        Education Emancipation Employment Applications Employment Interviews Energy Efficiency Etiquette Event Planning Excercise Expiration Dates                         |
  Education
is very
an important for your future in order to attain the
achievements and better employment opportunities that we all want.
If not a graduate from high school then check with the local school board about adult education and if not too old get back into high school to get the diploma. If too old to be back in high school, adult education classes are the answer and many times evening classes are available so they won’t interfere with most employment. A GED, the equivalent to a high school diploma can be obtained through the adult education classes. If this is the option, go for it and be proud. The fact that you may have dropped out of school but went back to get your GED is important and an achievement. If you work nights ask if there are day time classes available or talk with your employer about a different work schedule that would allow you to continue your education. If that is not possible then begin looking for a different job that will allow you the time to go back to school. Don’t make excuses for not finishing your high school education or furthering it by going on to college. Check with community colleges to find out the programs and opportunities that are of interest and pursue those to further your education. It isn’t easy to work a full time job and also go to school. It is even more difficult to do this with children to support, but it can be done.    This is a
legal
procedure where someone under the age of 18 petitions
the courts to be free of the custody and control of their parents or
guardians.
There is a fee to file the petition. Parents do not have to support the emancipated child. The emancipated child is still required to complete school, and must have a source of income … a legal source. Some states limit the number of hours that can be worked each week. There must be acceptable and affordable living arrangements. Also, the emancipated child is financially responsible for everything … housing, food, and much more. There are other requirements and rules and even though emancipated this does not mean one can do exactly as they please, when they please or how they please. There are still rules or laws and someone to answer to. Parents cannot get a child emancipated in order to shirk their responsibilities. Laws vary from state to state. This is a huge step to undertake and unless there is mental or physical abuse in the home or exposure to drug and alcohol abuse, give this a long and hard consideration. Being angry for being grounded or because one doesn’t get what they want like a video game or to be able to hang out at the mall with friends is not a reason to be emancipated. If this is the case, the best advice that can be given is to deal with it and take advantage of being a kid as long as possible. Adult responsibilities will still be waiting and will come soon enough. When they do come, most wish they could still be a kid when life wasn’t so stressful after all. To be redundant: Being On Your Own is not all bliss and it is difficult at times for adults who have many more years experience than children under 18 years of age and as young as 14 which is the youngest age in most states that kids can be emancipated. Another alternative to taking steps to being emancipated is the possible option of living with a grandparent or aunt and uncle. Check these options out if at all possible. For legal advice on this issue if there are no other alternatives contact the Legal Aid Services for Children in your city or state.   Employment Applications This is a
sample
of what an average job application looks like. You can pick one up
anywhere including somewhere you wouldn't picture yourself working.
Just get one and fill it out. Chances are that the place
where you do want to work will use an application similar to the one
you
have. But, having filled one out and keeping it on you, You
now have all the information you need at your fingertips. Take it
with you and just copy from it when filling out the new application.
This way
you won’t forget a phone number, address, reference or something
else
that might be important. However, don’t toss it when you are
finished
with it. Either file it in a safe place or shred it.
Front of
Application
 Back of Application
   It is exciting to have
a job
interview.
You will want to consider what you are going to wear. It might be a
good idea to try to observe how people dress who are employed where you
will be interviewing. You could wait outside an office late one
afternoon when people are leaving for the day to observe how they are
dressed. This will give you an idea of how to dress for your interview.
If they are casual, remember, a conservative style is always best for
an interview. Be sure your outfit is clean and pressed and do this a
day or two before so that you won’t have any unexpected surprises like
spots and wrinkles!
