Hellooo everyone and happy weekend! I am still looking for a few more guest bloggers for my mini Halloween series while I am away for a couple of days in October. If you are interested in sharing some spook-tastic fun with my readers in a Halloween themed post of your choice, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !! THANKS! ❤
Also, be sure to tune in tomorrow so that we can talk shop about the Marilyn Manson concert yesterday! Woooooooooooooooooo! Much love. -Sarah
Congrats! You’re going to college. All of those years of studying hard and living at home have finally paid off. Within a couple of months, the bags and boxes will be full and you’ll be ready to meet your roommate. What a time to be alive (lol). Well, it is as long as you make it that far. If there is one thing that we know about higher education, it’s the price. According to The Economist, the average student loan debt is $37,172. It doesn’t matter how many weekend jobs you have because you ain’t going to save that money.
So, this is where the government comes in handy and finally pulls its weight and lends you the money. And, you gladly hand it over to the college of your choice without a second thought. Wait a minute, though. What if that was a mistake? These are the signs that you can trust a college with your student loan, because things can go south very quickly:
Career coaches won’t tell you to do this, but what’s the point of being a teenager if you aren’t going to rebel (YOLO.)? Think of a college like property. Before you make an offer, the savvy thing to do is check the prices throughout the neighborhood. That way, no one gets conned over the price. Universities are the same because they will try and charge extra for a course which is no different to its competitors. They might have an “excuse”, but it has to be a good one. As a rule, the majority of the courses throughout the major colleges are the same, barring a feature or two. An establishment that is trying to milk you for as much as possible isn’t a trustworthy one.
The foundations of a con doesn’t change from the bottom to the very top. Whether you’re dealing with a petty criminal or a rogue college, they all require trust. Not to be cynical, but keep your cards close to your chest. Again, not something a counselor would advocate, yet an important piece of advice, nonetheless. Fake unis and colleges attempting to improve their bottom line act like butter wouldn’t melt. So, the idea of education fraud doesn’t even appear on a potential student’s radar, not unless it’s on Call of Duty. However, it’s a problem which is impacting the school systems around the world. The good news, is that a receipt of payment is a simple fix. I know you wanted something a bit more James Bondish, but there are no fancy gadgets here. Nope, it’s just a piece of paper with the time, date, and a total amount.
Universities aren’t exempt from the rumor mill. Whether it’s Oxford and Harvard or a community college, campus gossip is something that you shouldn’t always take with a grain of salt. There will always be rumors and experiences from previous students. If you hear anything that sounds sketchy in the murky underworld that is higher education, don’t be afraid to investigate. A little piece of gossip can be the difference between tens of thousands of good debt, and a fraud case.
Keep in mind that all colleges aren’t the beacon of morality of which they claim. Some are dishonest and unreliable, plain and simple. Do your research, because your student loans are going to impact you until you finally pay them off.
Featured Image By: Flickr via CafeCredit
The initial decision to forgo post-secondary education does not have to spell doom for your aspirations in the long term. Of course, having a day job, family, and other obligations makes it hard for people to fit college into the picture. However, where there is a will, there is certainly a way. Do not let anything weigh you down and inhibit your dreams. You are not alone, either, as an increasing number of people are giving academic life another chance. No matter what stage of life you are in do not rule out school just yet: Education has no expiration date.
Fear and uncertainty are perhaps two of the most common factors that hold people back. Yes, studying is a huge commitment, but it does not matter that you didn’t start right away. It is much better to make your way to the finish line late than never. Moreover, being an independent adult can have its advantages. In all likelihood, you are in a better position to bear the financial burden of education and fund the studies. It might be possible to even entice your employer to cover the costs.
The list of reasons to go to the party late goes on. Nowadays, with advances in modern technology, you have more options than ever before. A vast ocean of information and education resources lies right at your fingertips. You have a chance to take advantage of online lessons, tutorials, and courses. Even prime, world-renowned universities offer such opportunities to people across the globe. If classes online or in person make you nervous, you can also always hire a private tutor to play it safe and sound.
Furthermore, many successful professionals have that sense of reaching a point where just focusing on the career does not cut it. After all, college graduates tend to have a higher income and access to better career opportunities compared to those without a degree. Most employers seek individuals who are well-qualified and possess expertise in a certain field. What is more, the pay gap is only getting bigger and bigger.
