I'm a little confused. Nellie passed along a link today from Careerealism detailing a worker's awkward experience getting caught looking at a coworker's rather large cleavage. A bit funny, I thought ... for me. Not for said employee or his coworker. I figured, if it's a really slow day I'd throw it in the blog, but only then, as I would think most people know not to do that, so who really needs advice about it.

Well, then I read today's Wall Street Journal and came across an article on the appropriateness of touching coworkers in the workplace. This is where the confusion comes in. Is this really a pervasive problem? Do people really need advice on appropriate behavior in an office environment? Well it seems they do, so it warrants a post.

The Journal clarifies:

“There aren’t standards about what touching is nonsexual other than handshakes,” says Larry Stybel, a Boston management consultant. “If we are sitting alongside each other and I put my hand on your knee, is that a friendly sign of affection or a sexual come-on? I don’t know, and I don’t know how you will perceive it. So let’s not even go there.”

I would assume that this is pretty safe and sound advice. So, for today, let's leave it with observing the "hands-off rule." If there is no contact, you needn't worry. And if you just cannot help yourself ... maybe you should keep this in your office.

On to the Links ....

Your Unemployed Daughter Discovers: A very interesting Job Posting. I'm just going to go ahead and let them explain.

The Career Key Blog Has: Updates on Student Loan payment reform. Essentially, the new repayment plans will be based on your income level. Good news for recent grads.

Lindsey Pollack at Thin Pink Line Offers: Summer Career advice for Gen Yers. The advice is directed at recent grads looking to secure a job before the fall. This is a pretty extensive top ten-ish list that is a good jumping off point for getting motivated to find your first post-collegiate job.

Secrets of the Job Hunt Provides: Tips for using the right keywords in your resume. Industries have specific "buzz words" that you an use to let the employer know that you are familiar with what is important to that specific industry. Personally I think these can be overused and off-putting, but if used strategically and genuinely they can make the difference in having your resume read and having it simply discarded.