As with most SlashDot discussion, you need to scroll down in the conversation to get to the more thoughtful responses, but there are some good insights here.

Feel free to posts your comments here, by clicking the link at the bottom of this post.

How Much Respect Do You Get? droidlev asks: "In our continually fluctuating economy I have seen a drastic change in the level of respect that I receive. As a technician I've grown accustomed to a heightened level of respect when I walk into a client's office. Not to say that I have a God complex, however, it feels good to walk into a room and be appreciated. I'm passionate for the computer work that I do; I'm 'GEEK' for it. People know that I'm there to help and solve their problems. There is good amount of value in this extra level of appreciation and respect. This is especially true when you are developing business relationships (and of course it never hurts to be liked). In recent times, however, I've been cast in a different light; actually more like a darkened shadow. I am now seen as a necessary evil instead of the 'all powerful technician.' So I ask what your experiences have been, either as a computer technician or another professional? Have you seen a change in the level of respect that you receive?"

(Via Slashdot.)

This list is certainly worth reviewing if you find yourself avoiding a project or task. Give yourself a jumpstart and create some forward momentum.

Now, let's see....wasn't I supposed to be working on something?

1911 - DESIGN YOUR OWN ANTI-PROCRASTINATION PLAN

Below are several lists of specific, concrete things you can do to confront and change your own tendencies to procrastinate. Choose several suggestions from among the four lists and put them into practice. If these activities work, keep on with them; if not, try different ones. Persist. Keep a record of your activities on the other side of this sheet.

(Via University of Texas at Austin.)

Those of you who have already made the jump into freelance or project-based work have discovered the pros and cons of working for yourself. While there can be a certain lack of security involved with managing your own business there can also be a large feeling of freedom. Freedom to choose your projects. Freedom to organize your day the way you want. Freedom to pick your clients. Unfortunately, we can sometimes still put ourselves in the position of working for someone who is less than ideal. Sometimes we do it because of the money. Sometimes we do it because we think we need the work. Sometimes we might not realize why we are doing it. Regardless of the cause, though, it is important to learn how to identify these clients and how to extricate yourself from a bad relationship without making it worse.

Just like the MBA's, consulting for small companies with technology needs can be a win-win situation for everyone involved. You get the experience and companies get an injection of (all important) new thinking.

Is there someone who could benefit from your skills, even if you are still a student. Seek them out and gain some all important experience.

How to Tap into Campus Talent Some B-School students offer consulting services free of charge to small outfits. Here are several ways to get the most from their advice

(Via BusinessWeek Online -- Small Business.)

Do you have any of your own "Commandments" for a high-tech career? Post them here!

An Artsy Fartsy Weblog: The Ten Commandments of Freelancing


Michael Fleishman's book "Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer" writes about ten things that will help you keep your focus about freelance artist.  These things are very important and should never be disregarded.

Thou shalt learn when to say "no." If you don't like the suggestions, work it out amicably.  Learn the art of compromise.  Compromise is not capitulation; it leaves the parties feeling that they work well as a team.  However, accept the fact that there are actually some art directors who just won't meet you halfway.  These folks are not worth the headaches or the heartaches.  At this point, you just need to safely get out of Doge with some style and

(Via LifeHacker.com.)

What Makes a Micromanager? The March 16 edition of Human Resource Executive features a brief, brief excerpt of Harry Chambers' 2004 book My Way or the Highway: The Micromanagement Survival Guide. Here are five ways to gauge whether your boss is a micromanager:...

(Via Fast Company Now.)

Your vote can help to raise the visibility of the Career-Op podcast so that it can reach (and help) more people. Helping people with their high-tech careers has always been my main goal and Podcast Alley can help me do even more.

You can vote for each of your favorite podcasts once each month. If you enjoy Career-Op and find it helpful, please register your vote by clicking on the link below. While you are there, search out your other favorite podcasts and give them a vote, too. Everyone can use a little validation for the work they are doing.

