Tag Archives: just so you know

Be Back Soon!

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Be Back Soon!

Hello everyone! I am just letting you all know that Lil Red will be going on hiatus for the next few days. I, unfortunately, had to go to the ER on Sunday due to complications with my wisdom teeth surgery and am still in a lot of pain. So, now, I must focus on getting back to one hundred percent. Please send me lots of get well wishes, because this friggen sucks and I will be back soon! Much love. -Sarah

What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

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What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and are currently looking for some advice on making a claim, then this post is for you. Read on to discover some top tips that can help to make sure that your claim is successful, as well as some answers to your most pressing questions.

What sort of accidents can you claim for?

There are so many different types of accidents that can happen in the workplace. The following is a mere handful of examples:

  • Falls from a height
  • Slipping on an unmarked object
  • Whiplash from a company vehicle accident
  • Injuries because of poor or no risk assessments
  • Injuries due to faulty machinery
  • Assault
  • Objects falling onto someone
  • Industrial diseases
  • Industrial deafness

Will my employer fire me if I make a claim for an accident that occurred in the workplace?

Your employer will not fire you for making an accident claim because of a workplace incident for an injury that was not your fault. They will have insurance in place to cover them and they know that it is their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Moreover, if they were to fire you, you would have grounds for unfair dismissal and they would only land themselves in more trouble.

Do you have a claim?

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you have the basis for a claim. To do this, you need to look at three key things. These are as follows:

  1. Who caused the accident?
  2. When did the incident occur?
  3. Did you see a doctor for your injuries?

First, it is vital to show that someone else made an error or acted negligently and that this resulted in your suffering. Second, the date of the accident is important, because there is a three-year time limit on all personal injury cases. Third, you must have seen a doctor because the medical report they provide you with is the most crucial piece of evidence when it comes to any type of claim. If you do have grounds to file a claim, it is best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to evaluate the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or represent you in court if needed, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Simply enter a search for “Edwardsville IL Personal Injury Attorneys” or an expert in your local area, to find a well reviewed and trustworthy team to take on your case.

Finding the best accident lawyers:

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim. The next thing you need to do is find a law firm such as Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC who can provide a reliable solicitor to work on your claim. You need to make sure you have a high quality lawyer fighting in your corner. Here are some top pieces of advice on hiring a solicitor:

  • Look for a solicitor with a considerable degree of experience with your specific claim.
  • Read reviews that have been left by previous customers.
  • Opt for a solicitor that works to a payment agreement you are happy with.

In terms of experience, it is not enough to find a solicitor that has a lot of years in his or her locker. You need to make sure they have worked on cases similar to yours before. After all, lawyers who handle wage theft matters are not going to be the best choice if you have been injured because of a pothole in the company car park and vice versa.

Hire a lawyer quickly:

The sooner you get a lawyer and file your claim, the better. There is a three-year time limit on most personal injury cases so you will want to do your research and find one of these reputable Detroit personal injury law firms (or one of similar caliber in your area) to take on your case ASAP. Three years may seem like a long time, but court proceedings need to be issued within this period. Moreover, the sooner you make your claim the easier the process will be, as the details will be fresh in your mind and you will find it easier to get your hands on witness statements and other crucial pieces of evidence.

Things you can do to help:

Seeking legal assistance when injured at work is often one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery process. While your lawyer is going to be responsible for ensuring that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve, there are things that you can do to help. For instance, it is a good idea to sit down and make notes of everything that happened as soon as you get the chance. That way, you won’t forget anything important. You should also keep receipts of any costs you have encountered because of your injuries, as you will be able to claim for these. Finally, it may help to take photographs of your injuries.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different factors to consider when it comes to making a personal injury claim against your boss. There is no need to panic. So long as you handle everything above, it should go smoothly.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

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Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors presents its own unique set of challenges. No matter what type of work is being carried out, appropriate risk assessments are required. Otherwise, not only are you putting the safety of your workers at risk, but you could find yourself facing an unwanted legal battle, too. With that in mind, read on to discover some appropriate risk assessments you should consider when working outdoors:

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic approach to assessing work activities. Business owners need to look at everything that could go wrong and determine suitable control measures for preventing injury, damage, and loss in the workplace. The assessment should include the controls needed to minimize, reduce, or eradicate the risks.

