People have had to sacrifice many things as a result of the current economic downturn. Work-life balance might be one of those sacrifices. For many people, having a job at all becomes more important than flexible working arrangements or vacations. People may have to do whatever is asked of them, working longer and harder in order to keep their jobs: Many workers already are resigned to new work hours. In Fort Lauderdale, Jason Kobrin puts in 50-hour work weeks “to be there for clients.” Theoretically, no one is putting pressure on him or his staff, says Kobrin, area manager for Manpower Professional. There’s just the understanding that in the current climate, everyone needs to outwork the competition, he says. But, in stressful... [Read more]

Hello Boomers Magazine has a nice article about responding when someone is grieving. It’s a simple reminder that no matter how much we want to do so, we can’t “fix” grief. It’s important to let the grieving person know that you’ve not forgotten about their loved one, to support them with food, visits or notes when appropriate and to give them the time they need to heal. The article also has a basic start for a sympathy note. Sometimes, we hesitate to reach out because we often don’t know what to say, but when in doubt, just assure the person that you’re there for them and they’re not alone. [Read more]

Senior Memos is another new (to me) site about caring for aging parents. It especially got my attention since the author is an only child like me, and her mother has become ill. However, she has to contend with the extra layer of living across the country from her parents. I’ve enjoyed catching up on her site and she points us to another lovely site called Days With My Father, a photographic account of the author’s time with his 98 year old father. You must check it out. [Read more]

Ken Mink, of Roane State Junior College in East Tennessee is 73 years old. And, he’s on the basketball team: Ken Mink may be the first guy who can qualify for a senior discount during his senior season. Mink, 73, is a 6-foot, 190-pound newcomer to the Roane State (Tenn.) junior college basketball team about 35 miles west of Knoxville. He’s likely the oldest person to ever play college hoops. To put Mink in perspective, Utah State’s Gary Wilkinson will be among the oldest Division I players this season; he just turned 26. I think it’s great, no matter what the debaters about it say. It also says a lot about the Roane State staff and team. [Read more]

Over at Work It, Mom! Karen shares some insight about herself and her relationship with corporate life. She returned to the practice of law after a hiatus of working at home and pursuing some creative endeavors. Though she ultimately decided that this type of work was not for her and her family, she graciously shares what she learned along the way The one that spoke to me the most was about trusting instincts before taking on a new job or career. Not too long before I had my third child, I found myself in need of a job. There wasn’t much out there, so I decided to interview for a job in an area I had worked before, but didn’t really enjoy. My reasoning was that I could at least get my resume inside the company. The interview... [Read more]