Thanks for your time! -- Douglas

If you are looking to introduce less tech-savvy people to Podcasting, the Daily Podcast Feed might be one way to do it. More information at the link below.

The Daily Podcast Feed: "The Daily Podcast Feed" for Wednesday - March 23, 2005

"The Daily Podcast Feed" presents a new collection of podcasts every morning. Our main feed gives you a varied taste of some of the latest and hottest podcasts without any of the hassles associated with setting up, configuring and dealing with podcatching software. So sit back, listen and enjoy all of today's great podcast picks right in your web browser. You also have the option of downloading any of the podcast picks right onto your computer or MP3 player.

Nothing raises my eyebrows more than an order to shred some specific piece of documentation outside of the normal document retention policies set by the company. Personally, I would have taken precautions to do exactly the opposite of this order when it occurred. I would have stored those documents in a secure location until the Feds came looking for them.

HP accused of labor violations cover-up | CNET News.com  

Published: March 22, 2005, 3:06 PM PST

By Ed Frauenheim Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Hewlett-Packard wrongly denied benefits to workers by misclassifying them as "contractors," deliberately destroyed evidence of the problem and retaliated against a whistle-blower trying to rectify the situation, according to two lawsuits.

So, as of today, I am jumping on the FeedReader bandwagon and using that service to generate an RSS feed that contains both the text entries and the Podcast enclsoures for Career Opportunitites. I have been avoiding this for a while, but I think it is the best way to position the blog/podcast for further growth.

The new feed is now linked off of the XML buttons in the upper-righthand corner. Please update your feed readers and Podcast clients to:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/career

Thanks for your cooperation and sorry for the inconvenience.

Feed Change Information - MP3 Audio

I often joke with my wife about going to live in a cave somewhere, but you can't avoid life. You can only live it.

Thursday's Thought: Risk and Instinct by Anita Sharpe in Business

'Too many corporate executives are like bankers, accountants and Puritans: they're always looking for a reason to say no. To avoid risk. To play it safe. This is the wrong approach. Business is risk -- constant, unavoidable risk. As a leader, you can't shy away from risk; you have to embrace it. You also have to learn to trust your instincts. Time and again, people have come to me with new ideas and what sound like crazy ventures. I listen; I try to stay open; I try to trust my instincts. Then I evaluate and decide whether or not to move forward. Sometimes I do this right on the spot, in a matter of seconds.' -- Robert Mondavi (from Harvests of Joy)

(Via Worthwhile.)

Pixar's groovy non-cubicles

Xeni Jardin: AICN's Moriarty took a tour of Pixar, and marvels at the nesting habits of wild animators at home in their native environment:

(Via Boing Boing.)

You might even have your message included in an upcoming Podcast of The High-Tech Career Handbook.

Many thanks for the link, Chris!

If you haven't listened to the Chris Pirillo Show, click the link above and give him a try.

I just started this book, but it has already addressed one of my major issues when dealing with tolerated and cultivating "Stars" in the workplace.

"There are also weirdos who not only bring nothing of value to the game, but are actually a drain, and whose weirdness should not be fostered or even accommodated."

Of course, figuring out which weirdos are beneficial and which are detrimental is a major exercise in itself.

This has been an issue in past jobs, where even the most dysfunctional and unproductive people were given a "pass" simply because they were odd. This greatly frustrates other members of the staff who are usually picking up the slack this person leaves behind.

More to come as I work my way through the book, but it looks promising.

Stever Robbins on email overload: "

HBS Working Knowledge: The Leadership Workshop: Tips for Mastering E-mail Overload

(Via 43 Folders.)

In the meantime, this Podcast will give you an introduction into the book's concepts and introduce you to the author, as well.

From ITConversations.com...

IT Conversations: Robert Herbold - Tech Nation:

"Dr. Moira Gunn speaks with the former Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft Corporation, Robert Herbold. He's a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. They discuss some surprising facts about technology education in the United States."