Energy Loss – Going Through a Slump

You know it’s been about three weeks now that I have had a sense of “I really don’t care” attitude. Not sure why but I believe it might be a combination of things. I have a full-time job, which I enjoy very much, I also run a Real Estate business, now besides that I am a Notary and I have 2 online business that I run. One of them is more self sustaining, I really don’t do much, I was able to get it to the point where my marketing is pretty much doing all the work and I am generating a little income, not much but it is self-sustaining. The other on-line business I started last year and that actually requires more on my part. It has picked up since last year, since I have found my method of advertising, the thing is that the time required has also increased so I think the combination of my full-time job, my Real Estate, the on-line businesses and me turning a age that is big in ones life has really come down on me. I mean besides having Kids, and the weight is actually starting to get a bit heavy to carry.

The thing is I really want to retire early, hopefully making it to that date, and I would like to have my kids setup for when they grow up and either hopefully go to college or live on their own. I want them to have of course what I did not have growing up. Yah…I do a lot of things, but I definitely still make time for them, I squeeze it in and pretty much cut back on probably my sleep/rest time, but I say to my self, I will have plenty of time to rest when I am dead…lol. Yah I know, crazy for me to say, but I had the strength and drive s I thought do it before I run out…but I think that time has come a bit early and I haven’t reached my goals yet…so maybe that’s part of my feeling burned, tired and down on myself.

Crazy I know, but so am I the only one going through this or attempting this or maybe someone has been there and knows what I mean. I need to get a pick me up…hmm…nothing illegal, but….wow. You know I think if I was getting some support or encouragement that would definitely help out, but that is not available…I simply encourage myself each day and sort of become my own cheerleader, but it is getting old fast. So, here I am at a point in my life that I just want to throw my hands up and seriously give up…just be content with my full-time job and kids…and not worry about the future, retirement or the kids college…heck I did not get any help for college…I worked through college…I put myself through college…and well I know it is tough and really don’t want my kids to go through it, but I think time has caught up to me and it is beating me down.

My Perspective:
It’s hard to give my perspective on this, since it really is me, but I could say that maybe I took on a little too much, but then again I can argue that and say…I have to do it while I can and get ahead before it catches up, but I am now stuck between knowing I need to get there and just tired of trying to get there…hmm…does that make any sense. I paused for a moment while writing and I am looking around and realized that people around me seems not to worry about what the future holds and are satisfied with what they have now, in the present, or maybe they are thinking about it and just keep it to themselves…wouldn’t know, but I have asked people and many tell me to simply be happy with my one full-time job and cut back on things so that I can save up for the future, but enjoy life now, the moment. What scares me is that when the time comes to retire will I have enough to live or will I simply be anther statistic…weird.

What can I do, maybe this will all pass and I will be back on track, but like I said it’s going on three weeks, and I don’t see the light… am just simply moving with the flow, now…not so worry about getting ahead. Well, thanks for reading and well till next time Latino Man signing off.

So Much To Do - Exhausting

So, the other day I was working, my normal 9-5 job, well actually 7-4, and as I was working I noticed how extremely exhausted I was. I was actually starting to make minor mistakes, you know like spelling errors not normally made. Of course I have spell check, but it starts become a nuisance and time consuming, so I steps out of my desk to go for a walk but I really only walked for about three minutes, when I usually walk all around our huge buildings. And that’s when I noticed I was exhausted.