Getting into college is also a great way to expand your skill list. Critical thinking, analytical capability, problem-solving, community service – all of which look amazing on your resume. These skills enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd in the job market, land a promotion, and get a foot in the door. It also helps that you network with colleagues and professors. Thus, with a degree, older workers find it much easier to compete with the ambitions of a digital generation.
But, greater financial stability is not the only reason to consider school. Namely, years of intensive learning and research are no cakewalk, but studying can be a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. You are also able to gain a sense of self-validation and actualization as you meet loads of new people and soak in new ideas and knowledge. Your brain enters full-swing mode and you feel the inner curiosity being awakened. It is (Almost!) always preferable to give school the old college try than to deal with constantly feeling like you’re missing out.
Furthering your education could be the driving force behind a positive change. So, if you feel higher education is right for you, show initiative and perseverance and do not shy away from taking the plunge. Pave your own path to success and do not just let the chips fall where they may. Improve your employability and advance up the career ladder quicker. As you embark on the journey of self-empowerment and personal growth, you will witness the benefits spilling over to all areas of life.
As someone who went to college later, I can testify to all of the above. But, of course, college is not always right for everyone – and that’s okay!! The option is there, and it is up to you to see how it fits (or doesn’t) in your lifestyle.
Featured Image By: Unsplash
When you’ve had a hair disaster inflicted on you — or have perhaps even inflicted it on yourself — then it can feel like the world is ending. This is your life now. You’ll be wincing when you look in the mirror and wearing a large variety of hats/headbands/pony tails until the problem either grows out or returns to normal.
Or at least, that’s how it feels — but coping with a hair disaster doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to months beneath a hat, scowling at your reflection. For every hair don’t, there’s something you can do to rectify it. Let’s explore the most common hair disasters and the fixes that can get your locks to normal ASAP:
DISASTER! Your Hair Dye Looks Uneven: If you choose to dye your hair, then a bad dye job is probably a fear of yours. Dyed hair can look terrible if it’s been dyed poorly, resulting in uneven patches or even wild colors that you never wanted on your head. If you experienced this as a result of a hairdresser’s work, it’s always worth making a complaint so that the next customer won’t suffer the same fate. If you did it with at-home dyes, then the good news is that it should be easier to remove.
With that said, removing hair dye isn’t easy. The process involves a number of harsh chemicals, and can leave your hair feeling dry and matted. Think long and hard about how much you dislike the color, and the possible downsides of removing it. If you choose not to go down the removal route, then most dark brown dyes will cover other pigment — maybe this mistake is a sign you should be a brunette?
HORROR: Your Hair Is Far Shorter Than You Intended: Hairdressers have a reputation for cutting hair shorter than the person has requested. You go in, request a trim, and leave with three inches of hair missing — it’s happened to us all. Perhaps you’ve even taken the scissors into your own hands and have decided to cut it yourself and gone a little too far. Whether the cutting was at the hands of a professional or your own work, the end result is the same: your hair is way, way shorter than you wanted.
Thankfully, tape in hair extensions exist, so that you can give yourself some length back with a minimum amount of hassle. Then, when your natural hair has grown out to a length that you find acceptable, you can remove them and promise never to go near the scissors again.
SHOCK! Your Hair Has Been Damaged: Dyeing, bleaching, or just overusing heat styling products all take their toll on your hair. If your ‘do is looking to be more of a don’t, then a moisturizing and conditioning regime is needed. Switch to less abrasive shampoos; you’ll find that there are plenty of natural shampoo brands which offer a far gentle way of cleaning your hair. Finish off with a thick application of quality conditioner. In time, with a natural shampoo and a good conditioner, your hair should once again be your crowning glory.
Whatever has happened to your tresses, just remember that there is a way back to hair redemption. And, it shouldn’t need saying, but never go to that same hairdresser or trust yourself with a pair of scissors again. It’s for the best – we promise.
