Horror stories of bullied kids killing themselves to be free of the constant torment they face from peers have even pushed several states to create laws against bullying, encouraging individuals to report school bullying incidents to authorities. Recently, the New York State Legislature passed an Anti-bullying in the workplace bill that would prohibit employers from misusing their authority over subordinates.

From the playground to the office, the struggle for power continues well into adulthood and the effects of adult bullying can be severely detrimental. Adult bullies don’t get any less cruel, in fact they develop more ruthless and calculated ways to mentally deplete a person.

Workplace bullying is defined as the repeated mistreatment of individuals or groups using persistent aggressive or unreasonable behavior through tactics like verbal, nonverbal, psychological, physical abuse and humiliation.
In the majority of cases, bullying in the workplace is perpetrated by management but it can also occur with clients, subordinates and co-workers.  This article will cover some reported cases of workplace bullying to expose its severity and show where it can lead when not dealt with appropriately.

Driven to Death

Image source: Journal de Montreal

Take for instance the recent suicide of Carl Dessureault. The 44-year-old Quebec bus driver was incessantly being harassed by co-workers because he resembled a man police were after in connection with a rape. He was taunted by fellow employees with disturbing questions like “What’s it like to rape women?” and ”Who’s your next victim”. The abuse and teasing got so bad Dessureault took time off on the advice of his supervisors.

When he returned to work, the mocking resumed. Dessureault sought counseling and was put on antidepressants as well as medication to lower his blood pressure. Sadly, on September 17, 2010, the bus driver who had worked with the Reseau de Transport de Longueuil for 22 years ended his suffering for good.

No Help For Dedicated Nurse

Image source :Daily Mail

Margaret Gettins, a nurse at the Royal Bolton Hospital in England, also experienced insufferable name-calling and harassment from fellow colleagues, leading her to take her life in July of 2010. The taunts began when the 50-year-old had been moved from the orthopedic rehabilitation ward to a unit which treats stroke victims.

Gettins kept a diary detailing the torment she suffered at the hands of staff. In the 4-page suicide note she left her husband and daughter, she revealed the names she was being called. She had spoken to her husband about the problems she was having at work and he suggested she take it up with her ward manager. But Mr. Gettins does not believe she ever did. Instead, she resorted to the only option she felt she had.

Cooking Nightmares

Image source:SMH

Another tragic case is that of Stuart McGregor, a young man who had always dreamed of being a chef, but after he scored a highly sought-after apprenticeship in a kitchen in Bendigo, AU, his dream soon became a nightmare.

The manager of the kitchen was set on making Stuart’s work life a living hell. Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen was Angel’s Paradise compared to what Stuart felt he needed to endure to succeed in the highly competitive restaurant industry. Name-calling, berating and inappropriate remarks about Stuart’s sexuality were just the subtle beginnings of a mounting problem. Just before the end of Stuart’s three-month probation period, he was invited on a camping trip, but declined to go after the manager told him he ”would have blood up [his] arse and grass on [his] knees” if he went on the trip.

He was expected to do things that he hadn’t been taught and made fun of when he wasn’t doing them correctly. When Stuart asked a question about a particular soup recipe, the manager said he had to call the CEO of the company to ask for it. If he didn’t make the phone call he was in trouble, if he did, he was made to look stupid. One incident like this could have been tolerable, but these continual put downs lasted two years and eventually his mental health deteriorated sharply, and he took his life.

A Writer’s Woes

Image source:The Hook

On July 30 2010, Kevin Morrissey, the managing editor at the University of Virginia literary magazine Virginia Quarterly Review, shot himself. Mounting evidence suggests the harsh treatment from Morrissey’s VQR editor, Ted Genoways, was in great part responsible. Morrissey had also struggled with depression for many years.

Genoways had a tendency to berate Morrissey according to fellow co-workers, family and email communications retrieved between the two. Genoways was already known for unusual management practices, like making his staffers read all his incoming emails and forwarding only what was deemed pressing.

But all hell broke loose when Genoways put Morrissey in charge of the office while he was away on a prestigious Guggenheim fellowship. One of the staff members made a wisecrack about Alana Levinson-LaBrosse (a wealthy donor on the board of directors) during a meeting which Morrissey wasn’t even at. Genoways got word of the news, accused Morrissey of “unacceptable workplace behavior” and ordered him out of the office.

According to The Hook, which did a full cover story on Morrissey’s death, the email stated:

“If you are already at VQR office leave immediately and do not return to the office until July 26.” Genoways also told Morrissey not to talk to his co-workers.

Morrissey made over 18 pleas for help with officials in UVA’s human resources, ombudsman’s, and president’s offices and two days before his death, was told “it would stop”. This was no conciliation and as Morrissey feared, despite the University’s assurances, he received angry emails from Genoways. Morrissey would receive a last email from Genoways an hour before his death which Morrissey’s sister, Maria, found open on his iPhone. On his desk in his apartment, she also found a book covered with notes. He was reading Working with the Self Absorbed: How to Handle Narcissistic Personalities on the Job.

