My Life After College

Tattoos are a popular way to express one’s self, especially among college students.  There are many reasons students get tattoos.  Some choose to get inked as a tribute to someone, to mark a memory, or to represent a passion.  Getting a tattoo should be a well thought out decision, but even if you were happy with it in your 20′s doesn’t mean you will be for years to come.  What type of tattoo and where to place it on your body are two decisions you may regret later on in life.  It may have seemed like a good idea then but are you filled with regret now?  Even with a growing acceptance of tattoos there may be good reason for wishing you hadn’t done it.

If your tattoo is located in plain sight like on your, ankle, face or wrist and difficult to hide this may be the root of your remorse.  There are times you may wish to conceal your body art.  A few of these situations may be during a job interview, wedding or other special occasion because it can cause embarrassment or a bad first impression.    There are several products on the market that hide tattoos as seen in the video below.

If the location of your tattoo isn’t the problem, but your design choice or subject matter is, then you may want to consider tattooing over it.  If you tattooed a dolphin on your wrist and have grown to despise this past decade trend then you may be able to transform it into something new.  Changing an old tattoo into a new design may be risky if your tattoo is large or intricate but for smaller tats it works well.  Just make sure your tattoo artist is creative and has experience with redesigning.

They say tattoos are permanent, but not quite.  Laser treatments that go into the skin and break up the pigmentation in the ink, which your body’s immune system later clears up can remove tattoos with several treatments.  Tattoo removal treatments are expensive and depending on the color and depth it was drawn at, they may or may not be effective.  Going in for a consultation is the best way to find out.  There are possible side effects and treatments are said to be more painful than actually getting a tattoo.  Some people describe the pain as if being snapped by a rubber band or having hot grease splatter on your skin, but getting rid of regret may be well worth it.

We recognize the blue post office uniform of our mail carriers, but will generations to come?  In our technologically advanced world we find fewer reasons to use the postal service because it’s faster and more convenient to, send invites to a party through a text on your iphone, an apology via email or a hello by way of skype.  It’s almost a thing of the past… getting greetings or announcements via land mail.  It may be looked at as an old fashioned way of communicating but it is a welcomed pleasure to receive mail other than bills, solicitation or general notices.  Taking the time to hand write a card or letter and mail it may be a small but kind gesture not to be overlooked.  Some people may argue that sending correspondence is always appropriate through email or thru social networks, but there are times when a more personal approach is preferred.  Here are some of the instances when it’s better to send mail rather than e-mail.

1.  A Thank You

A hand written Thank You card in the mail rather than on an instant message helps convey a sincere appreciative attitude.

2.  Birth Announcements

For a life changing, and extra ordinary event like the birth of a baby, sending birth announcements through mail to family and friends marks this occasion as special.

3.  Holiday Greetings

Holidays are a great time to reach out to loved ones, friends, and a great way to get back in touch with distant friends.  Sending well wishes and greetings through the mail adds a personal touch.

4.  College Graduation Announcements

Graduating with a nursing degree or any degree for that matter is a huge accomplishment that deserves an announcement worthy of this life landmark.  Mailing such announcements sets it apart from other less prestigious accomplishments.

5.  Wedding Invites

On ceremonial occasions like weddings, mailing out announcements is a more formal way of extending an invite and announcing the marriage.

Would you prefer to work from the comforts of home?  Imagine not having a long commute each day, spending more time with your family, receiving tax advantages and having personal freedom.  These are just some of the benefits from working at home.  Here are a few jobs that can easily be done from home.

Hair Stylist

Whether you have an in home salon or just make due, hair stylists can make a comfortable living at home and charge competitively without the booth rental.   If you are talented and are able to keep your clients happy your business will thrive.  Often clients seek out at-home stylists that can accommodate a play area for their children.  When a parent can get their hair done without the hassle of looking for a babysitter they consider it a convenient advantage that most salons don’t offer, enticing them to come back just for that reason.

Nail Technician

If you are wondering how to become a nail technician, it’s easy!  With a few online training courses you can get certified.  The overhead costs of getting started are low and with a little bit of marketing and an incentive for referrals you can build a good size client base.

Massage Therapist

Home based massages may require a lifestyle change.  People are coming to you for relaxation and to de-stress so keeping your home and yard tidy and quiet are key.  You will want a room that offers your clients privacy and has a calm relaxing atmosphere.  Don’t forget that to write off the expenses incurred for your massage business and the use of the room used solely for it on your taxes.

Sewing & Alterations

If you love to sew consider offering this service out of your home.  It can be very lucrative and having the freedom to take on as many projects as you have time for, whether you take on bigger project like sewing costumes for a dance team or smaller, less time consuming work like hemming jeans, offers personal freedom.  People look for reliable individuals they can trust to alter their clothing in a timely manner.

