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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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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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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Thanks to advancements in medicine, the dwindling popularity of smoking and a general emphasis on staying as fit and healthy as possible, men now have 77.6 years of life to look forward to.  And as more and more men gear their lives towards early retirement, they potentially gain two extra decades to roam this earth, pockets full of cash and all the time in the world.  They should be careful, however, as many men who retire from their jobs retire from life as well, pulling their plaid pants up to their nipples, complaining that their shuffle board scores are too low, their apple sauce too sweet.

The following is a guide for men on how to remain men after retirement.  Just because you’re older, doesn’t mean you’re too old. Just because you’re weaker, doesn’t mean you’re weak. And just because you no longer have teeth, doesn’t mean you can’t eat steak.  Don’t become the man who retires and suddenly has nothing to do, become the man who retires and doesn’t understand how he ever had time for a job.

Men Who Maintained Their Manhood After Retirement

Aside from the fact that when he was working he was a mechanical engineer, an Air Force Pilot, AND a freaking moon-walking astronaut, there is almost no better example than Buzz Aldrin for men who’ve maintained their manliness well after retirement.  He has since written two autobiographies; he’s appeared on “Dancing With the Stars,” gracing the dance floor with a bombshell who was only born 30 years after he retired; he recorded a rap song featuring Snoop Dog, Quincy Jones, Talib Kweli and Soulja Boy; he played himself on “The Simpsons”; AND (hopefully one day you’ll earn two fully capitalized “ands” in your bio) he punched an annoying filmmaker in the face.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If Buzz Aldrin fails to light the fire under your saddle, take inspiration from men who refused to retire.  Pop “Grand Turino” into the old DVD player and take notes.  Watch Jack Palance’s acceptance speech during the 1992 Academy Awards, where the 73 year-old dropped to the floor (wait for it) to deliver a set of one-armed push ups!  “As far as the two-handed push ups are concerned, you can do those all night! And it doesn’t make a difference whether she’s there or not.”  Rest in peace you tough son of a bitch.

Ways to Maintain Your Manhood After Retirement

The men highlighted above are merely super high-profile examples of what is possible.
The actual nuts and bolts of maintaining your manliness after hanging up your stethoscope, chainsaw (NEVER hang up your chainsaw), laptop – or whatever implement you use to take care of business – aren’t too difficult to manage. The following are just a few ideas to get you started.

Get Your Pilot’s License

“I’m a pilot” is easily one of the manliest sentences in the English language, right up there with “This is where the shark bit me before I punched it.”  In fact, whether you’re in the military or a civilian, a pilot, an aviator or simply working as an aircrew, once you’re in the flying field you can officially call yourself: an Airman.  With no age restriction on learning how to fly, all one needs is plenty of spare time, and a little money to throw around.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the first step to becoming a pilot is choosing what you want to fly.  According to me, the second step to becoming a manly pilot is choosing a vehicle made of metal like a plane or a helicopter, as opposed to one made of fabric, like a hand glider or a hot air balloon.  Once you’ve picked your plane and found a school (most airports offer pilot training), you are 35 training hours away from obtaining your private pilot certificate from an FAA-approved school.

So get off the couch and into the cockpit, ‘cause nothing exudes manliness like “Hey honey, wanna fly to New York for dinner?”

Become an Old Ninja

Joint fluidity, tendon flexibility, balance, muscle strength and overall mobility are not only crucial for maintaining a healthy body at any age, but they are qualities which can transform that rickety frame of yours into a lean, teenager-on-your-grass kicking machine.  It’s never too late to learn a martial art, as they all have beginner levels, and you can develop at your own pace.  If you want to avoid the more contact-heavy courses you can gain much strength, flexibility, and peace of mind from arts like Tai Chi, as well as from non-martial art exercises like Yoga.  Don’t think Yoga is manly?  Tell it to Hugh Jackman, the man behind Wolverine.

Don’t Dress Like a Fogie

Women love a well dressed man.  Period.  It doesn’t matter how old you are.  Just because you no longer have to wear your monkey suit from Monday to Friday, doesn’t mean it’s time to go jogging suit shopping.  You should never lose track of what is fashionable and what reeks of old-fart.  When you go clothes shopping, avoid anything with the words “corduroy,” “tweed,” “turtle neck” and “elbow patches”

Learn to Play an Instrument

Traditionally, picking up the guitar or joining a band is a rite of passage that occurs during a man’s youth. Before becoming jaded and having to deal with the day-to-day responsibilities of adult life, many guys cling to the sincere belief that they will one day “make it” in the world of music. Being older and wiser actually puts you in a far better position when it comes to appreciating music and truly enjoying yourself.  You’re more relaxed.  You’ve hopefully already lived your life to its fullest, so you’ll be learning how to play the guitar, the piano, or the drums for the pure joy of it.  It’s easy to feel as if it’s too late to get good at something like the guitar, but look at it this way:  If you practiced for 1 hour everyday for the next year, you could easily play just about any song at a campfire for your grandkids, making you the coolest granddaddy ever. All three of my uncles are approaching retirement and all three of them are still in bands.  They tell me the adrenaline rush from getting up on stage and performing live keeps them feeling young, and that women of all ages love the man who takes the stage and makes them dance.

