Do we really make decisions based on reason and analysis, or do we act more like errant atoms, which even without a force acting on them (like a magnet) tend to line up in the same direction as the majority? That’s the question posed in this Boston Globe article (free registration req’d). Could this be the force behind things like all our industry associations jumping on the career-pathing/core competencies bandwagon at the same time? Or the mad rush to put everything from mashed potatoes to fruit in martini glass (not to mention all kinds of flavored martini concoctions that would make our grandparents weep)?

Do we see a cool trend and jump on it because it’s cool and would work for our group, or are we guided by some basic principle of atomic physics to go with the trend-flow? I like to think we use reason and intellect, but maybe there’s something else at play as well. It also could explain some of the reason why change is so difficult, why even now, four years and several terrorism and natural disaster incidents after 9/11, so many planners still haven’t developed risk management/contingency plans for their events.

Thanks to a MIMlister for the pointer!

Nothing makes you appreciate your job more than thinking about what you could be doing instead. I was listening to a radio talk show the other day about the worst jobs you can have. One caller talked about scraping and painting a leaky above-ground sewage tank in high summer, which is pretty bad, but most were run-of-the-mill yuck jobs like restaurant dishwasher (mine was a summer spent insulating houses—the fiberglass gets into your skin, itches unbearably, and doesn’t come off in the shower. Plus, the things that live in crawlspaces, well, I won’t go there. Ever again.) But even my worst job doesn’t compare to Guillemot egg-collector, or wattle-and-daub applier, which were not-so-popular jobs even back in Roman times. But someone had to do it.

Thanks to my Capsules co-blogger, Anne Taylor-Vaisey, I stumbled upon The worst jobs in history Web site, which I guarantee will make you not only appreciate your current job, but also your happy coinicidence of being born when you were!

Plus you can take this hilarious Career Guide quiz to find out what kinds of “worst jobs in history” you qualify for.

P.S. If you’re curious about all the other strange things I’ve inflicted on you in the past, or want to revisit a few, check out our Just for fun archives.