 Promptness: Be on time for your interview. Don’t be late! Being just five minutes late could mean you have lost the job. Although there are real unforeseen emergencies that can cause you to be late. If you are unavoidably late because of an accident, call as soon as possible, explain the situation and ask if it is possible to arrange another time for an interview. It would be best to plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early for the interview and this way you will have time to visit the ladies’ or men’s room to make sure your hair is in place, clothes are straight and also give yourself a chance to catch your breath and calm down from the stress of just getting there. Once you have done this, present yourself to where you were told to be for your interview. The Interview: When you meet the person interviewing you, extend your hand to shake theirs and don’t be wimpy about it. You don’t want to break their hand, but you don’t want your hand to be a ‘wet dish rag’ either. When they invite you to sit do, but wait for the invitation. Don’t be fidgety and act nervous although we know you will be. That’s OK; just try not to appear so. Don’t rub your face or scratch and maintain eye contact. Without some practice that can be hard to do. If you find that extremely difficult, look at the person’s eyebrows or their nose. It will seem as if you have eye contact, but don’t distract yourself with this because you need to pay attention to what is being said and the questions being asked. Before the interview, try to anticipate the questions you may be asked and if it will help, practice answering probable questions with your friends in a mock interview. Some of the questions may be: Why do you think you would be a good candidate for this position? What experience do you have? What can you tell me about your last position? Why did you leave? Why do you want to leave? You may have responded to an ad for the position that you are interviewing for and you may have sent a resume. The interviewer may be basing questions on the information in your resume in order to learn more about your experience. Undoubtedly there will be some unexpected questions, but be aware that the interviewer cannot ask inappropriate questions. Check out books at the library (that are current, meaning written within the last several years) on the subject of Job Interviews and Resumes. Read several and this should help give you knowledge regarding what to expect at an interview. You might also call your local Chamber of Commerce and ask them if they have someone there in their SCORE program that could help you with practicing the interview process. You can also contact your school counselor who may be able to give you some excellent advice, particularly if this is your first job interview. Resumes: There are many theories on writing resumes. A resume written in chronological order according to job experience and education, begins with the current employment position or the last job you held and moves backwards. Education is handled the same way in this format with the last school attended and moving backward. Other resumes begin with Career Objectives which is an explanation of what you offer what you are looking for. Under your Career Objectives you would list your Professional Skills. This area supports why you would be ideal for the objective, listing skills, strengths, capabilities and personality traits. Then list your Professional Experience, Education and Interests outside of work that may include speaking a second language. When mailing a resume, it should have a cover letter that introduces you, and says why you are sending it. Example: I am responding to an ad regarding name position OR seeking a position in name position. You also want to say what you can bring to the position. Check out books at the library on the subject of resumes or visit your local book store. (also see Appointments; Appropriate Attire)  There are many things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. It could be as simple as turning off the lights when you leave a room. Or using a lower wattage light bulb in areas where strong bright light is not needed. Other ways to be more energy efficient include:  In
winter
covering
windows with curtains and drapes will help keep your home warmer.
During the day open them so that the heat and sun of the day can warm
the apartment or house. Close when the sun goes down to keep the warm
air in and cold out.Plastic,
removable
window sheeting can be put over windows and window frames to keep out
drafty cold air. Kits are available for self adhesive sheeting. These
can be purchased at home improvement stores and some department stores.
You will probably need a hairdryer. Large rolls of plastic 50
feet or longer can also be purchased and used with white duct tape (or
other color) to cover windows. It may be less expensive than the self
adhesive sheeting but will be just as effective. Determine which
would be best for you to use based on the size of your windows and the
number you will need to cover.Change
air
filters
in furnaces, air conditioners and air purifiers on a monthly basis or
according to the filter instructions. This will keep the air in your
home cleaner and the equipment pulling air through clean filters will
take less energy.Place
towels or
throw rugs at the bottom of doors opening to the outside to block
drafty air from coming in. Instead of towels or rugs use “Draft
Dodgers” which you may be able to purchase in some department stores or
shops that carry hand crafted items for the home. You can make your
own. Cut two strips of material about six inches longer than the width
of the door and about three or four inches wide. You should have two
pieces of material about three or four inches wide and about 40 inches
long.Put the two pieces of material together and sew together on one end and both sides and turn inside out. You will have a long tube. Fill with cotton stuffing which can be found at fabric shops and craft stores or department stores that sell fabrics and craft materials. Or fill with dried beans. However, little bugs and weevils can get into the beans and thrive on a bountiful banquet. Once the tube is filled, stitch the ends closed. Although not very creative in appearance it will serve the purpose of keeping cool air out. Some people make animal and doll forms with extended arms or legs for Draft Dodgers. Patterns may be available at fabric and craft stores. Running
the
dishwasher or using the washer and dryer after nine o’clock at night
will be more cost effective since this time period is after peak hours.Ceiling
fans
used
both in summer and winter will save both on heating and cooling bills.
Run the fans 24/7 in the summer to help cool your home. They will pull
the warm air up and away from the room. In winter (24/7), reverse the
blades. There will be a small switch on the base of the fan above the
blades. The reversed blades will push the hot air down keeping the room
warmer.Unplug
appliances
when not in use: the coffeemaker, hair dryer, curling iron, can opener
and other appliances that don’t need to be plugged into an
outlet continuously. Even though they may be turned
off they are still using a small amount of electricity because they are
still plugged into an outlet. There are electrical strips available to
help save on electricity. Plug appliances into these and when you leave
for the day turn the switch on the strip off.  Following the
rules of Etiquette is a must to succeed on all the journeys of life.
What is it? Etiquette, according to Webster’s Dictionary is: the forms, manners, and ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in social relations, in a profession or in official life. Etiquette is simply the polite and proper way of interacting with others … everyone we know… in a pleasant and mannerly fashion. It is saying good morning or good evening when you meet someone, opening doors and saying thank you and no thanks. Etiquette impacts our lives everyday: at home, at work and on all levels of our daily lives when we interact with others. Book of Etiquette:  There
are too many
situations or circumstances when the rules of Etiquette
apply in our day to day lives to try to discuss them here.
