I am in NYC with no money. This used to happen all the time. When my company was running out of money, I would go to San Diego to give a speech and stay at a four-star hotel and not have a cent. And no credit card, of course. I would fly first class, stash all the extra treats they offered, and eat them until I could charge room service to the organization I was speaking to.
I am an ace at traveling without any money, but I’m sick of it. I thought it would never happen again. After all, I have a company credit card.
But I think Ryan Healy canceled my card. Or put a hold on it. I think this is maybe because I charged a ton of garden supplies on the card last weekend. I couldn’t find my own card, so I thought I’d just charge a few things and then write the company a check. But then I charged a bunch of roses. Twenty. I mean, the farmer can just dump a bunch of dirt in a pile and dump a bunch of stones around the pile, and voila – I have a huge garden plot. So now I have a sun garden that needs a little more spunk.
I discovered the credit card problem while innocently buying a Bluetooth headset in NYC so I could do the gazillion conference calls we do at Brazen Careerist with a CEO in DC and me on a farm and Ryan and Ryan in Madison. I mean, every meeting is a conference call and I’m getting a neck ache.
Also, I’m getting fat. The conference calls are hard for me. They bore me. I like big ideas, I like hypothesizing and predicting and synthesizing. The job of actually getting stuff done is not that interesting to me. But we are in execution mode at the company, and I need to stay focused. So I eat when I'm on the conference calls. On a good day, I eat ten apples. Cut into halves, then quarters, then cookie cutter shapes like stars. On a bad day it's one apple and ten apple pies.
So I am needlepointing, to stay focused on execution instead of food.

I remembered about needlepointing from when I was a kid, bored out of my mind in Miami with my grandma, when I spent summers at the Doral, where every evening was black tie, and kids ate dinner alone, in pajamas. I learned to needlepoint there. In between getting sunburned and getting spanked. And the needlepoint was the highlight of my trips. Well that, and my diary, featuring entries like, “Granma hayts me. I hayt Auntie. I want to dye.”
So I thought, maybe I should needlepoint to calm myself down now, so I don’t have outbursts on the phone. I am trying to be a more amicable co-worker. I am not sure if it’s possible, but I know that to achieve my goal of amicability, I have to stop getting angry on the phone, which comes not out of passion but rather out of boredom.
So now I needlepoint. And then it was so effective that I started needlepointing everywhere. I did it while I had dinner with my mom. She told me I was crazy. I did not say pot calling the kettle black.
I stopped following the color pattern exactly by the time I was so addicted that I was needlepointing while getting a Brazilian. And by the time I was doing needlepoint in the board meeting, I was disregarding the whole pattern in favor of a completely free-form approach, (which, by the way, strikes me as the future of all needlepoint — less rigidity).

Now I’m convinced I need beads for my needlepoint, and I’m actually super happy thinking of spending my days threading beads. The problem is that I don’t have any beads. There is a bead store near the farm, but they are not interesting beads, and I knew I was going to New York City, which must be home to many amazing beads. I was thinking that even though I don’t know where my bank card is, I have the company card. And now that I’ve charged garden stuff, the beads won’t get anyone any more annoyed.
But now I’m cut off from the credit card. I’m going to have to ask Ryan Healy, or even Ed, our CEO, why. They will say, “Have you been using it for anything weird?” They will ask innocently maybe, although they constantly worry about me and weird. They worry that weird will overshadow all the good about me.
But just because I am not able to charge beads while I’m in NYC with no money does not mean that I am out of good ideas. Don’t underestimate my workplace trends genius.
Like, I’m thinking that the future of all writing is short, twitter-like stuff, based on traits we see in Generation Z. This group only uses phones, and very few use phones for email. For Generation Z, email is for diatribes and texting is for communication. There are few laptops in our future. Laptops will be for dorks, and keyboards will be too small for big typing sessions, so only dorks will write long form.
Here’s another idea: The future of human resources is death. Good managers will do their own recruiting by having their own great network. (Great article from ERE about how Brazen Careerist will be a part of this revolution.) And RPO companies will take over the legal part of HR. So there won’t be a reason for HR. Which is good because it’s a cost center, which means there are no line manager positions in HR, so it’s a dangerous career move for everyone.
One more trend. This one is for all the investors that my CEO will be worrying about when they read this post. Bloggers will rule the world. They will own advertising, because it’s so effective to target audiences through blogs. And blogs have the best content, because if someone writes great content, why would they do it for someone else? They should build their own brand.
Okay. So, look. My career as a workplace genius is not over. And anyway, my career was never built on me being conventional. I think my company is going to have a fit over the gardening charges. I wish I were scared about what will happen. But I am feeling fearless, thinking that if I am simply honest about what’s happening, I’ll be fine. Or, at least I’ll have a blog post.





lol! nice. say a few things to piss them off. then remind them why they keep you around. just remember to have a plan for when that's not enough! ;)
Posted by lcg on May 30, 2010 at 8:58 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
Wow, sounds like you are at your craziest today :). Slow down, try "Art of Living" classes may be ;). You are TOO good – inspiration to me and thousands of your readers, to let the weird overshadow your good…
Posted by Srini on May 30, 2010 at 10:42 pm | permalink |
I don't mean to rain on your parade, but if your company pays for non-work-related expenses for you (such as rose bushes or beads) they have to track that and report it as income they paid TO YOU. It's a huge PITA for the finance guys to deal with. So, as you work on being less annoying to work with, consider the folks who track expense reimbursements and have to reconcile it all with the company's tax filing.
This is one reason I won't carry a corporate credit card. If I'm in China or Singapore on business, I don't want to say, "Oh – let me pay for the taxi with *this* card since it's a shopping trip, and not related to the job I'm doing here." It's easier just to have a couple personal cards & use them. It probably annoys my SO, since he can't know if the massive AmEx bill is due to airfare or a ton of extra spending. But it's easier for me on a daily basis (and since I do all the sorting out, I'm not burdening anyone else).
Posted by Casual Surfer on May 30, 2010 at 9:00 pm | permalink |
I agree with you on the shorthand writing; I've been adament about this for a while now. Within my company culture I am considering setting word limits on everything; documentation, basic guidelines, etc. We try to move forward with as little friction as humanly possible and you realize that the first thing to go is internal diatribes via email. If you have an idea spend some time trying to test it…talk about it afterwards and even then keep it brief.
Blogger will rule the world; that's an easy one.
Posted by DShan on May 30, 2010 at 9:02 pm | permalink |
Blogs will rule the world! Yea!!
Posted by jen on May 30, 2010 at 9:03 pm | permalink |
Penelope, you sound absolutely nuts in this post. I'm concerned.
For the last six months, you haven't sounded like someone dishing out great career advice, you've sounded like someone losing their already tenuous grip on reality.