Racism That Led To Rampage

Image source: CBS

The Hartford Distributors shooting, which occurred on August 3, 2010 in Manchester, Connecticut, was the deadliest workplace shooting in Connecticut history. Omar Thornton gunned down eight people and injured two others at Hartford Distributors, a beer distribution company, before taking his own life.

Thornton had complained about being racially harassed at work telling friends and relatives that in the two years he worked at the company he was confronted with blatant racism. Friends and family reported Thornton had found a picture of a noose and a racial epithet hanging on a bathroom wall at work. Will Holliday, Thornton’s uncle said, “He went to the Union a couple of times with issues concerning what was going on, and it was not dealt with appropriately.

The killing rampage occurred moments after a disciplinary hearing in which Thornton was forced to resign after an alleged videotape showed him stealing beer from the company. Thornton made calls to his mother and to police after gunning down the eight people. Just before committing suicide, he told the State Police Trooper William Taylor he shed so much blood because “this is a racist place.” Thornton, who was one of only four black workers among the company’s 69 dockworkers and driver.

So many cases of workplace bullying go unreported. Scared to lose their jobs in such an unsteady job market, victims of bullying shroud themselves behind a wall of silence and endure suffering until they can’t bear it any longer.

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Santa’s coming to town

I found out there was no Santa in grade 1, thanks to my bitch of a teacher who thrived on crushing childhood dreams. Like many kids who have just been informed of the truth about Santa, I developed an impulse for damaging other children  by spreading the news.

If you cross your eyes, they will stay like that forever

Crossing your eyes will not affect your eye placement long term. Think about it, when we focus up-close our eyes naturally come together.  So, when you cross your eyes you are essentially just exaggerating this natural response. I was told that you would only stay cross-eyed if you kept your eyes crossed and someone smacked you on the back. I decided to test the theory out on my little brother, and I can assure you there is absolutely no harm in crossing your eyes, or crossing your eyes and getting smacked in the back.

Sitting too close to the TV will damage your eyes

Some eye doctors recommend not letting kids get closer than five feet to the TV screen, however, the intention is to prevent eye fatigue, not eye damage.

If you pick your nose your nostril will stretch

Your nostrils will not stretch from picking your nose. The technical name for compulsive booger-digging is rhinotillexomania and aside from grossing out bystanders, picking your nose may actually be good for you. According to Dr. Friedrich Bischinger, a lung specialist in Innsbruck, people who pick their noses with their fingers are “healthier, happier, and more in tune with their bodies”. His argument stems from the notion that exposing the body to the dried germ corpses helps to reinforce the immune system. He feels society should adopt a new approach to nose-picking, and encourage children to take up the habit.

You’ll grow hair on your hands if you touch it. If you keep playing with it, it will fall off

After years of experience I can tell everyone first-hand (pun intended) that your genitals will not fall off if you touch them too much. And no hair will grow either! At least, not on your hands… There is absolutely no harm in masturbating, even a lot of masturbating, unless it is so vigorous that you irritate the skin or if you were to do something really foolish like  inserting something into your urethra. But I imagine that must hurt quite a lot.

If you play with your belly button your intestines will fall out

If you avoid putting scissors or sharp objects in your belly button, you should have nothing to worry about.

When I was your age I had to walk 7 miles to get to school…

Really?

You get cooties from kissing

Scientists believe kissing was an evolutionary development to spread and build  immunity to germs, so your parents were partially right about cooties. What they didn’t tell you is that you do want them. The term may have originated with references to lice, fleas and other pests. A child is said to “catch” cooties through any form of bodily contact, proximity, or touching of an “infected” person. The phrase is most commonly used by children aged 5–10; however it is also used by many others older than 10 years of age.  Girls are most often the carriers of the “disease”.

“Rambo would eat it”

Rambo was probably beefing up on a mixture of protein shakes and steroids.

Thunder is the sound of angel’s bowling and lightning means they just got a STRIKE!

Thunder and lightning have been subject to scientific inquiry for centuries, but to date, no evidence that there is a bowling match going on upstairs has come to light. Scientists have this crazy idea that lightning bolts reach extremely hot temperatures- between 30,000 to 50,000 degrees F. (That’s hotter than the surface of the sun.) When the bolt suddenly heats the air around it to such an extreme, the air instantly expands, sending out a vibration or shock wave we hear as an explosion of sound, i.e. thunder. Then again, what do scientists know?

Babies come from storks

In Western culture, there is a common image of a stork bearing an infant wrapped in cloths held in its beak.  Some speculate that because childbirth was difficult to talk about in Victorian times the stork story was a good way to avoid discussion.

Sparky went to doggie heaven

Of course he did…

The crust of the bread is the healthiest part

Researchers in Germany have discovered that the crust of bread  is a rich source of antioxidants and may provide a much stronger health benefit than the rest of the bread. Did your parents actually know that or were they just making sure you didn’t waste food?

