Category Archives: Work

Above is a map of what households nationwide must earn per hour to lease a 2-BR apartment at the going market rate without spending more than 30% of monthly income on rent. Not surprisingly, Massachusetts exceeds the national average requiring an hourly rate of $24.08. Hawaii is the most expensive at $31.54 and Puerto Rico the most affordable at $10.19.  Keep in mind this is an average. It would be far more interesting to see how this translates to hourly wages needed to live in cities in some of these states; I’m assuming this would spike significantly.

Source: Washington Post

This month has been full of business travel, dashing off to DC and NYC repeatedly.

I’m back at Logan airport to fly to NYC for my final trip of the month. While I’m working in NYC I may be slow to respond and update my blog so thank you in advance for visiting and for your patience with me.

Do you recognize this photograph of this American city that I pulled from the Internet? Yesterday I flew here for two days of business meetings.  If you think you recognize this American city skyline leave your guess in my blog’s comment section.

I love The Theater Offensive. This nonprofit works diligently to help present the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender lives. They use creative expression and performance to help break through personal isolation many in the LGBT feel, challenge the status quo, and help build a stronger community.

Job Opportunity: Development and Communications Associate

Recently I was made aware that they are looking for a new development and communications associate. The opportunity seems ideal for someone starting their career or with just a few years experience and I know how hard those positions can be to find so I wanted to give The Theater Offensive a shout out and encourage you to apply if interested or share with friends who may be interested.

Columbus Day is one of those pseudo holidays here in the US celebrated mostly by schools, banks and non-profits.  Having said that, in Boston it can feel like you are the only one working.

Are you working today?

I rarely talk about work, but every once in a while something happens that I want to share.  Later today, I will see and possibly meet Sir Richard Branson – Founder of Virgin Group.  He is a guest speaker at a program I am helping run. At this same event last year, I was able to meet and talk to our 2012 Keynote, President Bill Clinton.

Sometimes my job is pretty cool.

Last week I was perusing LinkedIn and stumbled upon this potential connection. The profile photo seems more appropriate for Grindr than LinkedIn.  I couldn’t help but hear my parents voice ringing in my head, scolding me and trying to make me understand what constitutes appropriate behavior.  I get that this guy is a personal trainer and in many ways his body is his business card, but hints of pubic hair in a mirror reflection seems more appropriate for Guys With iPhones than a professional site designed to help connect personal networks.

I didn’t write this post to criticize this guy or to solicit such criticisms from others. Actually what I’m hoping is that when one sees a friend showing poor judgement like this young guy, you will speak up with consideration rather than contempt.  After all, if our parents have failed us – it is up to our friends to help us so we don’t continue to make the same mistakes.

Last week I passed a professional milestone when I hit my five year anniversary with my current employer.

I’ve never worked at a firm for five years, always finding a graceful exit to work for another company after 3-4 years had passed.  I’ve enjoyed the first five years and have learned an awful lot.  I’ve also been able to do some amazing things like meeting President Clinton last spring in Boston, but who can say what is around the corner.

How long you have worked at your current job?  Does five years sound like a long time to you or have you been in your current role for far longer?

I’ve spent eleven of the first fifteen days of this month traveling.  I know tens of thousands of professionals spend their lives on the road traveling, but I find little joy in working on the road, and I’m very much looking forward to coming home. I’m a firm believer that traveling is a great opportunity but best realized when done for leisure and not for work. Have a great weekend everyone. I know that I will enjoy seeing friends and relaxing on my couch.

Was this an excuse to post this gratuitous photo of this handsome man in his bathing suit? Perhaps, but the reality is I’m falling behind at work.

Earlier this week, I was on vacation and yesterday I spent nearly all day flying to San Francisco for meetings. When am I going to get my work done?  ARGH!!! Strangely writing about my frustrations and the image of this man are working like medicine, and I can feel the tension already leaving my body.

Now that the holiday season is over, it is time to get back to work.  I hope that these past few weeks were relaxing, and I want to wish you all the best in 2013.