Maybe its time to talk to work about how you feel. Time to redefine your role or something.
Because charging gardening supplies using the corporate credit card is not only a bad example for the people who read this blog for career advice, it's just plain stupid.
You're not living on the poverty line. Exercise a bit of self control.
I still love your writing but this blog is getting crazy
Posted by Jessica on May 30, 2010 at 9:16 pm | permalink |
Um, yeah. Sounds either spoiled or entitled. Where is her money going? Surely she's getting paid, right? The San Diego story would piss me off if I was a firm that hired her. That's not unconventional, that irresponsible.
What's next, how to steal followed by panhandling? Maybe a pyramid scheme?
Posted by Tyler Hurst on May 31, 2010 at 1:52 am | permalink |
I'm not particualry bothered by the San Diego story. She never mentioned charging the company for anything untoward just things like food and air fare. Things they are meant to pay for if they invite someone to speak.
Posted by Cary on May 31, 2010 at 2:06 am | permalink |
Penelope, if all else fails you can start teaching commando needlepoint.
Posted by LPC on May 30, 2010 at 9:22 pm | permalink |
I am doomed to be a dork.
Posted by jim on May 30, 2010 at 9:32 pm | permalink |
I did a doubletake when you wrote you're "on a farm and Ryan and Ryan is in Madison."
I suppose you intentionally left out a comma after the first Ryan, to force your readers like me to get dirty?
I love your train of thought.
Posted by Ari Herzog on May 30, 2010 at 9:36 pm | permalink |
Blogs are long form writing.
If you REALLY believe that only short-form, Twitter-style writing will do … then why are you writing blog entries?
Answer: obviously, because saying a lot of stuff takes a lot of words.
Forget about "only short form." It's an interesting idea, but until mind-meld really works, it won't do the job.
Posted by pfj on May 30, 2010 at 9:44 pm | permalink |
P – I will love when you are proven right about HR. I just heard a ridiculous story about a company with an HR system which allowed a candidate to be interviewed by 3 different departments (who all loved her) without a hire because of the sign-offs and CV pooling and bureaucratic messiness that is their HR. Such a waste of time and resources.
I agree with Jessica, though, that you aren't sounding like your well-thought-out-and-clever-insight-delievering self. You sound panicky rather than fearless. Are you reacting to their judgements or is this the exit strategy?
Posted by A Campbell on May 30, 2010 at 9:51 pm | permalink |
No one I know counts on HR to do recruiting for them. For the most part they're well-intentioned but hopelessly unable to find serious candidates. Even when they're just screening they can do serious damage by filtering out great resumes. The typical pattern is: applicant applies via website, HR filters out their resume, applicant gets 'regrets' email, same applicant contacts me through a mutual friend, I get their resume, we interview, we hire them.
So I don't think HR is going to become irrelevant when it comes to hiring. They already are.
Posted by melanie gao on May 30, 2010 at 9:53 pm | permalink |
Eons late to the party the infamous Penelope Trunk's been hosting, I have fallen hopelessly in Respect with this blog, this writer, her mission for her company, and her remarkable talent for (and skill at) all of it.
There is sooo much to learn from just the dozen or so posts I've read here in the last 24 hours… dating back to a 4th break-up with The Farmer.
"Truth in all its glorious mucus" is a fine and rare thing, offering uncut gems that we mine for ourselves. (One girl's uncut gem is another girl's booger, if Jessica is not teasing — I can't tell.) Last time I felt such a useful blog-crush was upon meeting Naomi's work back in 2/08… her IttyBiz.com is also a keen resource with a beating, occasionally bloody, sometimes skipping, heart.
Having run my own firm for 13 years now, I find so much to learn from this post. So rich and creamy (like buttah!) it goes down smooth; only a story chef can make that look easy.
/end mash note
Rock on,
~GirlPie
Posted by @TheGirlPie on May 30, 2010 at 9:54 pm | permalink |
LOL-funny how when you blog, things that would normally have worried you or upset you don't really anymore because they turn into a blog post. LOL again.
Posted by Susie @newdaynewlesson on May 30, 2010 at 11:00 pm | permalink |
Needlepointing…..well, yes it is relaxing and will keep your hands busy (so you don't have to eat). I think the eating part is out of frustration, not boredom. The concept of becoming an amicable coworker, does not work, because you have to be YOU….and the rest need to accept your leadership(or as you call "passion").
I love your blogs.
N
Posted by NEA on May 30, 2010 at 11:44 pm | permalink |
Hi Penelope,
if you are going to be in new York this week (June1-5), I want to invite you to Sarah ruhl's passion play, in ft greene, Brooklyn. I can arrange a for free ticket. Yes, FREE! No credit card needed. Do you like plays or dislike plays? I love your blog.
Thanks, Polly Noonan
Posted by Polly noonan on May 30, 2010 at 11:45 pm | permalink |
I like that you say that those of us who still choose to use keyboards and write long form will be dorks. I am resistant to touchpads and thought that I was just (at 26) getting old and outdated. That bummed me out, but I am happy to embrace my inner dork, use a keyboard, and continue to write long form.
Also, you should post a photo of your free-form needle point once it's finished.
Posted by Jess @OpenlyBalanced on May 30, 2010 at 11:46 pm | permalink |
P,
This mash-post kind of sounds like you, but kind of not. Like in an "I'm off my meds" kind of not. I'm guessing the wedding (& aftermath) is freaking you out, as weddings (& the aftermath) tend to do. Needlepoint (cross-stitch in my neck of the woods) is a most excellent venting tool, surely, but no substitute for meds or whatever else you had in place before to deal with the situation(s).
BTW, charging personal stuff on company cc's = easy way to get the big ones ticked off. Next time, "oops, I forgot my card. Be back tomorrow." Delayed gratification, baby. Sure, asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission – until you publicly admit it on your super-public blog.
A
Posted by A on May 31, 2010 at 12:06 am | permalink |
What is wrong with most of you? You're condoning the crazy? Really?
Posted by Tyler Hurst on May 31, 2010 at 1:54 am | permalink |
Obviously I can only speak for myself, but generally speaking, other people's crazy doesn't bother me too much. Particularly when that "crazy" is based on just a small glimpse of the whole that a person chooses to share via their blog. It's their life – who am I to judge them?
Posted by Jess @OpenlyBalanced on May 31, 2010 at 2:14 am | permalink |
In my humble oponion,I have had more success at getting jobs when the hiring was left up to the dept that was needing people.Then hr was more ispired to accept the hiring.
As for the death of faxeing, that will only happen when everyone has an internet connection so as to directly sign papers on the other website.
