Work/life balance is one of those annoying and overused buzzwords that finds it way on a bingo card during boring meetings.

Trying to balance your work and life implies a few things:

1. Work sucks, so you need to much sure you leave enough time for life.
2. Work and life are distinctly separate.

Does work suck? Sometimes. It doesn’t always have to, though.

And as for work and life being distinct and separate… Do you stop thinking about work at five (or whenever your shift ends)? Do you stop thinking about your family and friends when you go in to work?

I prefer to think of work and life as a blend. The key to being happy at work and in life is to find the right blend of the two. The lines are blurring, with telecommuting, flexible work arrangements, and the controversial results only work environment (ROWE).

Tonight at 8 pm eastern, I’ll be speaking along with Leanne Chase of Career Life Connection on the HR Happy Hour, hosted by Steve Boese and Shauna Moerke.

There’s a chance (no promises) that Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson, the creators of ROWE, may make an appearance. Which should be interesting, since I both love and hate the results only work environment.

Listen Online

(If you miss the live call, you can download it later)

Today I wanted to share with you two awesome (and free) resources that came through my inbox recently.

The first is an ebook on social media by Kodak. They have generously shared what they’ve learned from their adventures in social media in a fun, easy to read guide. If you’re new to the social media space and are interested in getting more involved, definitely give it a look.

Download “Social Media Tips” by Kodak

The second resource is a white paper on recruitment ROI by Indeed (the job search board). They provide four simple steps to tracking, measuring and accessing the ROI on your sourcing efforts.

Download “The Four A’s of Recruitment Advertising” by Indeed

Slideshare is a social media site that allows you to host and share presentations. Users can comment on your presentations, embed them on websites, download them, and share them on their favorite social networks.

Right now, Slideshare is hosting their World’s Best Presentation Content 2009.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had entered a social media resume (kind of like a cooler, more visual LinkedIn profile) into the contest.

This week is the last week to vote. If you want to help me out, please visit the site and vote for my presentation.

The first place prize is a new MacBook Pro, which I pinky swear will make this site even way cooler than it already is. (And if you don’t like it, no hard feelings – I promise!)

Vote here

Over the last week or two, I’ve made a few changes and updates to Renegade HR. Here’s what’s going on.

All about you

This site’s number one focus is about helping you become an HR rockstar.

Renegade HR is a simple, no BS approach to human resources. Great human resource management is about hiring great people and helping them do kick-ass work that drives your business.

Keep reading…

Slideshare is a social media site that allows you to host and share presentations. Users can comment on your presentations, embed them on websites, download them, and share them on their favorite social networks.

Right now, Slideshare is hosting their World’s Best Presentation Content 2009. Last year’s contest winners included the prolific Shift Happens presentation.

With my love of Presentation Zen, I decided to create and submit a presentation into the running. Since I’m in HR, I decided to create a Social Media Resume – kind of like a cooler, more visual LinkedIn profile.

I’m hoping you can do me a favor. Check out the presentation, and if you like it, vote for it.

The first place prize is a new MacBook Pro, which I pinky swear will make this site even way cooler than it already is. (And if you don’t like it, no hard feelings – I promise!)

Vote Here

Yesterday, Fistful of Talent released the results of their fourth Talent Management Blog Power Ranking. Renegade HR placed seventh!

There are a lot of great blogs in the Top 25 (and in the honorable mentions), so be sure to head over and check out the full list. Special thanks to the Fistful team for doing this.

The Full List

Human resources is all about people, and today I’m asking you to help save a life.

Houku Katagiri (Hou-chan) is a 2-year boy who lives in Mitaka, Tokyo. His father works for my employer, EMC Corporation.

In October 2008, he had sudden heart failure and was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy – an incurable disease that takes the lives of 50 percent of those afflicted within one year.

Hou-chan’s condition is serious, and a heart transplant is the only way to save his life.

Heart transplants for children are not permitted in Japan, where by law organ donors must be at least 15 years old. Hou-chan’s condition is deteriorating and he is currently hospitalized at Kyorin University Hospital. He needs a transplant operation as soon as possible.

Loma Linda University Hospital (located in the United States) will perform the life-saving surgery, but first Hou-chan’s family must secure the $1 million USD required to cover his estimated medical costs.

Learn what you can to help, and please help spread the word!