Working in hot environments:

The weather can be erratic at the best of times; one minute it is raining, the next minute we are welcoming a heat wave. When employees are working outside all day, it is important that they are protected from the weather. There are a number of administrative controls that can be used to protect workers when in hot environments. This includes:

  • Talk to workers about the early symptoms of heat stress.
  • Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment whenever a person is resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Introduce shaded areas where people are working.
  • Supply free access to cool drinking water.
  • Provide more frequent rest breaks.
  • Reschedule work to cooler periods of the day.

Working in cold environments:

If your employees work outside all of the time, it is likely that they are going to need to work in cold weather. You will need to carry out a risk assessment so that you can reduce the risks associated with cold weather working. Some of the controls you can use to achieve this include:

* Talk to workers about the early symptoms of cold stress.
* Consider delaying the work. Is it possible to reschedule the work to a warmer time of the year that will not compromise safety?
*  Introduce more frequent rest breaks.
*  Encourage the drinking of warm fluids, such as hot drinks or soup.
*  Provide mobile facilities for warming up.
*  Make sure the personal protective equipment issued is suitable.

Working outdoors in specialist environments:

There are also a number of specialist workplace environments that require thorough risk assessments. This includes working outdoors under high air pollution levels. Factors to be considered throughout your risk assessment include workload, work arrangement, general/roadside AQHI category, workers’ health condition, and exposure to other air contaminants. Preventative measures include the likes of reducing the weight of loads being handled at one time, arranging for job rotation between indoor and outdoor work, and minimizing outdoor work in areas with heavy traffic.

When something goes wrong:

If you work outdoors and the correct safety measures are not taken, you could end up being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. If this does occur, it is important to find injury lawyers you can rely on. You should not merely sit back and accept what has happened to you. If it was not your fault because risk assessments were not carried out or the proper provisions were not put in place, you will be entitled to compensation.

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to outdoor work. This is why thorough risk assessments are a necessity. Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that risks are minimized and workers are protected. If you are worried about the conditions you are working in, speak up!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

The Wow Factor Of A Frameless, All Glass Shower Door

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The Wow Factor Of A Frameless, All Glass Shower Door

A glass shower door is becoming more and more popular to homeowners due to the fact that it gives a bathroom an elegant and luxurious look. What more, you can take it one step further and opt to use a frameless, all-glass shower door! But setting “aesthetics” aside, below are some more reasons why a frameless, all glass shower door might be perfect for your bathroom:

They Create a More Open, Seamless, and Contemporary Space:

As homeowners, we’re always looking for openness, fluidity, and flow when it comes to our bathrooms. By installing a frameless, all-glass door, you are keeping this openness which helps bring together all the elements such as the decorative tiles, bath fixtures, and all other vanities inside. Traditional shower curtains or doors, on the other hand, work against the open feel since it tends to create a closed, defined space.

If you are daydreaming about giving your bathroom an update, you can get inspiration from Glass ShowerDirect.com for ideas on shapes, styles, and sizes. With an all glass shower door, you can turn every evening into a spa-like experience. Doesn’t that sounds fabulous after a long day?!

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They Aren’t Just For Looks:

A door built to last completely sums up the frameless, all-glass shower enclosures. With a standard thickness ranging from ⅜ to ½ inch, frameless doors are sturdy, structurally sound, and safe. All glass shower doors are also made of tempered glass which is very hard to break or shatter, so if going all glass seems a little too risky for you, you haven’t found the right kind of shower door yet.

