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Feb4

Smart Buy For Pet Owners

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Smart Buy For Pet Owners

Hi hi hi! For Christmas, my mom got all of the dogs in our family a glowing collar light for late night or early morning walks. During the winter, it is pitch black when nightfall hits and any extra visibility for cars on the road to see our furry friends is a good thing. I had meant to put this purchase from Foster And Smith on the blog many moons ago. I all but forgot about it until my dog, Ollie, managed to turn it on by himself and was walking around our home like a tiny, hairy lantern.

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Ollie: Collar light model extraordinaire

Not only is the collar light a great buy for dogs, but it is also smart for outdoor cats, as well. Keeping your furry friends safe from harm is one of the most important things that we can do as pet owners and these lights are an amazing and easy way to help do just that. 🙂

What kind of pet do you have? What precautions do you take to keep your pets safe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

BYOB(urrito)

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BYOB(urrito)

Hey hey everyone and happy Hump Day! Did you know that if you download the app for Moe’s that you get a FREE CUP OF QUESO and a FREE BIRTHDAY BURRITO?!?! Yeah, that’s right. Moe’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle are all my jam, but the rewards for Moe’s through their app are pretty cool.

AND GUESS WHAT?!

If you use yours truly AKA me, Sarah Mushenheim, as a reference when downloading the app, I get extra points. These points will help me, a constantly hungry girl, get free food. Consider referencing me like a gift to your favorite redheaded blogger. And once you download the app, your friends can reference you, so you can get closer to free food too! Talk about a win/win. 😀 #thanksinadvance #WELCOMETOMOES

Which food places/stores offer the best apps? Which places offer birthday freebies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan23

What You Should Know About ASD As A Parent

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What You Should Know About ASD As A Parent

It is crucial that parents have a solid understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The first thing to understand is that many psychologists believe that since it is a spectrum we all exhibit traits of Autism. Whether or not we receive a diagnosis is dependent on how severe or how prominent these traits are. This is just one of the reasons why you should be aware of ASD.

It is also true to say that the condition has become more prevalent in society recently. According to statistics on http://www.autism-society.org, about one percent of people have ASD. This might not seem like a significant level, but at that percentage, it is likely that if your child doesn’t have ASD, then someone in their class does.

Misunderstandings About ASD:

Recently, ASD has been something of a fixation in the entertainment media, and this has led to a great number of misconceptions about the condition being spread around. The Big Bang Theory, The Good Doctor, Sherlock, and The A Word all have representations of ASD in them. However, they also do not show the full picture. The problem with Autism in the media is that it tends to latch onto the genius intellect trait and makes it seem more common than it actually is. The genius level of intellect displayed in the media is incredibly rare, and most people with Autism have average levels of intelligence.

As well as this, some people believe that certain traits of Autism must be present in every individual with the condition. This is perhaps due to the triad of impairments, which includes social difficulties. Today, there are many people with a diagnosis who can socialize on their own terms.

Causes And Cures:

There is a lot of information about potential causes of Autism. One of the most common beliefs is that Autism can be caused by child vaccinations. This idea is based on one research study that has now been discredited publicly and yet the idea still lingers today, perhaps due to the fact that some celebrities promote the notion. However, this does not change the fact that there is no scientific evidence and actually, we still don’t know what causes it.

Many people also often assume that Autism cannot be treated. But, there are case studies and research into a variety of different treatments including the use of CBD. Available on https://thoughtcloud.net and similar sites, CBD is believed to be beneficial for children with Autism and, while it cannot ‘cure’ the condition, it is believed to help the child cope. Your child’s doctor will also be able to give you recommendations for specialists or autism services in the field too. It is so important to have a doctor that you like and trust for your child’s care. To begin finding the right doctor to fit your needs, simply enter a search for “hawaii pediatrics” (or your local area) and be sure who you choose comes well recommended.

