Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Finding a job is such a struggle in today's landscape. I envy the older generation who just needed a degree and smart casual clothing to land their feet firmly inside their careers. Now the fresh grads have to squeeze past the competition to even get an interview. Alongside that, they battle against the gigantic size label that lands in their pathway - 'unemployment'. Such an ugly word ... but why? Because the word unemployment is filled with judgement at its core. It's even plastered all over the official definition ...
The idea of not being invested in or not holding value is hurtful, and frankly, unjustly simplifying the whole situation. It implies that you haven't tried; that you have failed to make your way through life. But that is - excuse my language - utter bullshit. That definition doesn't capture the internal struggle and complexity of transiting between one part of your life to the next. So with that in mind, I present to you the journey of unemployment in five simple stages ...
Speechless is how you left me. One hundred and sixty-eight hours later and I'm still struggling to find words to explain, to comfort, to process. My mind won't let me believe you no longer exist in the same universe; that we no longer breathe the same air.
They call us millennials. Lazy with technology at our fingertips they say. No clue about the meaning of life; wasting our time away. The lost generation absorbed in our mobiles and trending memes. We don't know how good we have it. And that's what it may seem on the outside, but we are so much more than that.
We're the underdogs on a mission.
You're waiting on the platform for your next train into work. The sky is a blended mixture of light pale blue and auburn. The bitter cold from the morning air hits your cheeks, while you're sandwiched between two strangers. As your neighbour taps his boot against the concrete, you can't help but peer over the edge of the platform searching for on-coming trains. Finally, the train arrives, but as it's the early morning rush hour, you struggle to find a seat and are left standing in the crowd. Next to you is a young teen, blasting the latest rap tune gracing the Big Top 40. The beat pulses through the airwaves on the tight-knit carriage. How can you escape the chaos around you for the next hour? How do you entertain your mind from solid boredom?
Podcasts have honestly been my personal life-saver on the morning commute. An entertaining topic and captivating voice can definitely make that incredibly long journey fly by. They can be a great way to brighten up your morning. I've fallen in love listening to engaging stories and found inspiration from the great and passionate. So today, I'm going to share a few of my favourites with you.
When Sophia Amoruso was only 22, she created an eBay store called Nasty Gal Vintage. Little did she know that her hobby would continue to grow into a multi-million dollar business, and help her become the youngest member on the Forbes’ list of Richest Self-Made Women. Reflecting on her experiences, Sophia documented her journey to become the woman that she is today through the pages of #GIRLBOSS.
#GIRLBOSS is the ultimate bible you never knew you needed. That may seem strange to say considering recent events (Nasty Gal filing for bankruptcy), but don't let that discourage you from reading this. This book is utter perfection and is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016. Sophia has beautifully crafted and cultivated a flawless and enjoyable guide into how to conquer your battles, handle setbacks and strive for success. It's raw, honest and genuine. She shares her experiences like an older sister would, reflecting on her fondest and most cringe-worthy memories, and the life lessons she learned from them. Speaking of life lessons, let's get started!
London has always been sort of an enigma to me. Several months ago, all I knew of this city was its residential cul-de-sacs and suburban roads, leading to family and family friend's houses. Through visiting over the years, I had been so close to the centre - the pulsing heart of the country, - but yet had bypassed its core. That was until January when I packed up my bags and left for the big city.
Since then, I've been thoroughly inducted as a Londoner. Long gone are the fresh doe eyes as I awoke every morning to take the tube to central, surrounded by natives who could barely notice my excitement through their sleepy daydreams. Instead of pausing to gaze in awe on my journey to work, I now briskly rush down its street and into the dark tunnels of the underground tube system. I zoom past other faces of people I've never known before in solidarity, as we all focus on our own destinations. But there are many times, I still find myself deeply fascinated. I pause midway and begin to admire the beauty of this city. On the surface I may be a Londoner, but my heart beats as a tourist, seeing this city for the first time all over again.
Remember the days when you had to ask your parents to buy you something you wanted? Back then, I certainly never had to worry one bit about fishing for change in my back pocket. But alas, with independence and adult life comes the bittersweet responsibility of money. At first, you feel pretty powerful looking at your bank account when you get your first proper paycheck or installment of your student loan. But then comes the bills, one after the other. First rent, food and then utilities - the practical trio as I like to call them. Before you know it, that big lump sum you had at the beginning of the month ... well it's starting to shrink fast.
