Author: TWK Admin

It Makes Cents— Ways to Earn Money Without Getting Typical High School Job

As a teenager, you have a million things you are constantly worrying about: School, friends, your future, and making money. But what if you want to make money even though you hate the idea of working a boring minimum wage job? What options do you have? Thankfully, plenty. Here’s a quick look at three ways to earn money without getting a typical, boring high school job.

Start a Side Hustle

Side hustles are great ways to explore things you enjoy and make money at the same time. Finding one isn’t too hard; just decide what you want to do and start googling how you can make money doing it. Be warned, depending on what side hustle you select, they can take time to establish. However, they can be creatively rewarding and ultimately help you find a career that you love. When starting a side hustle, Xyngular advises considering what you’re really passionate about to find your niche, something that can help you utilize your skills and have a successful side hustle.

Organize a Garage Sale

Organizing a garage sale is often as easy as finding stuff that you or your parents don’t want to use anymore and selling it. Since the costs associated with a garage sale are usually as simple as advertising it, you can usually make a good chunk of money in the sale. However, according to Budget Dumpster, a successful garage sale is more than just setting up a table in front of your house. You have to spend some time promoting it (fliers and social media usually suffice), and always make sure to check with your local government, as some municipalities require that you take out a permit before holding a garage sale.

Use the Internet

There is no shortage of apps or websites which allow you to make good money from home. This includes taking surveys, watching videos or even playing games. Here are some of the most popular places to find freelancing work:

Upwork
Fiverr
WriterAccess
FlexJobs
SolidGigs
Art Wanted
CrowdSpring
Rent A Coder
Photography Jobs Finder
ClickWorker
Assistant Match
Behance
Stage32

Thanks to the explosion of the internet, social media and smartphones, there is no shortage of work for teens who don’t want to stand around at a boring retail job. If you are looking for an alternative to this line of work, it’s often as simple as putting in enough time or effort.

4 Online Degrees You Can Get Right After High School

If you’re unsure about what to do after graduating high school but know you want to find some type of meaningful work, you should look into online degrees. As long as you find the right institution, these can be as valid as any degree with a traditional institution. In fact, many esteemed universities also have online degree programs. Plus, the flexibility of scheduling makes it far easier to hold down a job while going to school. These are four examples of online degrees worth pursuing.

Computer Science

Computer science degrees can lead you to the greatest financial opportunities. However, studying computer science can be very taxing on your mind. Some of the terminologies might be familiar, but you need to work continuously to find the link between the concepts. Even when you receive your degree, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on terms and new trends in the industry. By studying computer science, you can unravel some of the mysteries of technology and see how what might’ve previously seemed to be magic are actually just the result of concentration and ingenuity.

Social Work

An online social work degree can help prepare you for a career of advocating for others. In this field, you can help people dealing with problems related to things like mental health and substance abuse. Though you can get this degree online, you should find ways to get in-person experience working with people. This is a field that requires a strong spirit and a desire to help others. The rewards of social work might not immediately strike you, but as long as you’re able to show you care through words and actions, you’ll be a star example of who to emulate.

Healthcare Degrees

Working in healthcare doesn’t mean you have to go to medical school and become a doctor. The demand for jobs in healthcare-related industries is always growing, which means you have a high chance of immediately getting hired in related field after acquiring a healthcare degree. Some of the online degrees you can get in this field include medical coding, pharmacy technology, and medical case management. All of these and more can be part of saving people’s lives and leading to the overall betterment of our society

Accounting

An accounting degree is an ideal thing to pursue an online degree, as it doesn’t require having an in-person instructor in order to get points across. If you’re mathematically minded and have a good sense of focus, you’d be a great accountant. Accuracy is one of the most important skills of an accountant, as losing track of one calculation could put an entire process in jeopardy. Your thinking cap will always need to be on as an accountant, no matter what route of accounting you take, it should stay tightly on throughout your career.

The online setting changes the educational structure somewhat, but it does not it with something insufficient. You’ll have to put the same amount of effort into your studies whether you’re attending lectures in an auditorium or following along from your home computer. When you’re serious about your degree, you can come out with the skills to gain a career that gives you passion.

Considering a Career in Law? Here’s What You Should Know

Are you wondering if pursuing a law degree is worth it? The rise of college tuition and lower demand in the market is only magnifying the importance of this question. Some of the most important things you should know while considering a career in law are listed below.

