If you’re looking for a job, your first stop will be most likely the classified ads.  But before you jump in and apply for the first opening you find, take time to evaluate the following points to get you the job you are made for.

            Know yourself.  What do you enjoy doing?  What have you learned about yourself through your previous jobs?  What interests and skills do you currently have?  What values are important to you when it comes to a job?  Jot down your findings.

Now that you know yourself a little better, look for a prospective jobs that will suit you and answer the following questions:

1.      Is this field growing or sinking?

2.      How will changes in this field affect the kind and number of jobs in the field?

3.      In what other fields does the job exist?

4.      Will the job stay the same or will it change?

5.      What do I have to learn in order to do this job in the future?

Enlist the help of family, friends and former officemates. They can help you look for job opportunities, give referrals or just extend the moral support you need during this time of job hunting.

Researchers from the University of Michigan discovered that watching a movie can make a person more romantic or aggressive.  “When you’re watching movies, your hormones are responding, not just your mind,” said Oliver Schultheiss, a University of Michigan psychology professor whose work will be detailed in a recent issue of the Journal Hormones and Behavior.

Three groups of men and were subjected to watch different movies-The Bridges of Madison County, The Godfather Part II and a documentary on the Amazon rainforest.  Researchers noted that those who watch the sentimental movie, increased progesterone levels by more than 10% in men and women, bringing them closer together.

On the contrary, the men who watch the violent scene of The Godfather had their testosterone jump as much as 30%.  But high testosterone women saw their testosterone falling.  Those who watched the documentary had no changes in their hormone levels.

Today’s economic crisis brought millions of people from all ages to working at home.  Some had been displaced from massive trend toward downsizing while others are choosing to work at home as a deliberate lifestyle choice.

Why work at home?

As the prices of major commodities rise, it is but normal to find ways to beat the odds.  Working at home is not only practical but it becomes a major source of income for several people who are quick in finding solutions to solve their financial problems.  The affordable personal computers and easy-to-access information technology has made them find their new and rewarding jobs. 

Interestingly, rather than working long hours in the office and earning just enough for their necessities, people who learned the art of working at home earned more than twice compared to their paychecks before while spending only few hours in their personal computers or laptops.  Of course it is undeniable that some didn’t make it but as the old saying goes “success is measured not in aptitude but attitude”.  I bet people who succeed in the internet business are more patient and resourceful than those who failed because they often buy to “get rich quick” sales pitches of these “scam artists”.

Your success, health, happiness, and wealth depend on how you make up your mind. Keeping an optimistic attitude can affect your physical attributes.  A lot of people today are accepting the idea that keeping a positive mental attitude is the key to maintaining good health-and that holding into a negative attitude robs off all that makes life worth living.  Ever wondered why? Negative attitudes according to recent studies suppress the immune system and make life miserable. Research proves that a positive outlook keeps people in better health than a negative one. Optimistic people live longer than those who are pessimistic.

So why don’t you put that warm smile in your face and erase those negative feelings that have been haunting you for quite sometime?  After all, life is a choice and we have the power to choose our thoughts and dwell on what is pure, beautiful, and worth our time.  Enjoy life!

We have yet to include Budgeting 101 in schools.  But it’s not too late to learn especially these days that prices of basic commodities keep on increasing.  Here are some basics:

·       Follow the give, save, spend rule.  Try setting aside 10% for the church, another 10% as savings and the balance to your living expenses.  Don’t reverse the order though.  That’s when your problems will start.

·       Review monthly income vs. expenses.  Do a quick balance between your monthly income vs. how much you are spending each month.  This will make you see how you are spending your money and manage it more effectively.

·       Pay your credit cards.  Avoid them if you can, but if not, make sure you have set aside money to pay them as soon as the statement comes.  That way you avoid charges and gaining debt.

·     Avoid loans it if possible.  Many of us cannot avoid home loans though, so if you have that, make sure the interest rate is reasonable.

·       Teach your children about budgeting. Start them while they’re young.  Teach them to give, save, and spend principle with their allowance.  This will surely help them when they grow up.

·       Love your job and make money on the sides.  These days, it is normal to find other profitable hobbies or sidelines.

·       Read books about money.  I personally recommend Robert Kiyosaki’s books.  I read them myself and I find it very helpful!

      Be polite firm.  You’re not required to explain every decisionyou make.

    If you must give a reason, point it calmly and sensibly.

     Don’t be afraid to ask, “What should I?” or “Is that fair?” If people can’t give you a good enough answer to either question, they’ll see your point and leave you alone.

     Stand your ground.  Don’t say, “NO” then back down later.  People might think you aren’t firm in your decisions, and might store that knowledge for future manipulation.  Good luck!

        Be sure of what you really want, then ask for it.

        Show no fear.  If you’re confident about asking, people have a harder time to say no.

       Make fair and sensible request.  You can’t fight good logic.

       “If you want a kitten, ask for a horse first.”  Always ask for a little more than what you actually want, to leave room for bargaining.  That way, even if you end up getting exactly what you wanted in the first place, the other person doesn’t lose face.

      Try charm and persuasion before anything else.  People will grant favors if it is also beneficial to them.  Point out what they’ll get in return for what you’re asking for.

    -Write down a list of things you need to tell the doctor before the  appointment.

   -Write down the names and dosages of any prescription, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you're taking.

   -Don't be afraid to say “I don't understand.”

   -Don't lie on anything that will help your doctor better establish a   diagnosis, or determine which

treatment is best for you.

    -Ask the doctor's medical assistance and nurses for additional information.

Just recently, I came across with this interesting article.  Studies at the University of Maryland’s Center for Cardiology have found that laughter can be as effective as going for a run in terms of maintaining healthy blood vessels.

Laughter cause the endothelium-which forms the inner lining of the blood vessels-to dilate, thus increasing the blood flow in the same way as aerobic exercise. 

The study recruited 20 young and healthy volunteers who watched 15-minute clips of distressing scenes from films, as well as clips from comedies.  They found that blood flow in the brachial artery in the arm of the volunteers decreased in 14 to 20 participants, but increased in 19 out of the 20 participants after the funny clips.

So guys, what are you waiting for? Play those funny DVDs again and laugh out loud!