Besides working a full-time job, I also, as you know, run several on-line businesses, not for the most part I don’t really do anything, except make sure my ads are running and working. I also, do Real Estate and I am a notary, the real estate business is slow, I do have two clients I am working with right now showing houses and most of the time one of the clients I show a few houses during the week after my 7-4 job. As for the other clients I usually show houses on Saturdays and mostly early morning between the hours of 9-12. So working these businesses has actually become tiring….now the funny thing is I started a new business, well actually not new, but is the other side of one of my online business. I worked now directly with real live people, training, support and encouragement. That business has really taken up any left over time I had, now please realize that I have a family, wife and 2 kids and well let me say, they require a lot of attention as well, so I need to be care on how I prioritize my time, so most of the time I find myself working late on the computer or phone. All this activity allows only for, say, 3-4 hours of sleep if I am lucky…sometimes I don’t sleep and just lay there. Now take all that into account plus the fact that I am getting older, not younger, and my body is feeling the pain. I know people that know me say I need to take it easy, but how I see it is, the way the economy is if  don’t generate enough income to put something away, I never know what would the future bring. I mean I could loose my job and then where would I be. So, as long as I can and while I am still young and able, then I work extra hard. I am pretty certain that eventually the online business(es) will bring in enough money to where I can stop working a full-time job and concentrate on the businesses, my own, that are generating income. Of course like many, I would like to build some money so I can start making it work for me…I know it can it’s the fact that we need to build a large enough amount in order for it to make any dents on our finances.

The thing is, that’s is why I have not been able to dedicate more time to my blog and Pod Casts, I actually really enjoy doing them both, but my time has been taken over with all of these things…take it, they are not bad, but you know…my body is seriously getting tired. There are times I really feel like just shutting out the world for a whole weekend…have someone to pamper with food, drink and all I have to do is sit watch TV, sleep  and well just relax and let me recharge…and I think a whole weekend is required…maybe three days.  Anyhow, so why am I writing this…sounds sort of negative…but maybe because I wanted to share what I am feeling and why it is happening, also…maybe it’s good to share…in case there are other’s like me out there doing what I am doing…it’s a wake up call, a reality check…to take a step back and take some time to relax…seriously. I should take my own advice and see if this is possible…I know I have kids and wife…so it could be tough, but if we or I don’t do something quick I will simply flop over dead or run rabid screaming like a mad man when I loose a screw in my head…geez.

Well, thanks for reading and I hope everyone out there is doing great, I hope to post again soon, till next time this is Latino Man signing off.

Extreme Hot – Weather

So, I am writing this post because it is one of the hottest days in our wonderful city, so extremely hot that the office air conditioning unit broke, couldn’t handle the extreme hot weather. So, the part that is needed is in Tennessee, so it could be a few days before it gets here. In the meantime they sent everyone home from the office and only a handful of people stayed.

Now, I know that maybe 108 is not so hot for some folks, but when you are use to nice comfortable weather, and this happens, it sort of throws your day for a spin and bit difficult to work. Also, the funny thing is that they send out a global email, letting everyone know that you can wear shorts and sandals tomorrow, Tuesday, of course they did mentioned we need to use good judgment…lol. You never know…might get some Daisy Dukes in the office…LOL. Anyhow, so tomorrow should be an interesting day because it will be the most casual we will al see each other…oh yah no spaghetti straps for the ladies…need to hide the under straps…if you know what I mean…hmm.

So one thing about having air conditioning, someone mentioned to me…that it is funny how people now-a-days complain about a little hot weather, well even if it is only for a day. As a society we have come to expect comfort in our everyday lives, I mean think about it…when we were farmers…did we have air conditioning or wait…aren’t there parts of the world where people don’t have air conditioning, windows and even a descent roof over there heads…and man we complain. I guess it’s natural…and a norm. But still…I am continued working my full 8 hours, reason was, had lots of work due by October 1^st and I could not take the risk of falling behind, hey I need to keep this job…even if there is no AC – LOL.

So my thing is that tomorrow the company allowed for people to use Shorts and Sandals, but to use good judgment. My thing is I want to see how many people get sent home because of daisy Dukes or something else…LOL. I am actually looking forward to tomorrow…even with this hot weather. You, I am a guy and Latino, I am looking forward to seeing more legs tomorrow…lol.

Anyhow, hope everyone is hanging in there through this hot weather…for those that are experiencing it..if not…well then thanks for reading till next time, Latino Man signing off.
 

