Issue 9 by Forty Magazine

FORTY Wake Up & Build Jackie Brown spills the tea on her rise in real estate

PAGE28

T HI S I SSUE Parent & Professional

EVERY I SSUE 06

Dress for Success: Skirt s for Work

Wear them long, shor t, str aight, or str iped

Working at a Fort une 500

Five things you need to know in order to grow

Sweet Dream or Night mare

Why you're dream job may not be a dream

Net working Required

Business cards can only take you so far

Signs It 's Time for a Career Change Sometimes all signs point to entrepreneur

Career Spot light Wake Up and Build Your Career

When you're a parent, you lear n to balance more than just a career

Break Bit es Food Trend: Home Restaur ant Build Your Business Over Lunch

54 52

Off t he Clock Shopping Hacks for Book Lover s You Better Belize It Star ting a Non- profit

26 29 34

Corporat e Wellness A Healing Business The Magic Number

42 49

FOL L OW US

MAST HEAD Abou t Us Forty Magazine is a digital resource and community for young professionals. We help recent grads and professionals under 40 build their dream career by covering life on and off the clock. Our mission is to help young professionals from campus to corner office.

OUR T EAM Kian Her vey Editor and Publisher M or gan Han cock Cover Design Kelli Esqu in Editorial Design Desm on d Hu n t Editorial Photography

Order a print copy of Fort y Magazine at fort ymagazine.com

Con t r ibu t in g Wr it er s Alexandria Cormier-Hill Anastacia Griffith Angel Radcliffe Brian L. Fontenot Courtney Paige Jade Jackson Jay Veal Melissa Fleury Meschach Cisero Roddeya Robinson Tawana Anderson

PHOT O CREDI T S Attribution noted in spread if required by photographer. All images tagged in creative commons and/or non-commercial use. Photo Sources: Unsplash

40 HOURS Your day- to- day inter actions and exper iences in the workplace

IN YOUR CAREER Get a “Village”

aving a successful career is a task in itself. When you add raising children to the equation, life as a young professional gets complicated. Most of us do not really think about balancing career and parenting when we are in it. We just take it day by day, and wonder how we survived in the end. I started my career in Information Technology as a single parent, raising twin boys in a new city alone. Sharing in weekly on call and weekend server duties were regular demands of the job. Unexpected server issues, meetings and projects could come up at any time, making it more difficult to be at home with my boys. During the early years, I dated a person who was supportive during the long workdays. But at the end of the day, I had to be responsible for my children. In all of my career decisions, I had to make sure my next move was conducive to my needs as a single parent. I kept in mind where I wanted to be in my career in the next five to 10 years, and was strategic about how I discussed my family obligations at work. I did not allow my bosses to give me any favorable treatment in regards to offices hours or pressing deadlines just because I had children. I did not get passed over for promotions or miss any opportunity for career advancement because I had another job of being a mom. Any time I saw any opportunity to show my value as an asset to the team, I choose to SHINE. But I could not do that without having some essential things in place to perform at the same level as my colleagues. High work demands do not only apply to the Information Technology field; they apply to all professions. If you are a parent, or you are thinking about becoming one, you need a game plan to balance career and parenthood. These rules that I prioritized over the years help me SHINE in my career.

Your “Village” consists of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends who are willing to step in when things come up at work. These need to be people you can really rely on. A solid “Village” not only babysits, but they also pour into your children by giving them guidance and assurance that your absence is for family growth. Do not be afraid to ask for help from those outside your close circle. You will be surprised how many people would love to help you and be a part of your “village.” Remember, people help those who first help themselves.

Stay on a “Work Schedule”

While coworkers are socializing at the water cooler, prioritize your work assignments and stick to a strict schedule. As a parent, most days after work you will not have time to work uninterrupted. If you do have time to check email or work remotely, you will be sacrificing precious family time. To avoid making that sacrifice, use the workday properly. Yes, there will be days when working after hours is unavoidable. But if you go hard during the day, you won’t be doing your children a disservice for too long. If you know you have an after-work commitment coming up, find someone to cover dinner. This can free up some evening time so you can spend more time with your children before bedtime.

