5 Lifestyle Activities That Can Get You Fired

Can having a bacon double cheeseburger and a cigarette put your job at risk? Maybe. It may sound surprising, but many off-the-job actions and lifestyles could put your job in jeopardy.

Fair Game?

Employment experts point out five key areas that a company may scrutinize:

• Smoking, drinking, and overeating. Due to the cost of health insurance, more and more employers view "unhealthy" habits as a threat to their bottom line.
• Risky behavior. Likewise, a company might see your bungee jumping hobby as a liability.
• Speech. Will your employer consider your blogging to be destructive griping?
• Romantic relationships. Dating someone at a competitor's company has landed employees in hot water. And some employers might take issue with unmarried coupling or even same-sex relationships (federal law doesn't protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation).
• Political activity. Volunteering for Obama could be trouble if you have a pro-McCain boss, and vice versa.

Job- or industry-specific behaviors can lead to termination as well. A Ford worker who drives a Toyota is probably safe -- unless he or she is president of Ford. But a bank employee who bounces a personal check could get the boot.

Cause or Just Because

If these reasons for termination seem unfair, they must be illegal, right? Not necessarily. Just because most employers don't let valued employees loose for off-the-job activities and lifestyles, doesn't mean they can't.

"Most workers in the private sector don't understand that, unless they live in Montana and Arizona, their job is at-will," Paul Secunda, an assistant professor of law at the University of Mississippi, told Yahoo! HotJobs. "At-will means an employee can be fired for good cause or no cause at all," Secunda said.

Federal job protections include gender, race, religion, and national origin, as well as disability. "Some state laws forbid discrimination on other bases, including sexual orientation, or status as a smoker," said Rick Bales, a professor at Northern Kentucky University/Chase College of Law. Smokers in the tobacco-growing state of Kentucky, for example, are safe from termination, he said.

Don't Be Fooled

Although union members and public sector (government) workers generally have more protections, employees in the private sector -- the bulk of the U.S. workforce -- can be fired at any time, and usually without recourse.

"Unless you were fired because you are a member of a protected class under federal law, or under another state statute, it's likely not illegal," said Kimberly Malerba, an associate who litigates employment cases with Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., a law firm on Long Island, New York.

The good news is that most companies don't go out of their way to snoop into employees' lives, Malerba told Yahoo HotJobs. "A company is most concerned with (off-the-job) behaviors that directly conflict with business interests."

5 Tips to Consider

Legal experts have advice for protecting your job from unexpected dangers:

• Understand the concept of at-will employment. Don't assume that termination must be illegal just because you think it was unfair.
• Be fully aware of your company's policies and terms of employment. Read the employee handbook, and ask HR if you have any questions.
• Be familiar with the company's internal dispute mechanisms (if any) for filing grievances.
• Think before you act. Could your employer see your actions off the job as potentially destructive to the company?
• Don't disclose. "You don't have to disclose lifestyle choices or off-the-clock activities unless there is a clear link to your ability to perform the job," Secunda said.

"My general advice is, don't do anything on your own time that, if reported in the local paper, would reflect poorly on you or your employer," Bales told Yahoo! HotJobs.

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

ARe you ONe of THem?

The 6 Most Annoying Coworkers: Are You One?

by Doug White, Robert Half International

Nearly every workplace has them: the Naysayer, who dismisses team members' ideas; the Spotlight Stealer, who claims credit for a colleague's efforts; and other annoying coworkers who make collaboration difficult. Following are six professionals whose irritating behaviors and irksome attitudes prevent them from forming productive relationships at work -- and what you should to do avoid following in their footsteps:

1. The Naysayer. This office dweller delights in shooting down ideas. Even during "blue sky" brainstorming sessions, where all suggestions are to be contemplated with an open mind, the Naysayer immediately pooh-poohs any proposal that challenges the status quo.