Most common questions from homeowners when considering frameless, all-glass doors are safety since the edges aren’t protected by frame barriers. While we can understand why it might be a bit concerning, the shower door’s edges are filed down to be soft and smooth, thus removing the danger of being cut or otherwise hurt for anyone going in and out of your shower.

In addition, thanks to the seal-in technology used in all frameless, glass shower doors, they have watertight seals which makes leakage near impossible. These doors are not just stylish, but they’re also very functional. Moreover, since there is little to no metal used in making them, homeowners need not worry about dealing with corroded parts. Win, win, win!!!

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Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

Installing a frameless, all-glass shower door in your bathroom isn’t just about appearance, it’s also a practical decision. Since frameless glass enclosures do not have the structural edge of aluminum framing, it is much easier to clean and restore due to its trackless design.

They Can Fit Any Space:

Frameless, all-glass shower doors can be designed to fit any bathroom space, no matter what look you’re going for. If you aren’t a fan of the boxy look, you can opt for circular, triangular, or even oval frameless doors to fit your bathroom space while still creating the same elegant effect.

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Increases the Appraisal Value:

Doesn’t stop there, either. These doors can be quite the investment, too. By increasing the appearance of your home including your bathroom, you are creating an impression that the property is well-taken cared of. And, having an elegant looking bathroom and shower door to match is a major turn on to home buyers, making it hard for them to resist a reasonable offer on your home.

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Sounds like it’s time to install that frameless, all-glass shower door. One important thing to remember, though, is to only trust a certified glass contractor like Oak Mountain Glass to ensure that you get that glass shower door of yours installed professionally and perfectly the first time around.

Preparing For A Long Trip

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Preparing For A Long Trip

It can be a fun and exciting prospect to embark on a long term adventure. But, it can also be a stressful and anxious time in terms of getting yourself prepared before setting off.  The great thing about long term travel, is that it brings so much variety into life, and as they say, variety is the spice of life… but with such variety comes uncertainty, and whilst this level of uncertainty can be part of the fun, it can also be anxiety inducing, which is why it’s important to ensure that you are well prepared before embarking on a long trip. This article looks at a few aspects to take care of prior to departure:

Your Home Life:

Chances are that you’ll be leaving a loving family, comfortable home, and reliable job behind. In terms of your family, it would be nice for them to have some quality time with you in the weeks before your trip. They will appreciate the fact that you’re making an effort to spend time with them rather than just abscond abroad.

With regard to your home, it’s important to leave things in a stable condition, for instance, if you know there might be an issue with pests it would be good to call pest control before you leave to take care of the issue rather than leave it to get out of control. Also, make sure that a family member, friend, or neighbor has a set of keys in order to check up on the house from time to time.

That said, if you have an animal, you might want to consider a house sitting situation where your home and pet are looked after while you are away.

Income:

If you’re traveling long-term, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to top up your income whilst away. Having something in place before leaving can reduce the stress associated with long term travel finances; for instance, you could try to keep your job but work remotely or set yourself up as a freelancer, that means you can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

It’s also a great idea to look into various ways to save money throughout your travels to provide an extra cushion. This could mean purchasing tickets during non peak times or giving yourself a budget to stick to when dining out. If you are renting a car, the company you choose might offer some incentives to lower your bill and that is definitely worth checking out. To get started, simply enter a search for “car rental paros” (or your travel destination) to see how you can save on your transportation. Every little bit helps!

Travel Insurance:

Finally, the other crucial aspect to reduce the anxiety associated with preparing for a long trip is to see that you have adequate travel insurance coverage in place. This can be expensive for long-term trips, particularly if you plan to undertake adventure activities such as mountain climbing, white water rafting, and bungee jumping. But, without it, you could not only find yourself at financial risk, but that your entire life is at risk, too.

Insurance is a prophylactic measure that you can hopefully live without, but if you should get sick or be injured, it’s worth its weight in gold. The option of having to pay for your own treatment is not always financially viable, meaning you will be stuck in a “local hospital” without the ability to get home and receive the care you require.