Majors

Before you can get into law school, you must first go through an undergraduate program. Often, people make the mistake of thinking that because they aren’t yet in law school, any major they choose will be okay. Technically most majors will allow you to complete this requirement, but you must also keep in mind your grade point average. Law school acceptance rates are well below 20 percent, which means even students with 3.8 GPA will often be denied admission.

So, what major should you choose for the best chance of admission? History is considered to be the best major to pursue; data on College Consensus shows that history majors have an 85 percent rate of acceptance into a law school.

The LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the nationally accepted entrance exam for all the law schools in the United States and Canada. The exam is separated into two parts, which consist of a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The LSAT is not a test to determine your knowledge of the law; instead, it tests how you analyze it. As you may know, practicing law requires a lot of reading, code-breaking and explaining. Therefore, according to the University of Massachusetts, law schools want to know if you have strengths in those skill areas. The best way to prepare for this type of exam is to go over practice tests and seek additional information regarding the exam’s structure.

Law School

When it comes to choosing the right law school, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the most common issues that students face is the distance of the school from their home. The fact is that the farther you are from home, the more expensive it is and distant you’ll be from your family and friends. When it comes to choosing the right place to learn, you should also consider its track record. According to Gomez Trial Attorneys, law school is an intense study of the law that applies to certain situations. A deep understanding of the law prepares law students to represent clients who need legal help. Although most schools will provide you with the basics, you might want to look for one that goes above and beyond with their teaching styles.

Careers

Contrary to what television shows tend to portray, not all attorneys are constantly in the courtroom battling it out. Fortunately, this means there are a variety of legal careers to choose from. Some of those include being a private consultant to businesses, a professor of law, law firm administrator and banker. With today’s innovations in technology, most of these jobs can be performed and applied for via the internet.Are you considering a career in law? Practicing law is one of the most revered career paths, and rightfully so. However, before you take the big leap and invest your time and money, it is highly recommended to consider the actions you’ll need to take to accomplish this dream.

Dress Your Winter Best—Tips for Staying Warm and Stylish This Winter

The winter months bring a lot of wonderful things with them. Winter brings snow, ice skating, skiing, hot chocolate, bonfires and more. It also, of course, brings the cold. This is the time of year when shorts and sandals are put away, and scarves and sweaters come out. However, just because dressing for winter means dressing in layers and bundling up, it doesn’t mean you can’t still look amazing.

Coats and Jackets

No winter wardrobe is complete without a warm, beautiful coat. There are all types of jackets and coats out there designed to fit any taste. For warmth and comfort, nothing beats big, fluffy, oversized goose down coats. They are incredibly warm and make you feel like you’re inside a giant marshmallow. If you want something more professional, parkas are perfect. Their long length makes them look elegant, and the thick insulation keeps you quite toasty. For an edgier, more casual look, faux-fur lined leather jackets are a great choice, and if you’re looking for something more sporty, ski or snow jackets will do the trick. No matter your style, there is a coat or jacket out there for you. Just be sure to find one warm enough for the climate in which you live.

Boots and Shoes

The best footwear option for the colder months is, of course, an attractive pair of boots. Boots are a comfortable, stylish and most importantly, warm choice for both men and women. There are work boots and steel-toed boots for rugged, outdoor activities, chic leather, fur and cloth boots for casual outfits and dressy ankle-, calf- or even thigh-high boots for more upscale occasions. However, if you’re one of those people who simply must wear sneakers year-round, make sure they are up to the challenge. They’ll need to be made of warm material, such as leather, suede or shearling, and you’ll definitely want them to be waterproof. Furthermore, anywhere you walk outdoors is bound to be slick and icy. Therefore, it’s important to choose boots and shoes that have good traction on them in order to stay safe from common slip and fall hazards that you may encounter this winter.

Accessories

Don’t discount the appeal of accessories this winter, either. You can find all kinds of unique accessories to make you look totally fashionable while also keeping out the cold. Gloves and scarves are common accessories for winter, but they aren’t the only ones. Keeping your head warm is very important to maintaining body heat. This can be achieved with beanies, knit caps, toboggans, and even some hats, all of which can be very representative of your own personal style. Balaclavas can even work under the right circumstances. Other lesser-used but just as relevant winter accessories include shawls, wraps, woolen socks, leg warmers, fuzzy earmuffs, tights, long johns, headbands and more. In addition to looking fantastic when paired with the right outfit, these items are also usually made of soft, snuggly material that will make you feel like you’re walking around in a cloud.

Winter is no longer defined by frumpy sweatshirts and matching stirrup sweatpants. In fact, your winter wardrobe can be just as sexy and appealing as your summer one. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to go buy new clothes? So make a shopping list, and check it twice, because this winter you’re going to look better than nice!

