Life Lessons Taking Up The Challenge Of A New Career 2:00 PM When you are in your teens, you don’t have a clear idea of what you’d like to do with your life. You have vague thoughts about careers or take classes you are interested in without being set on a specific job role. Many people fall into jobs that suit their qualifications or were available at the time they were looking but which they don’t find fulfilling. If you’ve found yourself at a crossroads in your life and you feel dissatisfied with what you’re doing, it’s never too late to retrain and take up the challenge of a new career. Taking up the Challenge of a New Career Training and qualifications Many jobs people choose as their dream career paths require academic or vocational qualifications.Healthcare, academia, law, finance, and so on are jobs that require specific qualifications, or if you’re shifting to a trade or creative endeavor, you’ll do much better if you have experience and the appropriate certification. Training for a new career will require determination and a genuine interest in the subject because you may have to work while you study. You’ll need an income to support yourself and the means to pay for your course, so unless you have a substantial nest egg to fall back on, you’ll be working all day and then hitting the books at night.If you have chosen the right path, this will be a labor of love and something you’re glad to undertake, so it can be a good test of how well-suited you are to the new career. Becoming involved in your new community Your chances of success in your new career will improve if you start to make connections and contacts in your chosen field while in training. For example, say you want to become an architect. Your first step will be to enroll in a program to get your bachelor of architecture degree. While studying, you can start visiting trade shows, reading professional literature, and joining local and national groups in architecture. There will be forums, Facebook groups, and email lists, as well as job boards and career opportunities online that will help you get involved and find work placements. You can also contact local firms of architects for advice and assistance with your training and career, and you may find you can secure an internship or part-time job while you are studying. This will give you the experience you need to make your resume more eye-catching and display your commitment to the role. Changing a career isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, as it will dramatically affect your life. You’ll have far less leisure time and put yourself under additional pressure to gain your qualification and find a good job. However, if a career change is correct, it could substantially improve your quality of life and help you find joy in what you do.
Listicle How To Have A Fulfilling Career In Teaching 5:48 AM Teaching is one of the most fulfilling career decisions that you can choose, allowing you to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people and focus on helping them to achieve their goals. However, every fulfilling career choice also has lots of hard work behind the scenes to get the education and training that you need to become a teacher and to start helping others. How to Have a Fulfilling Career in Teaching Get a Teaching Degree Every teacher working in the U.S must have a degree, with many teachers opting to educate themselves at an even higher level with a Masters or Ph.D. Many teachers aim to earn a degree in any subject before taking an additional teaching course on top of this, enabling them to expand their career options. However, if you want to open up the the best job prospects available to you, and if you are set on a career in teaching, then there are many specialist teaching degrees available. Merrimack College offers an elementary education masters online which can build on your prior knowledge of teaching and allow you to specialize. Find Classroom Experience After you have reached the education level that you desire, you can then start to consider how you will get the classroom experience that you need to succeed. Many schools offer schemes that allow students and those interested in working with children to go on a placement within the school. This will allow you to gain the experience and skills that you need in a practical way, from knowing the best practices to teach children, to all elements of childcare. Many degree courses, however, will have classroom experience combined with the course requirements, meaning that you will be assigned a placement as part of your course. Apply for the Right Documentation Every state also requires the right documentation for graduates to work as teachers and with children, and these include licenses and record checks. You must have state certification to work in schools, no matter what your role is. However, if you are considering working in a private school, you may not have to have these documents as they are outside of state regulations. Find a Teaching Position There is a large demand for teachers in the US. You should decide what type of teaching position you want to look for before applying, such as special needs schools, elementary or secondary schools, or religious options. Most teaching positions are advertised broadly in local newspapers and on job listing websites. The best time to search for a job is during the summer, when the highest majority of staff change-over occurs, and when organizations are particularly streamlined in looking to fill job roles while the school terms have come to an end. Teaching affords you the opportunity to impart knowledge and wisdom to children, plan lessons and activities, and care for every child in your classroom. Therefore, it can be a superbly rewarding career path to actively pursue.