If you pee in the pool the water will turn red, purple, green or blue

In a survey conducted of 1,000 U.S. citizens, 17% admitted to releasing their liquid excretory product in a swimming pool. Even Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, has confessed to pool peeing. All to say, no the water will not turn any other color if you pee-pee in it. However, according to an epidemiologist in the division of parasitic diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “urine in the water causes “respiratory, ocular irritation: red puffy eyes, a cough or an itchy throat”. When swimmers sweat or urinate in the pool water, the bodily fluids combine with the chlorine. It creates chloramines, which causes a strange odor and eye and respiratory irritations for swimmers.

Raw Ramen noodles will give you worms

Top Ramen noodles (like all other kind of Ramen noodles) are precooked and completely safe to eat. Until I was led to believe that my raw noodle consumption would give me worms, my favorite way to eat them as a kid was “raw”. I would find the corner of a brick wall and pulverize the bag without ripping it. Next, I would take the flavor packet, pour it over the broken bits, close up the bag, shake it and enjoy.

If you crack your knuckles you’ll get arthritis

I was told that if I cracked my knuckles I would grow up to have arthritis. Eventually my knuckles would swell up and I would lose my strength and grip. There is no proof that any of this is true, however I have to commend my mother on her cleverness since she has arthritis, and seeing that it is hereditary, I will likely have it too. Arthritis can be caused by various factors including injury, metabolic abnormalities, hereditary factors or infections.  As for knuckle cracking the only thing it has been proven to cause is neurologic habit patterns like nail biting.

If you shave your face it will come back darker and thicker

While this would be an encouraging bit of information for boys wanting to grow facial hair, it is also the way I remember my mother trying to deter her little girl from having silky, smooth, touchable legs. Shaving does not stimulate new growth, if it did, those going bald would be shaving afflicted areas to encourage more growth.  Shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness or color either. The color, location, thickness and length of hair on your body mainly depend on genetics and hormones. After you shave body hair, it may feel coarse or “stubbly” for a time as it grows out. During this phase, it may be more noticeable — and may appear darker or thicker. But it’s not.

If you eat watermelon seeds, they will grow in your stomach

If you eat watermelon seeds you might choke, but unfortunately you will not have a stomach full of watermelons.

If you swallow your gum it will stay in you for seven years

Pediatric gastroenterologist David Milov claims in a  Scientific American article that he can say “with complete certainty” that gum does not stay in you for seven years.   Once it’s swallowed, the gum base is subjected to the same treatment as regular food, and after it’s recognized as useless by your digestive system, it goes the same route as any waste product.  Seven years is the amount of time, however, that a crime will remain on your record and until you are eligible to apply for a pardon from pardons Canada.

Stop playing with that toad – you’ll get warts on your hand!

Don’t be a worrywart, touching a toad will not give you warts. Those warty looking things on the surface of their skin are simply an accumulation of mucus glands and poison glands. The only chance of anything happening would be if you handled the toad roughly. Then you’ve got a problem. Make a toad angry and it will excrete a bufotoxin, which if ingested could cause intense pain, seizures, cardiac collapse, and even death. But no warts.

If you tell me, I promise I won’t get mad…

Hence the reason we lie. Whoever said the truth will set you free was crazy if they were suggesting you tell your parents the truth. Unless the kind of freedom you’re looking for involves the afterlife…

What lies have your parents told you?

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Take this story for instance… After 26 years as couple, Andy Cardi and Bonnie Knox finally got married and took a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with their daughter, Michelle to celebrate. But what was supposed to be a happy family vacation soon turned into their worst travel nightmare.

The Knox-Cardi family had purchased travel insurance (thinking this would cover any medical expenses if something were to happen). Andy was healthy and fit, so when he collapsed from a sudden heart attack- it came as a great surprise to Bonnie and Michelle that the insurance company would not provide any coverage until they checked his medical history, even though the Mexican hospital was demanding cash payment up front, and even though the insurance brochure promised “direct payment to hospitals” as well as “air ambulance transportation”.

Thankfully, Bonnie had enough funds on her credit card to have her husband receive immediate medical attention, but when she wanted to fly him back home, unhappy with the quality of care her husband was receiving in Mexico, the insurance company again, refused coverage.

The family had to wait for the previously booked return flight to take Andy home. When they landed back in Montreal, he was immediately taken to the hospital. But he never recovered. According to doctors, he had developed a lung infection in Mexico, a complication from his heart attack that could have been treated had he been diagnosed while he was away. .

Yet another travel insurance horror story occurred only a few months ago, when Dick and Fran Brady booked a 20 day cruise to Italy through a travel agency called Legendary Journeys, paying more than $6,000 for the vacation package, plus $400 for insurance. However, when they were forced to cancel the trip due to a sudden and serious illness, the policy through Travel Protection Services covered none of their losses.

In fact, that company had filed bankruptcy- and to make matters even worse they weren’t even licensed to sell policies in Florida, which is where the Brady’s are from. According to Legendary Journeys, if an insurance company goes bankrupt the client is no longer covered. But how could this travel agency get away with selling unlicensed insurance from a bankrupt company?

