about going to the gym until I had to sit in a chair for eight hours a day.
-- Emily Leckvarcik, 25, of York is a landscape architect-in-training at YSM Landscape Architects in York.
The biggest tip is that I can give is to remember that although your co-workers aren't necessarily your friends, taking the time to find out one thing you have in common with each co-worker goes a long way in workplace relations especially when you need them for something.
-- Adrienne McNeil of York is executive director of York County Community Against Racism.
Pay attention to the company policies regarding your work-life balance. For example, if your vacation time doesn't carry over from one calendar year to the next, then be sure to use it or be prepared to lose it. Taking vacation time away from work actually makes you a better employee, so spend some time planning a vacation you can afford and go enjoy it.
-- Todd Ullery, 42, of Shrewsbury Township is a computer programmer for UPS.
Do your homework on the culture, history and personnel of the institution in which you'd like to work prior to submitting a resume or going on an interview. Being well-matched to the institution, as well as the position, creates greater potential for success. Not only will you be better-prepared for the job, but taking the extra steps gets you noticed. If your interviewer suggests talking to one of his or her colleagues, do so. It's a great opportunity to showcase your initiative, ambition and work ethic before you even get to your new desk.
-- Karla Heberlig, 25, of Springettsbury Township is donor relations manager at Martin Library.
Five things I've learned during my 13 years as a working individual are:
1. Be yourself. They hired you, they must like you at least a little bit.
2. Take initiative/be assertive. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and opinions. Make things happen.
3. Learn how to manage your time and stress effectively. These are no doubt related.
4. Don't get involved in office gossip. Tempting, but this will only make you look bad in the end. Get involved in office
committees or group projects instead.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for more money or a promotion. You think you deserve it? Go for it.
-- Chad Myers, 28, of Manchester Township works for the United Way of York County.
When I retired, I realized that I was going to be reimbursed for unused sick and personal days. Having been given 10 sick days a year that accumulate until you retire or leave public education, I had almost 200 days out of the 340 that was available if I had not used any sick days at all. I was pretty healthy throughout my career, so I had not used all my days available. However, I would not have used what I did unnecessarily or wastefully if I would have better realized that being generously reimbursed for unused days would benefit me financially when retirement time came along. I'm sure I would have gone to work some days realizing that fact.
-- Tom Schaffstall, 57, of Springettsbury Township, retired two years ago from 34 years of teaching elementary school in the Cumberland Valley School District.
BY THE NUMBERS
152.8 million
The number of people 16 and older in the nation's labor force as of May 2007.
77 percent
Percentage of workers in private industry who receive a paid vacation as one of their employment benefits.
4
Median number of years workers have been with their current employer.
15.4 million
Number of labor union members nationwide.
3 million
Number of workers who face extreme commutes to work of 90 or more minutes each day.
82 percent
Portion of full-time workers ages 18 to 64 who were covered by health insurance during all or part of 2005.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
ABOUT THE SERIES
Numerous "How To" books, articles and TV specials have been made about important life events, such as marriage, college, retirement and childbirth. We think it would be more interesting to find out what people wish they had known before reaching these milestones. We're asking readers to think about what no one told them about 12 significant life events - one for each month of 2008 - to help others prepare for the future. To read more stories visit here
So far, we've wished we were told more about:
· dieting
· breakups
· buying a house
WHAT'S NEXT?
What nobody tells you about childbirth . . .
Tell us, in 100 words or less, what you wish someone had told you or something you learned about giving birth.
Send your submission to bvrabel@ydr.com or mail to York Daily Record, c/o Beth Vrabel, 1891 Loucks Road, York, PA 17408-9708.
Don't forget your name, age, the municipality where you live and a daytime phone number.
OFFICE TIPS
Some workplace advice from Office Tips (http://office.lifetips.com):
· Courtesy
Use three phrases frequently and make your office interactions more pleasant: Please, thank you and excuse me.
· Non-sexist intros
It isn't appropriate for a supervisor to refer to his/her female assistant as "my girl." She should be introduced as "Fay Wray, my assistant."
· Office politics are always in flux
Office politics are subtle and constantly changing. Take the time to be aware of shifting moods and alliances within the workforce.
· What makes the boss tick
Try to understand what makes your boss happy or irritated - it can help you get along better. An increased understanding of her or his personality can also help you anticipate what the boss will do (or how the boss will react) in situations.
· Look before you (lover's) leap
Romantic relationships with co-workers can be trickier than other liaisons. Work rivalry may come between you, both parties could lose the respect of colleagues and office gossip might be malicious in its condemnation of the romance. Think it through before making a move.
A QUOTABLE 'OFFICE'
Here's a sampling of how characters on the show "The Office" speak on the job:
On promotions
"Because right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I'd have to throw myself in front of a train."
- Jim Halpert
On motivation
"Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do not do that thing."
- Dwight Schrute
SHARE YOUR TIPS
What do you wish you'd known about the workplace?
Share your wit and wisdom about the working world on the Exchange at http://exchange.ydr.com. Go to "The working world" under "The office."
