What's on your mind?

[Journey.In.Grace]

Just the generic stuff you get at grocery stores (Maruchan I think the brand is). I have a few chicken flavour and a few beef flavour.

Not the best stuff in the world (flavour is good, but ingredients are questionable), but it fills the belly in a pinch.



You're so right. I would absolutely LOVE to go to college...but I can't do that plus hold onto a full-time job to keep a roof over my head. It's also way too expensive for me...and I've looked into scholarships, but nothing that I would qualify for. Student loans...well, I'd definitely rather not get into that....

If they can get free college in my state...I would most definitely try for that.

In New York, you can go to their colleges completely free BUT you have to live there for the amount of years you attended their college after graduation. So if you were to pursue a four year degree, after graduation you would have to live there for four years. It is a fair catch but I am not sure if I could be so far from my family in such a long time, nor survive up there.

 

[Squeakers]

In New York, you can go to their colleges completely free BUT you have to live there for the amount of years you attended their college after graduation. So if you were to pursue a four year degree, after graduation you would have to live there for four years. It is a fair catch but I am not sure if I could be so far from my family in such a long time, nor survive up there.

Depends on where in NY I'd live...I certainly couldn't do the city because of cost of living and I just don't like city life. Perhaps if I were in rural NY, that'd be nice.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

Depends on where in NY I'd live...I certainly couldn't do the city because of cost of living and I just don't like city life. Perhaps if I were in rural NY, that'd be nice.

Honestly, if I didn't have ANYTHING here in Texas for me (my family mostly), then I would go to New York for school and spend eight years there. Having a college degree is important to me, and it wrecks me to not be able to pursue one until I get a real job somewhere. Fortunately I have found a college that has a $960 tuition per course, which sure beats $1300 at a school that doesn't even have the degree I want to pursue. But your entire college, including room, board, and food paid for? Seriously, I'd be contacting them at this moment if I didn't have things holding me back here.

 

[LadyOfMystery]

I think I've told this story before but I'm going to tell it again.

I was homeschooled, and I'm also paralyzed as a lot of you know (and if you don't..well then..surprise! ) and when I was 16 and really close to graduating there was a school in my state that offered a program and living quarters for people with disabilities and it ran on funds. It had nurses for any kind of difficulty, and therapy, and whatever basically your needs were... there was someone to help you no matter how big or small the issue was. It was perfection for someone like me who is basically independent but needs a little help. So literally the day after I did my papers for this college, they announced that the funds were gone and they were canceling this program. The living quarters I forget would either be turned into areas for other students or maybe a class building. I was heart broken and I just gave up on the college thing. And I think that was a big mistake. I regret not looking into other colleges or even just a community college I went to during the day.

I know I can do that now, but things now are completely different in my life and I have a whole new row of excuses not to be able to do it. I wish I had done it when things were good and I had had a chance to do it.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

I think I've told this story before but I'm going to tell it again.

I was homeschooled, and I'm also paralyzed as a lot of you know (and if you don't..well then..surprise! ) and when I was 16 and really close to graduating there was a school in my state that offered a program and living quarters for people with disabilities and it ran on funds. It had nurses for any kind of difficulty, and therapy, and whatever basically your needs were... there was someone to help you no matter how big or small the issue was. It was perfection for someone like me who is basically independent but needs a little help. So literally the day after I did my papers for this college, they announced that the funds were gone and they were canceling this program. The living quarters I forget would either be turned into areas for other students or maybe a class building. I was heart broken and I just gave up on the college thing. And I think that was a big mistake. I regret not looking into other colleges or even just a community college I went to during the day.

I know I can do that now, but things now are completely different in my life and I have a whole new row of excuses not to be able to do it. I wish I had done it when things were good and I had had a chance to do it.

That is terrible! I am sorry to hear that. My nephew has Spina Bifida, so he is paralyzed from the waist down. It is easier to give up when we have so many excuses in front of us, whether we don't want to do it or out of fear. Nothing is stopping me from pursuing the college I mentioned above; just that I can't stay at a job for too long and I am struggling finding one I can stay at. I have no excuse for it, honestly. The important thing is that we are at least trying.