But the Brady’s were not the only victims of Legendary Journeys highly suspicious negligence. Back in May of 2008, another couple booked a Mediterranean cruise, bought travel insurance, which cost them $960. Their son was killed in a car accident and so they had to cancel the trip, but again, they were unable to collect any of the money. The insurance company was first titled Traveler Protection Services in Dekalb, IL. When the couple had filed, Traveler Protection Services had an office in Crab Orchard, TN. Then the company moved to Arvada, CO and changed their name to Prime Time Travel. Needless to say, they were not licensed in Colorado or in the other states where the insurance was sold. The couple lost $13, 744.

These are only some of the many stories of travel insurance nightmares, demonstrating that travelers definitely have some extra steps to consider before taking out an insurance policy.

1. SHOP AROUND TO SEE WHICH INSURANCE POLICY BEST SUITS YOUR PARTICULAR NEEDS
2. READ THE POLICY FROM FRONT TO BACK- ESPECIALLY THE FINE PRINT
3. KNOW EXACTLY HOW LONG THE POLICY WILL COVER YOU FOR
4. FIND OUT IF THE POLICY WILL COVER YOU IF YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION
5. CONSIDER BUYING TRAVEL INSURNACE FROM AN INSURANCE BROKER RATHER THAN A TRAVEL AGENT

– It is recommended that you find someone who specializes in travel insurance, an insurance broker who can warn you of policies that are too restrictive or companies known to be difficult to deal with

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Enter Tristan Clopet. Toronto-born, Miami-based, guitar-playing whiz, profound and clever lyricist, with a voice that crosses between Anthony Kiedis and Jeff Buckley. Clopet and his band The Juice (love the name) have just released their second EP Purple, and after an entire day of listening to the six tracks on repeat- the Eureka moment strikes. Clopet has hit a soft spot, creating what sounds to me like the lost recordings of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magic. Clopet and The Juice have an innate sensibility for timing, there are elements in every song that are sure to remind you of something, but it is a familiarity that is both comforting and exciting. Purple leads you into a blissful orgy of slap bass funk, indie rock, quilted with sultry blues. Just the right ingredients to change up that stale piece of warm generic pie we’re continually getting served.

Proximity Bomb is the first song to detonate the album. Fully charged, with lyrics to match, it’s Red Hot meets Rage Against the Machine, bringing you back to the glory days of the 90’s. Next comes So Alive, a favourite of many reviewers, with radio success written all over it. At first, it’s a little too sappy for my tastes, turning me off immediately because it reminds me of Coldplay, and personally, Chris Martin’s mawkish look how many notes I can make come out of my nose lost me at Yellow. But then I give the lyrics a chance Take your shoes off by the door, Throw your clothes off on the floor, Look in the mirror my dear, That’s with whom you need to start your next affair. The song gives your ears a real sense of Clopet’s vocal range and when the lyrics come together, it creates a lovely sweetness I can definitely swallow.

Clopet then wins my heart back with Superficiality is a Sin- kicking off with a funky guitar lick that sounds like the beginning of a 70s porn, followed by the more refined sounds of orchestral strings. He raps the first verse: The future sound of this ultra underground sound, Pulls ya right up into the heavens, Past the current state denizens, with reggaesque punch à la Bradley Nowell (= Vitamin Awesome!)

The next track, Ethereal Evidence follows in the footsteps of RHCP’s If You Have to Ask, blending super funk with reggae, rock and powerful words that are a total in-your-face slam on society: Fear is the greatest governor of man, Long before this elaborate plan, Of learning all you know from the TV land.

Love and a Question brings down the tempo. A beautiful composition that nearly brought me to tears, Tristan’s voice soars through gorgeous pining words, Drowning in her love drunk ways. Clopet strikes a chord with anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love. Oh one thing I never knew, Is what I was to you, Can you hear me?

Yes Tristan, we do.

He then comes back, like a devil’s opiated rage with the final song, Black Panther Party. A deep bass line introduces the heavy rock jams to follow, and again Clopet rolls us happily through his razor sharp lyrics.

By the end, Clopet has taken us on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, with energy fueled songs that will have you jumping around and smashing things in your living room, or sitting down pondering all of life’s questions.

For more Tristan you can also check out his debut EP Duende, equally as charged, tight and marshaled as Purple.

Here is one of my favourite’s called Concrete Dreams:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Also worth a listen are his “Living Room Sessions” where Tristan records a handful of his favourite covers on his YouTube page.

For instance this Vampire Weekend cover:

Click here to view the embedded video.

A la Radiohead, The Purple EP is sold on a pay what you can basis. The album can be found on http://tristanclopet.com/. A new full length album is set for release early 2011.

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1) Getting to work 15 minutes before the start time

Being punctual is certainly important in a work setting, but making the effort to come in a little earlier will reflect even more positively on you. In most cases, the boss will be the first one in the office but if you make it a point to come in earlier too, you’re more likely to build an amicable rapport with him/her. You’ll also look like you enjoy your job, plus, getting to the office just 15 minutes before you’re supposed to, allows you to start your day without feeling rushed, and gives you extra time for planning out the day’s events.

