Category: career

career, lifestyle

Writing and Workout Routines: How I Structure My Day for Both

Elizabeth Yuen

As a stay-at-home mom, writer, and someone who values staying active, finding balance in my daily schedule has been a journey. I’ve crafted a routine that helps me juggle writing, homemaking, and working out, while still making time for my family. Here’s a glimpse into what my typical day looks like:

6:00 AM: Early Start for Breakfast and Writing

The alarm goes off, and I start my day at 6 AM. After grabbing a quick breakfast, I dive straight into writing. This is my sacred hour, where the house is quiet, and I can focus on my creative projects. It’s a golden time to get into the flow and make headway on my novel before the day’s responsibilities kick in.

7:00 AM: Getting Ready for the Day

At 7 AM, I shift gears and start getting ready for the day. Outfits, shoes, bags—everything has to be in place before I head out the door. It’s a busy time––especially as a mom, but I’ve learned to embrace the hustle as part of the morning rhythm.

8:00 AM: Workout Class

By 8 AM, I’m at the gym for a workout class while my kid is in child watch. This is a crucial part of my routine, not only for staying healthy but also for keeping my mind sharp and energized. The hour spent moving and sweating is a great way to reset my brain, giving me the stamina to tackle the rest of the day.

9:30 AM: Childwatch Pickup

After my class, I pick my child up from the gym’s child watch. It’s a quick transition from workout mode back into mom mode, but it’s worth every minute of fitness time. Plus, my little one gets some fun playtime with friends while I’m working out.

10:00 AM: Nap Time Means Clean and Write Time

By 10 AM, it’s time for my child’s first morning nap. This is another golden hour for me. First, I take care of any cleaning or household tasks that need attention. Once the house is in order, I grab my laptop and get back to writing. Whether it’s refining dialogue, plotting, or getting lost in my characters’ world, I make the most of this uninterrupted time.

The Rest of the Day

The afternoon brings more family time, errands, and homemaking tasks. I fit in bits of writing wherever I can, but the morning is when I do the bulk of my creative writing. I love ending the day with a sense of accomplishment from both writing and homemaking, feeling balanced between my roles.

It’s not always easy, but having a structured routine helps me prioritize my passions and responsibilities. Writing, homemaking, and staying active all get their time to shine in my schedule, and that balance keeps me energized and fulfilled.

career, lifestyle

Balancing Homemaking Duties with Writing Dreams

Elizabeth Yuen

Balancing the daily demands of homemaking with the pursuit of writing is no easy task, and I often find myself pulled between the two. The struggle is real, but I’ve seen a few strategies that work for me, helping me navigate both worlds with less overwhelm.

1. Setting Realistic Goals

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to set goals that align with my current capacity. Instead of aiming to write thousands of words every day, I’ve adjusted my expectations based on the reality of my schedule. On busier days, my goal might be as simple as writing a few hundred words or brainstorming ideas for my next chapter. By setting achievable, flexible goals, I’m able to make steady progress without the constant pressure of falling short.

For my novel writing, I like to break up my chapters into three digestible sections to tackle individually over three days. Day one I focus on part one of the chapter, day two I focus on part two and then day three is the final section. I can write about two chapters a week with that strategy and it’s not overwhelming.

Tip: Break larger writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can celebrate the small wins and stay motivated over time.

2. Asking for Help

It took time, but I’ve learned to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s enlisting my husband to handle certain household chores or asking a family member to watch the my kid for an afternoon, sharing the load has been key. I used to feel guilty about needing help, but now I see it as essential to creating balance. Writing is important to me, and asking for support has given me more time for my creative work.

Tip: Identify areas where you can delegate tasks, whether housework or childcare, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. I also recommend looking into child watch options at your local gym if that’s available to you.