 

[redblue22]

@LizzyMae and @LadyOfMystery

What would you study?

 

[Saucy]

Not to discourage any of you ladies from pursuing whatever dreams you have, but in my option, a college degree is becoming worthless in modern times. SO MANY millions of students are graduating, but still end up working at minimum wage at a crappy job. My friend has TWO degrees, one in computer design and animation and one in architecture and up until a month ago, he worked at a sub shop, then assisted a plumber.

My advice would be to follow a trade. Trades always have career openings, regardless of the economy. A lot of people end up regretting college as they end up with tons of debt and no job prospects. Everything is moving online as well. I keep telling the kids at my church and my little cousins to get into technology NOW. Learn how to code and use photoshop, etc.

Top three careers for the next 10-15 years (at least)
-Trades
-Online marketing
-Technology design and development

The world is changing rapidly and people aren't keeping up.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

@LizzyMae and @LadyOfMystery

What would you study?

Creative Writing in English.

Not to discourage any of you ladies from pursuing whatever dreams you have, but in my option, a college degree is becoming worthless in modern times. SO MANY millions of students are graduating, but still end up working at minimum wage at a crappy job. My friend has TWO degrees, one in computer design and animation and one in architecture and up until a month ago, he worked at a sub shop, then assisted a plumber.

My advice would be to follow a trade. Trades always have career openings, regardless of the economy. A lot of people end up regretting college as they end up with tons of debt and no job prospects. Everything is moving online as well. I keep telling the kids at my church and my little cousins to get into technology NOW. Learn how to code and use photoshop, etc.

Top three careers for the next 10-15 years (at least)
-Trades
-Online marketing
-Technology design and development

The world is changing rapidly and people aren't keeping up.

Ah Saucy, my mentor. <3 He's right though - how many college students graduate but aren't even getting hired for the degree they pursued, or at all? A lot. The only reason I even want to pursue the degree I want to pursue is out of interest in English and writing, and it would be a good outlet to improve my writing and learn things that I don't know.

 

[Saucy]

Creative Writing in English.



Ah Saucy, my mentor. <3 He's right though - how many college students graduate but aren't even getting hired for the degree they pursued, or at all? A lot. The only reason I even want to pursue the degree I want to pursue is out of interest in English and writing, and it would be a good outlet to improve my writing and learn things that I don't know.

In the process you'd be wasting tons of money on math classes and many other electives that don't pertain to your degree. The first two years of college are like going back to high school and redoing all the stuff you already did haha. You can't just take one class and focus on English and graduate. You'd have to take 5-6 classes per year.

 

[redblue22]

I would love to have the talent to write stories. Maybe other classes give you something to write about. But then I have to admit I never thought education was about finding a job.

 

[LadyOfMystery]

That is terrible! I am sorry to hear that. My nephew has Spina Bifida, so he is paralyzed from the waist down. It is easier to give up when we have so many excuses in front of us, whether we don't want to do it or out of fear. Nothing is stopping me from pursuing the college I mentioned above; just that I can't stay at a job for too long and I am struggling finding one I can stay at. I have no excuse for it, honestly. The important thing is that we are at least trying.

That is what I have, Spina Bifida.

And yes you're totally right. It's kind of interesting though, that's what gets me in a funk most of the times is thinking about things I haven't done, and all the excuses I've made (valid or non), and how things haven't changed or gotten worse, but I still maintain doing the same things.

I mean I can't be too hard on myself currently, this is a new time in my life that I'm in. Just getting by with my Mom since Dad passed away. Even though it's been two years we're still in survival mode and taking it day by day. But meh. Sometimes I know there are things I could do to further myself and I let it slip past.

@LizzyMae and @LadyOfMystery

What would you study?

Marketing in business and/or Communication.

Not to discourage any of you ladies from pursuing whatever dreams you have, but in my option, a college degree is becoming worthless in modern times. SO MANY millions of students are graduating, but still end up working at minimum wage at a crappy job. My friend has TWO degrees, one in computer design and animation and one in architecture and up until a month ago, he worked at a sub shop, then assisted a plumber.