Business Is A Career In Healthcare Right For You? 9:09 AM Is A Career In Healthcare Right For You Healthcare providers have proven real-life heroes in the past couple of years.And they do more than what you see. For instance, nurses have technical and administrative roles in healthcare planning, staff management, and more. Let's look at healthcare careers and see if it is right for you. Is healthcare growing or shrinking? The good news is that in most areas of healthcare, there's an apparent expanding demand. Healthcare is growing from counties with local and affordable clinics or hospitals needing reliable registered nurses (RNs) to work in specialist care wards. People get sicker as they age, so the demand for healthcare facilities only grows with an aging population. In the US alone, 16% of the population belongs in the age range of 65 and older.The healthcare industry grows yearly, and healthcare professionals face strenuous and demanding daily tasks. For this reason, each healthcare industry must do all it can to help workers and prevent carer burnout also from all other workers too. This could be with support, fair pay, a better work environment, etc. Better Job Security? In most areas of healthcare, there needs to be more qualified nurses, doctors, and other medical personnel. Hospitals often cannot hire fast enough to meet demands, a growing problem. Some healthcare professionals, like nurses, primarily work in different fields, like the corporate world.Current concerns over artificial intelligence, automation, and other technology-related innovations might threaten healthcare professionals' job roles.Are nurses going to be replaced by robots soon?How will they affect the healthcare profession? AI could suggest what might be wrong with a patient based on their diagnosis or test results, but they can't provide warmth and personal care from doctors or nurses. The flexibility of where to work in the US or Abroad? Given the demand for qualified personnel to work in certain positions in healthcare, healthcare professionals are needed across the States. That's true in larger cities and smaller rural communities that often find it challenging to attract the best talent. For anyone who enjoys small-town living and a greater sense of community, a nursing role within the community will be perfect, away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life. A generous relocation allowance sometimes encourages the best talent to move from a different state. The flexibility for nurses is outstanding. Some have chosen to be van dwellers, moving to different nursing jobs through the seasons. This is true of Nate Hemann, an RN, who recently hit the news with stories about his ownership of a home on wheels. There's also an occupational therapist who does the same thing, and several female travel nurses have embraced the RV lifestyle for greater flexibility. How to get involved with healthcare? The time to study to become a doctor and the debt one might accumulate before graduating are extreme. By contrast, nursing is a common choice for those who want to be in the healthcare industry. The great thing about nursing is that there's a clear educational path in this career, with nurses able to decide how far they wish to progress.Most health science courses require a University Clinical Aptitude Test or UCAT to get entry. There are UCAT guides to help you prepare for your aptitude test. Studying for an Associate degree in Nursing is one possible step that takes at least a couple of years but provides what is required to work in the profession. Becoming an RN does require an exam and passing the licensing requirements for the state where you'll be working. From the registered nurse stage, moving from an RN to BSN is a matter of taking the BSN degree in nursing, which is more extended and advanced. Still working as an RN, you'll have access to more senior nursing positions. The RN to BSN in Georgia also suits people who plan to stay and work in that state. Is the healthcare career trajectory positive? Nurses can move from the BSN to study for a master's in nursing. From there, a Ph.D. is possible too. Alternatively, at the master's level, there's the option to study for a future nursing administrator role.This would move behind the scenes in charge of how the hospital is run to ensure that frontline medical staff has what they need to perform at their best. Healthcare professional Is a Career In Healthcare Right For You? Overall, healthcare is a fantastic field to be a part of. There are optimistic expectations regarding job demand, availability, and flexibility too. In terms of the roles themselves, you're free to pick one that matches your skills and preferences. Additionally, choosing your studies wisely opens doors to more excellent career options.These nursing jobs offer interesting choices with specializations like acute care, pediatric care, and management or administrative career paths. A career in healthcare looks positive in the present and future too.
