Don�t ever take work home and don�t make extra hours at least on the first week.

At one job I was very unpleasantly surprised at how insulated my 4-man office was. The two principals never read Print or CA or any other design publication, so had only a vague idea of what current design looked like.

I have to disagree with H�ctor. It's true that you set expectations early on, and by doing extra work you're telling them you don't value your free time. But it also shows you're dedicated and hardworking. And also it's professional to get the job done even if it's after closing time or on the weekend.

Look, listen, share, ask, contribute,...

I've also used the old "bring breakfast once in a while" with good results, both being staff and as a boss. Food brings people together :-)

Thanks for the comments, gentlemen. It's true that extra hours can be an issue that causes hard feelings between an employer and an employee. I'm happy to say that in this instance the issue has already been discussed and resolved. :-)

John, how long did you work at the office you mentioned? Were you able to influence the principals reading habits at all?

"Look, listen, share, ask, contribute,... " Good advice for any number of arenas. Ditto, sharing food, although I must say it seems to be more of a challenge these days to find something that fits into everyone's diet.

Thanks.

Any other work-related stories you wish to share?

"Don�t ever take work home and don�t make extra hours at least on the first week."

I would have to say, never apply for a job with me. I think this is the absolute worst thing you can do. If you don't take pride in the work you do, your not worth much to me.

We work together to get projects done, if your not done at 5:00 and the project is due the next day, you better f*cking stay and work, or don't bother showing up the next day.

(FYI: I am a principal of a smaller 10 person firm)

Jesus: Thats an interesting grid in your 'icon', might I ask what it is based on?

Kyle, I understand the point that you're making; I really do. But H�ctor's phrase "at least on the first week," makes me think that he might not have meant for his advice to be taken so seriously.

They were very much set in their ways. The funny thing was that they subscribed to both Print and CA, but they did so because that's what design companies do, not because they were interested in reading the magazines. I knew that place was the wrong fit for me, but I stayed a year because I wanted to give them a fair try.

Another suggestion I'd have is to do things to keep design fun, even if the stuff you're working on isn't fun. I'm always bringing in personal projects and ideas from home to show my coworkers.

John, my shortest term of employment was two days, at Marineland/Africa USA. I worked a weekend of training in spring, but by summer my dad had helped me get a job at Ampex in the technical publications department. He was an engineer there (ah, nepotism). They did ask me back for a second summer however, so I think I did OK. The unofficial red-shirt-day custom that I mentioned in my first post was started by one of the writers there.

In the words of my father (and probably other more notable people), "It's easier to be strict in the beginning and loosen up, than it is to be loose in the beginning and get strict later on."

Making your preferences known early on is a good thing, I believe. I think H�ctor's advice is pretty solid.

Like Jes�s said, food is good. Mmmm, food...

::drifts into a daydream at desk::

Chris, just to make you crazy: I have a large chocolate cake in the refrigerator that I'm taking to one of my freelance clients today. :-) It's a token thank you for one of the best working relationships I've ever had.

Sorry, forgot to mention the buttercream icing and chocolate mousse filling. Mmmmm... mousse filling.

::falls off chair::

M. Alyce ... one nugget from Jack Welch seems noteworthy.

� Try to ADD VALUE to any specific project, rather
than focusing solely on completing the task.

Great quote, bj. Trying to "add value" is a great aspiration, not only to gain respect from employer/clients, but also because it is a proven way to make sure you keep developing yourself.

Kyle, about my "icon" I started with a square page grid and tried to make a self portrait out of it. I haven't resolved the glasses issue yet ;-)

Chris and Joseph, thanks, I can't seem to stop laughing. BTW, the cake was delicious. :-)

BJ, Jes�s, Tiffany and Joseph again, more good advice and comments. Thank you.

Tiffany, just want to mention that I really like your icon. I have some ideas for mine but am torn between a couple different typographic concepts and a more pictoral solution.

Morning all, I've decide to put your advice to work today on the current job at hand, house work. So...

1. "Look.." Not a problem, I've been looking at the dust bunnies for days now.
2. "Listen." Also not a problem. It's hard to ignore such a commanding presence.
3. "Share." Hmmm, share. I have a few choice thoughts I'd like to share with those rabbits...
4. "Ask." I'm asking... I'm begging... I'm pleading... Do I really have to do this?
5. "Contribute." Renewed resolve. I am going to do this. No time like the present. It needs to be done and I'm the person to do it.

Have a great weekend. :-)