Long term travel is an exciting adventure, but it can also be anxiety inducing if you leave with loose ends. This is why it’s important to provide as much stability and peace of mind for yourself as possible before you leave.

Featured Image By: Pexels

3 Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Health

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3 Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Health

Taking care of your health is difficult because there is so much conflicting information out there. Everybody seems to have their own idea about how best to look after yourself and it’s hard to know who you should listen to. Some of that advice is backed up by solid evidence while some of it isn’t quite so clear cut. But even though it’s hard to work out what you should be doing, it’s a lot easier to work out what you shouldn’t be doing. These are the biggest health mistakes that you need to avoid:

Going To The Wrong Doctor:

Finding a good doctor is tough and there are a lot of things to consider. A lot of people end up going with the doctor that is the most convenient location wise, which is an important factor, but it’s not the only thing that you need to think about. You need to find a doctor that suits your needs and knows their practice well. People think that all doctors are great and, while most of them are, there are still some out there that aren’t. Before making an appointment with a new doctor, we highly recommend seeking recommendations from friends and family. It is also most helpful to look online by entering a search for “Doctors whakatane” (or your local area). If there are several bad or lackluster reviews, trust them. The risk to your health is not worth it!

If you end up with a bad doctor, there is always the chance that they might make some dangerous medical mistakes (if you’ve been in this situation already, you should visit https://www.levininjuryfirm.com/philadelphia-medical-malpractice-lawyer/ to find out more about making a claim against them). Always look around when you’re trying to find a doctor and take time to make your decision. Asking friends and family who they’re with is a good place to start.

Not Keeping Track Of Your Health:

Most people go to the doctor when there’s something wrong, but you shouldn’t wait until you start seeing symptoms before you look after your health. Catching problems early on is the best way to stay healthy, so make sure that you’re keeping track of your health at all times, not just when there’s a problem. Things like watching your weight and diet and exercising regularly are all good ways to keep track of your health.

Ignoring Symptoms:

If you’re in a massive amount of pain, you’re going to go to the doctor and get it checked out. But what about if you’ve just got a little pain that comes and goes from time to time? Most people end up just ignoring it if it goes away after a few days. That’s never a good idea, though. Most problems start out with small issues like that but, over time, it’ll get worse and worse until you’re eventually forced to go to the doctor. By this point, treatment is going to be a lot harder and you’re putting your health at risk. It’s far better to just go to the doctor and get yourself checked out sooner rather than later. People sometimes worry about wasting their doctor’s time by going in with a small problem, but if you can get a simple treatment now rather than an extensive one a few months down the line, you’re actually saving them time.

You can spend the rest of your life trying to work out what you should be doing to look after your health, but it’s a lot easier to work out what you shouldn’t be doing with the above tips.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

What Makes Ending An Addiction So Challenging?

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What Makes Ending An Addiction So Challenging?

Recognizing that you have a problem with addiction is the first hurdle that you have to overcome. Once you’ve admitted that you’ve got a problem, it’s time for you to think about quitting. You probably didn’t expect to become addicted when you first experienced an addictive substance or behavior for the first time. However, what started out as fun can quickly become something more serious. There are several different ways in which you can try quitting, but don’t be surprised if your first attempt is a difficult feat. If you’re left wondering why you found it so hard, here are some of the reasons why:

Conflict and Ambivalence

Alcohol, drug addiction, or some other type of addictive behavior that becomes excessive will create conflict in your life. It can be within yourself because you want to change, but also have stronger urges to repeat the addictive behavior. Conflict also occurs with other people because they either want you to quit or join them in the addictive behavior. These conflicts don’t go away, and your expectations only get higher. Ambivalence is the feeling of wanting to continue and wanting to quit at the same time. Professional Interventionists are well versed in all of these different situations and emotions and are there to help you work through them in the healthiest way possible. Battling an addiction is no easy feat and skilled professionals will guide and encourage you.