How-To Give Something Back To The Community With Your Career 10:13 PM What gets you out of bed in the morning? Motivation is a key factor when choosing which career path to follow. Some people are motivated by money, and while others prioritize low stress and flexible working hours. Others still put their creative or artistic talents to work or pursue their personal interests regardless of income. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it has to be said that there are many people in the world who have dedicated their time and talents to help their community to thrive. Whether you are just starting out on your career path, are looking for a career change, or are returning to the world of work after having a family, choosing a role that helps your community could be the key to lifelong job satisfaction. In terms of the education and training required, some only need a high school diploma to get started. For others, you may need more advanced education. Here are some examples of fantastic careers that give something back to the community. Give Something Back to the Community with Your Career 1. Social Worker A social worker supports people who are going through the most challenging times in their lives by connecting them with the right organizations and resources. The issues social workers are likely to face include family trauma, mental health, childcare, substance abuse, health, and employment. Social workers need to study for a bachelor’s degree in social work.With an advanced degree, they may be able to advance to a higher salary or even obtain a position as a community services manager if they gain enough experience. 2. Community Services Manager While it is the social workers who are directly delivering programs of support in the community, the community services manager is responsible for the planning and development of community programs and social services. They are sometimes referred to as social services managers and are dedicated to developing and coordinating programs that will improve the lives of people in their community. This includes research and administration as well as monitoring progress and analyzing the impact of a program. A community services manager will need to have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills as well as experience in social work and a master of social work degree. 3. Community Health Worker A community health worker is someone who helps the community live healthier lifestyles and works to increase awareness around potential health issues and preventative measures they can take. They will assess the needs of the community, develop a program that meets those needs, deliver it, and monitor its impact. A community health worker can often represent a community when trying to secure improved health facilities or resources. To become a community health worker, a high school diploma is needed followed by specific training. 4. Law Enforcement Law enforcement is a highly regarded but challenging career, but there are few others that are quite so selfless. The law enforcement officer works to protect their community, often putting themselves in danger in the process. Officers can work at a local, state, or federal level by upholding the law, arresting those who are suspected of breaking the law, and helping people who are in emergency situations. They may also be involved in ongoing criminal investigations and/or legal proceedings. To become a police officer, you need to have a high school diploma, be over 21 and have passed the training (including a minimum level of physical fitness). 5. Firefighter Firefighters are most associated with preventing and extinguishing fires in the community, but they are involved in protecting the community in many more ways. They will also respond to emergencies that don’t involve fire but require firetruck equipment, and they may care for injured people at the scene. Firefighters regularly put their lives at risk in their efforts to serve the community. What they do is not easy. Thankfully, there is now fire reporting software that helps fire services efficiently manage their entire operation throughout every step of the process, while also improving the safety of those involved in responding to incidents.Having achieved a high school diploma, firefighters need to pass specific training, be very physically fit and have a driver’s license. 6. Occupational Therapist An occupational therapist works with people of all ages to try and help them overcome health issues that negatively affect their quality of life. They help young children, teenagers, adults, and elderly people who have suffered injuries or illnesses (mental or physical) that are restricting them. Whether recovering from an accident, a life-changing injury, or an ongoing condition, an occupational therapist can be the key to their independence. Occupational therapists need to obtain a master’s degree and must be licensed. 7. Teacher There is a very famous song that says that children are our future, and if you believe that to be true, helping to educate children is an incredibly worthwhile use of your career.Education is not only about academic achievement but is also crucial in helping young people become the best possible versions of themselves. Equipping children with the academic, social, and practical skills (not to mention emotional maturity) they need in order to thrive as adults are literally building your community’s future. You can play a crucial role in helping them discover their unique talents and passions that could stay with them throughout their lives. 8. Counselor Counseling is a broad term that encompasses several careers, but in general terms, a counselor is someone who supports people who are working through emotional and mental problems in their lives. Often, a counselor will work in a specific niche, such as couples counseling, school guidance counseling, mental health, family trauma or breakdown, or substance misuse and addiction issues. The support provided can take many forms, including cognitive behavioral therapy, talking therapy, and experiential therapy. 9. Registered Nurse A registered nurse is a crucial role in the community.While a physician or surgeon will diagnose and prescribe treatment and/or surgery for patients, it is a nurse who provides practical and emotional care. Nurses are also often able to fulfill a wider role in the community, including educating people about healthy living and preventing illnesses.A nurse practitioner can take on a lot of the same responsibilities as a physician, including prescribing treatment. Are you still deciding which path to take? Steve Jobs once said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."Choose a career that gives back to the community and feel your love tank fill up.