Development And Growth

Perhaps the most damaging misconception about Autism is that people with the condition are unfeeling, and lack even basic human emotion like empathy. A joke in a recent episode of The Big Bang Theory showed the character, Sheldon Cooper, believing that he invented the concept of empathy after apparently feeling it for the first time. However, people with Autism can feel, do have emotion, and while they can have difficulty understanding certain human emotions like empathy they do learn, often at a young age. In fact, with support and help, an individual with ASD can get through childhood and function as a completely independent adult. There’s more info on how to help kids become independent on https://lifewithlilred.com, particularly if they lean towards the high-functioning end of the spectrum. You can learn more about the high and low end on https://www.verywell.com.

We hope you see now why it’s important for parents to understand ASD and that you should, perhaps complete some research yourself.

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Jan22

A Myriad Of Money Management Mistakes

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A Myriad Of Money Management Mistakes

It is a fact of life that some people simply don’t manage their money particularly well. If you feel like you are one of these people, there are several things that you can do to change things. First and foremost, you need to work out the mistakes that you are making in the first place. In this article, we are going to take you through just a few of the most common ones so that you can avoid repeating them:

Lifestyle Inflation:

If you get a pay rise, you shouldn’t automatically ‘improve’ your lifestyle by that same percentage. Instead, you can use this extra cash to clear some of your debts, channel money into your savings, or make some sound financial investments. Just because you have the cash doesn’t mean you have to spend it!

Paying Bills Late:

Getting into a habit of paying your bills on time is a positive step that you can make. You can even automate this to happen directly from your bank account so it can be one less financial worry to have every month. The last thing that you want is to incur any additional fees or payments than you already have.

Paying Bank Fees:

Bank fees can come in multiple forms, but most of them are totally avoidable. For example, you should never use an ATM when you are charged an operational fee. Avoid paying late fees on your credit cards by clearing the balance in full every month. Compare bank accounts online to make sure that you are not paying more fees than you need to.

Not Educating Yourself Financially:

With all of the free tools and articles about money out there these days, you have no excuses for not educating yourself financially. You should know all of the different options available to you about where you can best invest your money, as well as information regarding where you can get quick support such as bad credit personal loans with guaranteed approval. Read as widely as you can and you can avoid many common money management mistakes.

Lack Of An Emergency Fund:

Though it may be frustrating to channel some of your paycheck off into an emergency fund every month, you will be very thankful for it once you need it. There are all sorts of life situations out there which could require a great deal of cash such as job loss, medical expenses, car repair, and essential home maintenance. Whenever you make a withdrawal from your emergency funds, make sure that you replace what you have spent as you never know when the next situation may arise.

Not Having a Budget

If you haven’t got any sort of household budget, you have no idea what is coming in and going out of your bank account every month. There are plenty of budgeting apps out there which allow you to clearly track all of your expenses. Otherwise, you can track everything manually along the way.

Now you know some of the most common money management mistakes so that you can avoid making them yourself. Budget wisely and watch your bank account increase over time.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan21

Blogging Tips (Since You Asked!)

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Blogging Tips (Since You Asked!)

Hey! Okay, ever since my post about my 2017 stats, I have been receiving a lot of cries for help in the blogging world for tips and tricks. So, today, I thought that I would share the wealth and give some advice for those who want to see more action on their page. The tricks that are seen below have worked wonders for lifewithlilred and I have already seen an increase in my numbers in this month alone. Let’s get to it!

Write, Write, Write:

You can’t have a blog without content and it is SO important that you keep cranking posts out. In 2017, I posted every single day and that gave me the best stats yet in my almost four years of blogging. Can’t commit to daily posts? Then try and create a schedule and stick to it so that your readers will know which days to come back to see something new.

Branch Out:

I always thought that my page would be strictly a beauty and fashion blog, but one will find that they lose inspiration for content very quickly if they limit themselves to just one or two categories of writing. Try giving other styles of writing and different subjects a go and see the spikes in your stats from your spicy new content.

Interact With The Blogging World:

Bloggers won’t bite, I promise. The blogging community is so fantastic, talented, and welcoming. Explore different blogs, make new friends, and gain insight into literally any topic that you can imagine. I have made countless amazing friends through lifewithlilred and that’s what is most important to me, always. The extra exposure that you can get from interacting with others is just another sweet added bonus of the blogosphere.