My advice would be to follow a trade. Trades always have career openings, regardless of the economy. A lot of people end up regretting college as they end up with tons of debt and no job prospects. Everything is moving online as well. I keep telling the kids at my church and my little cousins to get into technology NOW. Learn how to code and use photoshop, etc.

Top three careers for the next 10-15 years (at least)
-Trades
-Online marketing
-Technology design and development

The world is changing rapidly and people aren't keeping up.

I agree, college isn't for everyone and we're in a different time now. College use to be beneficial and there was a point to it but now it seems like a lot of people are going just to go.

Ugh. Coding. lol I know what you're saying, but coding is annoying and will try a patient person.

 

[Saucy]

I tend to think most people go to college to find a great job. I just wish it was more focused on what you want to do. A few years ago I was trying to determine what to do. I knew I was decent at writing and thought, "should I teach?" I spoke to my old English teacher, who is the head of the English department at my old high school and she said, "To be completely honest, you most likely won't find a teaching job."

A lot of these careers are just overly saturated. Teachers, lawyers, nurses, etc. Then you find those completely worthless degrees, like liberal arts. There's a reason why the millennials are known as the generation who still lives at home and sleeps in their parent's basement. There was a time when a college degree meant something, but today, it's simply not worth it and more careers are opening up in the online/tech sectors that don't require degrees at all.

One of my clients immigrated here from Peru. No degree, could barely speak English. Found a corporate job, but got fired when the economy went bad. Got into online marketing and became a multi-millionaire in less than two years. I'm taking a completely different route with my business, but I think I'll be at that level in the next 2-5 years.

 

[LadyOfMystery]

I wanted to do creative writing courses too! I think that would be fun. I think though there are a lot of free information things online that might easily teach you what you need to know. Like I know you can get a few lessons on Coursera. I need to look there again and see what all they've added. I'm feeling like I'm in a learning mood today.

 

[Saucy]

That is what I have, Spina Bifida.

And yes you're totally right. It's kind of interesting though, that's what gets me in a funk most of the times is thinking about things I haven't done, and all the excuses I've made (valid or non), and how things haven't changed or gotten worse, but I still maintain doing the same things.

I mean I can't be too hard on myself currently, this is a new time in my life that I'm in. Just getting by with my Mom since Dad passed away. Even though it's been two years we're still in survival mode and taking it day by day. But meh. Sometimes I know there are things I could do to further myself and I let it slip past.



Marketing in business and/or Communication.



I agree, college isn't for everyone and we're in a different time now. College use to be beneficial and there was a point to it but now it seems like a lot of people are going just to go.

Ugh. Coding. lol I know what you're saying, but coding is annoying and will try a patient person.

There are a lot of free courses out there that teach people how to code and such. I think Bill Gates even sponsors one. He's also telling kids to get into tech as early as possible.

Most of these multi-billionaires, like Jobs, Gates, and Zuckerberg dropped out of college.

Me personally, I picked up a few $50 courses on copywriting.

I'll add a piece of copywriting that made me $500. It's about a page and not even that good of writing. Took me maybe an hour to write.

Spoiler: blurb copy

It’s often said that you should never judge a book by its cover.

Sadly, that’s exactly what we do. It’s the first thing we look at when deciding whether we want to read a book or not. We’ll look at the back cover or look at the dust jacket sleeve to determine what the story will be about.

Because of this, book blurbs are incredibly important. Think of them as the gateway between the reader and the writer. Whether the reader will pass through the gates into the mind of the writer depends on how well the blurb is written.

Does it adequately describe your story in a way that grabs the reader’s attention? Does it share just enough information to intrigue and inspire them to keep reading? The right blurb can be the difference between having buyers eager to open their wallets or just letting it sit on the shelf.

To sell books, you need to have that connection. I’m sure you know the feeling. Who watches a movie without looking on the back cover and reading the description? Were all incredibly picky about our entertainment, so we often want to know if it’s worth the money.

Knowing this, it’s very important for you to consider your blurb as your most powerful marketing tool.

The truth is, readers rarely take a chance on new authors. It’s common for us to want to stick with what we know, but sometimes we branch out in search of something new. Still, we know what we like. Therefore, it’s important to have a professionally written blurb for your book.

