Harry Goldstein is a Manhattan-based writer and editor whose work has appeared in "Utne Reader," "American Book Review," "Promethean," AltX, word.com, and other periodicals. His "Working Life" column takes a unique view of the bewildering odyssey of a modern journeyman employee -- from the frustration of interviews and job searches to the grind of dealing with tyrannical bosses, dead-end gigs and skimpy benefits -- with a deft mixture of passion, humor, compassion and outrage that will inform your own working life.
Catherine Hedgecock
Beth Kobliner
Ken Kurson
Bruce Tulgan
Randy Williams
Harry's dual job-tracks: his vocation and what he gets paid for. Sound familiar?Published March 11, 1996.
Know When to Walk Away, Know When to Run
Harry always listens to his inner voice -- even in the midst of a job interview!Published March 18, 1996.
Stealing is Subversive
Harry explains why your company wants you to steal from them -- it's all part of a higher plan to prevent you from rebelling. Published March 26, 1996.
Paying the Internship Blues
Harry paid his internship dues and sings some internship blues. Published April 8, 1996.
Getting Fired and Loving It: Part 1
Part one of a "get me out of here" saga. Published April 15, 1996.
Getting Fired and Loving It: Part 2 Published April 22, 1996.
Getting Fired and Loving It: Part 3 Published April 29, 1996.
Employees Want Moore and Execs Should Listen
Michael (Roger & Me / TV Nation) Moore makes a roomful of MBAs just a little bit uncomfortable. Published May 6, 1996.
Big Brother Plays Peek-A-Boo
Is your employer reading your e-mail? Monitoring your phone calls? Harry sounds the warning. Published May 13, 1996.
Gurus of
the Broccoli Forest
Total Quality Management or Bust Your A** Management? Harry examines self-improvement routines for business. Published May 20, 1996.
Losing at WIN
A look at an attempt by a group of volunteers to teach computer skills to Women In Need -- and the costs to society if their efforts fail. Published May 27, 1996.
The Tell-Tale Desk
A comical look at the mixed signals our personal workspace may send to others. Published June 3, 1996.
When The Extra Mile Is A Bridge Too Far
A very personal take on the politics of downsizing. Published June 10, 1996.
The Good, The Bad, and The Annoying
A look at managed healthcare. Our intrepid correspondent even gets cut on by a cut-rate HMO doctor in the course of the story -- such dedication!Published June 17, 1996.
Erode the Code
Creative ploys and semi-scandalous ideas for working around the dress code. Published June 24, 1996.
Let the Hunt Begin
Harry becomes your own personal job hunting guinea pig by checking out online career shops. Published July 1, 1996.
Cognitive Dissonance
Being of two minds in the workplace. Published July 15, 1996.
Slave Wages
Trying to make a living on the minimum wage. Published July 29, 1996.
Dirty Dishes Mount As Office Sinks
Juicy -- and personal -- office gossip is unleashed at a party. Published August 12, 1996.
No More Stop-Gap Jobs
Harry reaches his moment of "job epiphany" -- now he must decide on how to make a real career take shape in NYC. Published September 16, 1996.
Grasping for the Next Rung
Harry and his office mates try for a "title promotion" without a raise in pay -- but the boss unloads toxic criticism. Published October 21, 1996.
The Working Future
Does the paradigm shift to employment hotels and home offices hold hidden dangers for those who work wired? Part of the Virtual Office module. Published November 21, 1996.
The Writing Life, Part One: Fishing for Freelance
Tips for digging up writing work in New Media and elsewhere. Published November 4, 1996.
The Writing Life, Part Two: Freelance Finance
Taxes, deductions, paychecks, budgeting -- it all changes when you go into business for yourself as a freelancer. Published December 2, 1996.
Promotion Emotion
Harry gets a long-overdue bump up the career ladder -- but the position is temporary and his enthusiasm is fleeting. Published December 19, 1996.