How-To How To Spring Clean Your Life This Year 10:23 PM It’s time for spring cleaning - not just our homes but our lives. Rather than focusing on New Year’s resolutions you know you will never stick to, take a more proactive approach to improve your life, from self-improvement to decluttering your stuff. If you want to ensure next year is one to remember, learn how to spring-clean your life this year. 1. Review Your Finances & Start SavingAfter many months of hard work, do you have little money in the bank? Provide yourself with more financial security this year by reviewing your budget. For example, compare your outgoings against your income to identify where you are wasting your revenue. You should also open a savings account to develop a rainy-day fund to enjoy financial security throughout the year. 2. Spruce Up Your Credit History Speaking of your finances, do you have a poor credit history? If so, this could prevent you from securing a mortgage or car loan. However, it is possible to dispute a report to repair your credit. Crediful specializes in helping people take control of their finances, so you should read their review on a popular credit repair company that could help you receive the keys to your own property or car this year. 3. Alter Your Attitude A negative attitude can affect your day. Give yourself a fresh start by developing a more positive mindset. Whenever you have a pessimistic thought, counteract it with a positive affirmation. It might also be helpful to undertake cognitive behavioural therapy to manage your emotions and problems effectively, as it can change how you think and behave. 4. Remove Physical Clutter Clear your mind by clearing your home of physical clutter. Take the time to remove items simply collecting dust in your home. This means finally tackling your junk drawer, pulling unwanted items out of an attic, or purging your rooms of items, taking up unnecessary floor space in the home. It will help create a light, airy, and bigger home. 5. Automate Your Bills Take a little stress out of your life by automating your bills, as you’ll simply need to make sure there is enough money in an account to cover your outgoings each month. You also can streamline your payments by ensuring your bills leave the same account to make it easier to track your expenses. 6. Get Real About Your Career As your career will take up most of your time, it must make you happy. Ask yourself if you’re in the right job or if something bigger and better awaits you. Maybe you are settling as you’re too afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If so, there is no time like now to take your career into your own hands. Change jobs, expand your qualifications, or identify ways to climb the corporate ladder. 7. Start Clearing Your Debts If you want to live a happier, more peaceful life, embrace a debt-free lifestyle. Like decluttering your home, getting rid of your debts can make you much happier. Aim to pay off your credit cards or make bigger loan repayments so that you will free up your finances in the future. You can then focus on spending the money on home improvement tasks, a dream vacation, or a large nest egg. 8. Say Goodbye to Toxic Friends While it might not be easy to say goodbye to friends you’ve known for many years, you need to remove them from your life if they pull you down instead of building you up. While you might feel connected to them because of the time you’ve known them or the journey you have taken together, you cannot keep them in your life simply for nostalgia. If someone mistreats you, they’re not your friend. 9. Make a To-Do List Do you struggle with organization? Do you constantly miss deadlines or fail to identify your priorities? If so, consider making to-do lists to perform every essential task on schedule. Whether juggling multiple tasks at work or wanting to complete projects at home, making a list that breaks down the tasks by priority, day, or concern can simplify your life.How are you going to spring clean your life this year?
