The New Year

It is insane to think today is the last official day of 2014. Every year, I always reflect on my year (as I'm sure many of you do, too) and seek improvements or accomplishments I need to achieve. By need, I mean the ones I have said countless times I will try, or do, and never have. My one indefinite goal is to complete a 5K run. Don't even get me started on going back to school again! I can't wait. I'm not sure where my relationships will take me; all I know is I am as open as I have ever been, and am looking forward to the outcome. I need to embrace the unexpected and learn to accept things may not work out as I had planned. Regardless, I hope you have a fantastic ending to 2014. Be safe, drink responsibly, and embrace what is to come in 2015. 

Happy New Year!

If you lost your voice and have a job interview ...

This morning I experienced something new. I woke up today with no voice. I tried to talk, no words or sound came out. I was panicking because I have a job, and a phone interview in 2 hours. I figured I lost my voice because of a cold I got from God only knows who, and now I have to take a day off because I cannot speak, but I need to do this interview. I talked to my mom about it and she encouraged me to go through the interview because I was still able to whisper and may be given bonus points for trying. The reason I am addressing this is because I Googled the question, and there were only a few actual concerned people who needed advice (maybe this isn't as common as I thought). Do I still do the interview? Do I reschedule? It is a phone interview so they cannot see me and I will be judged based off my answers and how I sound. Here is my advice:

1. If you cannot speak, reschedule; If you can speak, try. 

This may sound contradicting however, if you cannot muster a whisper then reschedule your interview. If you want to be genuine then I suggest calling and either have someone talk for you, or prove your voice is actually gone by *trying* to speak. I was able to whisper my answers and even though I was cringing to myself, and it may have been awkward, I still tried. Until then, I am completely cut off from talking or using my voice. 

2. Tell the interviewer you have laryngitis

You lost your voice however, it is much easier to tell the hiring manager you have laryngitis, instead of saying "I lost my voice" Having laryngitis is generally contracted through a cold or flu, and mentioning laryngitis involves less explaining because most people are familiar with laryngitis. If you say you "lost your voice," it could mean you were at a concert the night before, you hurt your vocal cord, or you were screaming ... for some reason. 

3. Have stand-by hot water to hydrate your throat

I never liked or appreciated drinking hot water until now. I always thought the idea of drinking hot water was gross because I had no use for it ... until today. The more hot water you drink, the better your throat will heal and improve. I add lemon so the water has taste. It also helps lemon is an anti-oxidant - +1 for you! 

Now if you decided to do your interview, for the rest of your day; do not speak or whisper. Hydrate yourself on fluids - soup, water, tea, hot water and always try and squeeze in some solid food, too. I wish I could give you a general span of how long my voice will be locked out (fingers crossed it's only today), but only time will tell. Also, if tip number one makes you feel uncomfortable in general, then reschedule completely. You will probably do better if you have your whole voice because you can explain your answers more thoroughly however, it is not impossible to pull through with little voice you have. Good luck!

What I've learned about working 9-5

I recently got my first taste of what it is like working 9-5. Through Monday to Friday I am away from home for 9 hours a day; thankfully having weekends off. This experience has lead me to reflect and realize how difficult it is to work such a long day, and how grateful I am for my circumstance. Now, because I am supposed to be in school, adjusting to work has been some-what difficult because inside I feel I shouldn't be working; I really should be studying. Here are my suggested tips on your first 9-5 working schedule. Things you should consider, shouldn't do, and what I have learned that will help my future. 

1) Pack a healthy lunch and stay hydrated

First, and foremost I have learned the importance of staying healthy. I went from having my meals planned out throughout my day (because I was not working) - to having a "lunch break" and little free time. If you want to remain healthy, pack a lunch and bring water. Nothing gets you through your day as staying hydrated!

2) Get fresh air

If you are lucky enough to have a 1 hour lunch break, go outside. Breathe in fresh and air take in the moment. It is bad enough you are stuck in a building, office, mall, or restaurant for such a long period of your day -- the least you can do to treat yourself is head outside!

3) Realize how lucky you are 

If you are like me, working a seasonal job will not be your actual career. Working so many hours will allow you to realize how lucky you are and thankfully, you are not in a position where you have to work in retail, or a fast-food joint because of education, and experience. 

4) Work on improvement

I am generally a fast learner but I have noticed areas where I need improvement. For example, I work in a mall and I am faced with dealing with hundreds of customers a day -- each with a different outlook, personality, and mood. I could have a relaxed, happy family one time, but my next customer can be livid, and impatient. Always seek improvement and reflect on the days that left you uninspired and frustrated. 

5) Go to bed early, and leave time to get ready
Whenever I have something planned to do, I wake up either an hour or an hour and a half before the said time; depending on distance, and transportation. I appreciate my mornings more when I wake up early enough where I can have coffee, eat breakfast, and get ready at my own pace. With that being said, it is imperative to stay rested and go to bed at a reasonable time. The last thing you want is to go into work exhausted, barely able to function until after lunch break.