Shopping Tips for Teens Looking to Get the Most Out of the Season

Welcome to the world of holiday shopping. Buying gifts for your friends and family can be lots of fun, but there are common problems to watch out for. Here are some tips that will help make shopping online fun and exciting. You will get the best deals if you check your favorite online sites to see when there will be scheduled sales. Often, they will send you emails or text messages if you have signed up with them. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind if you want to get the most out of shopping during the holiday season.

Timing

To get the best deals for holiday gift-giving, keep in mind that companies are beginning to offer great savings earlier each year. To be a smart shopper, start your browsing early. Some companies have holiday sales as early as summer, such as Christmas in July sales. Black Friday generally begins the holiday shopping season with huge savings available, as does Cyber Monday. You don’t have to fight the crowds in stores to score some great deals if you plan your Cyber Monday buys in advance.

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True

At this time of year, it pays to be careful. It’s important to always stay safe with your technology. Not all things are as they appear. If it seems too good to be true, do research to check it out before you hand over any payment info. Make sure that the company selling is reputable and the item you are interested in is not a knockoff, which is a common problem online. Some sellers will rip you off as well as take the information you have given them and sell it. It is not worth the problems created to try to save money.

Be Prepared Before Shopping

Another common problem is running out of money before you have bought all your gifts. Start with making a list of people you want to buy for. Think about how much you want to spend on each person, and write that amount by their name. Add up the numbers and determine if you have that much to spend. One way to meet the goal is to start purchasing early. Another idea is to space out the purchases over time or modify the budget for each person.

Be a Smart Shopper

Check out the items you have in mind by going to the stores to see and hold the actual product. It is a good idea to know what you are buying. Does it look like what you want to purchase? This way you can look it up online to get the best price. Also, there will be no unpleasant surprises if you order it online and it turns out not to be what you thought it was. As a further precaution, be sure to check the return policy before purchasing anything.

It takes some confidence to become a savvy shopper, but you should relax and enjoy the experience. With proper planning and an adventuresome attitude, your family and friends will know how much you care at gift-giving time.

How to Recover from Stress in a Healthy Way

Stressful moments come in all shapes and sizes. You might have a disagreement with a close friend, sibling or parent. Tempers flare, and you find yourself feeling anxious and upset. Tests or projects in school bring another kind of stress, worrying about deadlines and making the grade. The way you recover from a stressful situation is just as important as how you make your way through it.

Take a Deep Breath

Your body’s response to stress is hardwired deep in your brain. Almost every living thing on the planet has a stress response that experts refer to as the fight or flight response. When you are under stress, you may notice that your heart beats faster and you feel anxious. Your brain has released hormones that signal your body to get revved up for action. In addition to a faster heartbeat, your body also releases energy that prepares your muscles to snap into action. When you take a deep breath, you are reversing the signal and telling your body to slow down. This meditation app explains that when you intentionally take a few deep breaths, you will start to feel calmer and are able to think more clearly about the situation.

Be Gentle with Yourself

Part of recovering from a moment of stress is learning to let go of it. This personal injury lawyer describes how traumatic situations can leave you with mental damage that can develop into anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Make sure you don’t retraumatize yourself by replaying the event over and over in your head. When you recognize that you are thinking about an upsetting event, instead of replaying it in a first-person view, try to replay it like a movie in the third person. This can give you some distance from the event, watching things play out in a safe way.

It can also be helpful to spend some time in silence. When you realize that you are replaying the event, focus on your breath so you begin to control the thought pattern, recognizing that you are just thinking, and the event is not really happening again. Finally, take some time to read a book, watch a show or do something that will give you some distance from the stressful moment.

Go for a Long Walk

Because your body prepares for action when you are under stress, physical exercise can help you recover from stress. Going for a long walk, taking a run or dancing can help your body process the hormones and use the extra energy that is part of the stress response. Going out in the fresh air also encourages you to breathe more deeply, which will slow things down. Blue Zones describes how walking in the woods is seen as an important way to deal with stress in some cultures. There is something about being surrounded by tall trees that reminds you about how small your problems are in the grand scheme of things.

Make Healthy Choices

Sometimes, when people are under stress, they try to use food, drugs or alcohol to calm down. These may supply short-term relief, but they can cause serious long-term problems. Hotel California By The Sea says that many substance abusers’ issues stem from people trying to self-medicate. It is too easy to fall into a pattern of reaching for something unhealthy every time you feel stressed or anxious. You will feel better about yourself if you stick with healthy choices as you recover from stress. If you are craving something sweet, reach for some fruit instead of candy or other sweets. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Stress throws you off balance, so you want to eat and drink in a way that gets you feeling normal.