Good luck to that…
Posted by Gerald Boraks on June 18, 2010 at 5:06 pm | permalink |
Your comments about the death of in house recruitment made me think about all the times I've been hired through recruitment firms. So I'm pretty sure your on to something there.
I'm definitley behind the death of email. Any chance you could predict the death of voicemail and tell us how faxing will finally die.
Posted by Cary on May 31, 2010 at 2:17 am | permalink |
I find your ideas on the future very interesting and I can see it happening already. Enjoyed the post.
Posted by END on May 31, 2010 at 4:01 am | permalink |
A post is post?
Posted by Michael on May 31, 2010 at 5:00 am | permalink |
Maybe I understand the using the wrong credit card thing because we have two businesses and three different cards. Because I fear the IRS, I usually err on the side of using the personal card for business and then paying myself back, but I can totally see the reverse happening.
Anyway, I was thinking about this line:
They will say, “Have you been using it for anything weird?”
Perhaps, you might answer, "You mean like a 12 inch battery operated boyfriend?"
They would say, "um" or perhaps just silence.
Then you say, "Oh, no I didn't buy anything like that. I would only pay cash for something like that. This? Just garden supplies."
And since you wrote about the gardening supplies here, perhaps it is now justified a business expense. I'm not sure. Your accountant would know better.
Posted by Alisa Bowman on May 31, 2010 at 5:13 am | permalink |
IRS tidbit: I've been audited. And I have to say that the IRS was pretty nice. As long as you file every year, they are decent. If you make a mistake, and pay make up for what you owe, they are nice. They don't care. You pay penalties, they get their money, everyone is decent.
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on May 31, 2010 at 9:12 pm | permalink |
So THAT'S why my dad never taught me German. He's a first gen immigrant.
Glad to have you back. Here's a few ways you might consider earning extra pocket change, so you don't have to charge the company credit anymore:
**Posing for a sketching class (it's art, so it's not sleazy; right?)
**Selling your needlepoint works on Etsy (or Regretsy. Not sure where they fit.)
**Selling your rose stems
**Selling your laptop, as you won't need it anymore
**Needlepoint classes on video conference. (Assuming you don't sell your laptop. And it'd be helpful if you had a Bluetooth headset, too.)
Posted by Margaret Goerig on May 31, 2010 at 6:03 am | permalink |
This just in… As long as there are human beings acting as managers, there will ***ALWAYS*** be a need for HR. Thinking otherwise would be downright hilarious if it weren't so patently ignorant. Managers do and say stupid things and it's HR that saves them from themselves. Think attorneys will do this with the same skill and efficiency as an HR professional without a higher cost? Let's put it this way, if you find such a beast, let us know. Because (s)he will be the first one.
Posted by Wooden U. Lykteneau on May 31, 2010 at 6:55 am | permalink |
This is EXACTLY why recruitment will no longer be handled by HR in the future. HR depts are too busy limiting liability and handling contractual administration to worry about (or have time for) hiring good people. Perhaps it will simply be that in the future no one is under the illusion that assigning recruitment to HR is an effective method of business organization.
Posted by A Campbell on June 1, 2010 at 9:30 pm | permalink |
I agree with Tyler – why are you condoning the crazy? I mean come on, this is Penelope, this is why we all love to read her blog. It is always going to be thought provoking if not a little off center.
All I can say is Penelope I wish you would get back to blogging more. I miss your regular posts.
Posted by Mary Budge on May 31, 2010 at 7:08 am | permalink |
Penelope, I've been reading your blog for a long, long time now – but this is the first time I've ever commented.
I just clicked through from RSS because I have to tell you that this post concerns me. Even at your wildest, your most eccentric, your most freeform, your most unconventional – your writing still makes sense. But what you've written today doesn't make sense, and it doesn't sound like you.
I've become really familiar with your writing cadence, and this post is setting off all sorts of alarm bells. I'm no psychiatrist, but your post makes me wonder if you're experiencing mania? I shouldn't really hypothesise or diagnose… but please go see your doctor. You may not be the best judge of your own mental health at the moment.
When I came here to comment I was not surprised to see that others people had already made similar suggestions. The difficulty is, of course, that a certain percentage of your audience tell you you're crazy no matter what you post! But please don't dismiss the comments this time. I really think there's something not quite right with you today. Please see your doctor.
Posted by hsg on May 31, 2010 at 8:44 am | permalink |
Most everything changes at varying degrees and rates. We have control over some of it but it is always important to know what we have control over and what we don't. Needlepoint or other art including writing (professional or recreational) allows us to assume control and do it on our own terms (without rigidity).
HR, texting, or any other of the various workplace trends that you write about can't be controlled but they can be monitored and watched for trends. I think it always comes down to trends because you have to know both the start and end points to make some sense of the general direction and possibilities.
I think these statements from this post form your current concerns – "I like big ideas, I like hypothesizing and predicting and synthesizing. The job of actually getting stuff done is not that interesting to me. But we are in execution mode at the company, and I need to stay focused." You've identified a dilemma at BC which is an important first step. I'm hoping you'll find your focus at BC regardless of its mode. I know the community over at BC likes your big ideas and advice.
So back to changes and trends. Things can get complicated when changes happen and we lose all the control of something that we previously enjoyed. I'm thinking specifically writing vs. webinars. Penelope, your true and accomplished voice at this time is writing. One of a few trends for you to master may be webinars but it will require work and focus. I think you can do it because you are capable of adapting to varying conditions and are flexible. I'm looking forward to your webinars and other doings for BC in the future.
Posted by Mark W. on May 31, 2010 at 8:49 am | permalink |
It was great to read you are addicted to needlepoint. I have that same problem. I became so addicted that it turned into a business for me. Yes, it is relaxing. Next time you are in NYC, stop off at Annie's or Rita's for a fix and tell them SharonG said hello.
Posted by SharonG on May 31, 2010 at 9:21 am | permalink |
I love that you posted about using needlepoint to keep calm and focused. I use knitting like that all the time, sneAking it in on long boring conference calls. I like knitting better than needlepoint because if you do it long enough you can do it without looking and then you can sneak it in to long boring meetings and knit under the table. Or when your mother in law is talking at you.
There is much discussion of knitting in places where you are supposed to be PAYING ATTENTION so it's nice to hear that needlework keeps you focused.
Posted by Gretchen on May 31, 2010 at 9:27 am | permalink |
This longtime reader has very much enjoyed this post. I like the spirit of breaking rules and nonconformity here. Sometimes it pisses clients off, sometimes it concerns blog readers, and sometimes it's how people build cool companies. Yay for roses and needlepoint!
Posted by Carolyn C. on May 31, 2010 at 10:01 am | permalink |
The cheese has finally slipped completely off the cracker…
Posted by jim on May 31, 2010 at 10:28 am | permalink |
Ha!
