In an economy driven by the almighty buck, you can only hope to get what you’re willing to pay for. We live in a “show me the money” world where luxuries and necessities alike are attainable only when we have the cold hard cash to fork over. As a society, we have no choice but
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It’s official – you are sick and tired of your current career path and are ready for a change. You’ve dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and have several great business ideas that would allow you to do something that you love and are passionate about. You lie awake at night thinking of what life would be like if you
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Mainstream society and advertising agencies are great at letting us know that we need and deserve more in life. Usually, the message suggests that the product or service being offered will bring a life full of happiness and excitement. Many have extended this way of thinking to life in general and are certain that the
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For the past year and a half, we’ve heard nothing but bad economic news. Home prices continue to crash, investment portfolio balances have largely disappeared, and the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to nearly 10%. The economists (at least those with some political motivation) tell us that the worst is over…I guess we’ll have to wait
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Advertisers are great at making us believe that we “need” their product and that it will ultimately bring happiness and life fulfillment. Car manufacturers are especially known for selling their brand based on the emotional response derived from driving a certain make or model. Who can blame them? It’s a great feeling to sit behind
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Raised in a culture that strives to achieve the American dream, children in this country are strongly encouraged to ponder the question “What do you want to be when you grow up,” from an early age. With a blissfully positive and idealistic view of the world, children embark on a journey of the imagination providing
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My position as a dance instructor was detoured by “real life” as a corporate manager, wife and mother. I returned to my first love of ballet at an age when most professional dancers retire. The first year was fulfilling, with a group of teenage ballerinas and my own curriculum. But, the following semester I was
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Many companies start employees in lower-level positions, saying they may be “moved up” the ladder eventually. This may be due to not having management openings available, or it may be because work ethic and performance must first be witnessed. Regardless, smart employees who wish to advance should never lose sight of their goal, and be
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Not many people can say they love their job, but some can say they tolerate it to the extent that they’re not dreading the thought of getting up and dragging themselves to the office every morning. On the other hand, if you find yourself hating everything about your job right down to the Post-It notes
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With the staggering rise in global food prices, Americans are taking a noticeable hit each week at the checkout counter. Many are cutting back on purchases, clipping coupons, and stocking up on sale items to reduce their monthly grocery bill. Others have joined the increasing ranks of individuals taking responsibility for growing some of their
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