Childcare

In many families both parents are in the workforce and in need of childcare services, as well as single parents with children.  With a high demand for inexpensive childcare this can provide you with an in home opportunity.  Watching one child won’t be very lucrative but watching multiply children can be.  The advantage is that they will play with one another and meals, snack, crafts and other necessities can be bought in bulk.  Parents aren’t looking for an average babysitter but for a more structured, educational and stimulating environment.  You can start small by investing in the needed items and advertising.

Computer Specialist

Computers have become a familiar household necessity.  In this computer age even jobs are available online.  Companies are opting to outsource work by hiring employees who work from home and submit their work electronically.  If you are a computer whiz, a talented writer, have strong communication skills, or management experience you have the necessary skills for a number of online jobs.

If your sibling or neighbor asks you to watch their kids, don’t panic.  Remember you aren’t an irresponsible college student anymore… right?  If your boss asks you to watch his/her kids and and thinks it’s in your administrative assistant job description, then definitely panic!  Kids are naturally curious, imaginative and playful so keeping them busy and happy is a breeze.  Here are a few activities and ideas to keep them happily entertained.

If the weather’s nice, then head to a local park.  Parks offer wide open spaces for kids to run and get out all their bottled up energy.  Some parks provide playgrounds with slides, swings and bars to climb on which is an added bonus.

Play-doh is an inexpensive option that promotes creativity and imagination.  Kids can mold it into little creatures, letters, food or whatever else their creative minds conjure up.  If you don’t have any on hand then make your own Playdough.  The basic recipe only requires flour, water, and salt.

Bubbles are a quick way to get a child’s attention.  If they are too young to blow the bubbles then they will most likely enjoy chasing and popping them.

Sitting down with a child to read is  fun for them and vital for their development, but make sure to choose an appropriate book for their age level.

Most children enjoy building with blocks.  Part of the fun is making towers and then knocking them down only to build a new one.  This type of play permits children to experience and improve motor skills that they will need now and later in life.

Educational computer games on sites such as PBSKids.org or NickJr.com offer free online activities geared towards different levels of ability.  If the child knows how to control a mouse and use the arrow keys on the keyboard then they can participate.  Make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t click on ads or end up browsing the internet.

Besides the typical coloring book, sketch pad or paints there are plenty of arts and crafts you can make with materials you have lying around the house.  An old sock can become a puppet, a paper towel tube can be transformed into a kaleidoscope, old magazines can be used to make a mosaic art piece and even duct tape can be used to make a purse, wallet or jewelry.  

There is a time and place for everything and during college years there are many things we do that are just so typical of being a college student.  It’s a time for exploration, to venture out on our own and grow into adulthood.  As we find this new found freedom of living away from home and without all the limitations of parental rules and regulations we find ourselves in a unique season of our life.  Balancing play with responsibilities and managing aspects of our lives we hadn’t until now makes college students do and act like… well, typical college students.  After graduation most of us notice we are acting much more like a grown adult and begin to put old habits and behaviors of college life aside, replacing them with new mature and civilized ones.  Here are 20 signs that you aren’t a college student anymore…

1.  You know the name of all the people sleeping over.

2.  10 p.m. is when you go to bed, not begin your night.

3.  You’re the one calling the police because those damn kids down the street won’t turn down their stereo.

4.  You don’t get drunk before going to the clubs in order to save money.

5.  You wear a coat when it’s cold and carry an umbrella.

6.  Friends are getting married and divorced not getting together and breaking-up.

7.  You’re groceries don’t disappear at random.

8.  You’re car insurance premiums go down and your car payments go up.

9.  A fire in the kitchen is no longer funny.

10.  You won’t find empty beer cans stacked in a pyramid in your living room.

11.  90% of the time you spend on the computer is for real work.

12.  You can remember the name of the person you wake up next to.

13.  You respect someone with a criminal justice career instead of thinking they must have a complex.

14.  You owe the IRS money instead of getting a yearly paycheck from them.

15.  You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonalds.

16.  College students begin to look younger and younger.

17.  You hear your favorite song in the elevator at work.

18.  You don’t volunteer to give blood or plasma to make extra money.

19.  Taco Bell is no longer an option for eating out.

20.  You no longer carry a backpack.

Electronics are going to be the hottest gifts to give and get this Christmas!  With so many options available for kids, teens and adults these devices will be flying off the shelves this Holiday Season.  It might be a good idea to get a head start in order to beat the Christmas rush but you only have two weeks left.  If you prefer to do your shopping online then you may have the luxury of waiting until after turkey dinner and finding some great deals on some of these items or at least free shipping.   Here are a few electronic gifts you can’t wrong with and the best part, there’s something for everyone on your list.