The time has come to change the stereotype of the retired old grump, watching his golden years slip from his stool at the local donut shop, with that of the wise hardened man with the twinkle in his eye, surfboard under his arm.  Be the grandpa that the grandkids look up to and talk about to their friends.  Have sex stories that need to be censored with a giant blue Viagra pill.  Grab your post retirement life by the horns, literally if you have to, so that when you are finally dead and buried, you’re gravestone will read “He died doing what he loved:  Bullfighting.”

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1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

You can find a wide range of free online business courses at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Some of the classes offered include:

• Financial and Managerial Accounting: This course aids business owners in understanding and presenting financial information to investors and for decision-making processes within the management of your business.
• Applied Economics for Managers: Learn about how economists model consumer choices and market coordination. While it mostly focuses on microeconomics, you’ll learn a little bit about global markets as well.
• Taxes and Business Strategy: Plan for taxes and situate your business in the most advantageous spot within tax laws.

2) The Small Business Training Network (SBTN)

SBTN offers online courses, workshops, publications, information resources, learning tools and direct access to electronic counseling, and other forms of technical assistance. Many of the learning opportunities offered by the Network are developed by co-sponsors (academic institutions and corporations), some are developed by SBA’s resource partners and some are developed internally through agency contracts. All of the offerings are free, most are self-paced and the majority are considered “topical primers“.

3) Free Management Library (SM)

There are approximately 650 topics in the Library, spanning 5,000 links. Topics include the most important practices to start, develop, operate, evaluate and resolve problems in for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Each topic has additionally recommended books and related Library topics. FML gives you step-by-step guidelines, from how to employ calendar software for time management, to tools and techniques necessary for the most important activities in any for-profit or nonprofit organization.

4) My Own Business

MOB offers courses on how to start your own business. (Certificate options are also available on the site.) The 16 courses are presented by various successful business owners, explaining why most businesses fail and how to avoid common mistakes. Some of the topics include evaluating business potential, communication tools, accounting and cash flow and how to finance your business.

5) The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania’s Small Business Development Center offers more than 80 free business courses online. Many of the courses feature high-end graphics, interactive case studies and audio streams. Some courses offered include:

•    Accounting
•    Business Management
•    Business Planning
•    Finance
•    International Business
•    Marketing
•    Small Business Management

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Once you make the decision to invest you must understand that there is no such thing as a ‘sure thing’. It is best to form an outline of your goals and how much money you are willing to invest. Then start researching the various options that are available to you. There are professional financial advisers who offer their services for a fee or you could even look into job cost accounting software if you are thinking of becoming a full time investor and want to keep track of your expenses and total costs.

It is definitely recommended to research different financial advisers to make sure that you choose the best one for your requirements. Either way, some research and time will be needed before a firm investment plan can be executed.

Even though there are no set rules in investing there are safer and riskier forms of investing. Long term investments are assets that are purchased with a plan to hold on to them for over a year. This will not make you rich quick but it is a solid form of investment.  Little tricks along the way can certainly help put some extra cash in your pocket.  If you have a website for example you can install pay per click software and suddenly the traffic you get will start to pay off without you even having to lift a finger.  Developing a residual income is one of the most sold forms of investment.

Real estate is a popular type of long term investment. A home is more than likely the most expensive purchase that you will ever make. This is a great investment because everyone needs a place to live, so why not buy property which will end up making you money down the line? Of course it is always wise to look around and consult professionals to ensure you make the best decision.

Bonds are another long term investment. Everyone needs money, even large companies; and bonds are a way for companies to raise capital. Bonds pay out interest on a fixed schedule, so you will make money off of this loan; and your investment will be returned to you on the date specified. One great feature is that in case of bankruptcy a bond holder will get paid before a shareholder. There is less risk than with stocks but you will not make as much money.

A retirement savings plan is always a wise investment to make for the future. By putting away money each year in preparation for your ‘golden years’ you will not only be creating a comfortable retirement; in some cases you will also be saving on your taxes. Certain plans can be used as a deductible to lessen the blow of your income taxes. Imagine what you could do with the money saved on your taxes.