The right approach: Because great solutions often rise from diverse opinions, withhold comment -- and judgment -- until the appropriate time. Moreover, be tactful and constructive when delivering criticism or alternative viewpoints.

2. The Spotlight Stealer. There is definitely an "I" in "team" according to this glory seeker, who tries to take full credit for collaborative efforts and impress higher-ups. This overly ambitious corporate climber never heard a good idea he wouldn't pass off as his own.

The right approach: Win over the boss and colleagues by being a team player. When receiving kudos, for instance, publicly thank everyone who helped you. "I couldn't have done it without ..." is a savvy phrase to remember.

3. The Buzzwordsmith. Whether speaking or writing, the Buzzwordsmith sacrifices clarity in favor of showcasing an expansive vocabulary of cliched business terms. This ineffective communicator loves to "utilize" -- never just "use" -- industry-specific jargon and obscure acronyms that muddle messages. Favorite buzzwords include "synergistic," "actionable," "monetize," and "paradigm shift."

The right approach: Be succinct. Focus on clarity and minimize misunderstandings by favoring direct, concrete statements. If you're unsure whether the person you are communicating with will understand your message, rephrase it, using "plain English."

4. The Inconsiderate Emailer. Addicted to the "reply all" function, this "cc" supporter clogs colleagues' already-overflowing inboxes with unnecessary messages. This person also marks less-than-critical emails as "high priority" and sends enormous attachments that crash unwitting recipients' computers.

The right approach: Break the habit of using email as your default mode of communication, as many conversations are better suited for quick phone calls or in-person discussions. The benefit? The less email you send, the less you're likely to receive.

5. The Interrupter. The Interrupter has little regard for others' peace, quiet or concentration. When this person is not entering your work area to request immediate help, the Interrupter is in meetings loudly tapping on a laptop, fielding calls on a cell phone, or initiating off-topic side conversations.

The right approach: Don't let competing demands and tight deadlines trump basic common courtesy. Simply put, mind your manners to build healthy relationships at work.

6. The Stick in the Mud. This person is all business all of the time. Disapproving of any attempt at levity, the constant killjoy doesn't have fun at work and doesn't think anyone else should either.

The right approach: Have a sense of humor and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself once in awhile. A good laugh can help you build rapport, boost morale, and deflate tension when working under stressful situations.

It's fairly easy to spot the qualities that make the above individuals irritating -- at least when the behaviors are displayed by others. It can be a challenge to recognize when you exhibit them yourself. You may not realize, for instance, that you always pepper your communications with industry- or company-specific jargon, even when speaking with new employees or outside contacts. Though you may not be a full-fledged Interrupter or Stick in the Mud, take care to avoid heading down their paths.

The best advice: Remember common courtesy and act toward others as you want them to act toward you.

Friday the 13th.....Anti-Business?

June 13, 2008... So, it's the horrifying date of the year. I really don't see the point and don't have no idea what makes the number 13 frightening when it falls on Friday. Strange things will sure to happen as they say. And would you believe that it affects the business world? Check this out as I've tried to figure things out.

Frightened By Friday The 13th?

Symptoms Range From Mild Anxiety To Sense Of Doom

Feeling especially paraskevidekatriaphobic on this Friday the 13th? Paraskevidekatriaphobia combines two phobias: triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, and skeviphobia, the fear of Friday.

For most people, it's nothing to worry about. But scientists say that millions of Americans are affected by the fear of Friday the 13th, with symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to a sense of doom.

"By some estimates, businesses lose millions of dollars on Friday the 13th because people are hesitant to make deals, travel or shop like they do on non-jinxed days."

Where does the superstition come from? Some people think it dates back to the time of Jesus, who was supposedly crucified on a Friday -- not to mention that Jesus and 12 disciples makes 13.

According to Norse mythology, it was the Vikings who decided a hangman's noose should have 13 loops.
A coven of witches is generally regarded as a gathering of 13 weird sisters, to use Shakespeare's term.

