Biography
Americans spend more time working and thinking about work than most people in the world. For better and for worse, we are defined and shaped by our jobs. Every Wednesday, Greg Dawson will explore the landscape of American work and workplaces, and issues that arise from the intersecting of work and the rest of our lives.
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Stressed workers paint brighter picture with hobby
December 2, 2012
No one had to paint Barbara Hughes a picture.
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Christmas tree lots provide welcome employment
November 28, 2012
The Monday after the numbing commercial frenzy of Black Friday weekend, it was a breath of fresh air to stroll through a quiet forest of Fraser firs, Scotch Pines and Blue Spruces and inhale a piney remembrance of simpler Christmases past.
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Readers weigh in on non-Christian holidays
November 26, 2012
Greg: I'm not really sure what your point was in discussing days off for religious holidays like Diwali, a Hindu holiday. As you know, the U.S. is a Judeo-Christian country and we choose to take religious (Christian) days off. I hope you were not trying to say that it is wrong for Christians in the U.S. to do that. John
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No escape from ever-creeping Christmas
November 20, 2012
Here are the most joyous words I've seen this holiday season:
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Most Muslims, Hindus don't take time off from work for holidays
November 12, 2012
As we head into a busy holiday season highlighted by Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, let me be among the first to wish you Merry Diwali and a Happy Al-Hijra!
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Bullying story resonates with many readers
November 6, 2012
Linda Dunavent spoke to me about being a victim of workplace bullying in hopes of encouraging others like her to break their silence and join her campaign for a legal remedy to behavior still outside the reach of the law.
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These volunteers will work for beer
November 4, 2012
John Cheek, president of Orlando Brewing Partners, the only certified organic brewery in Florida, admits that his business model was born of "desperation."
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Elections office buzzing behind the scenes
October 31, 2012
Courtney Isaacs, who is 18 and will cast her first vote for president this year, says, "I always thought voting sort of happened magically. I didn't realize so much stuff happens behind the scenes."
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Halloween in the workplace? It depends
October 30, 2012
Earlier this month a PR rep offered me an interview with a human resources expert who wanted to alert America to the perils of office Halloween parties as potential horror shows of workplace liability.
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Commuters reThink drive with state help
October 24, 2012
A state program offering alternatives to the traditional one-car, lone-wolf commute is an idea whose time has come – and not a minute too soon for Barbie Lee.
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Image isn't everything – but it means a lot
October 22, 2012
Seated in a large lecture hall at Seminole State College in Sanford, Shannon Conner could not contain herself.
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Auto mechanics: One of the final glass ceilings for women
September 17, 2012
Evolution isn't just a theory in the world of auto mechanics.
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Unemployed not amused by unfilled jobs
August 7, 2012
Response from the jobless to Monday's column ("Many good jobs in Central Florida go unfilled") was polite but pointed, tinged with anger and hit-the-wall frustration.
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Many good jobs in Central Florida go unfilled
August 6, 2012
Lauren Volcheff, vice president of marketing of Turico Holidays, a wholesale vacation provider in Altamonte Springs, had a job to fill and figured it wouldn't take long.
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Lack of zzz's can hurt work performance
May 15, 2012
An email pitching an interview with a sleep-disorder expert had me at, "Would you ever show up at work drunk?"
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Getting a peek inside hot trend: Food trucks
April 18, 2012
I came home reeking of Duck Fat Fries and Crispy 4-Cheese and Chive Grit Cakes. Or maybe it was the Venison Loin over Spring Asparagus with Wild Lobster Mushrooms, Gruyere and Cypress Flake Salt. Or the House-Smoked Angus Beef Short-Rib Bacon.
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Do young workers lack professionalism?
March 6, 2012
After leafing through home-design magazines and tabloids with the latest Kardashian news, I finally arrive with my groceries at the front of the checkout line. The cashier and bagger, both so fresh-faced they could be extras in a Mountain Dew commercial, are talking about their plans for the evening.
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Greg Dawson: Altamonte man shuns rat race for happier life
February 7, 2012
At 48, after a potpourri of jobs including movie ticket-taker, restaurant server and car stereo installer, Bob Schmerling now works full time in a call center of a major retailer. He lives in a studio apartment, does not have cable TV, pays for his own health insurance and drives a 9-year-old Ford Escort.