Social Media Is Your Friend:

If you have a ton of Facebook friends or followers on Twitter and Instagram, then why not share your blog on your social media? My URL for lifewithlilred is the first thing that people see when they find my personal Facebook page. I never am spammy about my posts or anything like that, but my URL is there for those that want to explore my blog further.

If you have a specific likeable page for your blog on social media, that’s great. I have one, myself, but I pick my battles and I chose to spend more time on my actual WordPress blog rather than trying to get more people to like my lifewithlilred Facebook page. Be picky about what you put your time and energy into and make sure that what you choose is what would benefit your blog the most.

In Conclusion:

Admit it, when you started blogging you thought that it would be a piece of cake. You also might have been a bit shocked to find out that it’s not in the slightest. Blogging is hard work that you really have to dedicate yourself to if you want to see results. Not only that, but it’s a little bit of luck, as well. But, with the tips above, you can make the odds of seeing the fruits of your labor flourish turn more in your favor. Good luck!

What are your blogging tips and tricks? What are your goals for your blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Jan16

Pros And Cons Of Building A House

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Pros And Cons Of Building A House

Building your own house may be something that you have always dreamed about, and you may now be in the position where you could make this a reality. Nevertheless, this is a huge investment to make, and it is important to consider it carefully before you go ahead and commit. So, with that in mind, read on to discover the pros and cons of building your own property so that you can get a better idea of what to expect”

The reasons why you SHOULDN’T build your own home:

Let’s start with the bad side of things: the reasons why you should buy an existing property rather than building your own. One of the main reasons why people prefer to go down this route is quite simple: it is less stressful. Not only this, but you are likely to benefit from mature trees and landscaping, you can negotiate on a price (meaning you will often get a better deal), and you are more likely to benefit from neighborhood amenities, too. And, just because you are not building a home doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice on modern bells and whistles. Homes like those built by handlerhomes.com are move in ready and feature plenty of community amenities to truly make it feel like a dream location. Regardless of if it is a newly built home or not, it will feel brand new to you and that is the most important thing.

When building your own home, this often means buying a plot of land, which tends to be in an area that is not as developed yet. Moreover, the cost of building your own property is likely to be much more expensive. You can find out more about this at www.cheatsheet.com. After all, this is the price you pay for having something built exactly as you want it. Aside from this, it is also worth considering the fact that you can upgrade at your own pace, as you have the money and the time. You will also be able to move into your new property immediately after the sale is closed. There can be a lot of waiting around and sleeping on people’s sofas when you are having a house built.

Of course, another option to consider instead of a full fledged newly built home is investing in cabin kits to provide everything you need for the build right from the start. It will be way less time consuming and often cheaper than a newly built home. Renovating or extending your property might also be a good way to go. Perhaps you could make a bedroom or a game room out of an attic space. Or, if you have plans to grow your family, an extension could be the way to go. To get started, simply enter a search for “Double-storey home extensions in Surrey” (or your local area) and begin the brainstorming process with the pros.

The reasons why you SHOULD build your own home:

There is only one place to begin, and this is with the fact that you will be able to have the house of your dreams. Companies like www.malarvillan.se/ make this a reality. All you need to do is tell them about your needs and wants for your new property, and they will use their expertise to make this come true. There is no other way to get a home that is just right for you and your requirements. There are a number of other reasons why you should think about building your own home, too. This includes the fact that new properties tend to feature materials that are energy-efficient, you won’t have to fret about large repairs straight away, you can customize the details of your property to suit your tastes and lifestyle, and you will benefit from modern finishes and features.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what to expect when building your home – the good and the bad. There is no right or wrong approach; it is all about determining what is right for your situation and your budget.