Featured Image By: Pixabay
I’m sure everyone has seen the devastating scenes from Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. It’s a truly tragic event that’s left so many homes destroyed and people on the streets. While this particular hurricane was a ‘100-year storm’ it does make us open our eyes and wonder if we’re prepared for any other hurricanes that might hit our homes. Trying to limit the damage to your home is crucial, and there are a few key steps that you can take to keep your property in the best shape possible when natural disasters hit your area:
Your roof is one of the parts of your house that suffers worse than most. When the heavy rains pelt down and the winds come roaring, it’s normally your roof that takes the brunt of the force. Not only that, but your roof can easily be damaged due to the way that it’s made. Roof tiles can be blown off or shattered, which will lead to severe leaks and a whole lot of property damage.
What you need to do is secure your roof properly. The first way to do this is by checking all of the tiles and ensuring that your roof is in good condition. If not, you should have dodgy tiles replaced or maybe a whole new roof fitted. As you can see with this roofing contractor, there are loads of different materials that you can build a roof out of. Pick one that you know is extremely durable and weather resistant. While you’re at it, get some hurricane straps, too, so you can keep your roof even more secure.
Is your roof as secure as possible?
It’s very common for windows and doors to have tiny gaps in their sealant that can let in drafts of cold air or bits of rainwater. Normally, you don’t notice this, but you will when a storm hits. So, you must block any gaps and secure your windows and doors. Put a fresh layer of sealant around all of your windows to ensure that the wind doesn’t sneak in or rain doesn’t cause leaks. The same goes for your doors, too. You might also want to look into hurricane proof windows for further security and peace of mind if a hurricane hits. Any extra protection is priceless.
Finally, it’s a good idea to limit what you have outside of your house. By this we mean; outdoor tables/chairs, a kid’s playhouse, garden tools, etc. This is because hurricane winds can blow them into your house and cause damage. When hurricane season hits, it’s best to move everything into indoor storage. Also, think about trimming down the trees that are in closest proximity to your home for extra security.
If you know that hurricanes are common in your area, follow these steps right away to get yourself prepared. And, as always, our thoughts are with everyone whose life has been turned upside down by Hurricane Harvey.
Featured Image By: Bit.ly
It’s easy for us to get used to our jobs and maybe even feel content with them, to the detriment of our future advancement. Just because a job is easy and it’s pleasant doesn’t mean that is is the right place for you to be. While there’s nothing wrong with staying at a job because it’s easy and we know what we’re doing, it can lead to complacency, and you might still be there ten years down the line when all of your colleagues have moved on to bigger and better things.
To avoid being trapped by complacency, here are some sure signs that it’s time to move on from your current job:
Your Life Is The Status Quo: If you’ve been doing the same job with the same routine every day for so long that you can’t even remember when it started, it might be time to look elsewhere to start really building a career. If promotions in your current place are hard to come by and you haven’t been considered despite being more than qualified, chances are you could definitely do better. And who doesn’t want to spice up their life a little>
You’re Never Given Feedback: Feedback, both positive and negative, is important for your development. If you don’t know what you’re doing right and which things could be improved upon, you’ll never be able to grow into the best professional that you can be.
Your Bosses Are Being Difficult: If after all of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into building their business, your bosses are so difficult that you have to see a workers compensation lawyer or they put you on probation because you had to take a few days out to look after a sick family member, take it as a clear nudge to get out. It’s rarely worth sticking with a company that doesn’t value you, especially when you’re only doing it because the work is easy or it’s a little more convenient for you.
There’s A Mass Exodus: If your long-term coworkers all start to abandon ship around the same time, it’s probably worth finding out why. If they’re experiencing problems in the workplace, it’s only a matter of time before you start experiencing the same issues, too. Or, if they’re leaving because they’ve found better opportunities elsewhere, you could, too!
You’ve Been Contacted By Headhunters: If you’ve been contacted by headhunters who’ve gone out of their way to try and poach you, you’d be foolish not to at least consider it. If a company really wants you, it’s usually because they’re impressed by your work and are willing to pay for the experience that you bring to the table. You may be able to negotiate a better salary and more workplace benefits with them than you could in your current position. And, once again, who doesn’t want that?
You’ve Already Been Considering It: If you’ve been thinking about leaving, even if they’ve only been idle thoughts, it could be a sign that you’ve grown weary of your job, even if you don’t fully realize it yourself. Don’t dismiss these thoughts and look into your options, because everyone has them.
