Gen X. Empathetic but exasperated. Still rooting for people. Raising an eyebrow at work, leadership and the hiring circus. Coffee helps.
Illinois, USA
Joined October 2026
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Gen X. Still believe in good people, good leadership and finding the funny side of life.
I've been on both sides of the hiring desk. Neither side is having quite as much fun as advertised.
Here for workplace wisdom, everyday absurdities and the occasional raised eyebrow.
Coffee helps.
I'm Gen X. I spent years going above and beyond, putting in extra hours and proving myself. But back then, there was at least some expectation of job security. Today, employment often feels purely transactional. Companies can't expect yesterday's loyalty while offering none of yesterday's stability.
Happy Monday! A little reminder that you don't have to conquer the world before lunchtime. Some Mondays, getting through your inbox, remembering your passwords and making it to the second cup of coffee is quite an achievement. One thing at a time. We've got this!
The clocks went back an hour, and apparently my brain thinks that means an extra hour to be productive.
Nice try.
It's Sunday. I'm putting that hour straight into the “absolutely nothing” column.
Ghosting in hiring goes both ways. I've reviewed hundreds of résumés, shortlisted candidates and had people book their own interview slots, only to not show up. I always wonder what happened. Life happens, I get it. But a quick cancellation helps everyone. Respect for time should go both ways.
I absolutely love this! Not only is it brilliant marketing, but what a great mindset. Taking criticism, finding the humour in it, and turning it into something positive. And let's face it, complaining that French onion soup is too oniony is rather difficult to take seriously!
Happy Halloween from me and my very enthusiastic trick-or-treaters!
Wishing you a day full of treats, a few good laughs, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.
May your sweets be plentiful, your tricks be harmless, and your weekend be wonderful!
And remember, chocolate is for humans, not doggies!
ALT A cheerful Halloween cartoon featuring a smiling blonde woman with glasses, holding a pumpkin mug, surrounded by two golden retrievers. One dog wears a witch’s hat, the other a pumpkin costume, and both have trick-or-treat buckets. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, autumn leaves, bats and a full moon decorate the cozy porch. “Happy Halloween!” appears above them.
It's almost Saturday in my little corner of the world, and I think I've given quite enough of a shift for one week.
The to-do list can wait. The laundry isn't going anywhere. And whatever I forgot to do today will probably still be there tomorrow.
Goodnight, lovely people. Happy weekend!
When I'm recruiting, I use Workable. I ask for a résumé and a couple of screening questions. That's it. No cover letter, no unnecessary hoops.
I've reviewed hundreds of applications, and I've never needed a candidate to complete an obstacle course to decide whether to interview them.
Why do we make this so difficult?
Dear Workday,
Why must I tell you where I found the job? Can't you track that?
Why do you need to know if my number is a landline or mobile?
And why, after uploading a perfectly good résumé, must I re-enter half of it because you can't read it?
I'm applying for a job, not completing a bloody obstacle course.
Employee engagement is at a 15-year low.
I wonder how much of that could be improved by some surprisingly simple things.
Clear expectations. Being listened to. Feeling appreciated. Having a manager who actually knows your name.
Not everything needs a new initiative and a PowerPoint.
Halloween costume idea for the office: the person who knows where the latest version of the document is saved.
No special outfit required. Just walk around looking mysteriously competent.
You'll be treated like a mythical creature.
Life lessons from dogs:
If you love someone, show them.
If you're tired, have a nap.
If something makes you happy, get ridiculously excited about it.
If someone annoys you, walk away.
And never underestimate the healing power of a good snack.
Honestly, they're better at life than we are.
With Halloween approaching, I've been thinking about the truly frightening things in the workplace.
A meeting invitation with no agenda.
An email that simply says, "We need to talk."
A calendar invitation for 4:30 on a Friday.
And the most terrifying of all...
"Just a quick question."
Every workplace has that one person who makes the day a little easier.
The one who shares what they know, notices when you're struggling, makes you laugh at exactly the right moment, or quietly helps without making a fuss.
They rarely get an award for it.
But goodness, they make a difference.
Every workplace, whether it's a home office or a corporate one, is significantly improved by the presence of delightful companions. Preferably the four-legged kind. They may not contribute much to productivity, but they're absolutely brilliant for morale.
Happy Wednesday!
I've decided that following up should be recognised as a professional skill.
Following up on emails. Following up on promises. Following up on the follow-up.
At this point, I'm considering sending myself a reminder to check whether I've followed up.
I'm sure someone will get back to me about it.
Goodnight, everyone! It's been a long, difficult day, but looking back, I actually accomplished quite a lot.
A good reminder that a hard day isn't necessarily a bad day.
Although I'd appreciate it if tomorrow could deliver its life lessons with a little less enthusiasm.
Sleep well!
Well, Tuesday, we've had our differences.
You tested my patience, my ability to remain professionally polite, and my belief that people actually read emails.
But here we are. Still standing. Still giving a shift.
Admittedly, a considerably smaller shift than I was giving this morning.
Having one of those days where absolutely everything seems to require following up. Again. And again.
I'm not asking for miracles. Just for things to happen without having to chase them seventeen times.
Anyway, how's everyone else's Tuesday going? Please tell me someone is having a lovely one.
I love the convenience of e-books, but there's something about a real book. The cover, the smell, turning the pages.
And let's not forget buying more books when you already have a perfectly respectable pile waiting to be read.
Apparently, collecting books and reading books are two separate hobbies.
Anyone else?