3 Steps to Disconnecting From Work and Enjoying Your Vacation

Full disclosure: I have a serious problem disconnecting from work when I am on vacation...a serious problem! I am an attorney, and I answer not only to my bosses, but also my clients. As such, I have been known to check and respond to emails, and take calls while on vacation, simply because I am worried that I am going to miss something. I call it professional FOMO! The good thing is that I recognize that I have a problem. I also know that many of you suffer from the same affliction...just go ahead and admit it! Because admitting it is the first step in addressing the issue.

So, how do you successfully go on a work-free vacation? I have a few suggestions that I have been implementing (kind of) over the past few years. My method: (1) Plan ahead; (2) Check Twice; and (3) Acknowledge, Reaffirm, and Reassure. 

Plan Ahead!

1. Plan Ahead - It starts here. Two weeks before you are scheduled to go on vacation, send an email around to your colleagues to let them know of your plans. Notify them of when your time out of the office will begin, when you will return to the office, and include the contact information of another colleague that folks can reach out to for assistance in your absence (make sure you ask your colleague to help out before volunteering him/her). Now...here's the most important thing: in the email, be sure to emphasize that you will be on VACATION. In my experience, folks are less likely to disturb you when they know you are on vacation...sometimes! Another suggestion...indicate that you will have little to no access to your cell phone and/or email during the time you are away. I understand that there may be some apprehension to indicating that you may be off the grid for an extended period of time, but folks may be less likely to disturb you when they know that you may not be able to respond to them immediately. If this really concerns you, perhaps you can reach out to certain folks individually to let them know that they may reach out to you if something pressing happens...hopefully, they won't! Your email should look something like this:

Hello,

Please note that I will be on vacation starting Friday, June 23, 2017. I will return to the office on Monday, July 3, 2017. I will have limited access to my cell phone and email during this time. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Helpful Colleague at hcolleague@mail.com or (222) 222-222. Thanks!

Me

You should send a reminder email two days before you are scheduled to go on vacation, and also set up an automatic reply in your email system. Your automatic reply should reinforce when you will be out of the office, and include your "in case you need assistance while I am out of the office" person's contact information.  The point of all of this is to make your colleagues aware of your impending absence, and allow them ample time to plan around your absence. It also allows them to address any pressing issues that require your input before you leave.


2. Check Twice - If you are anything like me, you still feel obligated to check your email even when you've planned ahead. We can't help ourselves! My suggestion is to check your email at the start of the work day, and at the end of the work day...that's it! Now, the only reason I am advocating this periodic break from vacation is because I am well aware of how difficult it is to enjoy yourself when you think something may be going on in the office. FOMO is so crippling! So just check your messages twice, and move on. Fight the urge to go grab your laptop and start working on something. Don't do it!


3. Acknowledge, Reaffirm, and Reassure - While checking your email, you will certainly encounter a request from someone that will require you to work on something. In these instances, you should acknowledge the request, reaffirm that you are on vacation, and reassure that you will handle the request when you return to the office. You can also give the requester an option that does not include you. Your response should look something like this:

Hi! 

I understand that you need assistance preparing a basking weaving memo. I am currently on vacation, but I am happy to help you out when I return on Monday, July 3rd. If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to reach out to Helpful Colleague at hcolleague@mail.com or (222) 222-222. Have a great day! 

Me

And that's how you do it! Again, I am guilty of working while vacationing. I am, however, actively addressing this affliction, and working on ways to distance myself from the office so that I can decompress and enjoy my vacation. After all, what is the point of planning a trip so that you can take a break from working if you're going to be working while taking a break. Have a great week Divas! 

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Cold Office, Hot Weather...Summer Workwear Tips!

Greetings Divas!

Remember a couple of weeks back I was complaining about how cold it is in my office? Well, one of my readers reminded me that I had some pretty good suggestions a couple of years back on how to dress warmly for work when it is scorching hot outside. Check out these options, and feel free to suggest a few more. Enjoy!

For those of you who love a good dress (like me!), pair it with a blazer to keep warm in the office. And then ditch the blazer when you head out into the heat.

Cardigans are great for keeping you warm in the cold office. They come in a variety of different styles and colors, so feel free to pair the with pants and dresses.

The cardigan and tank combo works well skirts.

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Sweatworking Is The New Networking!

True story...I was at a conference when I ran into a former client-turned-girlfriend while checking into the host hotel. She had already been there for a few hours, and she was dressed in workout clothes. Naturally, I assumed that she was heading to the hotel's sports club. After exchanging mutual "hey girls" and briefly catching up with the going ons in our respective families, she told me she was on her way to sweatwork with potential clients...I had questions. But I knew I was going to see her later on at the conference welcome reception, so I waited.