Life Lessons 3 Important Life Lessons I Learned From Changing Careers 4:56 AM I'm a licensed pharmacist. Why did I become one? Because my mother wanted me to. 😂 It's not even on top of the things I was choosing when I was about to go to college. From working in a hospital to the corporate world to chasing my own dreams, I've grown. There are 3 important life lessons I learned from changing careers and it's a surprisingly fun discovery. Lessons Learned From Changing Careers I wanted to take up Psychology, Dentistry or Business Administration. But I suck at Math. So goodbye business degree. My grandma told me a terrible story about a dentistry student so I was discouraged from becoming a dentist. And I don't know what I'd do after Psych. Plus---and most importantly, my mother was always persistent (a more subtle way of saying pushy😂) in what she wants for me. I have no regrets. I've learned to like Pharmacy and all the branches of Chemistry that came with it. Even though my grades disagree. I've met friends and got to experience unforgettable things in college. BUT my first love is writing. Even when I didn't realize it then yet. Even when I would have grammar slips from time to time. I like to tell stories through the written word. 1. You always make time for what you love To please my parents or more like to stop them from giving me guilt trips, I followed a career in Pharmacy for five years or so. It was okay but although I got paid alright, I wasn't happy. Obviously that's what happens when you do something you don't like just to please others. Even if it's family or parents you're trying to please. The Bible says honor your mother and father. It didn't say you let them control your life. What pushed me to leave my career even more (as if I needed more reasons) is the toxic environment. I was appalled that in the so-called "professional" world, people could still be so rude, immature and ironically, unprofessional. Everyone seemed entitled. I was adamant that I should not end up like that and when I felt like I was turning into one of them, it scared me. I was working more like an admin/secretary anyway. I never got to apply what I excruciatingly studied in the university. Even during this time though, I would always find time to write. I write online on platforms like Friendster and Multiply or scribble on a piece of paper because this was before I discovered blogging. I've realized that in career as in everything else in life, you will always find the time to do what you love. There are no excuses. There are no delays. If you want to do it, you will and you will find the time. 2. Prioritize yourself Shortly after my Pharmacy practice, I found myself in the corporate world. It was totally unplanned. I was hired within the day. I was happy! Compared to being a pharmacist, this was exciting. I was exposed to online tools and technologies I wasn't familiar with. I was working in a much cleaner, more modern, cooler office and diverse culture. I was suddenly a city girl enjoying my new-found freedom and discovering and rediscovering what I really want. I was able to think about myself first. And you know what? It's okay to love yourself first. Self-love is healthy. You can't give something you don't have. You have to fill your tank first before you can pour it out. Finally, after ten years of working, I was able to take a real vacation. So this is how it feels to be enjoying the fruits of my labor? It was exhilarating. I got to reset and sort out my priorities. But I don't need to do a self-reflection to know that writing is still what I really want. 3. Keep working There will always be hardship. There will always be obstacles as you work towards your dreams. You should be worried if there's none. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is in the struggles that you learn to be strong. It is in the nothing that you realize what is superficial and what is essential. If you want something bad enough, keep working for it. Before I left the crazy corporate world, I would juggle one or two side jobs. I would be attending seminars which I know could help me in my pursuit of what I want, even if that would mean I would be forgoing sleep. Some friends would ask me to teach them too, but when I tell them what they need to do and sacrifice, they get discouraged. They'd rather sleep in or spend their extra money on their vices rather than invest on what they know is good for them. I'm not saying you should stop having fun and overwork. Enjoy but keep working on your dreams. Even if it's just taking three minutes of your time watching a video tutorial. Or listening to speakers who can motivate you. Or reading short inspiring stories that can help you realize or remember your goals. As Steve Jobs said, keep learning. Especially now that we have different resources available online, there's no excuse not to learn anything. My changing careers didn't make my parents happy at first. But that doesn't make me a bad daughter. I want to believe that it made me a better person. I still encounter difficulties and problems with what I do but again if you really love what you do, you find a way to fix it. You don't find an excuse to walk away. Have you changed career? Tell me about it in the comment! If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