3. You Don’t Have to be Perfect

Perfectionism was something I struggled with in both homemaking and writing. I wanted everything to be spotless, every meal homemade, and every word I wrote to be perfect. But trying to meet those unrealistic standards only led to burnout. Now, I accept that some days the laundry might pile up, or a rough draft may not be as polished as I’d like. By letting go of trying to be perfect, I’ve found more freedom to focus on what matters most—whether that’s spending quality time with my family or working on my novel.

Tip: Accept that not everything will be perfect, and that’s okay. Both your home and your writing are allowed to have flaws.

4. Prioritizing Self-Care

Taking care of myself has been crucial in balancing everything. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of tea before the household wakes up or a quick walk in the afternoon, I make time to recharge. When I’m well-rested and mentally refreshed, I’m more productive and better equipped to handle both writing and homemaking responsibilities.

Don’t skimp on this. It is absolutely key to take time for yourself. Some of us only have the luxury of taking care of ourselves for an hour after everyone in the house is asleep. Take advantage of that and dedicate an hour of your time to taking care of you.

Tip: Make self-care a daily habit to help with your energy levels and mental clarity.

Conclusion

Balancing housework with writing ambitions requires a combination of realistic goal-setting, asking for help, accepting imperfection, and making space for self-care. It’s not always easy, but these strategies have helped me find a rhythm that works, allowing me to pursue my writing while still keeping the household running. If you’re struggling with this balance, know that it’s okay to adjust your expectations and seek support—it’s all part of the journey.

career, lifestyle

Organizing Your Life to Prioritize Writing

Elizabeth Yuen

As a stay-at-home parent, balancing homemaking duties with writing goals can feel overwhelming. The never-ending list of chores and responsibilities often makes it hard to carve out dedicated time for writing. However, with some thoughtful planning and organization, managing your household while prioritizing your creative work is possible. Here’s how you can organize your daily homemaking tasks to create space for writing, maintain mental clarity, and stay productive.

1. Create a Daily To-Do List

One of the simplest ways to organize your day is by making a to-do list. Before you start your morning, jot down the most important tasks that need to be done. This could include laundry, meal prep, tidying up, or paying bills. Break these down into small, manageable tasks, which makes the list less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check things off.

The trick to a good to-do list is prioritizing. Ask yourself which tasks are time-sensitive and which can be pushed to later. Once you’ve identified the must-dos, block off time for writing. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day, like cooking or cleaning.

2. Declutter for Mental Clarity

A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. When your surroundings are messy, it’s harder to focus on creative work. One of the best ways to set yourself up for a productive writing session is by keeping your home tidy and organized.

You don’t need to deep-clean every single day, but consider decluttering your most-used spaces. Focus on clearing off your desk or kitchen counter—the places where you might be working or brainstorming. A quick 10-minute clean-up can make a huge difference in how mentally prepared you feel to write.

3. Schedule Writing as Part of Your Daily Routine

Writing needs to be part of your daily routine, not just an afterthought. To make it easier, schedule your writing sessions around your homemaking tasks. For example, if you know you’ll have 30 minutes while the kids nap or after dinner, set that time aside specifically for writing.

This is where having a planner (I like the Daily Grind Planner) can be a game-changer. Having a planner allows you to map out your day, organize your household tasks, and still leave room for the things that matter most—like your writing. It’s designed to help you prioritize effectively, so you can find a balance between managing your home and working on your passion projects.

With a planner, you can:

  • Break your day into manageable chunks
  • Track your writing progress alongside homemaking tasks
  • Set daily goals that focus on both home management and creative work
  • Organize your week in advance to see where writing fits into the bigger picture

Having a planner like this helps you not just survive the day but thrive by knowing that both your homemaking and writing goals are being met.

4. Batch Similar Tasks Together

When you have a long list of chores, consider batching similar tasks together. For example, do all of your laundry at once, or meal prep for the week in one afternoon. This saves time and mental energy, giving you more space to write.

By organizing similar tasks, you’ll spend less time bouncing between different duties and more time in a productive flow. Once you’ve completed these tasks, you can focus fully on writing without worrying about the next chore on your list.