2) Having a clean and organized workspace

Your environment greatly influences your productivity. If your desk is full of papers and junk there’s no doubt that you will misplace documents, which will take three times as long to find when you need them. (If you’re lucky enough to find them.) When your boss comes around asking you for a report, you don’t want to find yourself shuffling through papers, napkins and old food wrappers. Be as prepared for an emergency response as medical alert systems are for people with a medical condition, and give yourself some time at the beginning and end of your week to organize your desk, clearing it of any unnecessary papers except those relating to the work at hand. The quicker you can access what you and the boss need, the more reliable he/she will consider you.

3) Having efficient work patterns

Having a calendar or agenda to refer to, which includes all the tasks you need to get done (weekly, monthly) in order of importance (Major, Medium, Low) will help maximize your productivity and is sure to get your name on the boss’ A list. Having good organizational skills helps you keep track of what’s going on and minimizes the risk of falling behind on your work. Bosses love efficiency and employees that are able to effectively manage their time and make the most out of the hours they spend at the office.

4) Meeting your deadlines

When time comes for performance evaluations, you want to make sure all your deadlines have been met. Bosses don’t want to be chasing after their employees. They want results executed in the most efficient manner. Organization is the key to success, so the better organized you are the more capable you are of meeting your deadlines.

5) Staying current

Most bosses (aside those with major ego issues) will appreciate an employee who is up-to-date with the latest news and trends, especially pertaining to your particular industry. Do a little research and sign up for e-mail alerts, newsletters and RSS feeds pertinent to your industry. When you learn new things that you believe could be of interest to the company, mention it to your boss. Bosses appreciate when you take initiative and show a genuine interest in your work.

6) Being positive and approachable

Having a positive energy and outlook at work makes the overall environment much more pleasant for you and everyone around you. Studies continuously show that the happier employees are, the more productive they are as well. If you are someone your boss and your co-workers feel comfortable approaching you are sure to have a positive influence on how everyone works as a team. Being approachable also means being open to new projects and tasks. The more versatility you show, the more valued you will be as an employee.

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I, like many people, can attest to having once hated my job. Ask almost anyone who has worked in the service industry and they’ll give you the exact details as to why. Working long, strenuous hours, enduring tough working conditions, constant abuse from employers and customers; though I was good at what I did, it brought me very little satisfaction. It may have paid my way through school, but financial stability nearly cost me my sanity.

Even after I completed my degree, I found myself facing another troubling dilemma. I wasn’t interested in the field I had invested four years studying causing me a great deal of panic and stress. I feared I would never find a profession I was passionate about. So I did what many people in my position do. I continued to work the job I hated. (Misery becomes comfortable once you’re used to it.)

I continued to do this until one day, I cracked. And, once I cracked, I quit. Yes, I am a bit impulsive but no I’m not suggesting that everyone who claims to hate their job quit (yet). But, in my case I knew that unless I scared myself into finding something else, something I was good at and proud to be good at, I was going to continue compromising my potential for happiness. I wanted a job that was meaningful to me and I was going to do all the endless soul searching necessary to find it.

Now that you have patiently endured the first half of my story, I will try and get straight to the point with some insights and tips I learned along the way about how to go from hating your job to loving it, whether you decide to quit and find new opportunities or put a positive spin on the one you have.

Change Your Lifestyle

Being aware and improving things like nutrition, frequency of exercise and sleep regularity can help your overall well-being. It may seem obvious, but taking care of yourself physically will transcend into other realms of your life helping you to take on even the biggest obstacles and make them manageable.

Assess What You Like and Dislike About Your Job

If you are in a situation similar to what mine was, it is very possible that you hate your job because the work does not suit you. In some cases, you may actually like the work, but it is the people you work with that are the problem. If you’ve been unhappy for as long as you’ve been working in that field, despite management or company changes, than it is more than possible that you are not well matched to your job and you need to determine what it is you would be happier doing.

Determine What Your Dream Job Would Be

It’s never too late to follow your dreams and I promise this is more than just some fluffy Disney adage. When I was trying to uncover my hidden passion, I began by looking back at my childhood. What did I do as a child in my spare time? I played sports. I played music. I read. I also used to write mystery stories and make my own comic books.  Eureka! Finally, I was on to something…  I could see what options were available in the field of writing. After a little thought and consideration I decided I would take a certificate program and see what the world of journalism had to offer. In less than a year, I found myself writing for a web agency, finally feeling my work becoming synonymous with my passion.

Consider Side Projects

You don’t necessarily need to love your job and it is very possible and reasonable that security is more important for you because of factors such as providing for a family. The beauty with starting your own side project is that you can make it about something you love. Is there a hobby you have always been passionate about? The Internet offers a tremendous amount of possibilities, so something as simple as blogging about your hobby or passion could actually become an extra source of income and bring you a true sense of fulfillment.