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Jan8

3 Types Of Insurance That You Need To Have

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3 Types Of Insurance That You Need To Have

There are a lot of different types of insurance, but it isn’t always clear why you need them. Insurance can feel like you are paying a lot of money each month or year for something that ‘might’ happen. You might feel like insurance isn’t worth getting, but you would be wrong. Here are three types of insurance that you simply need to have:

Car Insurance:

It is illegal to drive and operate a car without insurance. That is a simple truth. You need to get car insurance, but how much coverage you get is up to you. You might feel that you only need the minimum and that you will never get into a car accident. But what if you do? What if you are in an accident and then have to make a huge payout either to fix the car or to somebody else? What if your car breaks down by the side of the road and you have to pay extra or can’t get a road site pick up? What if you lose the only key to your car and can’t get into it? The same rules apply to various other vehicles too, like vans and motorbikes. Don’t just consider van insurance, get van insurance! You need to be protected when driving, whether it’s from other drivers or from your vehicle.

There are so many things that can go wrong when driving and owning a car and the above are only a few possibilities. You want to ensure that you are covered for a myriad of problems. They might just be something that could potentially happen, but you will be kicking yourself in the behind if it does happen and you aren’t covered. Instead, you want to make sure that you have roadside assistance, key coverage, breakdown coverage, and decent all around insurance. It also might be wise to find a car accident attorney near you should you need one because you just never know. All of this will help to make sure that you can drive safe in the knowledge that you are properly insured and ready for emergencies that may arise.

Medical Insurance:

Medical insurance is something that you might not need to use for years, but then you are suddenly ill, and it becomes the most important thing in the world. If you have a health & medical insurance plan, then you are ensuring that you will be taken care of should you become ill. This might be something as simple as needing to have your appendix removed or something as serious as having cancer. You need to make sure that you have decent medical insurance. It might be costly, but you need it.

If you become ill and need to go to a hospital without medical insurance, then your standard of care will be far lower, and you might not be able to get treatment for certain things without paying incredible sums of money that you cannot afford. The amount that you get back if you need to claim your medical insurance dwarfs the amount that you would be paying each month or year. To learn more about health insurance plans that would be a good fit for you, simply enter a search for “Health Insurance Florida” (or your local area) to get started. Be sure to research multiple different plans and ask any questions that you have – your good health depends on it.

Home & Contents Insurance:

Home and contents insurance cover your house in case you are burgled or if something else happens to your home such as a flood, burst pipe, or anything that will damage your property or your items within. If you own a lot of expensive goods such as electrical items, then you should get the insurance to cover them and make sure that if they get stolen or break, then you aren’t left having to pay out of pocket for new ones. Home and content insurance is just another cost of living that you need to factor in, because if you don’t have it and something happens, then you might be left with nothing.

Paying for insurance is an admitted hassle, but can you imagine the trouble you would be in if you went without it?

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Jan8

Are You TBD About CBD Oil?

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Are You TBD About CBD Oil?

They say that you can’t judge a book by its cover… Nor can you judge a human being on their appearance, their reputation, or the first impression that they make on you. Not only is it unfair on the individual in question, but it precludes you from the myriad of pleasures that come with getting to know a person for who they are. So it is in the world of medicine, particularly holistic medicine. There are many people out there who are quick to judge the efficacy or the entire concept of holistic medicine regardless of the benefits that they may personally reap from it. Despite various civilizations using them for centuries, there are some plant based medicines that many of us are unsure of due to their unfortunate reputations.

When you read the word cannabis, a few unsavory images might pop into your head. You might picture the infamous plant as the self prescribed medication of choice for bleary eyed undergraduates or underachieving slackers. Yet, for all its unfortunate reputation, the plant has numerous proven health benefits. Particularly CBD oil, which has numerous health benefits without the psychoactive “high” that many associate with the plant:

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from industrial hemp plants using various methods. One common debate in the industry is co2 extraction vs ethanol, as both have their advantages. CO2 extraction is known for its purity and precision, while ethanol extraction is often praised for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the differences between these methods can help manufacturers choose the best process for their needs. These plants are specifically bred to produce a high yield of cannabidiol while maintaining low THC levels that do not cause a high. While CBD has several medicinal uses, it may cause minor side effects such as dry mouth, low blood pressure, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.

CBD products are also something that can be purchased in store or online. Lots of websites boast a plethora of different products as well as additional information for you to brush up on. Your local health food store or Royal CBD are both great places to start.