5. Start the Day with Intention

Your mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. If you start with intention, you’re more likely to stay organized and productive. Try to begin each day with a quick review of your planner or to-do list. Mentally prepare for both your homemaking responsibilities and your writing time.

Additionally, consider starting your day with a short writing session if possible. Even 15–20 minutes of writing first thing in the morning can give you a sense of progress and motivation to carry you through the rest of your day.

6. Build in Downtime

Finally, remember to give yourself some grace. Balancing homemaking and writing is no small task. Build some downtime into your schedule so you don’t burn out. Whether it’s a walk, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or reading a book, having a few moments of rest will help you recharge and stay productive in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Organizing your daily homemaking tasks is key to finding more time for writing. By using tools like to-do lists, decluttering spaces, and incorporating writing into your daily schedule, you can ensure both your home and creative projects stay on track. With the help of a planner (again, my personal favorite is the Daily Grind Planner), it becomes much easier to balance these dual roles effectively.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—make writing a priority today by organizing your life in a way that supports both your homemaking and your passion for storytelling.

career, lifestyle

How a Daily Walk Boosts My Writing Productivity

Elizabeth Yuen

As writers, we often find ourselves trapped at the desk, trying to force out words or wrangle ideas onto the page. But over time, I’ve discovered a game-changing habit that’s helped me break free from that creative block: daily walks. This simple routine has not only improved my writing productivity, but has also transformed the way I brainstorm, outline, and reflect on my stories.

A New Perspective Through Movement

It all started when I decided to take short walks during my writing breaks. At first, I just needed fresh air, but I quickly realized that walking opened my mind in ways that sitting at my desk couldn’t. Something about moving through nature—whether it’s a peaceful park or a quiet street—allowed me to think more clearly. The rhythm of walking seemed to unlock ideas I didn’t know were stuck.

When I hit a roadblock in my writing, I lace up my shoes and step outside. The moment I start moving, thoughts that feel disorganized or overwhelming in front of my screen seem to fall into place. The distraction-free time helps me visualize scenes, hear dialogue, and solve tricky plot issues without realizing I’m doing it.

Walking as a Brainstorming Tool

One of the best ways I use my walks is to brainstorm new ideas. Whether you’re in the early stages of a project or revisiting a story you’ve been working on for months, walking helps shift your focus from the pressure of having to come up with something to just letting ideas flow naturally.

I often leave my phone at home or set it to airplane mode so I can fully immerse myself in my thoughts. As I walk, I allow ideas to drift through my mind without judgment—sometimes, the ideas seem small or disconnected at first, but by the end of the walk, they’ve merged into something more tangible. This free association has led to some of my best story twists and character revelations.

Outlining and Plotting On the Go

Walks are also a great time to outline or work through the structure of a story. If you’ve ever tried to outline at your desk and felt stuck, go ahead and take your outline with you on a walk. You can mentally rehearse key points, think about the flow of your story, and even imagine potential endings or character arcs as you go.

If you’re worried about forgetting these new thoughts, consider bringing a small notebook or using the voice memo app on your phone to capture ideas in real-time. Personally, I find that by the time I’m back home, I’m so energized that I can sit down and quickly jot down everything I came up with.

Reflecting on Your Work

Writing can feel emotionally draining, especially when you’ve been working on a project for a long time. Daily walks give me the space I need to reflect on my stories from a fresh perspective. Instead of ruminating over what isn’t working, walking provides a gentle reset.

It allows you to take a step back (both literally and metaphorically), helping you to see the bigger picture and evaluate what’s truly important in your writing. I’ve found that the combination of movement and reflection often leads to unexpected insights that deepen my work.

Making Walks Part of Your Writing Routine

You don’t need to carve out hours for a walk—15 or 20 minutes can make a huge difference. What matters most is consistency. I’ve made daily walks a part of my writing routine, and it’s become something I look forward to. If you’re struggling to find time, consider incorporating walks into your existing schedule: take one after lunch, before you start your writing session, or whenever you hit a wall in your productivity.

