Who hasn't wondered why the least intelligent (borderline retard) co-worker, seems to get the breaks, promotions and favors from the boss. But why? How in the world would a buffoon be able to achieve such clout in the workplace? You know why..."The AK factor" i.e. the as* kissing factor. Sure, "The AK factor" is joked about at work, but lets face it; where some lack intelligence they make up for it in soft skills. Those same soft skills inevitably will keep him/her on the payroll. Even more so, on the payroll with an attractive salary, perks and with the bells and whistles available only the dreams of most other employees.

Make no mistake about it, soft skills are real. Soft skills transform the average employee in the big boss. Sure, its unfair but then so is life. Let's face it, people are people, whether at work, the mall or at home. And people in general typically suffer from narcissism. The "thought to be buffoon," at work, knows this and just how to massage the egos of the narcissistic power brokers; hence job stability for him/her and good luck for everyone else or go find another job somewhere. Oh well, too bad huh...its rough working for someone else, especially when skills, intelligent and commitment ride backseat to "The "AK factor." Guess we could all start new businesses...then again we could seek consultation from the workplace buffoon. Maybe he/she has an "AK fast track" course or something. Sign me up.

With the economy weak and many people still looking for jobs one thing is clear, you have plenty of time to reflect and recognize the key issues with your job situation. Moreover, with all the time to think, lets throw this in the mix - Is it the job market, your current occupation or your thinking that is the greatest obstacle to getting back on your feet? Now that's a doozy - isn't it? Tough question to think about, but many would respond that its the economy and high unemployment or their occupation or career.

While their is no doubt about the state of the economy, perhaps during these times it's a good time to consider adjusting your thinking to influence your situation going forward. What does that mean exactly? Well for starters, if you don't like your job or don't see a future in your career field, why are you breaking your neck trying to get reemployed in a position or career you don't like? Hummh, another head scratcher huh. Here's another Einstein moment - why not set your career goals around more fulfilling things - like your family and friends versus monetary gain. Don't get me wrong - personally I am not advocating life as a pauper; but, most of us know the reasons for pursuing big paychecks has little to do with the paycheck and more to do with the ego. Since ego has been getting mankind in trouble for - i don't know - two thousand plus years now - it might be worth your while to at least make a quick once over to make sure you aren't contributing to your job situation woes, more than the economy is contributing.

In short, take some time to recognize key issues with your job situation, don't let pursuing the job with a big paycheck or the big boss career be a misconceptions you fall for feebly. The price you pay for such a mistake will likely be a lot more than losing your job. In fact, in a paradoxical kind of way, losing your job in such a case, may be more of a benefit than a loss.