Communicate with your Employer

If you are feeling unhappy with your job, talk to someone in HR or even try talking to your employer directly. The more honest you are, the more it reflects your willingness and maturity to try and make things better. Is it your job you hate or what you are doing with it? There should always be some room for change, a middle ground, and if there isn’t that’s your sign to move on.

Try a New Department or Position

Sometimes moving to a different department, striving for a promotion or even working with a different team of people might make all the difference. Sometimes a new environment, can have a positive effect on our outlook. Also, try staying on top of new trends so that you’re the person with the good ideas around the workplace. Knowledge is power and having it could boost your leadership role in the company and lead to a promotion later on.

Feel Grateful For Having a Job But Secure Enough To Leave it

It’s important for us to appreciate what we have, especially when we consider how many people out there would give almost anything for a job and financial stability. Feeling grateful for something doesn’t mean settling for it though. If you do decide to leave, feeling grateful for the opportunity you had allows you to resign with dignity and a genuine appreciation that will be reflected if ever you need a referral later on.

Working life certainly has its ups and downs, but if you’ve noticed there are significantly more lows than highs it’s time to make some changes. No life is perfect, and by the same token, no job is either. The best thing is to be clear about what path you’re choosing, why and what you may have to  give up to get there.

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10. Astronomer

Annual Wage: $94,000 +
Role: Astronomers study celestial bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies. The International Astronomical Union comprises almost 9,259 members from 89 different countries who are involved in astronomical research at the PhD level and beyond.
Training: Professional astronomers typically have a PhD in physics or astronomy and are employed by research institutions or universities. Additional experience and training at the postdoctoral level is usually required in order to hold permanent positions in universities and government laboratories.

Source: AOL

9. Natural Sciences Manager

Annual Wage: $97,000 +
Role: Natural sciences managers oversee the work of physical scientists such as chemists, biologists, agricultural scientists and medical scientists. They also plan, coordinate and direct research, improve manufacturing and industrial processes as well as develop new products and advance scientific research.
Training: Most natural sciences managers have a Ph.D. or master’s degree in their field and usually begin their career as chemists, biologists, geologists or mathematicians. The training time is approximately six years.

Source: Impact Lab

8. Marketing Manager

Annual Wage: $100,000 +
Role: Marketing managers are typically responsible for influencing the marketing techniques and management of a firm’s resources and activities. The role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’ size, corporate culture, and industry context.
Training: The minimum educational requirement for a marketing manager is a B.A. or B.S. in marketing, business management or a particular company’s field, such as engineering. Many employers require an MBA as well. Training time can be anywhere from four to six years.

Source: Impact Lab

7. Air Traffic Controller

Annual Wage: $ 100, 000+
Role: Air traffic controllers operate the air traffic control systems to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic.  Essentially, they prevent planes from crashing into each other. Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty, the ATC profession is regarded around the world as one of the most difficult jobs today.
Training: There are three main pathways to become an air traffic controller with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). 1) Prior experience through either the FAA or the Department of Defense as a civilian or veteran. 2) Three years of progressively responsible full-time work experience, college completion or a combination of both. 3) Successful completion of an aviation-related program of study through the FAA’s Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Studies have shown that air traffic controllers generally have a degree of situational awareness that is much higher than the average population. They also have excellent hearing and speaking skills and are trained to undergo rigid physical and psychological testing.

Source: Impact Lab

6. Insurance Broker

Annual Wage: $114,000 +
Role: Brokers play a significant role in helping companies and individuals find property and casualty (liability); life and health insurance. Brokers provide services beyond insurance sales, such as assisting with employee enrollment and helping to resolve benefits issues. Those who work in high-liability industries as oil, construction and pharmaceuticals can earn commissions of 10 to 15 percent of a contract’s total.
Training: To become an insurance broker you must first successfully complete the licensing exam. While it is not mandatory to have a university degree or college diploma to pursue this career, business courses offered by many post-secondary institutions do include insurance administration programs in their business diplomas.

Source: CNN Money

5. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Annual Wage: $126,000 +
Role: CIOs are the highest paid IT professionals and are responsible for the information technology and computer systems that support an enterprise. A CIO is usually involved with analyzing and reworking existing business processes and reshaping the enterprise’s physical infrastructure and network access.
Training: People in this position often have a background in information technology and at least a bachelor’s degree, if not an MBA or other advanced degrees. This can include formal training in technology, consulting, business operations and accounting.

Source: CIO Insight

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Annual Wage: $140,000 +
Role: A CEO is the highest ranking official within a company (and often the highest paid), and they’re responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operational performance of the company. The CEO usually answers to the board of directors, elected by the shareholders.
Training: It is encouraged to obtain an MBA for this position however there are many CEO’s that have gotten to where they are because of their brilliant vision and drive. (Ahem… Steve Jobs)

Source: Forbes

3. Psychiatrist

Annual Wage: $177,000 +
Role: Psychiatrists are certified in treating mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are one of the few mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medication, conduct physical examinations as well as order and interpret laboratory tests.
Training: In the U.S. and Canada you must complete a Bachelor’s degree, then four years of medical school in order to earn your M.D. or D.O. Following this, you must practice as a psychiatric resident for another four years (five years in Canada). This extended period allows comprehensive training that includes diagnosis, psychopharmacology, medical care issues, and psychotherapies.