For pain:

Thousands of studies have proven that CBD oil has anti inflammatory properties that are very effective in combating muscular or joint pain and arthritis. It has also proven to be effective in the combating of more serious physical ailments including cancer pain, epilepsy, pain from multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel and Crohn’s disease. Furthermore it can even prevent the spreading of cancer and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s.

There are also products like terpenes that can work effectively with CBD to reduce inflammation and boast a number of other benefits. You can see what Remedy Review says about pain minimizing products like terpenes and make your own decision.

For mental health:

Many associate cannabis based products with memory loss, erratic behavior, and other mental health problems. This has been exacerbated by the widespread use of spice; a synthetic drug designed to replicate the psychoactive effects of cannabis use but with none of the health benefits of the plant. The truth, however, is that CBD oil is effective in combating a range of mental health issues including anxiety, insomnia, addiction, schizophrenia, poor appetite, chronic nightmares, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

For you and your pets:

Many people around the world are embracing the health benefits of CBD oil not only for themselves but for their children and even their furry friends, too. A lot of the same issues that CBD oil helps to combat in humans can also be aided in pets. CBD use for dogs via oil infused treats helps to combat a range of doggy disorders. Everything from arthritis to aggression and even cancer pain can be treated with CBD oil.

Despite this innocent plant’s widespread use as a recreational drug, hopefully this post will alert you to the beneficial and completely legal uses of CBD oil as a safe and scientifically proven treatment if you’re still TBD about CBD.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan7

Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

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Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

The months between Christmas and spring are pretty miserable – it’s wet, it’s dark, and it’s absolutely freezing. As well as feeling the pinch from Christmas, many of us will also receive a hair raising gas bill in January, too, where we’ve cranked up the heating in a bid to stay warm. However, it doesn’t have to be this way, and if you’re fed up with forking out huge amounts of money to your energy suppliers every winter, there are ways that you can cut costs.

Before we take a look at some pro tips, remember to get your heating system checked by a professional first. A malfunctioning system could be what is increasing your bill. Schedule an appointment with a Greensboro heating and air contractor or a well referenced professional in your area. Now, let’s get to it:

Set Your Heating on a Timer:

Instead of letting your heating run all day, it’s far more energy efficient (and cheaper for you) to put it on a timer. Set it to come on for an hour in the morning as you’re getting ready for work and a couple of hours in the evening. It has been suggested that leaving your heating on low all day is cheaper than having it come on and off but this is a myth. This is especially true when you consider that if your system is in need of a service it may not be entirely accurate on it’s output. Using a timer system is a great way to ensure that you don’t bake the house in heat all day, it is important however to ensure that your timing systems work properly in conjunction with your heating system so that you don’t come home to a cold house! Using a reputable servicer such as Snows Fuel Co. or another in your area will ensure that your system works as intended to give you a comfortable temperature to return home to all year round.

These days you can get smart home devices that link with your heating and give you full control over it. It makes it easy to set it to come on when you want and gives you the flexibility to do it from an app – you don’t even need to be in the house. Imagine you’ve been out on a long hike in the cold, for example, and want the house toasty and warm for when you get in. If you know it’s not during your set heating hours, you could put it to come on when you’re on the way home so the temperature is perfect when you arrive back! Either way, it’s useful to have control over your heating like this, and keeping the times you use it to a minimum will save you money.

Get a Wood Burning Fire:

A wood burning fire is an awesome, rustic looking addition to any living room – plus it can save you money, too. If you chop your own firewood or stock up on hardwood logs for use on stoves when they’re on sale, you will have plenty of kindling to get you through the coldest months. Just be sure that your fireplace and chimney is kept clear to avoid dangerous accidents. If you’re not sure how to go about this, just call in a company like Capitol Chimney. Using a wood burning fire like this can keep your whole living room warm and prevents you from having to heat the entire house, which is pointless when all of the family is gathered together in one room.