Every penny seriously counts as an adult. Sometimes the difference between one pound or two in your weekly grocery shopping could help you book a holiday far far away later in the year. The idea of saving may seem pretty daunting, but it's well worth doing in the long term. Future you will be very happy you did so! On that note, here are five tips to help you make the most of your pennies.
Over the past several weeks, I've begun to fall in love with so many little aspects of London. From the quaint little pop-up shops in Underground stations to the bright lights of Piccadilly Square, there is always something to do and something to see here. But in order to get anywhere in this bustling city, you need to take the tube a.k.a the most organised form of chaos you have ever seen!
It can be pretty tricky navigating in a new city, especially one with its own etiquette of public transport. I can still distinctly remember stumbling across Euston station for the first time like a lost puppy, while so many Londoners passed by me faster than the wind could carry them. They, of course, knew exactly where they were going, while I had to call up my Google Map Instructions to figure out where the hell I was. The joys of being a tourist! So from my perspective as a Londoner of two and a half months, here's how to take the tube like a natural.
Hello wonderful people from the other side, how are you all? You may have noticed over the past several weeks that I haven't posted in a while. Life has been pretty busy lately. While most people after New Year's Day were winding down to go back to the everyday post-festive routine, I was packing and planning my move all across the country for a new job. And of all cities to move to in the world, I moved to London. The ultimate destination of all freaking cities, how crazy right? It's definitely been an adjustment period that's for sure! London is like it's own little country, with it's own little system separate from the rest of England and it's been interesting so far to say the least. It's been a few weeks and I still can't believe I'm here!
London is the type of city that really needs no introduction. Its the gem of England, and probably the first city that most tourists think of when they think of Britain. You spend most of your early morning commuting with passing strangers, trying to avoid explicit eye contact. Your tube journeys are filled with bizarre moments and memories of intriguing characters and prologued delays. London is also the type of city that makes you very aware of the value of money. Seriously a tiny sandwich portion for £5, I could probably have made 3 square meals just from that! But past those elements there's something so enchanting about this little city that had an undeniable draw. Putting aside the logical notions of career prospects, there is so much to see and do. So much I even don't know where to start! Its a rich city surrounded by history and developing culture. I'm so excited to be here and can't wait to see what the next several months will bring!
The life of a fangirl comes with many perks. Being part of a close-knit community that understands and shares your undeniable passion and admiration is a beautiful experience. There is nothing that can compare to those deep lengthy discussions about the storylines you love, to the characters you envy, leading late into the night.
The fangirl life is a rite of passage for most into the online universe. And yet despite it's founded status, the status of fangirl often gets so much stigma surrounding it in everyday conversation. But the amount of skills you learn from the fangirl lifestyle is incredibly valuable and underrated. Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you! Here are six important life skills that every fangirl has experienced in her online journey.
I have a confession to make to you, people of the internet. For the longest time, I've kept myself very far away from Wattpad. Why? Mostly because I was sceptical. For years I entertained my cravings for online fiction on sites like Tumblr, Fanfiction.net, where I didn't need to sign up for an account to exclusively access stories. So what made Wattpad so different, so special from these other sites? Why should I sign up to a website specifically just to access content? So I kept my lingering thoughts silent, and ignored the pressure of the hype surrounding this new enigma.
One night of aimless scrolling and fictional cravings, I impulsively decided to test the waters to see if there was anything worth viewing on Wattpad. I mean if I'm going to condemn a website, I might as well see what the big hype is all about. Maybe I'll even discover a few reads in the process. And once again ladies and gentlemen, the joke is on me because hilariously, Wattpad has become my latest obsession! Who would have thought? So for all you other sceptics out there, let me tell you why I think Wattpad is unbelievably awesome!
You've been working away at those applications on your computer trying to find your next adventure. That job that you've been searching for all along, as the unemployment label hangs over your shoulders. Regardless of what people tell you, there are actually some great benefits that come from being in unemployment, though it may not seem it at the time. Make the most of the time you have alongside the job hunt, by keeping busy and using this time to better yourself. Trust me when you have a full-time job that takes up all of your time, you'll be thanking yourself later!
1) Learning a new skill
Weather it's HTML coding, filming, painting or even baking, this is the time to try to learn something new for yourself. Not only will you learn another skill and gain experience that may potentially become beneficial for you in the future, but it'll help with you own personal growth and development during this time. Future employers will recognise this as a use of your own initiative and willingness to learn, and create opportunities for yourself.