Keep Things in Perspective

Once you calm down, you can start to put the stressful moment into perspective. A bad test grade is not the end of the world. Real friendships do not break after one argument. You were angry and upset at that moment, but that moment has passed. Once you have navigated through some of the emotion, you can think of the things that are going well in your life. This can help your mind think rationally and let the small things go. Sometimes we need a break from our own thoughts. It is easy to overthink and to take life too seriously. Talking and laughing with others is a good way to keep life in perspective and to remember to enjoy it.

Occasional stresses are a part of life. You will not always get along with everyone. Your plans will not always come out the way you expected. When you learn how to calm down and recover from a stressful episode, it will benefit both your physical and mental well-being.

Learn about healthy eating choices by reading, “Food Sanity: How to eat in a world of fads and fiction”.

3 Tips for a More Confident You

Confidence isn’t something that makes your life perfect or solves all your problems, but it can greatly reduce the extent to which you feel these problems or even see them as problems. It’s also not a feeling that overtakes all at once and sticks with you forever. Being confident on a regular basis is a commitment, and you need to understand these tips in order to make it stick.

Face Your Fears

Our biggest sources of pride are often ones that gave us the most fear. If you’re scared to ask someone out, it’s likely because you like them a lot. As uncomfortable as it can be to confront these fears, it’s not any more uncomfortable than it is to have “what if” dwelling on your mind constantly. Being rejected or not accomplishing what you set out to do can hurt, but it can also teach you to grow in resilience and not take failing so personally. Becoming your best self has less to do with measuring your efforts in terms of success and more to do with seeing how putting forth the effort means you win no matter what.

Overcome Self-Doubt

Self-doubt can be a voice in your head that tries to tell you what you are and aren’t capable of. It can also make you doubt your value as a person. There’s so much about you that makes you special, even the things that might not seem all that special or positive. The fact that you have your own mind and a perspective on the world means you have something to share.

Set Yourself Up to Win

It’s not possible to completely eliminate all chances of failure. If that was the case, we wouldn’t need to teach people to build self-confidence. However, you can do your best to work with what you have. The story of Zach Hodskins shows that when you set yourself up to win, no matter the odds, you’re setting yourself up for success. He was able to play college basketball even without a left arm. Instead of falling into negative mind-traps, think about how you can meet your goals with the cards you’ve been dealt.

The energy from confident people can make you admire them in a way you’ve never felt before. The way they trust themselves so much is inspiring, but it’s also something that could apply to you. All you need is to believe in yourself and accept your flaws as not being indicative of your worth. Confidence wants to be in your life, and you should do your best to open the door for it.

How to Get the Help You Need for PTSD

You can experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from many types of events. Though most people think of war when they think of PTSD, you may suffer from its symptoms due to experiences that have nothing to do with time in the military. The instigator could have been a car crash, sexual assault, or any other traumatic occurrence. Fortunately, there are ways to get help with your PTSD so you can deal with it properly and get your life back.

Go to a Therapist

Seeing a therapist is not something to be ashamed of, and the stigma that used to surround needing help from a professional has all but disappeared in today’s society. PTSD is a real condition, and you can benefit from seeking treatment from a mental health professional. In fact, a therapist can help you find the root cause of your PTSD and teach you coping skills. Think of going to therapy just as you would think of seeking any other medical treatment. In essence, it’s no different from going to a doctor when you are physically ill. According to Stewart J. Guss, if your PTSD was due to the negligent actions of another, you may be able to receive compensation to help pay for treatment.

Join a Support Group

PTSD can leave you feeling extremely isolated. Suffering through the symptoms of this condition tricks you into thinking no one else could possibly know what you’re going through. The truth is, there are support groups full of people dealing with PTSD. Joining one can help you receive the support you need. As Bridges to Recovery suggests, you can look for a support group that addresses PTSD in general, or you can look for a group whose members’ PTSD was brought on by the same type of event as yours. Either way, having other people in your life who know what you’re going through will help you recover.

Talk to Your Doctor

Your doctor needs to know about your PTSD so it can be addressed when assessing your overall health and well-being. Your general practitioner may also be able to offer help for symptoms that won’t go away and are making your life more difficult. Medication will not cure PTSD, but some people choose to take something for the anxiety and depression that often accompany the condition. There are also natural options like nature retreats for helping your body cope with the problem when you are struggling with PTSD. Your doctor can discuss them with you.