People Evan Golden: Dawn of Golden TV 5:00 AM Do you believe in serendipity? For Evan Golden of Eye of South Florida and Golden TV's successful career as a print and television model, entertainment, and sports reporter, you can say it has played a significant role. That fateful day MTV producers saw him was the dawn of golden TV, so to speak. Why Golden TV? Most shows are just taking so much air time but not delivering quality. In short, you sit there, and in the end, you gain nothing. You just wasted hours of your life you won’t be getting back. You sit there and wonder, “What did I just watch?” Sad to say, young people---especially children--- are sometimes left alone or allowed by their parents or guardians to watch on their own. Curiosity or poor judgment may lead them to watch TV shows unsuitable for their young minds.Media is a vast and powerful influence in children’s formative years, developing behavior and educating the public. TV is one accessible tool that can do all that.Evan Golden offers edutainment. Evan said in his own wise words, “Edutainment is a form of entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse.” Getting educated does not have to be boring, and that’s how Evan delivers his shows.When you turn on your cable TV (or streaming platforms), there are thousands of shows to choose from. When watching interviews and shows on TV, look for Evan Golden. This guy knows how to add value to what he does, which in the same way, adds value to his viewers. About Evan Golden I’ve mentioned serendipity playing a significant role in Evan Golden’s life.That is because although he has loved the camera since college and did some co-hosting programs in his school, it was only by chance that he got discovered and started his career as a TV personality. He was accompanying his sister for an audition for MTV. The expert eyes of MTV producers saw a star in Evan and asked him to audition for a special with actress, singer, and dancer Carmen Electra. He auditioned and, not surprisingly, got the part. The rest is golden TV history. Evan Golden’s page Shows Evan Golden appeared in:Trigger HappyThe Mandy Moore ShowWanna Come In (MTV) He was most recognized when he appeared on the reality show Ivana Young Man hosted by Ivana Trump. Aside from being a print model, he also appeared in advertisements like Ovaltine (More Ovaltine, please?!), Walt Disney Wilderness Lodge, Bowman’s Online Sports, Orange, E!, and Rockstar Energy Drink. You can see Evan interviewing big shots in the entertainment and sports industry. Now he’s a successful TV producer and host of Eye on South Florida. Golden Heart Aside from his career in edutainment, Evan is also a philanthropist. He is giving back and supporting charities like Meadow’s Movement in honor of the memory of Meadow Pollack, a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who was shot with 17 other students and staff members. Golden TV Nowadays, everyone can host and run their own shows. The competition to be the best is challenging. The good thing is viewers are now more intelligent. They don’t just watch to be entertained. They tend to learn too. They know that every second spent is a learning opportunity. And that’s where edutainment becomes a standard when looking for something to pass your time. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find gold on TV with Evan Golden’s Golden TV.
Freelancing Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever Made 7:11 AM I'll be celebrating my 5th anniversary as a full-time freelancer this year. 🥳 I gotta say, freelancing has been the best decision I ever made career-wise.Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever MadePre-freelancing lifeFor those who don't know, I'm a licensed pharmacist. But, I've always known my heart is in writing. When I was in college, I thought I'd work in a hospital, put up my own drugstore and maybe even have a few branches in different cities. Or franchise an already established pharmacy...and live happily ever after.But, things don't always work out the way we planned.I worked in a hospital and drugstore but putting up my own pharmacy didn't come to pass.One day I realized mixing and dispensing drugs weren't the things I wanted to do all my life.I really tried, but the heart wants what it wants. We heart itOne day, I passed by a BPO company and thought, "Well, why not?"I went in and applied. By the end of the day, I got a new job.A part-time freelancer's strugglesWhile working graveyard shifts in my new career, I found an opportunity to work online. It was an excellent way to get my foot inside the door of the freelancing world.But, it wasn't enough.I was underpaid, plus working at night was exhausting. I could barely function to work on my online tasks by the end of the shift.So, I quit and focused on my regular job.Villains of my freelancing story: Fear and ContentmentTwo things were stopping me from focusing on freelancing: my fear of uncertainty (I had zero ideas about freelancing back then) andthe contentment and security a regular job offers.I was at peace knowing I would get a certain amount of money by the end of the month.Change saved the dayAfter I transferred to a different company, I had a prodding to find an online gig again.My job then actually pays me more than the previous ones.The task was more difficult, but I was having fun.I enjoyed learning things, took advantage of the free training they offered, and liked where I was at that point in my life.I was more confident, independent, and, dare I say it---I was, bolder in making decisions.That's a totally different story, though.GiphyBack to freelancing's armsBefore I decided to freelance full-time five years ago, I had a lot of apprehension.What if it won't work, and I'll be out of money in no time?What if I can't do it? There's no one to ask. What if they won't pay me?I wasn't happy with my work anymore, though. I knew it was time to bid the traditional office setting goodbye.My will to find better opportunities was stronger than my fear.So, even though I was afraid, I decided to own it.TenorMan, it was terrifying. And tough at the start.The first few months of working online full-time were terrifying but liberating.I left the comfort and security of my job in one of Forbes' Fortune 500 companies. I made do with what little knowledge I had about freelancing.I made Google and YouTube, my teachers.I did what I could to survive.But surviving is not what I came here for. I believe God put me here to do great things.Freelancing in the time of C O V I DI knew there was more to accepting what cheapskate clients were giving me.Getting paid just enough to cover my bills and my necessities beat the purpose of leaving the corporate world.I always knew I wasn't born just to work, pay my bills, and die.There's more to life than keeping your nose to the grindstone.If this C OVID has taught me one thing (or validated what I already know), it's that nothing's sure in this world.You can lose the normal you know in an instant. Heck, our global economy was crashed by an unseen enemy.But...Like anything in life, the change could be challenging, but we learn to adapt. It's human nature. 💪Some changes are forced upon us, others we decide for ourselves.Freelancing is one of the best decisions I made. I found a gig as a content writer and haven't looked back since.Though it wasn't always easy, the past year has been the best because of this guy named John R Pagulayan.If there's one thing I can advise my younger self about freelancing, there are better, higher-paying clients.And I'd say:Younger self, go find John now, so you don't waste your time and energy with these cheapskate clients!I can't teach you how to become a freelancer, but the great news is that my coach John Pagulayan is about to hold a FREE Workshop, and I highly recommend you join because he's done a LOT to change my mindset and the way I treat my freelancing business.He's going to share how CO VID accidentally created 6-figure earners and how anyone can do it, too, even if you have✔️ no experience✔️ no skills✔️ no prior credentialsThis can also help you if you're already working online but✔️ sick and tired of working with cheapskates✔️ want to turn your freelancing into a lucrative business✔️ willing to learn how to win in your niche✔️ interested in getting more clients to find you and not the other way aroundUPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. If you're interested to learn more, you can click here to register.If you have any questions about John, feel free to email me or leave your comment below.Happy to help!Now more than ever, we need to seek more opportunities online.Times have changed. During this pandemic, when we're advised to stay home and not be in close physical contact with people, I urge you to try out freelancing. It's the best decision you'll ever make. UPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when the doors open again.READ 👉 How A Former Executive Assistant Got An ₱80K Per Month Consultant Role in 42 Days… Even Without ExperienceREAD 👉 How A Corporate Employee Earned An Additional P50K Monthly Income From A Side HustleContains affiliate links.