If you are choosing to go to treatment, you might find that being close to the area that you participate in addictive behaviors can be triggering. Especially if these places have resulted in a lot of conflict. For that reason, some people find it helpful to travel to their treatment center. It could be completing treatment at the Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center in Arizona or simply being a few hours away from your current location. Whatever your selection might be, be sure to tour the facility first so that there are no surprises when you enter treatment. You want to set yourself up for the best chance of success when you are making such an important change.

Tolerance – a Key Symptom of Addiction:

Tolerance, together with withdrawal, are the two processes that resulted in your addiction in the first place. The two are interconnected and, without them, it would be easier to quit. Tolerance is a physical and psychological process. The first time you experience an addictive substance or behavior your tolerance is low and the effect you feel is very strong. The more you repeat the behavior or take a substance, the higher your tolerance is and the more you need to take or do the behavior to get the same effect.

Withdrawal is experienced when you aren’t able to do the addictive behavior. The symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Symptoms might include shaking, feeling unwell, upset stomach, and feeling anxious or depressed. This, in itself, can be a barrier from quitting. Safe forms of detox like this one for adderall detox can be most helpful to fight through the withdrawal symptoms and give you an increased chance of success.

Guilt and Justification:

Guilt about your behavior is a strong motivator to make changes, but it also works against you. You find yourself justifying your behavior, not just to yourself but to other people too. Examples are telling yourself it’s not a problem, saying you’ve already cut down, or using other people or situations to divert attention. Treatment centers including The Recovery Village Indianapolis can help you work through these different emotions when you are ready to take that step.

What Can You Do If You Really Want to Quit?

There are a variety of different types of treatment to help you if you really want to quit. Therapy, for example, helps you sort out and change the thoughts that are keeping you addicted. It’s not going to be an easy or straightforward journey, but the support of a good treatment program will help you move forward and eventually quit. Treatment, whether as an outpatient or an inpatient at a luxury facility such as https://healtreatmentcenters.com/luxury-drug-and-alcohol-addiction-treatment-center/, will make the quitting process much easier, but there are, of course, strategies that you can follow if you want to try to quit your addiction on your own.

Sometimes a break from your addiction might not be up to you, but to the courts. This might be the case if you were driving under the influence of alcohol. A duii program at a treatment center can help fulfill court mandated requirements and provide you with the tools you need for success through therapy, support groups, and interventions.

residential addiction treatment

Overcoming an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or some kind of behavior doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Admitting that there is a problem is the first step, followed by withdrawal and detox. The recovery journey doesn’t always end there, and you may need professional support for many years to come.

Meditation Recommendations

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Meditation Recommendations

Hi everyone! Something that I really enjoy doing is going to a meditation class offered by my local library. The woman who runs it, Joann Xi, is the founder of the Center for Health, Happiness, and Chan. This organization promotes a mindful and contemplative lifestyle and teaches the art of meditation to those in the greater Akron area. During class this week, Joann gave us a paper listing some helpful books, apps, podcasts, and websites that she recommends and I thought that I would share it with all of you. And, if you are interested in seeing Joann in action, check out my blog post which features her YouTube videos. She’s amazing!

From Eastern Traditions:

Books:

  1. The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S.N. Goenka by William Hart
  2. Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
  3. True Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
  4. Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa
  5. Bringing Home the Dharma by Jack Kornfield
  6. The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron

Podcasts:

  1. Insight Hour Podcast with Joseph Goldstein
  2. Ram Dass Hear and Now
  3. Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield

Websites:

  1. https://www.secularbuddhism.org/
  2. https://www.lionsroar.com/

From Western Traditions:

Books:

  1. Invitation to Love by Thomas Keating
  2. Intimacy with God by Thomas Keating
  3. Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton
  4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
  5. Fully Present by Susan L Smalley and Diana Winston
  6. Mindful Work by David Gelles

Audio Books:

