National Edition - December 3, 2006  The vanishing holiday bonus Figuratively, employee motivation takes the shape of either a carrot or a stick — metaphors from the bucolic chore of herding stubborn farm animals. Well, in the modern-day workplace, one of the carrots just vanished. Poof, there goes the end-of-year employee bonus. An increasing number of large companies are doing away with this annual tradition of goodwill. Instead, companies are replacing it with performance-based rewards. Perhaps these are still carrots, but definitely not as enticing. (Source: Christian Science Monitor) I'm really -- loud cough -- really sick When an employer told one sick-day-faker to brush up her act, she took the criticism to heart and wrote a “sick-day handbook” for other psychosomatic hypochondriacs, detailing exactly how to weasel out of a day at work. Being credible is key. This requires some research, as well as little disclosure and knowing which kind of migraines you suffer from, “cluster” or “classic.” Allergies are another great tool and carrying an over-the-counter inhaler will enhance your perceived vulnerability. (Source: Maclean’s) Pay me to go away This author discusses the little-known job-exit strategy she calls “The Third Path.” Rather than quitting or being fired, it’s a cheeky back-office deal where a mismatched employee in the wrong job asks to leave with a package from the employer who doesn’t yet have enough grounds for a dismissal. It sounds like a long shot but employers might bite if they perceive it to be best for their company. (Source: Business Week Online) West must prepare for Chinese, Indian dominance: Wolfensohn Brace yourselves for an endless deluge of Bollywood musicals and all-night mahjong tournaments. According to the former head of the World Bank, North America and Europe are ill-prepared for the imminent and dramatic shift in the world’s balance of power. China and India will soon be the new dominant forces. And today’s wealthiest nations are neglecting to equip their children properly in light of this coming realignment. (Source: AFP) Rich people happier: Shrink Ah, the eternal question: can money buy happiness? “Yes,” an English psychologist now says. Based on simple observations of already existing research data, the rich are more likely to feel greater life satisfaction than those with less money. However, the relative happiness among the rich may be somewhat illusory. In another study, those with more money were only slightly more likely to rate themselves as “very happy” than those in lower income brackets. (Source: Toronto Sun) Can you remember three good things that happened to you today? While there are heaps of self-help advice on happiness, few of the techniques are backed up by actual science. However, research is catching up and validating some. Here are some of the techniques currently under the microscope: The "think of three good things" exercise. Find your signature strengths. Savour the pleasing things in life. (Source: HappyNews) December 4–5 2006 CACEE Ontario Regional Conference Toronto, ON December 4–5 Patent Protection in Biotechnology Montreal, QC December 5 Fraser Valley Education & Career Fair Abbotsford, BC December 7 Vancouver Island Education & Career Fair Victoria, BC December 13 TVG Breakfast Toronto, ON January 2 The Transitions Program Vancouver, BC January 23–24 Wireless Cities Summit Toronto, ON January 28–31 2nd Annual National Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise Vancouver, BC February 4–6 5th Annual BioPartnering North America Vancouver, BC February 6 Alberta Job Fair Toronto, ON March 4–6 Canadian Venture Forum Toronto, ON Suggest a career-related event NOTICE: Jobboom and its sponsors do not necessarily endorse the opinions conveyed in the articles selected for this e-zine and do not assume any legal liability in consequence thereof. Comments: info@jobboom.com Research and editing: Austin Macdonald #noDossier#