A good book of Etiquette can be found at your local book store. If for
some reason they do not have it in stock, by all means do order it. It
will be an investment for you. It will explain numerous situations you
will need to know regarding dress, invitations, sending as well as
responding and also writing thank you notes. It will include
information about sending gifts, receiving gifts, parties, and dining
including how to set a proper table; letters of employment acceptance
and letters of resignations. Almost every social and professional
situation that you may think of may be discussed. In today’s more
casual world there are still “rules” for behavior.
When investing in a book on Etiquette, check to see when it was last revised. It would be best to get the most recent edition available as the revisions will include the situations more socially acceptable for today’s society as times change and what may have been acceptable a few years ago, may not be today. Examples to Consider: There are simple things to think about or to consider for example: when eating out in a work related situation always be cost conscious if you aren’t paying for your meal. If your manager or someone else is paying, it would be polite to order something several dollars less than their meal. This should apply in any situation when you are dining out and someone else is paying. There are proper table manners that should be used especially when you are in a more formal situation which would include dining in a professional situation, with co-workers, managers or perhaps a client. Proper manners will also be expected in social situations as well. For example: The napkin should be placed in your lap. Your hands should be always in your lap when you are not eating. Your elbows should not be on the table. Depending on the situation and where you are dining you may have as many as twelve pieces of silverware for eating. So it is a good idea if you are not accustomed to this form of dining to learn the correct use of all the forks, spoons and knives! Be careful when ordering some dishes. Don’t order food difficult or sloppy to eat. Of course this will be governed on where you are eating. If in a restaurant that offers chop sticks for eating utensils you might ask for a fork if not adapt to using them and you think everything you try to eat will end up in your lap. On the other hand if everyone is in the same position as you and it’s a learning experience for all of you, by all means try. Use of Cell Phones:  When in a meeting, with a customer, dining out or in a theater you should either turn your cell phone off or have it on vibrate. It is inconsiderate for the phone to ring and interrupt as well as for you to answer. If you must see who was calling, excuse yourself and leave the room. When in a crowded, public situation such as a theater or while attending a movie, your conversation interrupts those who are around you. To you your conversation may seem quite and unobtrusive, but to others your voice carries and takes over what is going on without you. Have you ever noticed that when you are not on your cell phone but others are that their voice seems extra loud or grating while you are attempting to hear the movie? Or trying to pay attention to what someone else is trying to say? The same goes for others when you are the one talking. It is also inconsiderate of others to carry on a cell phone conversation when out in public as others don’t want or care to hear what you have to say to someone else.  What is the event that you are planning? Is it a having some friends over for pizza for a casual evening? Or, do you plan on a more formal event with friends? Are you planning a birthday party, baby shower or perhaps a surprise party? If you are organizing a party some where other than your home, will it be at someone else’s home and you are helping them out with the plans? In this case the costs will probably be shared. Determine what your party budget will be. This will include food, beverages, invitations and decorations or party favors if you choose to have them as well as postage if you are mailing invitations. Create a guest list after you have decided on the event, date and time. When your event requires invitations you can design your own. The supplies you will need are available at craft stores and in the crafts or stationary, and office supplies sections of department stores, at office supply stores or party supply stores. You can also purchase invitations, usually in packages of eight. Be sure to include directions in the invitations in case someone isn’t sure about the event location and ask your potential guests for an RSVP. RSVP means, Please Respond. On your invitations give a phone number so that those you have invited can let you know if they will be able to come and if they will be bringing a guest. This way you will know how many people to expect. This is particularly important if the event you are planning is a formal affair and you need to know how many people to expect. If a formal event, invitations should include a response card with a stamped, self addressed envelope so that it can be easily mailed back to you in a timely manner. In this case you will need to include a “respond by date”. Be sure to mail the invitations a few weeks in advance so there will be time for a response Do not be surprised if people don’t respond one way or another. This is frustrating. One option in getting together with friends and to keep the costs down if you are on a limited budget is to have a Pot Luck. Decide on a food theme based on cuisine from a different country or region and ask everyone you have invited to bring a dish. Just make sure everyone doesn’t bring the same thing. This will help with the budget. You can provide beverages and if the guests prefer something else they can bring their preference. This will also defray costs to you. If having friends over for pizza as long as everyone is aware of the plan you all can share in the costs and you provide beverages or your friends bring their own. (also see Etiquette)   (see Health)  Always
check the
expiration dates on anything you buy that is used on
your skin or ingested. Many other items such as cleaning products also
have an expiration of some sort. These should be checked as well for
expiration dates.
Cosmetics, foods, prescriptions, over the counter medications, all have expiration dates or “Use By” dates. Be sure you check the packaging, even before you buy as some items that you may not use right away may have an expiration that is fast approaching. DO you want to buy something which has an expiration dates just a few weeks or a month or so away? Sometimes the dates are difficult to find and may be pressure stamped instead of printed in ink. Cosmetics have a short life span after they have been opened. Mascara should only be used three months after opening. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months |
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and
filezilla