In this issue...

• Summer, Sandy Beaches, and Money

• You’re Never Too Busy to Go On Vacation

• How Do I Discuss the Subject of Money?

• Summer Publication Schedule

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Summer, Sandy Beaches, and Money

Summer is upon us, the time when thoughts turn to warm weather, sandy beaches, and of course, vacation.  If you haven’t planned your vacation yet, then by all means make sure to read this month’s lead article.  Some of you might have interviews scheduled for this month, as well.  If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to approach the subject of money during an interview, we’ve got the answer in our second article.  So put on your flip-flops, crack a cold beverage, and enjoy this month’s issue of The ASM.  Because you know what they say about all work and no play.

—Dan and Don

You’re Never Too Busy to Go On Vacation

(By Dan Simmons and Don Hunter)

Ah, summer—the time to catch up on all the things you didn’t get done during the first half of 2006. Let’s face it, you need every edge you can get, and there’s no time for slacking off.  He who hesitates is lost.  Time waits for no one.  Right?

Wrong.

This week marks the first week of summer, and I sincerely hope that you have already scheduled some vacation time during the next three months.  It could mean the difference between a highly productive second half of 2006 and an unfortunate crash-and-burn flameout by the time the holidays arrive.

Five reasons to take a break

More than likely, your company has a standard policy regarding vacation time, and no matter what you’re currently entitled to—one week, two weeks, or more—you should take every bit of it.  Whether or not you enjoy it all in one lump sum or break it up into segments is for you (and your boss) to decide, but deciding not to take it at all, well, that could be seriously detrimental to your health, as well as to your career.

• The physical benefits—Your body has limits, plain and simple, and it can’t tolerate long working hours and little sleep indefinitely.  Even if you only work a standard eight-hour day (which could be termed a rarity), your body still needs down time that a weekend can’t fully provide.  Giving your body the rest it needs is the first step to being more productive.
  
  
• The psychological benefits—Just like your body needs rest and recreation, so does your mind.  Not taking a vacation can have the same cumulative effect as sleep deprivation.  That means you’re not as sharp, you’re not as alert, and you’re not as creative.  None of those attributes add up to a raise or a promotion.

• The emotional benefits—Constantly wearing down your mind and body will eventually wear you down emotionally.  It’s inevitable.  Your emotional wellbeing is tied directly to how good you feel physically and mentally.  Ideally, your job and your profession should be a source of fun and excitement, not a black hole sucking the life from you.  Not taking time off will push you closer toward that black hole, even if find your job exciting.
  
  
• Balancing your life—Chances are good that there are some people in your life, besides your boss and co-workers, who want to see you.  That’s right: the members of your family.  Perhaps they’ve supported you while you’ve worked long hours on the job.  A vacation is the perfect way to spend time with them and let them know how much you value the relationships you have with them.

• Appreciating your work—If you never take an extended break from your job, you’ll learn to resent it, no matter how much you really like it.  A vacation will give you time to actually miss your work, and once you return to it, you’ll be surprised at how enthusiastic you’ll be.

The ‘Superman Myth’

You probably know somebody who seems to go full-bore all the time, with no rest and no recreation.  Although you may find yourself wondering how that person does it (and maybe even envying them a little), there’s no telling what kind of physical, psychological, and emotional toll it’s taking on them, not to mention the impact it might be having on their family.

No, Superman is a myth.  Unfortunately, during the past few years, not taking vacation time seems to have become the norm for employees in this country.  However, slowly but surely, more and more employees (and equally as important, employers) have acknowledged the benefits that vacation time provides.  Vacations are not for slackers.   They’re for hard-working, productive individuals who want to maximize the effectiveness they bring to their jobs and the enjoyment they derive from their careers.

If you have any questions concerning this topic, please contact us at dan@consearch.com or brg@charterinternet.com.

How Do I Discuss the Subject of Money?
(By Don Hunter)

During the employment interview, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked about your current and expected level of compensation.  Here’s the way to handle the following questions:

Question: What are you currently earning?
Answer: “My compensation, including bonus, is in the high-forties.  I’m expecting my annual review next month, and that should put me in the low-fifties.”

Question: What sort of money would you need to come to work here?
Answer: “I feel that the opportunity is the most important issue, not the salary.  If we decide to work together, I’m sure you’ll make me a fair offer.”

In the answer to the first question, notice the way a range was given, not a specific dollar figure.  However, in a situation in which the interviewer presses for an exact answer, then by all means be precise, in terms of salary, bonus, benefits, expected increase, and so forth.

With respect to the second question, if the interviewer tries to zero in on your expected compensation, you should also suggest a range, as in, “I would need something in the low- to mid- sixties.”  Getting locked in to an exact figure may work against you later in one of two ways: either the number you give is lower than what you really want to accept, or the number appears too high or too low to the employer, and an offer never comes.  By using a range, you can keep your options open.

Don’t come on too strong
Unless you’re pinned down in the early stages of the interview, the best time to talk about money is after you’ve established mutual interest.  If you initiate a discussion about salary and benefits, you run the risk of giving the employer the impression that money is the most important reason for your job search.

From a tactical standpoint, it makes the most sense to build your value and exercise restraint before the subject ever comes up.  The greater your asset value is in the eyes of the employer, the stronger your offer will be.  The principal objective during the first and second interview is to explore the opportunity and your potential contribution relative to the goals of the department or organization.  Focusing on the money only sidetracks the greater issue of whether you and the employer can be productive and happy working together.

Once you know the job fits—and the employer sees your value—you’ll usually be able to agree on a fair price for your services.

If you have any questions about this topic, please contact me at brg@charterinternet.com.

Summer Publication Schedule

During the summer months of June, July, and August, The ASM will only be published once per month.  The next issue of The ASM is slated for publication on Tuesday, July 18.  We will resume our twice-a-month mailing in September.