Source: CNN Money

2. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Annual Wage: $222,000 +
Role: Obstetricians/gynecologists provide medical and surgical care to women and have particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. This includes preventative care, prenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted diseases, Pap test screening, and family planning.
Training: After four years of medical school, you apply for residency in an OB/GYN program. These residency programs last another 4 years.

Source: CNN Money

1. Anesthesiologist

Annual Wage: $292,00 +
Role: Anesthesiologists specialize in the administering and monitoring of anesthesia to patients before, during, and after their operation.
Training: Four undergraduate years at a university and then four years of medical school. After medical school, four years of residency are required leading up to board certification in anesthesiology.

Source: CNN Money

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Monday: The Starfish

The weekend may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean your sex life should. Even if you’re tired and worn out from a long day at the office, a simple, comfortable and orgasmically-effective technique to rock you and your lady friend’s world is a technique called the Starfish Position also known as the scissor position (very popular in lesbian sex).

To do it: Both of you lie down (bed, kitchen floor, concrete floor behind a truck…) with your heads in opposite directions. Place your legs between each other in a scissor position and penetrate! This is a position sure to drive your woman wild as it keeps constant pressure on the clitoris. You can hang on to each other’s hands for leverage, rock and twist your hips, arch your backs and move in and away from each other to allow for deeper penetration.

Tuesday: The Butterfly

This is a must-know position, easy, comfortable, versatile, allows for deep penetration and is perfect whether you’re in it for a quickie or endless hours of pleasure.

To do it: Go to the edge of a bed, couch, table, desk, counter, truck… Have her sit-up or lie down at the edge while you stand or kneel. If you kneel, you may want to use a pillow under your knees for extra comfort. If you’re standing, be a real stallion and lift her legs over your shoulders. Then, angle up towards each other so that your genitals meet. Next, place your hands under her hips and hold her buttocks and begin thrusting. The pelvic tilt gives your penis full access to her vagina and builds friction for both of you.

Wednesday: The Upside Down Position

If you’re in the mood for an adventurous sexcapade to try on a Wednesday, the upside down position is the way to go. Flexibility and balance is a bit of a requirement for this one so go slowly if this is your first time trying this position.

To do it: Get her to lie down first and then lift her legs so that her backside is facing you and her legs are perpendicular to the ground. When your genitals meet, squeeze her legs together as you penetrate her slowly. Hold her hips to keep you both steady.

Thursday: The Launch Pad

A great technique for synchronizing your sexual flow and achieve deep penetration is the launch pad. It is also said to massage your girl’s g-spot.

To do it: Pick her up and raise her legs and feet on your chest. You, the giver, should stand in front of her, enter and begin to thrust.

Friday: Penetration 69

Here’s one that let’s your woman take control and sure to drive you crazy.

To do it: You lie down on the bed and she lies on top of you with her head at your feet. When you’re aroused, erect and ready she lies on top of you, sliding up and down and using your feet for added thrusting and leverage.

Saturday: Jugghead

It’s the missionary position with the advantage of having breasts in your face! The unique sensation of penetration due to your elevated state is simply mind-blowing and a great way to begin or end a Saturday.

To do it: Lie down on the floor and place your legs on the edge of a couch or bed. Your lady then gets on all fours and commences the ride to heaven with boobs in your face and an angle that is amazing for pumping.

Sunday: The Lotus

In the mood for a Sunday kind of love? Why not try the lotus, a tantric sex position that brings you an unbelievable degree of closeness.

To do it: Get comfortable in the traditional lotus position and embrace each other snuggly. The trick with this one is to mirror each other’s movements so when she’s breathes in you breathe in to. Rock your pelvis’ in sync. This position is sure to deepen your intimacy and guarantee a climax that is out of this world.

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And that’s exactly why there are rules.

Breaking the rules can lead to disaster of colossal proportions: tears, anger, hurt feelings and the end of a friendship. So, let’s start with the basics. Let’s define a friend with benefits. Firstly, there is a difference between friends with benefits and casual sex partners, but many advice guides tend to ignore this difference and treat the two equally.

Defining Friends With Benefits

“Friends with benefits” is a term used to describe a physical and emotional relationship between two people. That relationship may have elements of a sexual or near-sexual nature, however it is understood by both parties that aside from some occasional flirting, touching or hanky panky, there should be no expectations of extra commitment or an official romantic relationship later on. Casual sex on the other hand, has little or no emotional attachment and is based purely on the fulfillment of sexual needs.

Embarking on a “friends with benefits” relationship can be a lot of fun but in order to prevent Hurricane Emotion from wiping out a friendship, here are some rules and pitfalls to consider beforehand.