Lux Thinking Aloud My Word for 2025: Expand 6:31 AM My Word for 2025: Expand Who else isn’t big on resolutions? I know I’m not. Instead, since 2014, I’ve been choosing a word for the year. It’s like a theme that sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s a small tradition that helps me focus and grow intentionally. Have you picked yours yet? Here’s my word for 2025:ExpandTo expand means to broaden, to stretch beyond what you already know, and to grow into something greater. That’s exactly what I’m planning to do this year.It’s not about stepping out of my comfort zone. That phrase feels too forced. Instead, it’s about extending my reach, building on what I know and love, and growing from there. Does that make sense?On My ReadingIf you’ve followed my book reviews and recommendations, you know romance novels are my go-to. I can finish them in one sitting because they’re my favorite escape.But this year, I’m mixing it up. I’m adding non-fiction to my list—autobiographies and self-help books, specifically. I’ve already started with Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and wow, it’s a journey.Reading non-fiction is slower for me, and that’s okay. Unlike romance, non-fiction isn’t meant to be devoured. It’s meant to be savored—absorbed in small bits, reflected on, and applied to life.Health & WellnessIn addition to my usual Pilates and yoga routine, I’m bringing back something I used to love: dancing. I don’t know why I stopped (thanks, adulting!), but it’s time to revisit that part of me.I'd love your recommendations if you know of any fun, beginner-friendly dance classes (nothing like Zumba or overly complex choreography). Let’s keep it simple and joyful!Career in Digital MarketingOver the years, I’ve learned that clients value results over certifications. That said, continuous learning is essential—especially in digital marketing, where everything evolves quickly.Pinterest MarketingLast year, I started my journey as a Pinterest marketer, and it’s already been rewarding. My clients are seeing real, profitable results, and I’m just getting started. This year, I’m doubling down on Pinterest.SEO Content MarketingI am also sharpening my SEO skills. After all, content writing is my first love, and SEO is the magic that brings it to life for online businesses. There's something satisfying about typing a keyword and seeing the article on top of the search results page. Happy for my client and myself!YouTube VideosThis isn’t a career move or a product I’m selling. It’s more of an experimental project for me. I recently created a YouTube channel, Sound Sleep Solutions, featuring white noise and relaxing background audio. It’s perfect for:Focusing during work or studyMeditating and finding calmImproving sleep qualityAdding a soothing background soundtrack to your dayWhat’s next? To align with my 2025 word, Expand, I’m taking this project further:Uploading content to YouTube Music (I just discovered it’s a separate platform!).Sharing my tracks on Spotify for broader reach.Adding more white noise options and creating new relaxing music tracks to cater to diverse preferences.If you’re looking for peaceful sounds to enhance your day, I’d love for you to check it out. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome! 😊Selling Digital ProductsI started selling digital products on Amazon last year.My Amazon, Tales N Doodles, sells children’s coloring books and journal notebooks with witty covers (you can see previews of the products on the right side of this page if you're reading with your laptop).I’m expanding my collection with adult coloring books and upgraded journals this 2025. Journaling has been a big part of my life lately, so why not create something others will love, too? I have other plans I'm excited about. Stay tuned for more!Expanding My CircleI wish I could say I’m joining clubs or doing volunteer work this year, but let’s be honest—that’s a no for me. As an introvert, homebody, and self-proclaimed anti-social human, I’m perfectly content with my circle as it is.However, I am expanding my online network by connecting with fellow book lovers on Bookstagram and Goodreads. If you’re there too, let’s link up!Travels and ExperiencesFingers crossed that 2025 brings more opportunities to explore new places and create unforgettable memories. While I can’t make solid plans yet due to personal and logistical reasons, I’m hopeful. Here’s to manifesting positive outcomes!Past Words for InspirationIf you’re thinking of choosing a word for your year, here are some of mine from the past for inspiration:2024: Elevate – Improving in what I do and who I am.2023: No – Saying no to the less important so I can say yes to what truly matters.2020: Premium – Choosing not to settle for less.2019: Milestone – A year of many firsts.2018: Spontaneous – Embracing spontaneity, even as a control freak.2017: Winning – Overcoming inner battles and emerging victorious.2016: Unorthodox – Doing things differently and stepping out of character when necessary.2015: Better – Striving to be better than the year before.2014: More – Saying yes to more experiences, opportunities, and growth.Word for 2025Have you chosen your word for 2025? I’d love to hear it! Whatever it is, I pray this will be a year of breakthroughs, answered prayers, and healing for us all.All images: AI-generated by Internet Marketing Ad