Leaving a steady job can be scary, but sometimes it’s the only way to move forward to bigger and better things in your life.
Featured Image By: Pixabay
A lot of people fancy a career in the medical sector. But when they sit down and really think about what it involves – cutting people open and having their guts spew out – suddenly it doesn’t seem so appealing. But the good news, is that not everybody in healthcare is ripping open chest cavities and reattaching severed limbs. In fact, there are plenty of positions which don’t involve any blood at all, like the following:
Don’t let your squeamishness put you off from getting a job in this sector. The jobs listed below will definitely not require a radiation suit or assisting with surgeries as well as minimal blood! Perfect for those who would like to work in the medical field without all of the yuck that potentially comes with it. Let’s get started:
Respiratory Therapist: One of the best ways to become valuable as a healthcare worker is to drill down and focus on a single area of expertise. Respiratory therapists do just that, focusing on helping people who have trouble breathing and doing tests to get to the bottom of their condition. The good thing about becoming a respiratory therapist is that there is comparatively little blood involved. You will have to insert tubes into patients’ windpipes, but if you can get over that hurdle, you’re almost home and dry.
Like other jobs in healthcare, experts believe that the demand for respiratory therapists will remain strong over the next five years, at least. Respiratory therapists are likely to be in high demand thanks to the increasing prevalence of lung-related disorders, such as asthma and COPD. Salaries are competitive. For just a couple of year’s training to get an associate degree, a trained respiratory therapist can take home $60,000 per year.
Nutritionist: Chronic diseases and obesity are currently the major cause of disability in Western countries like the US. Yes, people need heroic medicine if they break their leg, and they need antibiotics when they get an infection, but the vast majority of illness is the result of diet and lifestyle. Your job as a nutritionist is to help people modify their diets, change their habits and chip away at the underlying causes of their illnesses.
A cool thing about being a nutritionist is that by working closely enough with patients, you can help them not only manage their chronic diseases but reverse them, too. The medical literature is full of studies in which people with conditions like heart disease, angina, and diabetes get better, all by shifting their diets to healthier options.
The obesity crisis isn’t going anywhere, and so dietitians are likely to remain on the front lines for a long time to come, helping to motivate people to choose healthier behaviors and options. Pay averages around $57,000 per year, though it’s possible to make more by getting high profile private clients, selling books, and blogging.
Radiologist: Radiologists are doctors with relatively few actual contact hours with patients. They spend most of their time reading up on both the latest diagnostic technology and the best lab improvement software such as NovoPath 360, helping them to better collaborate with other staff such as lab techs and find out how to deliver the right treatment to their patients. Radiology is currently an exciting field: scanning technologies are progressing at an exponential rate and before long, radiologists will be able to view every cell in the body at sub-micron resolutions, allowing them to pinpoint the exact source of a person’s illness.
As a radiologist, you’re also liable to work with technology in the future, specifically artificial intelligence, perhaps the single most important advance in the medical sector for decades. With the help of AI, radiologists seek and identify diseases in their patients and offer treatment options. According to http://www.wikiprofessional.org/index.php?title=Radiologist_Salary the average salary for a radiologist is $130,000 per year. However, the top 10 percent earn more than $187,000.
Radiation Therapist: The job of a radiation therapist is to administer cancer treatment to patients. Their purpose is to not only operate the equipment itself but explain to patients their treatment options. According to https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/medical-imaging-and-radiotherapy/, you need an accredited degree or postgraduate program to become a radiation therapist. You’ll need all of the training that you can get to adequately monitor the progress of the patient during treatment.
Radiotherapy is expected to increase as the population ages. Currently, around 39 percent of Americans get cancer at some point in their lives. This is projected to rise to 50 percent over the next twenty years. Thus, unless technology changes, the number of radiation therapy jobs is expected to boom by more than 25 percent until 2022. That’s pushing wages up, too. A radiation therapist can earn more than $83,000 per year. What’s more, there’s no blood involved.
Does the sight of blood make you cringe? Do you still want a job in the medical field? Then, some of the above job options might be for you!