If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few ideas:

  • Use your walks to think about a specific scene or piece of dialogue.
  • Walk with the intention of solving a specific writing problem.
  • Use the time to daydream and let new story ideas emerge.
  • After your walk, jot down the thoughts and ideas you want to explore.

Walk Your Way to Productivity

Daily walks have helped me find clarity, break through creative blocks, and increase my productivity in ways I hadn’t expected. Writing is hard work, but it doesn’t always have to happen at the desk. If you’re feeling stuck, overworked, or just need a fresh perspective, try stepping outside and letting the movement guide your creativity.

So next time you’re staring at a blank page, grab your shoes and go for a walk—you might just find the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

career, lifestyle

How Becoming a Mom Changed My Perspective on My Writing Career

Elizabeth Yuen

When I first set out to pursue my writing career, I had a clear vision of success. I imagined long hours spent crafting stories, meeting tight deadlines, and rapidly building a portfolio of published work. But then, I became a mom—and everything changed.

Motherhood didn’t just transform my day-to-day life; it completely shifted my perspective on what success looks like and how I approach my writing. Here’s how becoming a mom has redefined my writing journey.

1. Redefining Success

Before having children, success felt like something to chase relentlessly. It was all about hitting certain milestones—completing projects, getting published, growing my audience. But motherhood taught me that success isn’t just about tangible achievements. Now, success looks more like balance and fulfillment. It’s about creating work that I’m proud of, while also being present for my family.

Writing, for me, is no longer tied solely to external validation. Instead, it’s about telling stories that matter, even if they take longer to complete or don’t always reach a wide audience. I’ve come to appreciate that success is about quality, not quantity.

2. Letting Go of Timelines

Before becoming a mother, I would set very strict timelines for my writing goals. I wanted to get published by a certain age, complete a novel by a set date, and try to keep up with all things career and productivity. But once I became a mom, I had to let go of all of that.

Motherhood is totally unpredictable. Some days, I have the energy and time to write for hours at a time. Other days, my kid decides to nap for twenty minutes and that’s all the writing I get done for that day. This used to frustrate me to no end, but now I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow of motherhood. My writing will eventually get done, but I’ve realized that it’s okay to just take it slow.

3. Embracing Flexibility

Motherhood has required me to embrace flexibility in all aspects of life, including my writing career. My writing routine is no longer rigid. Some days, I wake up early to squeeze in a few quiet moments before the household wakes up. On other days, I jot down notes while my kid plays. Flexibility has become essential to maintaining both my writing practice and my role as a mom.

This adaptability has also helped me become more patient and compassionate with myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause, reset, and return to my writing when life allows. The creative process doesn’t have to be rushed.

4. Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

In the past, I viewed writing as a race to the finish line—publish the book, get the recognition, and then move on to the next project. But motherhood has taught me that the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination. I’ve learned to savor the small victories: a well-written sentence, a breakthrough in a difficult scene, or even the act of sitting down to write, no matter how brief.

My writing career is no longer defined by end goals alone. It’s about enjoying the process of creation, finding joy in the everyday moments of inspiration, and celebrating progress in whatever form it takes.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a mom has undoubtedly slowed down my writing career, but it has also made it more meaningful. My goals have shifted from productivity and achievement to growth and fulfillment. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to embrace the unpredictable nature of life, and to cherish the creative journey.

Motherhood has changed my perspective on writing in the best possible way. I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m living it, one story at a time, alongside the most important role of my life as a mother.

career, lifestyle

How We Live Frugally to Support My Writing Career

Elizabeth Yuen

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being a writer and a full-time homemaker, balancing the creative joys of storytelling with the satisfaction of nurturing a family. But as with most dreams, there were financial realities to face. Becoming a stay-at-home mom and pursuing my passion for writing meant making some serious changes in how we approached money.