Posted by hodgie on June 1, 2010 at 10:49 am | permalink |
I think you were struggling in this post. I agree that there are certain things that HR is not needed for but if you look to major companies that are interested in the bottom line – they have a strong HR department. I really don't think your needle point conversation has anything to do with career advice or career guidance. Maybe write up these points in a separate blog. Maybe you need to devote some time to the farmer and kids so that when you come back refreshed you won't be writing blogs that lack credibility and thought.
Posted by Bourbon on May 31, 2010 at 11:36 am | permalink |
To those who think PT has gone wacko – are you new here? This post barely moves the needle on her crazy meter.
Posted by Brad on May 31, 2010 at 11:49 am | permalink |
Oh I don't know. You have to be pretty scatter-brained to misplace a personal credit card. And most people would immediately call to cancel a card once it's discovered missing. With Penelope, it's no more serious than misplacing her kid's left shoe.
Posted by JR on June 1, 2010 at 9:07 am | permalink |
How can the future be all short-hard written things AND bloggers rule the future? Blogs are certainly not shorthand. And bloggers must be the dorks, becuase they'll need those full-size keyboards. I don't understand how you can prophesize both of these futures in the same post without addressing their contradiction. That is, unless blogging and Twitter-like correspondence live in totally unrelated and separate worlds? If they don't, then I'd like to hear some musing on their co-existence in the future.
Posted by Amanda on May 31, 2010 at 12:11 pm | permalink |
I'm thinking that if most people are writing really short, then the long format, done really well, becomes even more of a commodity than it already is.
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on May 31, 2010 at 9:18 pm | permalink |
I think you're grasping at straws here, Pen.
Posted by Tzipporah on June 1, 2010 at 10:41 am | permalink |
Penelope,
I liked this post–it's about the realities of being an entrepreneur. Writing helps us process things so well, thats why I started my blog.
Just graduated from college, still looking for a job. I joined your website a while back.
I'm going to Seth Godin's Boston conference on the 17th. Looking forward to that.
Stay well.
Posted by Thomas on May 31, 2010 at 12:21 pm | permalink |
The needlepoint is kind of ugly, and you are using your coroprate card to buy garden supplies. Where i'm from that's a step up (or down) from embezzlement.
AND you saw your mom.
Might be time to up your dosage, things don't sound too good.
HR's been dead for years, thanks for catching up.
Posted by poppygirl on May 31, 2010 at 12:54 pm | permalink |
Penelope – i appreciate your raw honesty and bravery.
Be yourself. You'll receive critiques and support, but do what works for you. Trust your gut instinct.
People out there need to get over the fact that humans are NOT perfect, rational beings who can constantly conform to society's expectations.
Take good care and good luck resolving the credit card situation with your bosses.
Posted by lisa on May 31, 2010 at 3:39 pm | permalink |
Interesting value judgements being expressed in the comments…..
Posted by lm on May 31, 2010 at 3:46 pm | permalink |
Your point that HR may not be the primary vehicle for recruitment in the years to come is well taken – though I agree with many of your readers that this is already the case. It's impossible for someone in HR who doesn't live and breathe the specifics of the job they are recruiting for to find the "perfect person" for it – particularly when the definition of the "perfect person" will vary significantly depending upon who the hiring manager is.
That aside – there's no way HR is going away – unless you are also suggesting that we are removing all the "H"s from the workplace. HR is a lot more than recruiting. Without HR, how do you suggest people (particularly in large companies) will be trained? promoted? paid? protected? informed? onboarded? Etc etc? It's a lovely thought to think that line managers will do all this… but let's be honest… most line managers aren't going to start taking 20 hours of their week to pick up all the various functions that HR fulfills – and nor should they given that most don't have the skills to do it.
So while I may agree that investing in a career in recruiting isn't a wise choice… I couldn't disagree more with your statement that investing in a career in other HR areas is dangerous.
Posted by Allison on May 31, 2010 at 4:42 pm | permalink |
This is true if you have a good HR department. We do where I work now, but I've never seen a useful HR department in my prior private sector jobs. It's funny that the most useful HR department I've encountered is in the public sector. They've been great.
Posted by KateNonymous on May 31, 2010 at 9:08 pm | permalink |
The main thing I got out of the post was negative comments on conf calls. That is actually my goal for June. It never occurred to me that the con calls are driving me crazy and I do I do it for sheer entertainment. But none-the-less it is a good goal. In the corporate envrionment, it would look a little weird if I brought in needlepoint so I need to work on a P.C. alternative.
Posted by Rebecca Gonzalez on May 31, 2010 at 4:54 pm | permalink |
Howdy, PT. Speaking as a needlepoint addict myself, I can appreciate how it helps you quiet your mind so you can actually be present and focus on the call at hand. Me, too! BUT – I have not reconciled that truth with the feedback I've received from family and friends – that me sitting there doing needlepoint makes them feel as though I'm not fully there with them. Little do they know that if I weren't doing needlepoint I'd be even LESS present with them because I'd be so distracted by the chaos in my mind. I have not yet reconciled the two perspectives.
BTW, I have a favorite needlepoint shop in almost every city. Call if you ever need a recommendations.
Cheerios, Kathleen
Posted by Kathleen on May 31, 2010 at 8:28 pm | permalink |
I have that problem, too — that people think I am not with them if I am needlepointing. It has been interesting to discover which people have said they don't mind the needlepointing and which are offended if I do it while I'm with them. And, Kathleen, you and I have spent so much time together — think of all the needlepointing we could have gotten done!
Penelope
Posted by Penelope Trunk on May 31, 2010 at 9:22 pm | permalink |
The bigger theme here Penelope, and correct me if I'm wrong…seems to be about working offsite. At least that's what I'm picking up – they can't see you working – they don't know what you're doing – they're maybe feeling out of control. There's a reason partner desks were designed so one could look across and see the other (working). I don't agree with those here that say you're the one out of control – I think you feel like the world's your oyster and you're comfortable sitting like a pearl in it. The problem is you're missing the fact that you're upsetting the status quo. That's what's making them crazy – A WOMAN IN CHARGE – A WOMAN IN CONTROL.
By the way, that person who said you don't want to be there anymore: think about it.
Posted by Maureen Sharib on June 1, 2010 at 7:02 am | permalink |
I do think that the recent rambling nature of your posts suggests that something's up. I'm not sure that something is "crazy," but you certainly have made a lot of big changes in the last year. Maybe it's time to pause and take stock, and look at where you are now? It sounds like you could use a break.
As for the credit card, you're lucky you don't work for my last company. I never had any trouble with how I used my card, but our department assistant told me once that someone went on a trip and her luggage got lost. She had a big meeting the first day and her luggage hadn't arrived, so she had nothing to wear to the meeting. She used the company credit card, which was the only one she had on her, to charge a dress or jacket or something so that she would be appropriately dressed.