A professionally written blurb tells the world that you mean serious business.


Here is what you can expect from a professionally written book blurb:


· An attention-grabbing opening and headline. When writing a book, starting the book off with a bang is important. The same goes with the blurb. The opening lines should serve to introduce you and the book in a couple of short sentences.

· The bulk of the blurb is going over the summary of events. Keys points will be highlighted, themes will be determined, and it will most likely ask questions pertinent to the plot that entice customers to want to buy to find out the answers.

· The ending will be given as much attention as the beginning part of the blurb. Each section will the finely tuned to fit your needs.

· Once each part is written, the whole piece will be looked over thoroughly and edited as needed.


There’s no more important part of the marketing process than the blurb that summarizes what your book is about. That’s why you should consider having it written by a professional writer who excels at creating comprehensive summaries that sell more books than when authors try to do it on their own.


*add your CTA*

 

[redblue22]

@LadyOfMystery , I took several classes in communications. I continue to read books for comm classes that I didn't take. (I should maybe get into that male/female comm book?)

 

[redblue22]

I tend to think most people go to college to find a great job. I just wish it was more focused on what you want to do. A few years ago I was trying to determine what to do. I knew I was decent at writing and thought, "should I teach?" I spoke to my old English teacher, who is the head of the English department at my old high school and she said, "To be completely honest, you most likely won't find a teaching job."

A lot of these careers are just overly saturated. Teachers, lawyers, nurses, etc. Then you find those completely worthless degrees, like liberal arts. There's a reason why the millennials are known as the generation who still lives at home and sleeps in their parent's basement. There was a time when a college degree meant something, but today, it's simply not worth it and more careers are opening up in the online/tech sectors that don't require degrees at all.

One of my clients immigrated here from Peru. No degree, could barely speak English. Found a corporate job, but got fired when the economy went bad. Got into online marketing and became a multi-millionaire in less than two years. I'm taking a completely different route with my business, but I think I'll be at that level in the next 2-5 years.

Is there some reason you can't play nice?

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

In the process you'd be wasting tons of money on math classes and many other electives that don't pertain to your degree. The first two years of college are like going back to high school and redoing all the stuff you already did haha. You can't just take one class and focus on English and graduate. You'd have to take 5-6 classes per year.

I realize that. I took three college courses and I understand if I want to finish college in timely manner, I will have to pick up at least between 3-5 courses. But as I said, I would pursue that degree for the sole purpose of interest and wanting to learn things about writing I don't know about, or find ways to improve my writing. Even if it is just outlining or story structure. Getting a college degree is just important to me; the likelihood of me ever getting a degree is slim. But I would do it out of pure interest and love for writing, and simply wanting a degree. It is a personal thing for me.

I tend to think most people go to college to find a great job. I just wish it was more focused on what you want to do. A few years ago I was trying to determine what to do. I knew I was decent at writing and thought, "should I teach?" I spoke to my old English teacher, who is the head of the English department at my old high school and she said, "To be completely honest, you most likely won't find a teaching job."

A lot of these careers are just overly saturated. Teachers, lawyers, nurses, etc. Then you find those completely worthless degrees, like liberal arts. There's a reason why the millennials are known as the generation who still lives at home and sleeps in their parent's basement. There was a time when a college degree meant something, but today, it's simply not worth it and more careers are opening up in the online/tech sectors that don't require degrees at all.

One of my clients immigrated here from Peru. No degree, could barely speak English. Found a corporate job, but got fired when the economy went bad. Got into online marketing and became a multi-millionaire in less than two years. I'm taking a completely different route with my business, but I think I'll be at that level in the next 2-5 years.

You have to take into consideration, though, there are some states or cities where people are heavily bent on a college degree and a piece of paper does mean something. Especially over here. It is why I have been considering at least a certification, because most career places, even something as editorial, medical receptionist, graphic designing and all those either things, require a degree or certification. That is almost always the requirement where I live.

 

[Saucy]

Is there some reason you can't play nice?

How am I not playing nice?

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

How am I not playing nice?

Yeah, I don't understand that either. Your post seems fine to me.

 

[redblue22]

You can continue on talking about how college is worthless, but it isn't very nice.