A few hours later at said welcome reception, I found myself in a corner chatting with my girlfriend about this whole sweatworking thing. Apparently, sweatworking (as the name suggests) is the act of networking while working out and breaking a sweat. It has gained popularity over the last few years as an alternative to the usual happy hour...or welcome reception. Much like traditional networking events, the participants are invited to join in on group-oriented fitness sessions while mingling. In some instances, the fitness session is followed by a reception of some sought where participants can catch their breath, partake in post-workout-friendly drinks, smoothies, and snacks, and exchange business cards. It really is a different approach to getting to know folks. One that is conducive to our ever-growing health conscious society.

Interestingly, many health and fitness centers have offered their facilities for sweatworking sessions in much of the same way that restaurants, bars, and hotels offer their facilities for professional events. CrossFit boxes, spinning and rowing studios, and yoga centers are all fertile ground for one to host a sweatworking event. If you are looking to plan and event, simply nail down a location, send out your invites (with instructions to wear activity-appropriate clothing), and wait for the sweat to pour. If you are looking to attend a sweatworking event, reach out to my good friend Google and search for sweatworking events in your area. It's a great way for busy professionals with limited time to kill two birds with one stone. 

Also, sweatworking is not just for big groups. You may also want to invite a current or potential contact to personally attend a workout session with you so that you may discuss business during or after the session; similar to the networking that occurs on a golf course. In these instances, shoot for a workout in which you know your contact participates. For example, if a potential client is known to frequent a barre class, invite him or her to join you for a barre session followed by a light dinner. The point here is to break the proverbial ice during the workout so you can ease into the business chat during dinner.

So what do you think? Would you ever participate in a sweatworking event? Would you plan one? I personally love the idea! It's so much more appealing to me than traditional networking. But, that's just my opinion!



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Sleep Your Way to the Top...Read On!

"And we women are going to lead the way in this new revolution, this new feminist issue. We are literally going to sleep our way to the top, literally."

"...I urge you to shut your eyes and discover the great ideas that lie inside us, to shut your engines and discover the power of sleep."

                                                                                              - Arianna Huffington

I am sleep-deprived...I'm sure many of you are! After a long day at the office (which pays the bills), I come home to my beautiful Mini-Me and start my next shift (which is the best job ever!). My day usually starts around 5:30 a.m., and I usually fall asleep around 1:00 a.m. All in all, I typically get around four and a half hours of sleep each night; more on the weekends. I know that I should clock in a few more hours, and my body knows it, too. 

So imagine my surprise when I came across Arianna Huffington's TED Talk, which essentially promotes the power of sleep to recharge one's mental batteries, and be better in our respective workplaces. One of the things Arianna mentioned is how one's lack of sleep has become a thing of pride. And she's right! I can easily recall some of my good friends and colleagues bragging that they work so hard, and that they can sleep when they're dead. And when you tell them that you too are involuntarily sleep-deprived, they give you the side eye. When did sleep become the enemy!

While I appreciate the concepts of hard work and dedication, I know that I am personally more productive, sharp, and efficient when I've gotten a good night's rest. I work faster, focus better, and I am definitely less cranky. I am almost positive that I am a better professional on 6 hours of sleep than I am on 4 hours of sleep. So why should I feel bad about getting that extra hour...or two?

But this is just my opinion! Check out Arianna's TED Talk below (it's really short), and let me know what you think! Have a great week!

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How to Rock Your Internship (And Maybe Get a Permanent Gig)!

Greetings Divas! We are right at the beginning of July, and a few weeks into internship season (depending on where you are located on the globe!). All across the country college students, recent college graduates, and professional school students are interning for the summer (or longer). In many cases, these individuals are hoping to transform their internships into a permanent position. Believe me when I tell you that I have been in this position on several occasions. I was once that intern looking for a permanent job after graduation, or, at minimum, a glowing recommendation from my supervisor. So…for those of you currently navigating the intern pool, her are a few tips for rocking your internship and possibly securing a permanent position!

1. Show Up On Time Every Day...Which Means Arrive Early – “Who does that!” is the question many of you asked when you read this one. While this may seem like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised how many interns kill their chances of obtaining a permanent position by showing up late. You are doing yourself a disservice by showing up to your internship late. Not only are you being extremely unprofessional, but you are sending a signal to your supervisor that the internship is not important to you. Additionally, tardiness is the first cousin of unreliable...and neither one of these relatives will be invited to the next family function. The rule of thumb remains the same: to be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late; and to be late is unacceptable. 

2. Show Interest In the Company - Ask questions about the company. Learn about its history. Be familiar with its products. Let your supervisors know that you are interested in the company, and that you are personally vested in its success. You do not want to give the impression that the internship is merely a resume-filler...those who approach an internship in this manner rarely get a permanent offer.