Office Drama – Drama - Drama

The other day I was thinking, as adults, well mostly parents, we have a tendency to try and lessen, for a better choice of a word, the drama our kids give us day in day out. I am sure most of us have been through or going through the daily drama’s our kids give us, whether they are small children with their tantrums or little individualism that crashes up against us everyday to the dramas of handling a teenager, we as adults frown upon that, we yell, ground, place in time-outs, but if you look closely it never changes, it becomes a routine. And the worst part of it all is that we have all been through it as children and teenagers; we were the same way with our parents and our parents were the same way, yah ok, as parents now, our parents would give us a backhand if we were out of place, now-a-days handing out a backhand is condemned by society so we try and avoid that as much as possible, so instead you ground the children or take away privileges’ and we know that only lasts for so long. So all the Drama our children give us and the drama we have to handle becomes a routine in our lives and we do it day in and day out.

It’s funny how parents do really know better, but of course Teenagers as well as young children test us everyday and you know we allow it, because besides punishing them or getting upset, we do nothing else to try and get rid of that habit or tantrum or whatever we may call it, we simply deal with it again when it comes up. So I ask, WHY can’t we have a generation of off-springs that will actually stop and listen to an adult, especially parents and say…”Ok you know I better not do that because my mom/dad told me that this would be the consequence, ok I won’t”, but of course that isn’t the case, as teenagers as well as young kids they go forward and do the things that is forbidden and then of course we get angry and ground and the cycle continues. Why is that? We as parents do our best to set a good example, you know, show them that hard work pays off, or that going to college actually gives you a better chance to land a job, or that being prepared for the future is the right thing to do, or of course not to sleep with anyone unless you have taken the proper precautions. Now, I have being told by other parents that we can raise our kids to be the best they could be, but that there is always someone out there, other kids, adults or groups, whatever the case may be that could possibly change the direction of our kids. But I say, if you educate your kids, lead by example, support them, and actually have some real stern ground rules and punishments in place, then why would someone have the capability to brainwash or lead your child in a different direction. Drugs, simply say no thanks, you a whose, well thank you, but I am a healthy whose, I mean I understand that it is human nature to try different things and of course it is human curiosity that pushes us to try or do forbidden things, but let’s say that you can show your kids these things and do it in a controlled environment, with you, let’s say, maybe then they will learn from you on how to handle these situations when these scenarios present themselves to them. I mean they do say that kids our a reflection of there parents or at least they absorb our habits, whether good or bad – hmm.

Anyhow, I wanted to lead into the whole drama thing into adults and of course work environment. We as parents can’t get away from the drama. You remember little Johnny always crying because he never got a turn or would never win, well believe me when I tell you that it doesn’t go away while at work or even dealing with adults, there are many adults that act as their kids do and the situations almost reflect what we see with kids…it is amazing. Ok, prime example…most companies work on “Productivity” and in order to get merit increases or recognition or even bonuses, companies associate a Point value to the type of work you perform, so lets say for every widget you make you get a point, but in order to meet a Productive day, you need 30 points or build 30 widgets, so in addition if you are being considered for a bonus you need meet 90% quality on those widgets. Now lets say that you are in the second part of the process, where you get a rough widget and you job is to smooth it out and add decals. So, you among lets say another 5 people do this job, and you all reach into a pile of rough widgets…the thing is for some reason you are faster so you happen to take more rough widgets, or once in a blue moon a special widget comes through and they ask if you can finish it. Now this can create issues, those other finishers in your group might now get as many widgets so they might not meet their goal for either production needs or their bonus incentives. Those other finishers, get upset, make a scene, talk directly to a supervisor or manager and then the manager needs to place a few rules and send a global memo stating that we all need to share in the wealth so be conscience on what you are taking. So I ask, in consideration to others, should you slow down and produce less?

I mean drama never seems to leave you, why is it that some parents get upset about their children’s drama, when they themselves can’t seems to stop with their drama. Come one, I am really certain that all of you out in the workforce, hey even just hanging with your friends, you run into drama, and truthfully you secretly say to yourself…”Are you serious, are these people for real”. Yah we all go through it, one way or another we see it and maybe it does not affect us directly but sometimes we are the ones that need to handle it…go figure. I just hope that those that handle the drama created by others do not have their own drama as well.