Adults

The best-selling electronic devices this year for adults, like your significant other, parents or even yourself are the iPad, and Kindle Fire.  Apple has done it again, producing another device that has Apple fans drooling.  The iPad is basically an ipod touch with a larger screen and e-reading capabilities.  It challenges not only the e-reader market but also the hand held computer and notebook market.  It has thousands of apps and allows you to play music and watch movies.  While we would all like an iPad they are expensive.  Now Amazon is crossing boundaries into the tablet market and offering the Kindle Fire.  It’s based around the Android technology and promises to be an excellent little gadget and an ideal alternative.

Teens

Great for teens or anyone who likes playing video games, the new PS3 Move or Wii play stations.  The PS3 is releasing  a new motion sensor gaming system said to have the most accurate sensor controller on the market.  It will no doubt be a top seller this year.  Although, the Wii has been around it still is a favorite among gamers and with a variety of new games available it continues to be a contender.  Also, popular among teens is the Nintendo 3DS and iPod touch.  The Nintendo 3DS is a new hand held gaming device which allows the controller to play the latest games in 3D without wearing special glasses.  It remains to be seen if the 3D craze is just a fad or the future of gaming.  For this year at least, Nintendo 3DS with it’s unique video game design is one of 2011′s top gadgets.  The iPod touch is basically a pocket computer with a touch screen, lots of apps and great games.  This may be popular for years to come.

Kids

Even kids are hoping to score a favorite electronic gift on their Christmas list this year with a Leap Frog LeapPad Explorer or Vtech – InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet.  These electronics for kids offer hours of fun playing and learning on a portable tablet.  Made specifically for children ages 4 to 9 it offers motion-based gameplay and an impressive collection of downloadable apps that will have little one laughing and learning for hours.

Getting a degree online is a growing popular trend with our technologically advanced generation.  Twelve million students have opted for an easier, less stresful way to get an education, that’s not only flexible but convenient.  With more than 2 out of every 3 colleges and universities offering credit courses online, how do you choose the best online universities?

1.  Make sure the university offers the degree program you are interested in?

With hundreds of degree programs being offered, this is a good starting point for narrowing down your options.  If you are interested in becoming a cop you need to find an online university that offers a degree in criminal justice.  Also, research your field of interest and make sure you know what special certificates, tests or training you might need to gain a competitive advantage and make sure the online university accommodates them.  A four year degree in Criminal Justice may be required but a certificate as a Certified First Responder, may also be offered and useful when applying for jobs as a police officer.  Finding a school that offers all the requirements and extra certifications will save you time and money.

2.  Get acquainted

Speak to a representative on the phone or chat live online and ask questions.  This is one of the easiest ways to get information and a great way to gauge their customer service abilities.  Having a liaison available 24/7 should be at your disposal.  One of the advantages of getting an online education is the flexibility of balancing your schedule with getting your education, so if you want to study and do classwork in the late evenings or weekends, that most likely will be the best time to speak with a college representative when you run into problems and need assistance.

3.  Make sure the enrollment process is user friendly

Registration should be easy and stress free.  Some universities have step by step online instructions that make the process smooth sailing.  Find out when you speak with a rep at the school what information is required and if the forms are available online.

4.  Look up reviews

Read forums and look up reviews to make sure you are, purchasing a good product.  Do a search online for the schools you are considering; such as, “university of phoenix reviews” and find out what students have to say about their experiences.  I always read the worst reviews first, for each school.  I think the worst reviews are the most useful and telling.  If the worst things students had to say were mild and there are plenty of rave reviews, that’s a good sign.  If the bad reviews are appalling, I don’t waste my time reading the good ones and cross it off my list.

During my college years dressing up in costume each Halloween was practically effortless, with roommates and friends the creativity was a group effort.  After graduation I had work and friend Halloween parties to attend so I needed to come up with a costume that was an appropriate option for both settings.  I needed something more modest than my costumes of Halloweens past but not cheesy and suffocating either.  I wasn’t going to show up with my significant other in a ketchup and mustard costume but the scandalous fairy costume I still had wasn’t an option either.    Coming up with ideas on my own was challenging but here are a few of my favorites if you are still trying to find the perfect balance between originality and something suitable.

1.  Ice Skating Duo

The best part of this costume is seeing your significant other in spandex tights and a leotard.   To put together an ice skating duo costume find a pair of black spandex or yoga pants and sew on or use fabric adhesive to add orange and yellow sequenced flames down the legs, throw on a leotard and last make a headband using the same materials as the flames on the legs.  Wear some old ice skates or hang them around your neck to complete this assemble.