Mutual funds are a good option for those who would like to make an investment but are not eager to spend too much time researching or managing their investments. With mutual funds there are fund managers who work for the investment management company; will take care of this work for you. These managers will analyze the bond and stock market in order to build a solid spread for you. With mutual funds the investor also gets the opportunity to choose plans based on their degree of risk. For example a low risk plan (such as an equity fund) would invest more in T-Bills; while a high risk plan would look towards the stock market.

Stocks are something that you have more than likely heard of if you are thinking about making an investment. Some stocks are considered lower risk and can be used as a form of long term investment. However, it is the higher risk stocks in the emerging markets that make wise investors the ‘big bucks’. To make money in stocks you need to know a little about the market before jumping in. Start by checking the stock value, if the price is low find out the reason why and if it looks like it might go up. Find out the company’s return on net worth to see if it is growing steadily.

Remember that it is not wise to “put all of your eggs in one basket”. Try to spread out your investment in order to cover yourself; do not solely purchase high risk stocks, try to mix in some lower risk ones for security. Overall you must understand that the market is constantly fluctuating; do not panic at slight dips or get too excited about all rises. Try to read the market as best you can to determine when the best times to buy and sell are; or seek out some stock tips and/or professional help.

It is always smart to save some of your earnings and plan for your future and the future of your family. Making educated investments is a great way to do this.

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Movies

Less than five years after the towers fell director Oliver Stone began shooting World Trade Center, a disaster film based on the true rescue story of police officers  John McLoughlin and William J. Jimeno.  Despite the fact that the Rotten Tomato’s overall consensus was that “As a visually stunning tribute to lives lost in tragedy, World Trade Center succeeds unequivocally, and it is more politically muted than many of Stone’s other works,” when the film’s first trailers came out there was definitely an overall feeling of  “too soon!”  The film has made $162,000,000 worldwide.  That same year the Commemorative 9/11 Box Set was released.   Three DVDs featured documentaries on “ordinary people who became heroes on 9/11.”  Thanks to the word “documentary,” this project doesn’t share the reek of profiteering with some Hollywood productions.

Time between tragedy and profit: 5 years

Commemorative $20 Coin Certificate

Click here to view the embedded video.

First of all, wtf is a “coin certificate?”  Nearly every line from this ad could be followed with “You’ve got to be joking!”  Aside from the high levels of ridiculosity surrounding the entire project, I particularly love how they use the fact that the silver coin/bill is bigger than a regular $20…as a selling point!

“Can I use it as currency?”

“Only if you’re in Liberia. But look, it’s bigger.”

An especially nice touch is how “the frosted twin towers stand out against a mirror-like background, much as they did in the gleaning sunlight of that fateful morning.”  Fantastic!  Now every time you look at your silver coin/bill on display, you won’t be able to stop your imagination from crashing two planes into those “frosty towers.”

Oh, and let’s not forget how proud they are of their historical mathematical achievement, adding the numbers 9 and 11 on the back to make 20….GET IT?  Pure genius.  The hi-fives in the office that day must have been aplenty.

Now before you get crazy and put on of these bad boys in every room of your life, the limit per caller is 5.

Time between tragedy and profit (assuming even 1 was sold) = 7 years

Fake Silver Coins

A private company in Port Chester, N.Y. called the National Collector’s Mint fraudulently marketed and sold “silver” coins in commemoration of 9/11.  They called their product the “Freedom Tower Silver Dollar,” and they ran many ads on television and otherwise offering customers a government approved one dollar pure silver coin, made from silver collected at ground zero.  New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer shut the operation down and filed a lawsuit against National Collector’s Mint, arguing that:

A) The coins are not worth one dollar
B) They are not government approved
C) They are not pure silver but silver plated (Spitzer used the word “infinitesimal” when comparing the amount of silver in the Freedom Fraud to a coin of pure silver.)
D) They are not made from anything found at ground zero

So not only did this company profit from 9/11, but they did so by lying on a massive scale and ripping people off.  Someone should fly a plane into their face.  So keep this mind if someone tries to sell you jewelry claiming that it’s from silver found at ground zero, they’re probably full of bull ****.

Time between tragedy and profit:  3 years

The Twin Towers Commemorative Mailbox

So you want to honor your fallen countrymen? What better way than to erect a smaller version of the twin towers on the edge of your lawn? Make every day your own September 11th in which every letter stuffed into your mailbox is the stationary equivalent of 747s flying into your own personal World Trade Center! And be sure to salut Ivan Marijan Sarich, the brilliant mind behind your daily tragedy.