Living with PTSD is not easy, but there are plenty of ways for you to deal with this condition. Seek help, and whatever you choose to do, don’t isolate yourself.

Why You Should Continue Your Education After High School

A degree is not simply something to do for a period of time after completing high school studies. Whether it is a four-year college or even another degree program, additional education is becoming more and more of a necessity in today’s world. Here are some reasons why you should consider continuing your education after you graduate from high school.

Do You Want a Larger Income?

There are numerous studies that have compared the earnings of those who have college degrees with those who do not. The results of these studies are always unanimous. According to Cornerstone University, those who have college degrees almost always earn larger paychecks than others. Your skills are more marketable, and employers are willing to pay for it. Of course, being able to earn a living no matter what is always a good thing. Your potential to make a living will be even better with advanced education.

Do You Want Better Financial Security?

Once you have an education, it becomes an asset that you own. It is something that will always be yours no matter what happens. This will mean that you will always have something to offer a potential employer. If your current job does not work out for whatever reason, you have something on which you can fall back. Your education will provide a base that you can build on in the future, either in another position or by getting more education. While education is not a guarantee of a future position, it is always a strong factor in your favor when you apply for a position.

Do You Have a Dream?

Many people appreciate education not just for what it can do for their career and earnings, but also for the sake of learning itself. Your learning can become your passion if you find something that truly interests and enchants you. Not only can learning change your life, but it can also help you to fulfill your dreams. You may have a professional aspiration that you will need a degree in order to be able to fulfill. The truth is that education can have any one of a number of benefits for you.

How Can I Continue My Education?

The good news is that continuing your education is much easier than you ordinarily would have thought. Not only can you attend a four-year college at a traditional campus, but you can also receive an education online at your own pace and leisure. You can take a class every now and then or become a full-time student. Independence University points out that online universities are accredited, offer flexible course schedules, a wide range of programs, and financial aid. It has never been more convenient to receive an education, and you can even take night classes. Additionally, you will find that the amount of offerings has dramatically expanded, meaning that all you have to do is just learn what is out there.

You have every incentive in the world to further your education after high school. Pursuing further education opens you up to a better quality of life, unique life opportunities, and the ability to chase your dreams. The hard part, then, is choosing from all of your options.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with These Snacks

It’s important to see a dentist regularly for a dental checkup, but there are plenty of things that you can do at home to maintain a healthy smile. You’ll want to brush regularly, floss and there are even some foods that are beneficial to your overall dental health. Munching on a few of these foods each day will keep your teeth and gums in peak health — it might not seem like a concern now, but you’ll thank yourself a couple decades down the road.

Milk

Milk has the ability to neutralize saliva that has been acidified by other foods, like candy and soda. Acid can lead to dental erosion, discoloration, sensitive teeth, and a lot more. Having an acidic mouth also encourages plaque growth.

You only need to add one glass of milk to your daily diet in order to reap the benefits. You can also snack on other dairy products, but beware of the sugar content. Yogurt, pudding, and chocolate milk all contain a lot of sugar that could lead to cavities. Cheese is a great alternative low-sugar dairy snack.

Carrots

Carrots are a wonderfully nutritious food that is beneficial for your whole body. While they’re most often associated with eye health, they’re also great for your teeth. The keratins in carrots can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol (which can be bad for dental health), and also help keep your teeth clean. Raw carrots are the best because they leave more nutrients intact and have that crunchy quality that “brushes” your teeth naturally. Try to munch on some raw carrots each day, but you can also steam them lightly if you prefer.

Celery

Celery is a vegetable that functions as a natural toothbrush. It’s a pretty tough vegetable, so eating it raw can help scrape away plaque, tartar, and leftover food. Have you ever wondered why celery is often served on the side of a meal? You’re meant to eat it when you’re done, in order to freshen up your mouth a bit. You can also get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth with a snack of celery.

Apples

The more saliva that your mouth produces, the fewer bacteria that you have to worry about. Apples generate a lot of saliva in the mouth. They’re also very refreshing, crisp, and can clean your teeth quite well if you’re in between brushes. Keep some apple slices with you in your bag when you’re out and about.

In general, crunchy and raw fruits and vegetables are very good for your oral health. The vitamins and minerals in produce are helpful when it comes to preventing cavities, keeping your teeth clean, and cutting down on bacteria in your mouth. You can speak with your dentist to find out other natural ways that you can boost your oral health.

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