And they fired her for misuse of the card.
Could be apocryphal. Could be exaggerated. But there's probably something in there that's true, and that something is probably misuse of the card.
Posted by KateNonymous on May 31, 2010 at 9:07 pm | permalink |
Sounds like maybe a clause in employment contracts that covers (spells out) use (and misuse) of company funds (including credit cards, when issued) would be appropriate. That story your dept asst told you Kate happened to me too – only I'm self-employed and my husband is my partner. He had a fiscal hissy fit too. Makes one think twice about traveling for business.
Posted by Maureen Sharib on June 1, 2010 at 6:48 am | permalink |
Possibly there was one–it's been a while, and I don't remember. Plus I hardly ever used my company card, so I didn't run into any problems.
But since people may be using a card long after the initial contract is signed, it would be smart to check with someone who knows before using it.
Posted by KateNonymous on June 2, 2010 at 8:30 am | permalink |
good god.
it's like reading tori spelling goes to hell. i would shit in a can if you were needle pointing in my conference call. PITA is an understatement.
i've been subscribing for awhile hoping to get something useful. your "laptop diatribe" reminds me of the spaghetti slurry on my 4 year old. a thumb swipe and a passing sense of oregano. the best was the abortion article, which blew me away. this is only sad. like chris farley falling on another table.
your out of money not b/c of the roses but because brazen careerist is out of money.
it would have been awesome to see you blog about careers and significance rather than your side show masquerading as HR is dead.
count us a couple of thousand less fans.
matt
Posted by matt murray on May 31, 2010 at 9:25 pm | permalink |
I recall arriving in Johannesburg ready for a couple of days of retail therapy after spending a pretty full on week doing work in Nairobi on my way home when my credit card was refused at the hotel. I had forgotten to pay the ridiculously small balance. I hadn't brought my other cards because I had been in such a rush to get to Nairobi. All of a sudden I felt reduced, panicked and furious. Mostly with myself. In the end, it all worked out. After reading your post, I thought that the reason that these things happen is that we are out of balance. We struggle to get the kids up and fed, get to work, deal with people there, fight with our partners about nothing, so that things which should be really easy like remembering your credit cards become complicated and then everything gets complicated. This is not a matter of smarts, it is a matter of becoming overwhelmed. I missed you when you were gone and am glad you are back. By the way, I like cross stitch too – however,I am conventional enough to like to follow the patterns. Cheers.
Posted by Linda on May 31, 2010 at 10:33 pm | permalink |
P -
Don't make them fire you. You don't want to be there any more. Quit. The next thing will happen. You have your own platform. Make the break.
Best,
w
Posted by Nowgirl on May 31, 2010 at 10:48 pm | permalink |
definitely lack of boundaries, taking things for granted, not really caring…could be a case of sabotage…take time to explore what's really going on…then act!
Posted by Sonjia on May 31, 2010 at 11:13 pm | permalink |
I read this post as I was in World Market and my son was counting the number of pictures on the wall. I vaguely remember him reaching 200 when I began to become so engrossed with your life that I barely noticed I was in the store. Sounds like you've hit the brick in the wall of reality. Simply put, I think you're brilliant.
Posted by Tina Portis on June 1, 2010 at 7:17 am | permalink |
I envy you your fearlessness! I'll admit this post is a little farther out there than some of your past ones, but I'm really not sure what some of the folks above are so concerned about. You sound perfectly sane to me. So you goofed on the credit card thing. Meh. By tomorrow it will probably all be worked out.
I also envy you your ability to needlepoint everywhere. My projects require a big frame that I can't really be lugging around everywhere. I *will* try it for staving off my bad nighttime eating habits though…thanks for the idea!
Posted by Linda B on June 1, 2010 at 8:21 am | permalink |
Odd post. While I think Twitter is very popular now, it won't advance into the business world. Look at Facebook begin to decline in popularity and trust from its consumers.
Businesses need to use actual sentences that everyone will understand in order to conduct business. International business will become more popular with lines separating countries being dissolved. Your ideas just don't add up to how business is done around the world.
Blogs are great for promoting and advertising, but TV is still more popular.
Great ideas, not a lot of concrete information to prove that what you think will actually happen (and I do agree with most other comments that you sound a little crazy in this post).
Posted by Liza on June 1, 2010 at 8:24 am | permalink |
Is it my imagination, or is Penelope just begging for an IRS audit of the way she's been using company accounts for personal business?
Posted by jrandom42 on June 1, 2010 at 9:32 am | permalink |
Shorter form: poor impulse control symptomatic of entrepreneurs and ADD. Farmer has nothing but free time so he can save me from all my problems, I'm misusing the word commodity as its antonym
Posted by L.Hernandez on June 1, 2010 at 9:40 am | permalink |
Thank you. The misuse of the word "commodity" was bugging me too.
Posted by Meredith on June 1, 2010 at 4:34 pm | permalink |
Me three! "Commodity" use here is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Penelope, I love you as a blogger, wish you the best, and have to agree with other comments who think it's time for you to go do something else (writing and inventing the future?).
Execution is definitely not your strong point, and clearly this is what Brazen Careerist needs now. I think it will be both in their and your best interest if you leave your current executive role. Become a blogger who sends traffic to the company, but doesn't actually have to be in any conference calls that bore you!
Posted by Chris M. on June 1, 2010 at 5:58 pm | permalink |
Penelope, I have been reading your posts regularly for a long time, but lately, I think you are just making up stuff simply to have something to write about and justifying it by saying that you are "thinking outside the box". I'm not so sure I want to listen to advice from someone who is constantly short on cash. You might be great at generating money, but as for managing it, you probably suck. There are lots of people out there with regular stable jobs, whose approach to their careers you ridicule as being out of date- but lo and behold, I betcha these people are more likely to not ever be in a situation where they face zero access to cash when they need it.
I am writing this not because I am better than you, but because I recognize that I have spent much of my 20's and early 30's ( I am 35) thinking like you… and realized that I am constantly strapped for cash though I can generate a lot of money and am "doing what I love". I'm not going to give up on my dreams, but realize that the advice you dole out is simply one way to manage your career, but not the only way and ultimately, I'm not so sure it's the smartest way for everyone. There are lots of people out there "living their dreams and playing by their own rules", but they are also frustrated and exhausted because they have not built the financial security they need.
Posted by Audrey on June 1, 2010 at 9:47 am | permalink |
Use of corporate credit card for personal items = embezzling (as an earlier commenter noted).
HR groups are about avoiding litigation and risk management, not recruiting or personnel development. They aren't going away any time soon.