I am amazed at what you see at work, with friends, family, kids, significant other, I mean it is all around us and yet we do nothing to try and change it…yah ok you are thinking to yourself…”how can I”…”it is impossible to change something you can’t”, so why bother. Well, you know…”Heck with that”…I think we can, and we need to start with us, ourselves first…we need to learn to handle situations without making drama, there are ways to communicate what you want without sounding or looking like the end of the world has come. Once you have been able to get away from the drama you make, then you can start with those around you; kids, significant others, family. Yah I know you can push your values, wills, etc. onto others and you really shouldn’t but you have every right not to have to deal with drama from others, so people that care about you will respect your wishes and believe me, they will eventually thank you for removing yet another piece of “Drama” from their lives as well.

My Perspective:
As for the Job drama, times are tough, so maybe slowing down would be the correct thing to do, well maybe not the correct thing to do, but a temporary fix, while the economy gets better, maybe slowing down is wise. Once things pick up, then see nothing wrong with shining at work, showing them that you are a hard worker, you deserve the recognition, you have earned a place with the company…because you know why, this will flow over to your home life, if you are recognized, then you are a better person, and your family and friends will noticed it and be grateful and appreciative of your happiness…yah slow down for now and wait for the right moment to shine once again. As for the Drama with adults, you know…we need to start with us and make changes within ourselves before we can start changing the things around us. And if you think you can’t change people or you shouldn’t, well, if they care, truly, about you, they will respective your wishes and well eventually thank you for removing apiece of drama from their lives as well. Learn to react to things around you, stimulus, learn to communicate what you need in a relaxed, professional, calm tone…and if you catch yourself starting a little drama…hey why not…stop and count to 10 backwards and try again…communication is the key to everything…I mean that…everything. We need to be able to communicate what we want, but communicate it properly…I promise that it will lift some unnecessary weight off of you.

Thanks for reading and I hope to touch on this topic again. Be safe and Drama Free.

People That Actual Work -

You know the other day I was sitting at work, I was just looking around; I happen to have an actual break in my work, because I am usually working full steam ahead all day everyday. Which is very cool because it makes for the day to go by faster, but anyhow, so I sat there maybe 15 minutes and I realized that 90% of the office noise does not come from office equipment…really…just listen. Ok sat there and started listening and the noise was from all the conversations going on around me…and believe me they were not work related.

I sat there watching and listening and of course I saw maybe one or two people actually working, the thing is they were fairly new and were trying to keep the job, the others were mostly older veterans of the company; they were pretty much slacking. So I was wondering, if we have the majority of the employees slacking, for the lack of a better word, doesn’t that actually mean a loss in production, the relating to a loss in revenue…I mean…I am all for having a life outside and inside a job, but lets say you owned the company and literally were able to calculate the loss related to all socializing that goes on when people should be working. Ok I am not saying that people can’t take a breather and chat about the weekend or economy…but to spend two to three hours talking and then jumping on the internet for another two three hours, while your work is piling up…come on. I mean when I hear some of the calls they get and they try and explain the reason why it was not completed, my eye almost come out. I hear things such as; my computer was running slow, I had other things to do, I am waiting for the fax or email…and yet they are talking, surfing the net and taking long breaks…or extra breaks….wow. Believe me I am not saying not to socialize at work, but seriously…that is a lot of time wasted…you know and they wonder why they are not getting raises. Wait, actually I think what happens is that when companies set goals for individuals, and the employee can meet it, maybe exceed it a little within 2-3 hours of work…they then have a tendency to slack the rest of the day…5-6 hours…wow. It is mind boggling, but I happens…try it your self…just observe for a full day, look at all the employees and you’ll see what I am talking about…yah…yah that means you’ll not work for a day, but I think you can pull your self away from the internet or chatter enough time to try this experiment…just saying.

So, how should companies react or deal with when they finally realize all the time spend on chatting, surfing, long or extra breaks…hmmm. Only saying…I was amazed to see the amount of time not related to actual work…wait…I almost forgot…how about the smokers or the personal phone calls…and not to mention the texting that goes on during work…I see people texting …I mean …texting for hours at there desk…you walk by and they are texting, an hour later you walk by again and there fingers are vigorously moving…then you sit down and look up ever so often to see them still texting…its crazy…anyways…don’t look at me as a tyrant, I am only pointing out something I observed.