2) Travel
If you have the money and the opportunity, go global. If not, stay local. Discover the environment around you, and appreciate the quiet atmosphere of nature and places yet undiscovered by you. Especially while the kids are still in school, and the adults are working away. Appreciate the slow time before rush hour kicks in, and before you become one of those working people. There are hidden treasures around the city you love, why not discover them?
3) Working on your Bucket List
Is there something that you've been wanting to do for a while now? Maybe learning how to ride horses? Watching all the academy classics? Now's the time to get to it. Maybe they'll inspire you in some shape or form as well! Most of the brilliant ideas in life come to us when our minds are preoccupied with another task. How many jaw-dropping ideas have you had shampooing while in the shower?
4) Spend time with friends and family
Once you're working it'll be harder to keep in touch, especially if you have to move to another city or even country. So make the most of the time you have, and create memories along the way that can cheer you up when you're feeling the blues as well. Friends and family can also provide perspective and be our sense of hope in our darkest hours, so treasure them.
5) Start a blog
Blogging is one of the most underrated fulfilling hobbies one can have. It'll give you a platform to discuss all the times you love, meet people who share similar interests and also teach you invaluable skills that you may not have learnt otherwise. The blogging community is one of the most friendliest of all on the interwebs, so why not join?
Do you have any job hunting or tips that may be helpful for the job search? Sharing is what makes the world go round!
It's that time of year again - where graduation caps fill Instagram feeds, and universities get busy with preparing graduation memorabilia. I remember graduation day pretty vividly. Walking up those steps onto that grand stage and claiming my degree, was a feeling unlike no other. I remember feeling like I has truly conquered education, and I was on top of the world. Seriously, I wouldn't stop jumping up and down that day with such excitement. Embrace that moment, and remember that feeling as you take your first steps into adulthood.
When I was younger, I was never really fond of reading. That may surprise you considering how I regularly post about novels and book signings. Believe me, I tried. I just could never find the right book that peeked my interest. My parents tried hard too - taking me to the library every Saturday, and asking the librarian to help find books of interest. But no matter what I read, I did not care of the stories I was reading, or the characters in these books.
In hindsight this lack of interest probably had more to do with the fact that, all the books I read were written in third person narrative. I've always preferred an much more intimate personal connection to others - a first person narrative, which is probably why those books I read never appealed to me. Somewhere along the way I just gave up. It just wasn't for me. Well ... just then anyway.
To constantly put down your efforts, it is time-consuming, and often not even necessary. You need to relax. Stop that brain of yours and take a second to breathe. Ask yourself, in very that moment, did I do everything I could - with the resources available to me in that time - to the best of my ability? Think carefully with no buts. Then take a second and breathe. If the answer is no, then you have something to work on in future, which is great! More room for improvement and expansion. But if the answer is yes, then take the time to just appreciate the job you've done. No matter the outcome.
Often we are too harsh on ourselves. We need to give each other a break. You are not defined by this project you're working on. You are not defined by your mistakes either. You are defined by your essence, your soul and your personality. So take some time out of your everyday route and be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to something you love once in a while. Tell yourself even when things don't feel like they're okay, that they will be someday soon. If you aren't already, become your best friend. The world can be a cruel place, and sometimes break you in ways that aren't even imaginable. So why are you being so hard on you? Be good to you. If you don't, who will be?
Sometimes in life you find yourself with some free time on your hands, and just no real idea of how to fill the void. You just wish you had some kind of activity or subject to keep your mind entertained without having to break the bank. Especially all of you guys who are saving for some future plans of travel or fun. So without further ado, here are some ways of entertaining yourself for free.
Adulting // the transition from teenhood into adulthood. It's an interesting period of time, where you find yourself slowly maturing into the new and established version of your parents in the millennial form. Something you swore you would never do! It's inevitable, but it's also amazingly refreshing. This is the time where you're truly finding who you are, and who you want to be. It's miserable and magical at the same time, but that's part of its charm. How many of these factors can you relate to?
Whenever you flick through university catalogues, you'll always finds statistics of what graduates are up to six months down the line. When I was applying to university almost four and a half years ago now, I remember how important I thought league tables and graduation statistics were. I remember considering them to be the holy grail of life and success. I paid extra attention to those statistics of where my peers - years ahead of me - were going, and what they has achieved. I remember thinking clearly to myself that the people who weren't employed simply hadn't tried hard enough. After all if you went to a good university and worked hard during those years, it is impossible to not get a job straight after completing education. That is the end goal right? A job? But I was entirely wrong.
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