The last part of this post reads like every annual performance self-evaluation I've seen where the person knows they aren't contributing and should be fired.
Posted by Rachel on June 1, 2010 at 9:57 am | permalink |
My favorite part of this post was when you commented on the "future of needlepointing" – I think this officially means you can spot future trends within just about any subject!
While I don't know where the best beads are in NYC, I bet these yarn folks would:
http://www.lionbrandYarnStudio.com/
Photo tour of store on Martha:
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/lion-brand-yarn-with-a-modern-twist
Posted by Alesya on June 1, 2010 at 12:56 pm | permalink |
I was reading this post thinking, "Penelope probably has fans in every city in the country who would be happy to take her to lunch or dinner. I know I would". No need to go without a meal when the unexpected happens. And, I work for the company that has the amazing yarn store in New York City that Alesya refers to. Knitting is a trend that has been building for a number of years because it's relaxing and creative at the same time. Next time you come to New York – or if you are still here, stop by!
Posted by Ilana on June 2, 2010 at 2:15 pm | permalink |
This woman is an idiot!!! And people wonder why women are not respected in the workplace – she is a prime exhibit.
Posted by Maureen on June 1, 2010 at 2:03 pm | permalink |
Maureen, I've seen it written where the number of exclamation points is proportionally inverse to a writer's true sincerity on a subject.
On a sort-of related note, do you wonder why women are not respected in the workplace?
Posted by Maureen Sharib on June 1, 2010 at 2:08 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
You are definitely wired to be an entrepreneur. You're so brutually honest and a true hustler :)
Posted by Moneymonk on June 1, 2010 at 2:36 pm | permalink |
Moneymonk:
Do you think there's hard wiring that creates an entrepreneur?
Can one be taught to be an entrepreneur or does the hot wire need to be in place at birth?
Posted by Maureen Sharib on June 2, 2010 at 4:35 am | permalink |
Recently you wrote about buying new boots every week, which no one needs. Now you buy 30 rose bushes, which has to have been pricey, needlepoint kits which are very pricey, and beads which are also expensive. You sound like you're in the grip of a mania, with no concern for the impact on those around you. It comes across as very selfish.
Posted by Mimsey on June 1, 2010 at 2:59 pm | permalink |
P – While your article is a little less focused than normal, I really do think that the theme of this post is all about having passion for what you do and the transition from start up to established company.
I agree with others that have posted that you may be looking for a way out of BC. You have said that your company is now about execution and that does not interest you. And frankly, if you need something like needle point to behave professionally while on conf calls then you clearly are not enjoying your current position.
I think that because you created this company, you are having a difficult time with the idea of letting it go now that it is operational. So, what do you do? Self-sabotage by mixing personal and business expenses. In most companies this type of thing can get you fired. Are you daring them? Challenging your now "corporate" environment? If it is time to leave, do so with grace and on your own terms.
What about focusing on your true calling? You are a wonderful writer. You are able to connect with people through your experiences and that is a rare talent.
As always, thanks for sharing a glimpse into your world and letting us all jump on here and express our points of view. I always enjoy reading your perspective and insights.
Posted by Michelle on June 1, 2010 at 3:26 pm | permalink |
TRANSITION – you have a lot on your plate. the needlepoint sounds a little frantic, but hell, we've all been there too. your talent is not in question, you help tons of people. trust that we (your loyal fans) will ride out whatever it takes thru your blog, to help you help us!!! thanks for all your inspiration and motivation.
Posted by Lynne whiteside on June 1, 2010 at 3:52 pm | permalink |
I like this comment.
I also like this paragraph taken from the "About This Blog" section – "What I think my life is about is figuring out how to find success at the intersection of work and life—one happy, synchronized adventure. It's a difficult task, and I don't want to do it alone. My blog is a community where we all do it together. (And my company is community career management on a much larger scale.)"
Some days we're ready to conquer the world and then there's other days we could care less about the world. It's easier and more enjoyable to do whatever together.
Posted by Mark W. on June 2, 2010 at 7:09 am | permalink |
Random meanderings …
- IMO, people who don't write, blog and/or tweet clearly/concisely/precisely suck, whether their texts are long or short.
- At my work place, we were told: "You're your own personnel/HR rep …." So, if anyone actually believes that HR is anything but an ineffectual slag heap, they're in for a rude awakening.
- On a scale of "1 to Wacky," this ain't NOTHIN.
Posted by alleycat on June 1, 2010 at 4:03 pm | permalink |
So, does this mean that bloggers (who write long form?) will do so from cell phones? Sounds like a painful proposition……..
Posted by Walt Henley on June 1, 2010 at 5:35 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
Even though you're sounding like you're on speed or something, you also sound totally right.
Hmm.
Posted by Dannielle on June 1, 2010 at 7:33 pm | permalink |
What I want to know is, where do you get your Brazilians now you live on the farm??
This might sound like a trivial question, but it's not: your answer will be insightful to me on many levels. For example, it will be a telling indication of how you prioritise one body zone over another (we already know you go to LA to get your eyebrows done, remember? :) ) It will also tell us just how much you've given up to move to the farm.
I still can't believe you live on a farm. But you've always been about challenging assumptions, PT. Keep on being you.
PS But a farm? I still think that's the most shocking thing I've ever seen on this blog in almost 5 years of reading… Wow.
Posted by SarahD on June 1, 2010 at 7:46 pm | permalink |
"But I am feeling fearless, thinking that if I am simply honest about what’s happening, I’ll be fine. Or, at least I’ll have a blog post."
Pen, hate to be the one to break it to you. If you don't blog more than three times a month, you ain't gonna have a blog post.
Posted by JO on June 1, 2010 at 7:57 pm | permalink |
Another classic post. I hope they give you the credit card back soon and start sending you roses too. I have a few problems too (procrastination, lack of focus) but nothing so bad that I've had to revert to needlepoint – it has crossed my mind a few times though:) Quite a healthy, creative outlet though, full credit to you for that. Keep up writing whenever you feel like it. Can we make it women blogger that rule?!
Posted by Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot on June 1, 2010 at 9:04 pm | permalink |
I love this blog. It's a constant reminder of what not to do in life. P, get some professional help because you won't have a blog or any type of job much longer if you keep posting like this. You sound crazy. And you know what the definition of that is? Doing the same thing and expecting a different result. How is that going?
Posted by Celine on June 1, 2010 at 9:19 pm | permalink |
I guess I read this post as more stream of consciousness. I find humor in the fact that so many people can read one snippet of your life and all of a sudden they are park bench psychiatrists. Sarcasm is truly the lowest form of wit and really reflects a true lack of imagination. I think before you cast stones here maybe it's better look inside first and figure out your need to be so rude to someone you don't know?