Insider Tips

Set Rules At The Beginning
As much as we’d love for nature to take its course, a little planning can go a long way.
Rules to consider: where and when it’s okay to make out (at a bar/ in front of friends/at home behind closed doors), what is okay to do (hold hands, sleep over, cuddle), who is allowed to know (no one/closest friends/anyone). By laying out what’s acceptable and what’s not, you are protecting yourself and your FWB from emotional damage in the future.

Do Not Have Expectations
Whether it’s a phone call or sex, it’s better to let things happen when they happen. Expectations can stress a situation, the less you have them, the easier it is to play it cool, have fun and not to interfere with the natural process. The second one of you begins to expect something you didn’t before, one person is bound to bail in fear. All to say, accept what you’ve got and don’t try and push things.

Watch Your Language
Multiple “I love your…” “I love the way you” can begin to sound a lot like I love you. Try not to become an undercover over-lover.

Have A Time Frame
If this FWB relationship has been going on for more than three months, you could be entering an emotional danger zone. Obviously this depends on the nature of the relationship and the frequency of your encounters, but typically three months provides just enough time to confuse things.   If you’re really into each other maybe it’s time to give a relationship a shot. Otherwise, it may be a good time to take your eggs out of the basket.

Know When To Stop
Perhaps you’ve met someone else, want to meet someone else, or the other person is visibly becoming more attached. If you can forsee the end of this relationship approaching, now might be a good time to pull out. Ending things might be difficult at first but it saves a lot of heartache in the future.

FWB WARNINGS!

Meeting Other People Becomes Harder
Going out to a bar or party with your FWB around shouldn’t but can begin to narrow your opportunity to hook up with other people.  Though you guys are by no means in a relationship, all of a sudden jealousy and confusion are percolating.  That is of course unless you both find someone else. Your best bet is to make an agreement before anything gets out of hand.

The More You Water Them, The More Feelings Grow
There is no doubt that fun and intimacy with a person can develop into feelings, real feelings. The longer you let it go on for, the more likely they are to grow. However, very rarely do feelings builds equally and at the same pace on both sides. Be aware and stay grounded about what’s really going on.

The End Will Come
Unless you realize how madly in love you are with each other, there is a good chance that this relationship will end. And, many FWB relationships end once one person meets someone else. It’s normal for disappointment to prevail initially, but a certain amount of levelheadedness also must be maintained. The best way to make the knock a little softer is to be realistic and honest from the beginning.

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Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper/Math Superstar)

A UCLA graduate, McKellar majored in mathematics and is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Math Doesn’t Suck: How to Survive Middle-School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail, encouraging girls in middle school to enjoy and succeed at mathematics.

Olivia Munn (Tech-Geek/Videogame Host)

Lisa Olivia Munn is every fanboy’s dream come true. Munn has co-hosted Attack of the Show! on the G4 network, a network devoted entirely to the world of video games and video game lifestyle since 2006. She also hosted Microsoft’s Bing-a-thon, an advertisement on Hulu for the Microsoft search-engine Bing.

Jade Raymond (Ubisoft President)

Born in Montreal, Jade Raymond is a Canadian video game executive and a host of G4’s program The Electric Playground. Raymond considers herself an avid gamer and in July of 2009, was named President of Ubisoft Toronto studio.

Cindy Crawford (Model/Chemical Engineering Student)

Before becoming America’s most renowned supermodel, Cindy Crawford, won an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University. She attended for one semester but dropped out to pursue her modeling career.  And thank Gad she did! For those of you who love geek models, you might enjoy our post on the Hottest Women in the World:  Plus-Sized Edition.

Felicia Day (The Guild /World of Warcraft Geek)

Felicia has starred and guest-starred in several geek-worshipped shows like Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and of course the online sensation The Guild to which she is the star, script writer and producer of. She also translated the show into a comic book series, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Web Television.

Mila Kunis (That 70’s Show/World of Warcraft Geek)

A geek girl after our own heart, not only was she the voice of Meg on Family Guy but would you believe that Mila Kunis plays WoW??

Watch her talk about her WoW addiction on Jimmy Kimmel:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kari Byron (Professional Myth Debunker)

Brains and beauty, Kari Byron is part of the construction team on the popular Discovery Channel show Mythbusters.

Morgan Webb (Videogame Host)

First appearing on TechTV (now the G4 network), she is one of the hottest co-hosts to ever hit the geek scene.

Asia Carrera (Pornstar/Mensa member)

Perhaps best known for her adult film career, this sex bomb, studied piano as a child, performing at Carnegie Hall twice before the age of 15; won a full academic scholarship to Rutgers University and is a member of Mensa. She has been a guest reviewer for Maximum PC magazine and is an outspoken atheist stating “I’ve always been an atheist; science explains everything.”

Jessica Nigri (Cosplay Geek)

We don’t know much about her, but what we do know is that she is the hot Pikachu girl from Comic-Con 2009.

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