Well, I still don't believe such. There's really no such thing as BAd Luck according to Napoleon Hills. How i wish that Friday the 13th will turn into a feast not a curse.

Is this for Real?!

Prince Charles pays off royal debt ... 350 years late

Tue Jun 10, 5:02 PM ET

LONDON (AFP) - Heir to the throne Prince Charles on Tuesday paid off a family debt incurred more than 350 years ago -- but was spared the accumulated interest that could have run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Charles handed over 453 pounds and 15 pence (572 euros and 20 euro cents, 885 dollars and four cents) which King Charles II failed to pay to the Clothiers Company in Worcester, central England, in 1651.

The king had commissioned uniforms for his troops to fight the republican forces of Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester the same year.

The modern-day Charles handed over the cash on a visit to the former headquarters of the royalist troops in the Faithful City, so-called because it remained loyal to his ancestor during the English Civil War.

"It seems that members of the Clothiers Company have a long memory," he said. "By long I mean nearly 400 years. Nevertheless, as a gesture of good will I come today prepared to honour this debt of 453 pounds and three shillings.

"I suspect that it will not have escaped your notice, however, I am resisting the immense temptation to pay the debt with full interest. I was not born yesterday."

The high commissioner of the Clothiers Company, Philip Sawyer, accepted the money and gave the future king a receipt.

If interest was taken into account, 453 pounds and three shillings in 1651 would have been worth approximately 47,500 pounds in 2007, the BBC website said, citing the Institute for the Measurement of Worth.

Job Alert!

The 'Relevant Experience' Conundrum

by: Brad Karsh of Yahoo

Question: What's the best way to get a job when you don't have all the experience or background a company is seeking?

Answer: For many job seekers, a simple job-description statement is the kiss of death: "Three years of relevant experience required."

If you want to change careers, you feel doomed by the frustration of not having the relevant experience. If you happen to be a student or recent graduate, it's a catch-22. How are you supposed to get experience when you don't have the experience to get a job?

When faced with this conundrum, there are three things to keep in mind as you go about the job search.

1. Focus on transferable skills.

Transferable skills are your secret weapon. They often get overlooked, but they can be your best ally.

When you are applying for a new job you must make yourself as "hirable" as possible to the recruiting director reviewing your resume. When you are listing your bullet points beneath each job title, really focus on what that recruiting director wants to see (without lying, of course).

Let's say you worked in marketing, but you want to move into finance. When you craft your finance resume, move all of the bullet points to the top that have anything to do with finance.

Even though it may not have been your biggest accomplishment, your very first bullet point might say something like:

Managed $300,000 annual budget consistently exceeding company's forecasting objectives.

2. Think outside the job.

Often, job seekers limit the experience section on their resume to paid jobs. That can be a big mistake, especially if you're looking to switch careers.

Volunteer work, boards and affiliations, and -- for college students -- leadership roles, can be tremendous opportunities to show off your relevant experience.

Here's an example. I worked once with a teacher who was looking to get into sales. Now we all know you have to do a bit of "selling" to the 5th graders, but it's not really all that relevant for a sales job. She lamented her lack of experience until she told me that she was one of the top fund-raisers for a charity that she worked with on the weekends and over the summer. She had sold more than $150,000 worth of pledges and donations!

We moved that to the top of her resume, and lo and behold she landed a sales job.

A great tip for all of you looking to switch fields or start something new is to get some experience outside the job, and then add it to your resume.

3. Be realistic.

Switching careers or getting that first job is tough. You should approach the market with reasonable expectations. It's one thing to parlay your college job promoting campus activities into a great entry-level PR job. It's quite another to try to turn that same experience into a role as director of corporate communications at Yahoo!.

If you are switching professions mid-career, be prepared to take a pay cut, to start out at the ground level, or to work for a boss who's 10 years younger. Sure, it's not the best scenario, but if you realize what you're up against, it can help ease the disappointment.