3. Always Turn In Stellar Work Product - You do want a permanent position, right? So do great work! Give your superiors no other choice but to offer you a permanent position. Treat each assignment like your professional life depends on it. Ask enough questions so that you have all the necessary information to complete your assignments, and be sure to hand them in on time. If the company you are interning with is not in the position to offer you a permanent position, your supervisor may be willing to give you a recommendation if your work product is fabulous!

4. Attend Company Events - Many companies are known to have special activities and events for its interns. Barring any real emergency, you should attend all of these events. Not only is it a great way to network and meet other key company players, but it is also the perfect opportunity for company employees to get to know you...to gauge how you would fit in with the current employees. Enjoy these events, but also treat them like an extension of your internship...remember that you are always being evaluated!

  

5. Adhere to the Dress Code and Other Company Policies - During your internship, you want to be recognized for you stellar work product...not for your inability to abide by company policies. And certainly not for your inappropriate work attire. Make it a point to review your company's dress code and other policies to ensure that you are giving your supervisor the right impression...that you respect the company's culture and that you are willing and able to abide by its policies.

6. Resist the Urge to Surf the Web – Perhaps this should have been number 1 on my list! I know this is difficult, but please avoid using the company computer to surf the Internet for non-work-related content. You should especially avoid the Bermuda Triangle of Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Even more offensive…exploring the Bermuda Triangle all day from your personal phone. As a general rule, you should review and commit to memory your company's Internet use policy, if they have one, and you should strictly adhere to it.

7. Keep in Touch When Your Internship Is Complete - When your internship is completed, keep in touch with your supervisor and other company employees that you worked closely with during your tenure. Be sure to send them thank you cards when your internship is done, and exchange periodic correspondence. If the company is not in a position to offer you a permanent gig at the end of your internship, keeping in contact with company employees is a great way to ensure that you are "kept in mind" if and when a position becomes available.

I think that’s all! Good luck on your internships; and hopefully it leads to bigger and better things.

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Quick Note: Manners Will Take You Where Money Cannot

Divas, it is no secret that we are fierce! We are well-educated. We are leaders in our industries. We are leaders in our communities. We make the bacon, fry it in the pan, and we take care of our families. We are truly amazing! But let's be clear about something...all of your amazingness does not give you the right to be rude or disrespectful to anyone. ANYONE!

It does not matter how many degrees you have earned, or how many commas appear in your bank account, or what your stock portfolio looks like, or whether you can afford two slices of cheese on your burger, disrespect is always unacceptable. And your amazing self is better than this. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be humble. Set the trend. Be the example. Use your amazingness to mentor, inspire, and groom, and not to belittle, disparage, or destroy. That is all.

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Hot Weather, Cold Office...Practical Coping Advice!

My office feels like the arctic tundra. Seriously! I cannot tell you how many times I have caught myself sitting in my chair with a Snuggie wrapped around me as tightly as possible while I rocked back and forth attempting to generate enough body heat to stop my teeth from chattering. Yes folks, every summer I find myself employing many different options that allow me to dress for the scorching summer weather while keeping myself warm in the Antarctic office. And believe me...I get it...in the grand scheme of issues currently plaguing our country (don't get me started), it sounds a bit ridiculous that I spend a good amount of time in the morning trying to decide how I can get away with wearing winter tights with my dresses when it's 90 degrees outside. I get it! But I swear this is a real problem! And many of my fellow divas think so as well. In fact, I have a few tips that I have gathered over the years during frequent collaborations with my professional girlfriends who too have suffered from the effects of the cold office. Here are my top ten!


1. DO NOT fool yourself into believing that you can convince the office manager to turn the A/C down. If you go into this thinking you will be the voice of reason, you've already failed. Skip this
thought, and start considering some realistic options. In short, don't waste your time!

2. DO keep a few pairs of tights at your desk. If you're wearing a dress or a skirt, you can always duck into the bathroom and put them on when the A/C is on overdrive. Take them off before you leave. Note that tights can also double as arm warmers...think about it!

3. DO keep a solid, black blazer in your office. It typically goes with many outfits, so it will work well to keep you warm. And even if it doesn't necessary compliment your outfit, who cares! It's black. And black matches everything!

4. DO invest in an office-appropriate blanket or throw. Something pashmina-ish that you can wrap yourself in or throw across your legs to keep them warm. DO NOT grab the blanket off of your bed...this one is anti-office-appropriate, and you will look silly. Silly is not the looks we're going for here!

5. DO NOT bring a space heater in the office. I'm pretty sure these heavenly appliances are fire hazards in almost every office. And what you don't want is the office manager to send you to detention because you tried to burn down the office. Remember, you need your job!