  1. Going on Being by Mark Epstein
  2. Going to Pieces without Falling Apart by Mark Epstein

Podcasts:

  1. 10% Happier with Dan Harris

Apps:

  1. Headspace (Westernized version of eastern meditation practices)

YouTube:

  1. Zen Den
  2. Cosmic Kids

Websites:

  1. https://www.cac.org/
  2. https://www.couragerenewal.org

Integration of East/West:

Books:

  1. Living Zen Loving God by Ruben L.F. Habito
  2. The Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasdale
  3. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

I hope that some of these wonderful options to help introduce you to meditation or further your practices prove to be beneficial to those who need it. Once a skeptic, I truly believe in the power of meditation and the amazing work that Joann is doing, so please enjoy!

Who else participates in meditation? What are some ways that help you to relax? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Job Security: Agreed Truth To Myth To A Morphed Resurgence

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Job Security: Agreed Truth To Myth To A Morphed Resurgence

Wouldn’t we all love to not have a figurative axe swinging over our heads? If you look closely on the handle, it says ‘job redundancy’. That old familiar feeling of losing a job and not having any control to stop it from happening has plagued many of our minds most of our lives. And it’s true, your worries are justified so don’t start thinking you’re worrying over nothing. The economic crash in 2008 showed us that there are very few jobs that are recession-proof.

At any time, your job could go onto the chopping block as companies change, make cuts, and throw a role into another and merge them to only need one worker instead of two. There are endless reasons for why most jobs are able to be squashed when they are needed to, but none of them satisfies us when we have been let go. So that begs the question, should we turn away in anger at experts who talk about ‘job security’?

What is necessary:

Don’t get emotional about economics, it’s purely logical. Ask yourself what is really needed for society to keep functioning? Food, water, and power. So, any job that is necessary in these fields will be saved by almost anything to hit a company or economy. Jobs like trucking will never die because hauling loads is needed for businesses to survive. They need their freight to be delivered so they can keep functioning, providing a service or products to their customers, and maintaining certain parts of the national structure. Check out the knight transportation near me and see what kind of jobs could give you this security that cannot fail no matter what happens. They have training courses that can lead you onto different kinds of trucking jobs.

Time served is not safe:

Once upon a time when you were considered a veteran in a company, you were spared from any kind of cuts. However, nowadays companies cannot play favorites if they want to compete. Therefore, if you are one of the longest standing workers in your company, don’t consider yourself safe. What business leaders want is commitment and performance. In this regard, you’re only as good as your last working day, week, or month. They require everyone to be working their best and showing results for their actions.

Even if you have worked for the same company for decades, you need to keep your job performance levels high all of the time – and, perhaps, even higher than the average worker seeing as you’re more experienced. One way to keep improving in the company despite your tenure is to do training classes and get certified in new skills. This could be reasonable suspicion training for DOT, health and safety, or even management courses. These additional trainings can help take your career to the next level.

New wave:

A new wave of jobs are coming onto the market that may be swapping security with competition. Freelance roles around the world that are mainly online remote working are giving anyone with the skill and commitment the chance to earn good money when they want to. From writing professional CVs for clients, reviewing products that get sent to you, testing online services for companies in the build phase, and even writing hotel reviews after being paid to be a guest for a few days are just some of the jobs being created.

Job security was true once upon a time, then, it sadly became a myth and now it seems to be making a comeback but in a completely different way. The bottom line is, never rely on your job title or time served to be spared from cuts and recessions and keep working hard to stay in a positive light.

October Guest Bloggers

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October Guest Bloggers

Hello! In October, I will be out of town for about ten days, and would love some help maintaining the blog while I’m away. Lots of spooky fun can be had in October, from Halloween makeup posts to pro tips on pumpkin carving and it would be wonderful to be able to feature more of my friends on lifewithlilred. If you’re interested in creating a fall or Halloween post, or really anything you want, please shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com ! Thanks in advance! -Sarah