Featured Image By: Wikimedia Commons
Hi everyone and happy Monday! This week and the next are going to be very exciting here on lifewithlilred, because my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series premieres tomorrow. Every day you can tune in here at 1 PM for posts from amazing bloggers from all over the world as they tell you how they welcome fall through their travel, beauty, DIY, style, and so much more. It’s safe to say that this series has been one of my favorites yet and I’m really excited to share it with all of you. The lineup will be as follows:
Tomorrow my Falling For Fall series will kickstart for some nonstop fun on lifewithlilred and I just know that all of you are going to love it! How was everyone’s weekend? Are some of your favorite bloggers featured on my lineup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Management is the goal, right? A corner office overlooking the city, a fatter salary, people to lead, and minds to mold. The idea of becoming a boss is one which is exciting to a lot of individuals for these very reasons. Career progression is just, as if not more, important than the value of a person’s wage. So, the thought that a management position wouldn’t be the right move might appear silly. Of course it’s the right move – it’s everything anyone wants for their career!
But, is it? Although the concept of promotion is a tempting one, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the role. Otherwise, you could end up in a position that is potentially fatal for your career. To avoid that, the following questions are the ones which you should ask before signing on the dotted line:
Most people assume that a promotion will result in managing people and leading a team of employees. It isn’t always the case for many reasons. Sometimes, companies give their best employees a pay bump to keep them at the firm without giving them more responsibility. Harsh, but true. Also, the boss’s boss has a significant role to play. Great managers know how to leave an individual to their job without getting in the way. However, some love to micromanage every aspect of the company and cannot relinquish the power. If the man or woman at the top of the tree is such a person, the chance of managing people will be low.
This question is along the same lines as the first one but with a subtle difference. Analyzing whether you get the benefits of managing people isn’t the same as challenging your day to day activities. Again, employees assume that a promotion is a good idea regardless of what a typical day will look like in the future. The reality is that it could be mind-numbingly boring. Take a construction worker, as an example. Working ‘on the tools’, as they call it in the industry, is a lot different than an office job. If the thought of filling out paperwork and phoning suppliers for prices doesn’t appeal to you, then the management position isn’t the right move. Quite simply, it boils down to job satisfaction.
As soon as you see the extra amount per month, dollar signs will send your brain into a tizzy. It is human nature to concern yourself with money, especially when you work hard to move up the corporate ladder. The issue is, that the additional amount might not be enough. Yes, the job pays more than your current role, but it has added responsibility. Employers never tell an employee that they will have to work 20 hours extra per week, turning a 50 hour week into a 70 hour one. Is ten grand extra per year enough for a potential 17,000 hours yearly? The 17,000 figure, by the way, is up from 12,000 hours for a standard working week.
Everyone is different, so judging the situation from the ex-boss’s standpoint is illogical. Still, there will be warning signs as to why that person left which might affect your position. Would you stay around if you needed attorneys to help take the burden off your shoulders for your work accident injury claims which you have to deal with on behalf of the firm? The idea of fighting lawsuits, which is part of the management’s job, is tiring and leads you down a potentially sticky legal avenue. Or, maybe the person received a more lucrative job offer from another company. In that case, what is stopping you from exploring your options? It is possible the person decided to leave for a variety of reasons, but you shouldn’t dismiss them out of hand. By looking at it from their point of view, you might spot an issue which could determine your answer.
Finally, one promotion should not be enough if you want to take your career to the next level. Sure, the position is a great opportunity now, but you don’t want to stay there forever. If you do, your career will stagnate. Unfortunately, taking a role with a firm that offers no extra growth is a sure-fire way to stall your progression. Therefore, think about the glass ceiling and whether you have reached it already.
Simply put, you should never accept a role without thinking carefully through the pros and cons!
Featured Image By: The Blue Diamond Gallery
Hi everyone and TGIF! Lil Red has come down with a really unfortunate summer cold this past week and, rest assured, I am absolutely miserable. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me this weekend because I need to get some rest and I also have a lot to catch up on from my sick days. But please tune in for next week’s Monday Update, because I will be announcing the lineup for my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series, which premieres on the 29th!
How do you beat a summer cold? What are some of your home remedies for when you’re feeling unwell? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
lifewithlilred 