Posted by Allison on June 2, 2010 at 11:11 am | permalink |
A snippet? P has been blogging about every single aspect of her life for years as well as providing advice that is questionable at best. If you put yourself out there be prepared to get what you get.
Posted by Celine on June 2, 2010 at 12:26 pm | permalink |
Sorry Celine – again I'm not sure what makes you the expert here but then again I would estimate we see about 10% of P's real life here no more no less. Still no reason to behave like a child.
Posted by Allison on June 2, 2010 at 1:59 pm | permalink |
How weird. All these comments about the decline in your blog quality just when I thought you were back to your quirky, connected best. Oh well: I suppose it's all about valuing differences. As our HR people would say, bless 'em.
Posted by TwistedByKnaves on June 2, 2010 at 4:32 am | permalink |
I know it's been said many times before, but isn't "Human Resources" a HORRIBLE name for a function? What's wrong with "Personnel"? Or "People"?
Posted by TwistedByKnaves on June 2, 2010 at 4:50 am | permalink |
P-
First, I loved this line in your post: "I like big ideas, I like hypothesizing and predicting and synthesizing. The job of actually getting stuff done is not that interesting to me." I have come to a similar realization, although I probably am closer to the middle of the spectrum than you are. But knowing where you are is critical to happiness.
I also thought you would find this interesting, considering some of the comments you have received here. It's from an essay by Malcolm Gladwell in the book "Telling True Stories." The passage below is a quote from that essay:
One reason I don't write profiles of people is that I believe we are incapable of truly describing a person's core. As writers we must acknowledge the limitations of our craft. People are more complicated than our profiles of them reflect. We tend to focus on psychological explanations. Classic profiles devote a great deal of time to the subject's childhood, yet psychologists cannot find a relationship between what happens in childhood and how a person turns out. Profiles are a form of psychological analysis and should be written with respect for the limitations of psychological work. Pschologists talk a lot about the difference between samples and signatures. For example, you would need only about five seconds of a Beatles' song to identify it. Their music has a signature. With a very small slice you can know something profound about it. [...] Even when you spend a lot of time with people [...], you see them during only a few of the thousands and thousands of hours that make up their adult lives. We pretend we're getting a signature when we're not. [...] I write profiles about ideas because I'm deeply skeptical of the legitimacy of writing only about the person.
All the best to you,
Jen
Posted by JenG on June 2, 2010 at 6:36 am | permalink |
I have been reading the comments and of course your blog.
What can I say, I am new to your blogging.
I would rather assume innocence and simply say, it was brave for you to put this out there. There are too many who bottle stuff up and where does that get them?
Being authentic and vulnerable is the hardest stuff of all!
Thanks for being you and sharing
Peter(HRMexplorer)
Posted by Peter Lanc on June 2, 2010 at 6:47 am | permalink |
Penelope, are you okay?
Posted by Caitlin on June 2, 2010 at 12:58 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
you sound desperate. but you needn´t worry. you have the gift of writing and its rare happiness.
Posted by tessa on June 2, 2010 at 3:49 pm | permalink |
I could not agree more with your point that HR is a dying department which has been devaluing talent while streamlining the process. I work in HR and am constantly frustrated by the “process”. But I consider myself a scout, who seeks out the best talent because I know the industry and the unique needs of my business partners. However, I believe that unless you can scout for the great talent out there and decider through the impersonal, improbable application system, you are only adding to the problem. It will take many passionate, talented and invested scouts to turn this ship around.
Posted by NavigatingGracefully on June 2, 2010 at 9:43 pm | permalink |
Penelope,
Ed should stop the insanity and fire you already
Mike
Posted by Mike on June 2, 2010 at 10:02 pm | permalink |
Hi Penelope,
Thanks for the link on the power of bloggers, I will be sharing it.
I really like it when you're too honest. When you're too blunt, when you're too just you.
You never cease to amaze me Penelope!
Posted by Jonha @ Happiness on June 3, 2010 at 4:24 am | permalink |
Are you trying to hide something by needlepointing!? Or is it a break from all the things you have been doing? I am under the impression that you do come up with something great while you're needlepointing.
Posted by Tyler on June 4, 2010 at 12:45 am | permalink |
I'm not going to comment on your problems at work. You know what you need to do to fix this–go do it.
But I will say that fellow needlepoint addicts can always be counted on to contribute from their stash of threads and such. Email me and tell me what bead colors and sizes….
Fellow stitcher, hanging out in Chilly Hollow
Posted by Chillyhollow on June 4, 2010 at 5:35 am | permalink |
I love the photos! You! Focused!! LOL
Good thing not having money in NYC, you cant spend what you dont have!! Genius Savant! Or Genius Salute! :)
Posted by Alan Robinson on June 4, 2010 at 6:29 am | permalink |
Yes, yes, and no.
Yes – texting and tweeting – I said the same thing to friends this week – just tell me in twitter length, that's how it's gonna be.
Yes – HR, doomed. Not before time, in a way. They often aren't very good at their jobs. And managers already recruit through networks – at least in areas of short supply, or PAs who they take from job to job with them.
No. The credit card – unless this is in your contract, it's surely inappropriate, and unprofessional, and just sloppy. You're the what of this company? How would you feel if all the employees in the firm did this?
Good work on the needlepoint. Try rug hooking, too. More movement. And knitting scarves – just up and down for you, I think.
Posted by J on June 4, 2010 at 7:58 am | permalink |
PT: Post after post, you're nailing it. Everybody's sucking in their own way, I sure am. Flailing/shame/inertia/yes. But some rich n' nutritious juice oozes outta the self-flagellation, and I was missing it, mostly. Thanks.
Keep flogging.
gp
Posted by gp on June 4, 2010 at 9:26 am | permalink |
Go, Penelope, go. I cheer every word you just wrote.
We bloggers own the content, and the bean counters are figuring it out. The readers want US, not THEM and their brilliant strategies for "monetizing" and "paywalls" and all that other bullshit.
While they're trying to figure out how to get rich off our talent, we can just keep being talented and fuck them all.
And I believe 100% that you are right on. They WILL come to us. Because they don't know how to do anything but sell, and we're the only ones who can make something worth buying. They don't know how to create anything of lasting value, just how to exploit it.
You're not talking crazy. You're talking smart and, best of all, you sound FREE.
Posted by Nancy Imperiale on June 5, 2010 at 9:57 am | permalink |
hi,
i just stumbled across an old post on your blog regarding a decision to move to Madison. I am wondering what happened to this? I am currently in Chicago debating a move to Austin to endure working in San Antonio (commute 1 hr to San Antonio for job that is fantastic opportunity).
What happened?