Adopting a frugal lifestyle has been key to making this dream a reality. By being mindful about our spending and focusing on what truly matters, we’ve found a way to live comfortably, enjoy life, and support my aspirations as a writer, all while sticking to a tight budget. I’d love to share a few strategies that have helped us, with tips for budgeting as a family, low-cost activities, and making smarter financial choices.

1. Set Clear Financial Goals

The first step in our frugal journey was getting clear on what we wanted. My dream of writing and homemaking meant transitioning to a single income, so we needed to assess our financial situation and set clear goals. We started by determining how much we needed for basic living expenses—like housing, utilities, food, and savings—then calculated how much we could save by cutting unnecessary spending.

Tip: Write down your long-term financial goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a business, or simply living debt-free. This will guide your spending choices and keep you motivated.

2. Create a Family Budget

One of the most effective tools for frugal living is a solid budget. We sat down and created a family budget that broke down our monthly income and categorized our expenses. From groceries to entertainment, we tracked every penny to see where we could cut back.

Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track your income and expenses. Set realistic spending limits for each category and review them regularly to stay on track.

3. Plan Low-Cost Family Activities

Being frugal doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. In fact, we’ve discovered that some of the best family memories come from simple, low-cost activities. Instead of pricey outings, we opt for budget-friendly experiences, like visiting local parks, having movie nights at home, or taking nature walks.

We also love DIY projects—whether it’s a home-cooked meal together, a craft afternoon, or even a themed family game night, these activities foster connection without costing much.

Tip: Check out community events, free museum days, or local libraries, which often host free or low-cost programs for families. Prioritize time spent together over expensive outings.

4. Get Creative with Groceries

Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for a family, but there are ways to save without sacrificing quality. I’ve learned the art of meal planning, buying in bulk, and cooking from scratch, which has helped us cut costs significantly. We also avoid pre-packaged convenience foods and focus on whole, versatile ingredients that can stretch across multiple meals.

Tip: Plan your meals around what’s on sale or in season, and don’t be afraid to try generic brands—they often taste just as good at a fraction of the price. Batch cooking and freezing leftovers also helps reduce waste and save money.

5. Prioritize DIY and Secondhand

We’ve embraced the DIY mindset and learned to fix, create, and repurpose things ourselves. From simple home repairs to crafting my own décor, I’ve found that doing things myself not only saves money but also brings a sense of accomplishment. When we do need to buy something, we turn to secondhand stores, online marketplaces, or swap with friends and family.

Tip: Before making any purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you can borrow, buy secondhand, or make yourself. This small shift can lead to big savings over time.

6. Focus on Needs, Not Wants

Living frugally has taught us to differentiate between needs and wants. Every purchase is considered carefully—will this item add value to our lives, or is it something we can do without? This mindset shift has helped us avoid impulsive spending and focus on what truly matters.

Tip: When tempted to buy something, give yourself a cooling-off period. Wait 48 hours and see if you still feel the same urge. Often, the desire passes, and you’ll be glad you didn’t make a hasty purchase.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

One of the best financial decisions we’ve made is prioritizing an emergency fund. Having savings set aside for unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills (or dealing with house emergencies, like our flooded first floor), gives us peace of mind and prevents us from relying on any credit cards. Even with a frugal lifestyle, emergencies happen, so having a cushion is essential.

Tip: Start small by setting aside a portion of your income each month until you reach at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Automating your savings can help make it a consistent habit.

By being intentional with choices surrounding money, I’ve been able to focus more on my writing and homemaking without the stress of financial strain. Living frugally does not mean giving up on any enjoyment or comfort––it just means being strategic, resourceful, and thrifty with what you’ve got.

With thoughtful budgeting, low-cost family activities, and smarter spending habits, my dream of being a writer and homemaker is not only possible but fulfilling in ways I hadn’t imagined.