My Perspective:
The next time you complain about not getting a raise, or being over looked for that management position, please step back and tell yourself what have you done to get noticed, some type of recognition or maybe not credit but they know your name in a good way; if you answer “nothing really” except for what my job description tell me to do, then sit back down and stop complaining. If you want to get those raises and those management positions, then start working…only saying.
Thanks for reading till next time Latino Man signing off.

Office Environment

I’m not sure if anyone one knows Dilbert; it’s a comic strip you could read in the news paper. Anyhow, I look back at some of the strips and you know it’s funny, but man, they are so true. The other day I was talking to a colleague and we were talking about some of the strips and how when you look around, where we work its scary but so true. Anyhow, sometimes I am sitting there at my desk working and its amazing at what you hear, I think people forget that they are in the middle of the room and they might think they are whispering or maybe they think no one is listening, but every so often things are said and my eyes pop out…WOW.

Ok, well the office environment might nit be for everyone, I have been told by family and friends that they would rather be working outside in the sun, doing hard labor…and the thought of been cooped up in a build all day long, looking though the blinds seeing the sun and blue skies, just would not be the thing for them…I sort of laugh and then I tell them of some of the things I hear and they smirk…hmmm…well then maybe it would be fun…NAH.

So, anyhow, the whole office environment sort of grows on you and actually you need to work with a special set of people in order for you to enjoy doing your job, now of course it is important to enjoy what you do, but of course having the right people working next to you can make a huge difference. I mean think about it, if you sat next to a quite, nerdy person that really did not get involved in office life it might make for long days, of course some actually enjoy the quite cubicle mate. Now, of course you have those neighbors that well…you know…yapp up a storm and pretty much share everything and anything with you…sometimes it could be sort of weird…but other times it really is funny…and you think you had it bad…well…just stop and listen to your cubicle mates you might be in for a surprise and realize your life is not so bad…LOL….only saying.

You know though, things have changed even in the office environment, people really don’t talk as much and are almost looking over their shoulder every second of the day, or wondering if the next day they will still have a job to come to; this makes for a very stressful office environment, but I guess the way you can look at it, is that hey…you have a J.O.B. doesn’t make it right, but you know the pot locks, the birthday decorations the special events, they have sort of disappeared form today’s corporate world…and people have had no real reason to socialize at work. Now, it seems that with the combination of the economy, extra work duties, finances at home, has led to more outside gathering that are mostly Happy Hours…people are taking to drinking to enjoy a peaceful moment and forget the worries of that they…even if for a few hours. But this can lead to many issues later in their life that could put them out of work…but it seems to be a norm…what can you say.

Talking about drinking and today’s youth; I have noticed a huge shift to Vodka as been the choice of drink…and the majority of consumption by the younger generation….I hear it everywhere, at work, online, forums, chats, emails, friends…everywhere…wow. I recall that a 40 was the big thing back in the day, now its Red Bull and vodka…LOL. So, what causes these changes, beside the economy creating stress? I mean I know we all have been through a generation of craziness, but what brings about the change, ok…well.I guess it could be the media, celebrities’, or maybe it’s just a new thing that catches on at school…weird. Anyways…so back to the Dilbert thing, once again if you get a chance read a few strips, I believe now you can find it online…nice…and see what you think…I am telling you…it is totally funny and scary true.

My perspective:
Work hard at work, but keep them ears perched, because you never know what you might catch. I know mom said never to listen in on other peoples conversation and never interrupt a conversation or only speak when spoken to…but come on…we need to keep on top of things and the office is a great place for NEWS FLASHES…lol.

So, I’ll cut it short here and try and be back again…I know I have been slacking on my posts, but I try and pick up the paste…you know I have so many thing son my mind…to share…I just need to start sharing…well…ok…I need to make time and start typing and posting. Till next time Latino Man signing off.