Wrap Up Warm:

During the evenings when you’re lounging around, instead of blasting the heating on the highest setting, why not put it on low and wrap up warm, instead? You can buy cozy throws for your sofa on places like eBay, Amazon, or any home-ware shop. Load it up with cushions and then invest in some fleecy warm pajamas and slippers and you can stay comfy and cozy during the evenings without having to spend a lot of money. Even during the day, popping on a jumper or a dressing gown means that you don’t have to have the heating up, and you might be able to leave it off altogether. Keep your cozy home furnishings in good condition and they’ll last you year after year.

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Fluffy bathrobe, anyone?

Buy Essentials to Keep Your Home Warm:

Thick, lined curtains will help to keep out drafts – while they might cost a bit up front they will last for many years and can help you keep your heating bill down. Draft excluders and radiator reflectors are cheap and cheerful, and will keep the cold out and maximize the heat when the heating is on. Soft, plush rugs, carpets, and throw blankets can help trap heat too. It might also be smart to get a few extra bottles of propane from Gibson Oil & Gas or a similar company in your area. You never know when you might need it!

Finally, if you move big items of furniture like sofas or wardrobes away from radiators, this will also allow the heat to circulate better and allows you to make the most of the money you’re spending on the gas bill!

Being mindful of the heating you use can go a long way. Don’t just turn up the dial whenever you feel a little chilly! It’s not to say that you should sit at home shivering, wrapped up in every jumper you own, but there is a happy medium to be found. Keeping your heating low or not using it unless it gets very cold is good for both the environment as well as your bank balance.

And of course, your heating isn’t the only bill you need to keep an eye on – there are plenty of things you have to pay for around the home to make it a comfortable, safe place to live, so maybe it’s time to check on all your outgoings, and shop around to see if there’s a better deal out there – American Water could be a good place to start because you never know what savings you might make.

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Jan3

Switching Careers Out Of Left Field – A Handy Guide

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Switching Careers Out Of Left Field – A Handy Guide

Switching careers out of left field can be a difficult thing to do. Not only does it immediately set you off outside of your comfort zone, but it can take years of sacrifice and lower income to get to a level that you’re finally happy with. However, sometimes going for a career with less room for growth or taking on a position with less rewards, money, and benefits can be perfect if you’re happy with what you’re doing. Not every job requires you to earn millions of dollars to make the entire affair bearable. Some things you can genuinely enjoy from the bottom of your heart, a concept which can become relatively blurred when we have yet to experience it.

Many people are hesitant to switch to a career that they truly enjoy because they feel like time has passed them by. As you age and become comfortable in a set routine, this can be harder and harder to change. But, age is always nothing but a number. You can change careers at almost any time you want, provided you have a reasonable amount of time left before retirement! But what should you keep in mind when you do this? We’re here to find out:

Education:

You should consider yourself at square one when choosing a completely new career. How do you proceed in a field you know little about? You learn about it’s nuances and quirks. Job training will always help out, particularly if you start from a lowly position. If you have the funding or the loan eligibility, then applying for a university course both online or offline in an institution can help you gain a fast track to mental competence (Provided you take your studies seriously!).

It might seem worrying going back to college, especially when you believe you’ll be older than almost everyone in your class. However, you’d be surprised at how many mature people return to university for the same purpose as you. This is especially true in fine arts courses, such as music, film, fashion, and graphic design. It’s common for people with successful STEM careers to find out they had an inner artist all along just yearning to break free.

Resume:

When you hope to change jobs, you once again become a candidate. It’s likely you have built up a respectable amount of job experience by this point, meaning that you have all the possibility in the world of making a great impression. List all of the achievements you have made at your previous work. It counts, even if it has little or nothing to do with the new role. People often look for transferable skills, not the specifics of your job.

For example, someone who is competent at running a film set need not be someone skilled in producing, but someone who managed events for a period of time. There is likely more overlap with your career now than you might have originally estimated. If you need help crafting a modern resume, CV advice services are on hand to offer you a deft and careful touch in its writing. A good employer will see this value immediately, but only if you succeed in selling yourself with appealing language.

These two disciplines – building the new while highlighting the value of the old can combine, and help you create a career that you truly desire and deserve.

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