If you’re looking to follow a similar path, I hope these tips inspire you to embrace a frugal lifestyle and pursue your own passions. Every penny saved is a step closer to your dreams!

career, March 2024

Quitting Corporate: Why I Left My Six-Figure Job

Elizabeth Yuen

I’ve been in the corporate world for almost nine years now. Working in cybersecurity for the majority of that time, I had a pretty great career. I have worked with executives, interview industry experts, and got to be a part of two companies becoming unicorns. I have traveled across the globe annually for work (I went to Spain—twice!) and have received amazing benefits (hello box tickets to see Dave Chapelle).

Plus the money? The money was good.

I went from scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck to making $120K per year (plus an 11% bonus). I had a stable income, a wonderful job, and great coworkers time and time again.

All-in-all, it has been an incredible ride. So why would I leave?

The simple answer: I wanted a change.

The Corporate Conundrum

Stability is fantastic—most people thrive on it. There’s the financial side of things: knowing exactly when money is going to hit your bank account, how much will be in there, and what you’re going to spend it on (groceries, bills, that purse you’ve been saving up for, etc.). There’s also beauty in the corporate routine—you wake up, get ready, go to work, and then go home. You know exactly what every day will look like.

My days were predictable. And I loved that.

But as time went on, I realized I was spending a lot of my time chasing after other people’s dreams. Day in and day out, I spent 8 hours a day working in cybersecurity. I would get off of work and have little to no energy to do the things that I wanted to do. Any energy I did have leftover was spent on my family—being a wife and (more recently in the past six months) a mother. Both roles I love deeply from the bottom of my heart.

But for 8 hours of the day, I was chasing after the dreams of whatever company I was working for and not my own. And that begs the question: what are my dreams?

Embracing My Calling

In kindergarten, everyone is asked what they want to be when they grow up. Some kids want to be astronauts, others want to be firefighters and a special few want to be Batman or Superman.

For me? I figured I would be a music teacher like my mom. My parents encouraged my musical talents, getting me my clarinet and paying for singing lessons. I loved performing in concerts and I kicked butt at the vocal competitions. So I went to school for music education.

But when it actually came time to actually teach, I realized I sucked at it. I royally sucked at it. To the point where I needed to switch my major from music education in college to something else entirely. Yes. I was that bad.

So I switched majors, got my English degree, and graduated college.

Now, I’ve seen some authors come out the gate swinging—focusing all their efforts on getting published. And I’m happy for them. But my focus when I graduated college was one thing: money. I needed money to pay off my student loans and not be a burden on my parents.

So my creativity was pushed to the side while I went down a corporate career path that served me well for years. But there was always a part of me that wanted to go back to my dream of writing. And that dream of writing also tied in with my dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Breaking Free: The Decision to Leave the Corporate World

Leaving the corporate world to pursue my dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom and writer was a decision that had been years in the making. It wasn’t a whim or a desire that came out of nowhere. It was a goal that had been cultivated after tons of careful consideration and unyielding determination.

When I said goodbye to my job in February, I knew I was embarking on a new chapter of my life. I was both excited and scared. Would I regret my decision? Would I be bored? Would I be disciplined enough to achieve my writing goals while simultaneously being a homemaker for my family?

Now, as March draws to a close, I can confidently say that I have zero doubts or regrets about my decision. I wake up in the morning energized knowing that I have plenty of time to be both a mother and a writer. The ability to nurture my family while also pursuing my creative ambitions brings me an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and contentment. The freedom to shape my days according to my own priorities and aspirations is a privilege I cherish deeply.

Instead of feeling constrained by the demands of a corporate career, I am empowered by the autonomy to pursue my goals on my own terms. This newfound balance between motherhood and writing has brought me immense joy and satisfaction, affirming that I made the right choice for myself and my family. Looking back, I am grateful for the courage to take that leap of faith and for the incredible sense of fulfillment it has brought into my life.