2.  Cruella De Vil & Jasper

You can’t go wrong dressing up as a classic Disney animation character and these two are purely wicked.  This costume works if you are a single female or if you are attending a party with someone.  To dress up as Cruella De Vil, tease your hair, part it down the middle and color one side black and the other white.  Wear a black dress and either a furry white coat or a white boa around your neck.  You will also need a pair of gloves and long cigarette.  A stuffed dalmatian puppy to carry around is a nice touch too or if you have children dress them up as the dalmatian puppies.  For Cruella De Vil’s sidekick and evil partner, Jasper, wear brown slacks, a brown polo and jacket, some smeared black eyeliner under your eyes and a corduroy cap.   It’s unique, easily recognizable and family friendly.

3.  Dr. Pepper

If you are a fan of this sugary, carbonated beverage dress up like one.  Yep, you don’t have to wear a big flannel costume that looks like a Dr. Pepper can to pull this off.  All you have to do is dress up like a doctor in scrubs and wear a necklace of peppers or safety pin peppers all over the scrubs and there you have it, a Dr. Pepper.

4.  Police Officer

If you are wondering how to become a cop this Halloween. wear navy blue slacks, a navy dress shirt, a black belt, a gold star pinned on your shirt pocket, a painted on mustache is a must, aviator sun glasses, hang a pair of handcuffs on your belt loop and you’re good to go.

Even if you graduated from college with a degree, don’t get trapped into thinking you have to use it to work for someone else.  Some people won’t ever be happy having a boss and have a unique ability and desire to take risks, create new ideas, and build businesses.  If you graduated with an early childhood education degree, instead of working as a teacher you may want to open a preschool or if you graduated in criminal justice, why not begin a private detective agency.  With limited job opportunities and high unemployment some people are opting to plot their own destiny by starting their own business.  So why not you?

Finding the entrepreneur in you means hard work and smart choices but most importantly not giving up.  Many successful entrepreneurs will tell you they failed and failed again before hitting it big.  You have to commit and be prepared for the long haul.  Even the most savvy, intelligent business owners agree that you must stay in the game even after a whole series of failed ventures.  It may be the school of hard knocks that molds you and gives you the experience you’ll need to find the correct set of rules and principles for creating a successful business.

Any amount of knowledge accrued in college will benefit greatly when applied in the real world, whether from our specific course material to our work habits gained from earning our diploma, but now some colleges are offering courses just for budding entrepreneurs.  Courses like these have become increasingly popular, helping graduates develop their business plans and teach them the basic know-how and skills to get started.  One of my friends who completed three years at one of the top online colleges, working towards a degree in business dropped out one year shy to start a business.  She now has a highly sought after skill and lives a comfortable lifestyle.  And let’s not forget Facebook’s creator, Mark Zuckerberg and self-made billionaire who began the social network while in college studying, computer science.

It’s never too early or late to change your course and live big dreams by beginning your own business.

If you are in between jobs or overextended your budget you may be in need of some quick cash.   Our first instinct may be to borrow money from family, dip into a saving account, or go into debt but when we are trying to live and make it on our own but there may be a few options you haven’t considered yet.  Options that will allow you to bring in extra cash flow so you can live independently and responsibly.  First, total up how much extra money you need and for how long to help you choose which option is best for you.

1.  Sell Stuff

Craigslist is an online site dedicated to buying and selling.  It’s localized so you can list your for sale items and not have any shipping costs.  If you have a lot of random items around the house you might consider having a yard sale.  Don’t be fooled because yard sales take planning and advertising so make sure you have enough inventory to make it worth your while.

2.  Get a part-time job

Even if you are working a full-time job there is time on weekends or nights to take up extra work.  With a little creativity you can earn some money doing something you enjoy in your spare-time like walking dogs, raking leaves, get an online gig and work whenever it’s convenient, or if you are a people person work in a local coffee shop and chat it up and get to know some of the people in your community.  You may want to consider working a few hours at one of your favorite retail stores if they offer extra discounts on their products for employees, allowing you to make money and save on your favorite things.  I knew a girl who worked full-time as an interior designer and part-time at one of her cherished furniture boutiques just so she could purchase items for herself and her clients at a ten percent discount.

3.  Donate blood or plasma

If you need a little extra cash each month and needles or the sight of blood don’t make you queasy, then this option will work for you.  Donating blood or plasma doesn’t take a lot of time, 2 hours max and it just might give you some time to relax while you donate.  It’s a great service to be able to give part of yourself to those that need it and you can feel good knowing your donation may save a life while walking away with extra money in your pocket.

4.  Rent out Space

Sharing living expenses can save you a bundle.  However, if you have someone living in your extra room or sleeping on the couch make sure to draw up a rent/lease agreement especially when it’s someone you know.   If you have extra space in your garage or basement, consider renting the space out to someone to store their belongings and make money off of unused space.  Again though, do your homework and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and contracts.