6. DO take some time throughout the day (if possible and if the weather permits) to go outside and get some sun. I know many of you think you cannot find the time, so consider sneaking out through a back door. DO NOT expect me to believe that you do not know of a "I need to leave 15 minutes early today and I don't want anyone to see me" back door at your office...you know! Also, DO fight the urge to head to your car and go home...you've got work to do!

7. DO consider wearing pants. If you're anything like me, however, this is a tough one because dresses are your thing. But if you have to sacrifice your sheaths so that you won't get frostbitten, then  take one for the team. I'm pretty sure your resume says that you are a team player...prove it!

8. DO NOT cut your hair. Long tresses can double as neck and shoulder warmers.

9. DO invest in many tank/cardigan combos. They look great with pants and skirts, keep you warm in the office, and you can remove the cardigan when you go back into the heat.

10. DO NOT worry about what folks say when they see you in your winter suit in the hot weather. You know that you are heading into the cold, and you cannot be affected by folks' judgment. At the end of the day, you are fortunate enough to have an office (cold or otherwise) to go into every day. So if you need to make an adjustment to be comfortable, then so be it! FYI, I'll be wearing knee-length boots to the office tomorrow, and DO NOT care! :)

Keep warm out there divas!



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I'm Baaaack!!!

*Tap Tap Tap*

Is this mic on?!?

Greetings Divas and Gents! I am back in the bloggersphere, and I am so happy about it! I've been gone for a minute (obviously), but when life is calling you have to answer. The fantastic thing about life and living is that it makes for great material for the Martini Chronicles. Life and living have given me so much more perspective than I had when I started blogging back in 2011...a lot can happen in 6 years! All of this being said, I am back at it with new material...and perspective. Thanks to all of you who have checked in with me, and those of you who continue to rock with me through all of this living I've been doing. I hope that you enjoy what I have coming for you in the future. In the meantime, spread the word, and let's reconnect. Subscribe to The Chronicles, follow me on Twitter, and like me on Facebook. BTW, I miss you!

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FYI...You Are Responsible For Your Own Professional Development...YOU!

Long time, no see Divas! Lots have been going on, but we'll catch up later because I have something on my spirit that I have to share. Every day, my boss sends around a "Thought of the Day," many of which make me want to do mini praise dance when I read them. Today, he sent around the Rollo May quote above. While I didn't quite do a praise dance, I was moved to jump on The Chronicles and quickly share my thoughts on the importance of taking charge of one's own professional development. All too often, I hear new professionals complain lament about not having adequate opportunities for professional development or growth. Many believe that going to work and doing a great job is the formula for professional growth. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this formula is not synonymous with growth...or with professional development. In fact, going to work and doing a great job is a given...standard...basic...a starting point. In my humble opinion, if this is all you are doing, then you are placing your professional development in the hand of someone else. You are waiting for someone to recognize that you come to work and do a great job, and subsequently give you more opportunities as a result. Usually with no extra effort on your part. You are merely waiting for an opportunity to come to you. 

Don't get me wrong...accepting opportunities based on a job well done is not a bad thing. It is great when someone takes an interest in your professional development; but this can't be where it ends. Nobody else should want you to succeed and progress more than you want it for yourself. To this end, you are the ultimate guide on your quest for professional greatness. Throughout your career, you should be taking the most active role in your own development; mold yourself. In doing so, you are not solely relying on someone else. How freeing is that!

So now that we've agreed that you should be the most active participant in your professional development and growth, what are some ways that you can do this? Well you know I have an opinion! Here are some tips (I hope to discuss many of these in detail on this blog really soon!):

1. Seek out your mentors; do not wait for one to find you.

2. Speak up at work. If you have an idea, let someone know. Be sure to think it through, and be ready to respond to any questions related to executing your idea.

3. Participate in work-related activities that are outside of your actual job responsibilities (i.e. attending a company-sponsored happy hour, participating in team-building outings, attending company-sponsored meetings and forums). Demonstrate to your superiors that you are interested and invested in your company's well-being. After all, you can't expect your company to invest in you if you are not willing to do the same. 

4. Never stop educating yourself. Stay abreast of the topics, changes, and trends associated with your profession. There's always something new to learn; you will never know it all, but keep learning.

5. Join and participate in professional organizations.

6. Be a well-rounded individual. Hobbies and interests not only keep you happy, but they are great fodder for discussion at networking events.

7. Speaking of networking, do it! Be sure to attend networking events related to your profession or your hobby/interest. You never know from where your next connection may come.

8. Work diligently to become an expert in your field. Perfect your craft!

9. Always go above and beyond. Remember, doing a great job is expected.

In sum, understand that no one is required to develop you professionally. It is not a right, and you should not depend on it. The one thing (or person), however, that you can depend on is you. You are responsible for your own professional development. Be diligent, take charge, and don't expect anyone else to do it for you.

That's all for me Divas! Please feel free to share any additional tips!

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