Conclusion

To those who also want to hop on the bandwagon of quitting corporate, I suggest you weigh your decision carefully as I did. The main thing is making sure you are stable financially to do so and have enough self-discipline to plan out your day. Once you determine that you are ready, take the leap of faith and follow your dreams.

career

Public Speaking 101: Tips to Get Through It

Elizabeth Yuen

“I’d love to give a presentation on social selling to the company.”

The words slipped right out of my mouth before I could even process what I was saying. No one had asked me to present. No one had even bothered to ask me for social selling advice in the past.

So why was I offering to give a presentation on social selling?

Because I just knew that I had to do it. To gain some more experience, teach my coworkers how they can use social media to their advantage, and to prove to myself that I could do it.tumblr_inline_nbrq1drg2f1rvajeq

The next thing I knew, I was up in front of about 50 employees with two (or was it three?) cameras all set on me as I talked about social selling for 30 minutes. And those cameras? They were recording so my presentation can be sent to over a thousand employees in other locations.

No pressure.

Public speaking is never easy, no matter how much experience you’ve had. That stage fright never really goes away. I was terrified up until I started my presentation and let what I had practiced come into play.

If you’re dealing with a public speaking event, here are a few of my tips to help you get through it:

  1. Take a Public Speaking Course
    If you haven’t already taken a public speaking course, sign up for one today! The public speaking course I took was back in college a few years ago, but the techniques I learned then still help me with presentations today. If you can’t take a public speaking course…
  2. Try out Toastmasters
    Toastmasters has meetings in almost any city you can think of. They’re an organization that is dedicated to helping people develop communication and leadership skills. When you attend a meeting, you get to practice your presentation or speech in front of others, and they will offer feedback that will help you hone your skills.
  3. Join an Actors Group
    Acting can help you get used to being in front of a crowd. It might be intimidating at first, but even if you’re not a such great actor, you can still have fun while learning to get in front of a crowd.
  4. Outline Your Speech
    Do not write a 5 paragraph essay and then attempt to memorize it. It never goes over well. Simply outline your speech with specific points and facts that you want to make sure you mention in your speech and then talk about those points and facts when you present. This keeps the pressure of trying to make sure every word is perfect away and focuses more on the ideas and facts you want to present.
  5. Prep In Advance
    This means practicing your presentation, getting your PowerPoint slides ready, and memorizing your speech outline. Practice for 15 minutes a day and you’ll be fine.

Do you have any more suggestions to make? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

career

One More Reason to Save…

Elizabeth Yuen

Written by Liz Britton

Just this past January, Paulette Perhach wrote an article for The Billfold called “A Story of the Fuckoff Fund“. The article depicts a nightmarish scenario where the main character (you) has just graduated college and is off into the world of adulthood. Little expenses such as lunch out with coworkers and shopping for pricier clothing add up, and the main
character gets into a relationship with a seemingly nice guy. Things get serious and the main character moves in with the boyfriend.

Things spiral downward fast when the “nice” boyfriend turns abusive and the boss starts hitting on the main character. Panicked, the main character has no idea what to do.

But Paulette Perhach provides a “choose your own adventure” option.

The first nightmarish scenario she provides could happen, or you could start your very own F*ck Off Fund right out of college like the main character in the second scenario. By shopping in thrift stores, skipping out on the expensive lunches with coworkers, and taking up a weekend job, the main character builds a strong F*ck Off Fund. This fund is meant to be her parachute – the thing that keeps her afloat when all hell breaks loose in her life.

The moment her boss starts hitting on her, she is able to drop by HR, report his creepy butt and strut out the front door. Living with an abusive boyfriend? No problem – she’s outta there and in a fabulous hotel room, searching for a new apartment just for her.

So many people fall into the trap of thinking that they’ll be fine and be able to rely on their SO or their parents to help them out with a financial crisis. In order to avoid this, the author suggests living like you’re still a broke college student. Don’t eat out, waitress on the weekends, buy from the thrift stores, and always keep your finances on the forefront of your mind.

Read this article to see how you can build your own F*ck Off Fund.