Ethical Situation

In one of my previous jobs, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation.  Because I was so young, I was not quite sure how to handle the situation.  The manager above me was married, which I hold to be sacred.  About once a week, a gentleman would come in and disrupt her work.  He would come in and flirt with her or take her to lunch or go into the break room together.  I didn't ask to many questions but was told that they were "just friends".  If her husband were to call and she was gone or busy with this gentleman, I was told to tell her husband that she was not available and was in a meeting.  Whether she was having an affair or not, it was none of my business.  I was just concerned that she was being paid to be there working and she would often be too busy doing personal things.  I even saw, on multiple occasions, that she would be in chat rooms and dating websites during working hours.  I never brought it up to the boss above her because I was afraid of retaliation.    Overall, I loved working for this company; I just wish I would have had a better manager to look up to.

My Current Stressors

Currently in my life, I am very stressed.  Whether it is with school or family, I cannot seem to catch a break. The four top stressors in my life are as follows:

1. Financial Matters
2. Family Problems
3. Lack of Time
4. Relationships

     One of the biggest stressors in my life right now is money, or lack there of.  I am trying to go to school to better myself and finish all three of the AS degrees I have been working towards.  I am putting myself through college and not relying on anyone for help financially.  Hopefully this will only be a short term stressor because I need some extra income and I have applied for a couple more part time seasonal (holiday) jobs.

     Another big stressor in my life is family problems.  My parents are going through a divorce.  Divorce should not effect the children, but it always does.  I am thankful that this is happening now and not when I was younger.  To help me deal with the stress that this has placed upon me, I like to stay out of the conversations that are taking place.  I would consider this to be a chronic stress because  even when the divorce is finalized, there will always be problems between the two parties involved.

     Currently, a huge stressor in my life is lack of time.  I'd like to think that I am pretty well at organizing and maintaining my time, but I always try to squeeze in more things that I don't have time for.  This is definitely chronic stress in my life because this is a regular, occurring thing.  Recently, I have replaced some optional activities with required activities and that seems to be helping.  The remaining optional activities aren't happening very often but they are a great way for me to relieve stress.

    The last of the top four stressors in my life is my relationship with my Fiance.  I get stressed out because he is now back in Massachusetts and we are having to do the long distance relationship.  I am hoping this is a short-term stress because that would mean the long distance relationship would be over soon.  But I know this will be an issue for at least the remainder of this semester and next semester, unless his job transfers him to California.  I need to finish my three AS degrees before I think about joining him out there.

Goals

There are four goals that I am working towards, two short term and two long term.  The two short term goals are:

1. I will give my puppy a bath by September 27th by allowing myself extra time in the morning.
2. I will graduate from Modesto Junior College with 3 AS degrees by Spring 2014 by completing four more classes.

The two long term goals are:

1. I will buy a new car by the summer of 2018 by saving $50 a month until I have at least $4,000 for the down payment.
2. I will get married in September of 2015 by saving $100 a month to go towards the wedding expenses.

"Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too." -Unknown Author

I find this quote very inspiring.  I often see co-workers delegating out most, if not all, of their work and then doing tasks that irrelevant to their job.  If other team or group members see this happening, they are liable to not finish the delegated tasks.  The co-worker delegating needs to lead by example.  Delegating work helps finish multiple tasks at one time. It will only work if everyone is doing their part, including the one who is delegating.

Strengthening Personal and Work Characteristics

The following personal characteristics that I need to strengthen are:

• Openness to change
• Time management 

The following work characteristics that I also need to strengthen are:

• Paying attention to details
• Keeping my desk area clean

I am a creature of habit and I do not handle change very well.  I am organized person, but sometimes I keep my working area too cluttered.  Sometimes I skip over little details, so I need to work on paying more attention.  I manage my time pretty well, but there is always room for improvement to strengthen my time management.

Appropriate Business Attire

I find this picture full of appropriate attire for a business man.  The slacks and jackets are both neutral colored.  The ties have color that are very modest, but not bright and distracting.  

The dress pumps/shoes in this picture are appropriate because they are simple, yet elegant for a business woman.  The jewelry is also appropriate because it is conservative and not over the top or flashy.

Both of the outfits are appropriate for a man or woman in the business field.  They are conservatively warn and neutrally colored.  For females, Nylons should be worn. Males should be clean shaven and have their hair combed, just like in this picture.

This outfit is appropriate because the slacks and blazer are coordinated.  Her makeup is natural and her hair is out of her face and neatly curled.  

I especially like the outfit on the right.  The skirt makes it a little more feminine, but still professional.  Also, the limited amount of jewelry is good.  The shoes are very conservative, which is appropriate for a business professional.  Also, the brief case is a great added touch!

Areas of Growth for Fall 2013

There are a few main areas that I would love to grow in this semester:

• Increase my keyboarding to atleast 60WPM
• Learn how to use the 10-key appropriately
• Learn Accounting type software: Quickbooks and Sage 50.
• Creative thinking 
• Being able to delegate
• Learn proper proofreading techniques

My Skills

Personal Skills:

• Following directions
• Listening and communication
• Time management and multi-tasking
• Goal Setting
• Problem Solving
• Motivated
• Willing to learn
• Ability to self-manage and self-motivate
• Filing Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

Computer Skills:

• Entry level keyboarding (50 wpm)
• Windows
• Internet
• Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access

Equipment Skills:

• Answering and using multi-line telephones
• Can use copier, fax machine, and scanner