Posted by Vanessa on June 5, 2010 at 12:27 pm | permalink |
Good luck with that one-hour commute, unless you live on the very southern fringes of Austin and work on the very northern fringes of San Antonio. I made that drive a lot a decade ago, and there's been more growth since. Plan on at least 90 minutes, depending on your stop and start points.
And don't rule out living in San Antonio. It's a really neat city–my family lived there for over 20 years, and it's not as self-delusional as Austin can be.
As for your question, Penelope has been living in Madison, and (I'm pretty sure) has now moved to the farm, with The Farmer.
Posted by KateNonymous on June 10, 2010 at 9:51 am | permalink |
Bleh. Should have typed "self-deluding." Although "delusional" applies in some cases there!
Posted by KateNonymous on June 10, 2010 at 9:54 am | permalink |
"Bloggers will rule the world."
(The only sane statement in the whole post.)
Posted by Jaypee on June 6, 2010 at 10:39 pm | permalink |
I haven't read your blog in a couple of months now, and my very first thought upon reading this post was "Something's not right." You sound off.
I can't pinpoint it, and I don't think it's the losing/misusing the company credit card, buying roses, needlepointing during calls like some people are saying; it's not anything specific. It's you. It's your writing.
A lot of people like you, admire you, and look to you for guidance and help, and wish the best for you. It's so hard to say to another person, especially someone you don't even really know (I feel like a DB a little bit), but you should think about going to get help or just checked out. I know it's a colassal amount of time and a huge amount of money in a lot of cases but you don't want to do anything that can't be taken back.
Posted by Meghan on June 7, 2010 at 2:54 pm | permalink |
How do I unsubscribe to this blog? I think Penelope has jumped the shark. I'm out of here.
Posted by Holly on June 7, 2010 at 8:10 pm | permalink |
One more thing: it is true that in workplaces, people will put up with people who are difficult to work with or who break the rules if they bring something exceptional to the table. Which it is evident you do.
But there is a breaking point- and with the corporate credit card, and the needlepoint, and the screaming at your coworkers, you must be very near to it.
Just because you're great at what you do, doesn't mean you don't have to subscribe to any of the rules of the corporate world.
Posted by Jessica on June 8, 2010 at 1:12 am | permalink |
Ya know, I thought the exact same thing. I think she wants out…just waiting for the boot, and then she'll be grateful, but really, should just leave on her own terms. I've worked with prima donnas…not worth it. Calling herself a genius? Really.
Posted by Marcia on June 16, 2010 at 8:03 pm | permalink |
This Blog is a rare clarity of perspective.
Words not wasted, points made abruptly, devoid of theology, filled with goal oriented advice. I recommend it often to my friends and acquaintances constantly.
Posted by Alan on June 8, 2010 at 6:29 am | permalink |
So what is PT's big idea? A job website with people who blog for free? That would be Mediabistro.com, and Laurel Trouby already did it, made money, and now it's sucky, and Jupiter Media is wondering what happened.
I like your prose style, but I would no more trust you with venture capital money than I'd fly to the moon on gossamer wings. Have your "partners" dumped you yet?
Why not reinvent yourself yet again, and find something else to do?
Posted by Robin on June 8, 2010 at 7:18 pm | permalink |
How many amongst this group realize that not only Penelope's blog entry, but many of the comments would never fit the Twitter format? The future of writing is short form? To say what exactly? Nothing? Wow, what a future.
Posted by Ardith on June 8, 2010 at 10:52 pm | permalink |
Penelope personifies every chauvinistic aurgument as to why women should not be placed in a postion of economic/political power.
I'm pretty sure that if Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany), Indra Nooyi (CEO of Pepsico), Irene Rosenfeld (CEO of Kraft Foods), Ellen Kullman (CEO of DuPont), and Sonia Fernandez (President of Argentina)did one of any of the unethical and unprofessional antics that Penelope has done, none of these women would have made it to the career heights that they have now.
It's disturbing to me that people look up to her and think she's some kind of genius.
She is the reason why women have to fight so hard to get their foot in the corporate door.
Posted by Lee on June 9, 2010 at 7:17 am | permalink |
Lee, this seems like a pretty preposterous argument. Based on your dramatic last line, it seems like you think a minor-to-medium misstep on the part of one female blogger is a credible reason (if not, to use your words, THE reason) to doubt all women in the workplace. Using your logic, I wonder why we allow men in the workplace at all after the "antics" of such fine men as Ken Lay and Bernard Madoff. Assuming that you could really categorize and judge people on the basis of one representative from their group, I'd rather have a company full of rose-charging women any day of the week over a company full of swindling men who cost people their livelihoods.
Posted by Jana on June 14, 2010 at 7:51 pm | permalink |
Jana,
If you read on the first line of Lee's comment:
"….every chauvinistic aurgument…."
you could conclude that the last line of the comment is not an assertion, but referring to what people may arrived to, based on this post.
Posted by Jessica on June 15, 2010 at 8:04 am | permalink |
Well said!
Posted by Marcia on June 16, 2010 at 8:06 pm | permalink |
I hope you'll show us the final, free-form needlepoint!
Posted by Helen Marble Designs on June 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm | permalink |
"Or, at least I’ll have a blog post"
When??
You've had 2 in the last month.
Posted by David on June 10, 2010 at 11:03 am | permalink |
Penelope, has the credit card situation resolved itself? Was your access to the card temporarily disabled and now reinstated, or was this a sign of larger issues with management and a permanent cancellation of the card?
Posted by Sam B on June 13, 2010 at 10:19 am | permalink |
I agree! Really disappointed that we aren't hearing from you anymore. Reading your blog, at times…was the hi-lite of my day! What is going on?
Posted by T on June 14, 2010 at 12:37 pm | permalink |
I say handle your expenses any way you want to, as long as no one can punish you. I've worked for the federal government, big companies, small companies and myself under various legal rubrics. I've been told dozens of times that certain accounting things "can't be done," but I've never lost a cent, 'cause that's what accountants like to do. What they really love is to hear someone say, "I'm really sorry. I'll try to do better. You are so great for helping me with this." Wow, that's what I like to hear about myself, too!
Posted by Bob McCluskey on June 15, 2010 at 8:07 am | permalink |
We want Penelope! We want Penelope! We want Penelope!
p.s. hope things are okay
Posted by Sinead on June 15, 2010 at 9:52 am | permalink |
One thing at a time.
Most important thing first.
Start now.
In the hopes that you are doing the most important thing.
Take Care.
Posted by Grace on June 15, 2010 at 5:28 pm | permalink |
Echoing Grace's sentiments….
Posted by Monique Henderson on June 16, 2010 at 12:18 pm | permalink |
If you don't pay attention, you are going to loose your readers and your job.
Posted by Susan on June 16, 2010 at 3:04 pm | permalink |