Dear Experts, It's been heavily rumored one of my co-workers will be receiving a promotion soon. This promotion would make her my new boss. Unfortunately, this rumor has gone straight to that individual's head and she has begun ordering me around. If I had to guess, the rumor is true and she'll get this promotion. But until then, do I have to listen to her? I'm worried if I ignore her instructions then she'll fire me when she's promoted. Help! Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:Q#369 Nicely speak 2 her & explain that you are co-workers and will take assignments from ur boss until directed otherwise. (@DebraWheatman) Q#369 You should be the bigger person & a team player. Check w/a supervisor about your responsibilities. (@heatherhuhman) Q#369 Remain professional. Some days, everybody lets things go to their head. It's human nature. It's forgivable. (@resumestrategy) Q#369 Until she is your actual boss, defer all "orders" to your current boss. They will sort it out. (@gradversity) Q#369 When she gives U order, say u'll check w/supv'r 2 make sure it's OK ; ask; get back 2 her w/ansr asap. (@juliaerickson) Q#369 Yes! If you don't listen , you will be shooting yourself in the foot. Smile & do your best work. (@louise_fletcher) Q#369 It's in your best interest to respond professionally to this person, regardles your personal distaste for her behavior. (@DawnBugni) Q#369 U don't have to become her puppet, but don't want to be roadblock either. People "boss" U around only when U let them. (@DawnBugni) Q#369 Assuming anyone else has a brain at the company, you don't have to take orders UNTIL she is supervisor. (@beneubanks) Q#369 Agree w/@heatherhuhman: rise above; respectfully speak w/current boss 2 clarify protocol (i.e. no tone, no whining). (@ValueIntoWords) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
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