Corporate World -

“Ok so my topic is one that I am sure many of you can relate to…it’s about the “Corporate World”.

You know I have been in my profession now for 18 years…wow…I just got a flash back…on my first job in the industry…ok…I am back. So, of course I was young and dumb and probably a little too eager to please or shine…yah…you how that is…I sort of had blinders on and went full speed ahead. You see I was a cook while attending college…so entering the “Corporate World” was…well…you know…my eye were huge when I went to my first interview…5 story building, glass windows everywhere…suits…nice cars…oh yah…it was where I wanted to be. I really wanted to get out of the kitchen. So I took the plunge and of I went. So anyhow, not trying to tell a whole life story here and bore you to death…just wanted to share some of the things I have seeing through out my 18 year tenure…you know…bosses, fellow employees, and everything that came with working in a corporate office.

In my current position I believe I have moved desks at least 5 or 6 times in the past 5 years…it’s amazing. I have seeing people come and go, whether a lateral moment within the company or an outside new position or a new face. Now the thing is I have had many of bosses, and I could honestly say now…that many different types of personalities as well. It was always and enjoyable and of course always a learning experience with each and everyone. I learned a lot from all them…things to do, things not to do…I know that sounds funny…but hey I was out on the trenches so I always was in the grapevine…I knew what they thought of “the Boss”. So when I had the opportunity to become a “Boss”, I recalled all the things from those great bosses and of course all the complaints from the employees to make certain when they talked about me…it was good…I hoped.

The thing is through out these many years I am still amazed on how these huge corporations makes the millions or billions they do…I honestly think they could probably make a lot more…not that I am supporting the idea but only because of all the time that is wasted by employees, supplies, internet surfing, sick time, not taking their job seriously making mistakes…on purpose because they are upset and then these employees have been with companies for 5-10 years. I think if you just took a moment and looked around; if you work in a corporate office or any office for that matter…you’ll see a lot of waste, either materials or time being sucked up by employees or bad processes. Hey I am an employee…I see it…I am amazed.

Now…I am also amazed at how a company can stay in business with some of the management in place…not that I am the best or that every manager is bad, jus that its amazing at who is at the helm…running things…it amazes me. They don’t have a clue and waste as much time and materials and money as any other employee…ok...well…as I continue with my observations…I see people…colleagues with master degrees or doctrines working in a service related industry and it’s not because they want to, but because they can’t find work in the industry they studied and graduated from…so that’s another thing. I am so amazed on corporate business…you know it brings me to think I always wanted to run my own business and grow, but seeing how things really are…I think I rather not…lol…maybe just being an affiliate of these big corps and make some extra cash…signing up with many…would do it for me…LOL.

Ok…so I work for a pretty big company…there were nearly 1000 employees in 2 buildings…just one of the many offices…we are down to about 300-500…well not sure exactly on the numbers but let me illustrate it…we use to occupy 2 buildings filled to capacity…well…we all have been moved into 1 building and well…you can see the major change in numbers alone…but yet…the company stills makes lots of money…and the employees still waste time and materials…the only difference being now…they worry about loosing their job…geez….go figure.

Ok…I have to finish this up with…thanks to all those wonderful bosses that new how to encourage and lead by example, and of course thank you to all those bosses that taught me what not to do when I moved into management…no offense. Thank you to all those wonderful colleagues that showed me the importance to do a good job and of course thanks to all those colleagues that only complained about everything…it was very entertaining…no offense. But just remember the next time you enter your office…look around and observe…try not to be so obvious…you’ll see some amazing things and then you’ll start remember all those conversation with colleagues and bosses…and you’ll wonder how in the world is this company still running and making so much money. Then when you do, step back and make sure you really enjoy your work…not so much the company…but what you do…because you need to enjoy what you do, and believe me you’ll never find that perfect company…it’s impossible….so enjoy what you do and the rest you should be able to handle…why or how…not sure, but I enjoy what I do very much and I am good at it…everything just can’t be perfect…so I just keep plugging away.

Thanks again for reading…hope your days are filled with productive moments that are enjoyable.