Time between tragedy and profit: 1 year

From the Ashes

Imagine going to pay your respects to lost loved ones at ground zero, only to be greeted by street vendors trying to sell you photos of the towers as they crumbled.  Hawkers and street vendors have literally surrounded the site, illegally selling all kinds of 9/11 memorabilia to tourists who pass by.  City officials have attempted to crack down on hawkers at ground zero, with NYC police handing out fines, forcing them to relocate, and even making arrests, but this doesn’t seem to stop vendors from trying to profit from the disaster.  Scavengers went to ground zero and scrounged anything they could find in the rubble…like more rubble and pieces of metal. They would then take it and either sell it on the street or on eBay.

Commemorative Cribbage Bored…I mean Board

If you take the “2” from 121, chop off the tail and complete the upper swoop, you’ve got yourself a 9.  And if you leap-frog the 9 to the left, then push the two 1s together….well would you look at that!  The coincidences are mind boggling.  This holy plank of commemorative wood goes for $115, and apparently Bin Laden himself mentioned it in one of his videos in 2007, but I have absolutely zero proof of this.

Time between tragedy and profit: 5 years

The American Flag

No one profited more from the terrorist attacks on the twin towers like the American flag industry (again, assuming you ignore the evidence suggesting it was an inside job, in which case the banks are the big winners).  Not only were the flags themselves flying off shelves at lightning speeds, but anyone producing mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, tattoos, posters, or any other type of flat surfaces where the ole red white and blue could be printed on saw their business numbers go through the roof.  No one sums up this phenomenon better than David Cross.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Time between tragedy and profit: Zero

Charities

Millions of Americans opened their hearts and wallets to the victims of 9/11.  Everyday people and celebrities alike donated an estimated total of $1.2 billion to various charities and organizations to provide relief for families of the fallen.  If you were to divide that money directly amongst the 6000 victims, each family should have received $167,000.  Of course everyone understands that it takes money to raise money, overhead and salaries need to be paid, but when all was said and done and the families received less than $3000 a piece, the nation became outraged.  Once again Eliot Spitzer stepped to the plate, along with media critics like FOXNews’s Bill O’Reilly, to call out organizations such as the American Red Cross and United Way, forcing them to explain to the American people: Where’s the f**k’n money?  Under the heat, the president and CEO of the Red Cross resigned, and the organization refused to participate in a program designed by Spitzer to facilitate the distribution of funds raised for 9/11 victims.  Very not cool. We should sick Stewie Griffin on them.

Time between tragedy and profit: Days

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The best managers are those who are passionate about what they do and inspire their employees. Good management is the foundation to a successful business, without it the whole structure falls apart.

The Qualities Of A Good Manager

Being a good manager is having the ability to build and manage a strong work team that is efficient, productive and shows high levels of job satisfaction. Just like an online CRM helps you manage and support your customer relationships, you need to be able to support the internal relationships with your employees too.

A manager’s job is no easy task, and it certainly helps when long term projects are being managed with the help of ETO software. It also means having to be an effective intermediary between supervisors and employees, communicating messages to and from the two parties in a clear and concise manner. It means having to be in ten different places at one time, all the while ensuring that the ship sails smoothly. It also means leading by example, coaching your employees on how to perform as well as transferring your skills onto them so they can be self-sufficient.

A good manager must be able to create and maintain a structured work environment that promotes and enables open communication, the influx of new ideas; where responsibilities and goals are clear, achievable and assigned to the best person for the job.

Being an effective manager isn’t necessarily about being liked. Not to say that your employees should hate you, but what a good manager should really be striving for is gaining their employees’ respect. That means knowing how to hire carefully, as well as being able to fire when need be.

Improving Your Employee Management Skills

Improve your social skills

To be a good manager, you need to be a good communicator and like interacting with people. Offer your employees positive feedback when they do something well and constructive advice when work is not up to par. Be attentive and listen to what your employees have to say. Also, never take for granted how much a smile can brighten up an atmosphere. Being approachable and friendly with your employees can go a long way and will help to promote a cheerful work environment.

Set clear goals

Make sure your employees know what is expected and from whom it is expected. You, your boss, another employee… The more information you give your employee regarding the task at hand the better equipped they will be to execute it.

Know how to delegate

It is incredibly frustrating when a manager is unclear or indecisive. Take the time to ensure that the decisions you take have been carefully considered and that they are assigned to the right person for the job.

Keep micromanaging at a minimum

Frequent check-ins with your employees are important but if you are continuously breathing down your employees’ necks you will create a tense and stressful atmosphere that will significantly thwart productivity. The more trust you put in to your employees, the more ardently they will work to keep it.

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