Embrace a “TEAM” mentality

When children think of themselves as a part of a team, your wins are their wins too. They can embrace you going to work and being absent if they know that you are working for “The Team.” When you get that promotion, do not just celebrate with your coworkers or significant other; celebrate with your kids. Make a big deal out of even the tiniest work achievements to show them that the “Team” is winning. Or as we say in my house, “The Team Is SHINING.” Who does not want to brag about their mom and dad being superstars at work? It is motivation for them to be superstars at school too.

&PARENTHOOD

Author Tawana Anderson and her twin boys.

Stuff happens. It's not the End. Find a “Flexible” Job

There will be times when you need to pick your child up from daycare because they are sick. Many schools also have early release days that require you to take off early. There will be mid-morning plays, special lunches, award ceremonies, basketball games, and more events that you do not want to miss. These are the things you will miss the most when your children grow up. You being there is what your children will remember the most. The best company and job will allow you to be there for your kids. You cannot put a price on a career that allows you to “Be There.”

Take A Solo Vacation

I know I just said “Be There,” but every now and then, take a vacation without the children. I am not saying do not have family vacations, but it is okay to leave them behind occasionally. As a young adult, you need time with no work and no children. This time is when you can relax and reenergize to perform at your best in your career, business, and parenthood. My son once told me, “I love the way you always put yourself in a position to live a little.” He remembers going to grantdma's while I took a vacation, and now fully knows how to live a little and keep his own sanity.

Remember to S.H.I.N.E.

You will not always get it right, but do not dim your light. We all have room for improvement in our career and personal life. Do not just focus on the areas where you are lacking; focus on what you do well. There will be enough “Super Parents” trying to show you up and secretly wanting to be you. You might eventually become a “Super Parent,” the one who can do it all, and that’s great. Just remember parenting is always a work in progress. Do what you can do and do it well, that is the key.

Even though I had these practices in place, I was the parent who used to beat herself up for not getting it right. It wasn’t until both of my sons graduated from high school with honors and started attending Louisiana State University for engineering that I stopped beating myself up. I started my non-profit SHINE (Stuff Happens It’s Not The End) to remind myself and others that it is okay to not get it right all of the time. I have never been on a committee for daycare, class, sports, or extracurriculars. But my boys turned out fine. In our house the motto is “If you don’t grind, you don’t SHINE.” The same applies to parenting and your career. You can SHINE in both!

is a speaker, mentor, motivator, and founder of SHINE. Learn more at tawanaanderson.com

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By Kristen Washington-Scott

As a stylist for photo shoots and more, my work keeps me in tune with the latest fashion trends. Dress codes in the workplace are constantly evolving and embracing more fashion trends. Whether you work in a corporate or casual office, it is important to look and dress the part these days. For women, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to throw on the same go-to pair of slacks or dress for every day at the office work. But you can easily mix it up by wearing a trendy skirt to work. Wearing a skirt can be fun and classy in any professional environment. Skirts can be styled for work, an interview, or even a business meeting among peers. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling brave, try to mix and match. Share your personal style by substituting accessories and switch tops and fabrics based upon the season.

By Kristen Washington-Scott

The Corporate Look

The Casual

For those of you that work in a corporate setting, or somewhere that requires you to dress semiprofessionally on a daily basis, here is a look that is easy to achieve. Find that black pencil skirt tucked away somewhere in your closet and update it with a modern top. I purchased this black skirt at H&M, but this is definitely a staple piece of clothing that can be found anywhere. Black skirts are essential to your wardrobe and can be found year-round. I styled it with a pinstripe button-down blouse, another staple piece. Pinstripe alone is honestly a timeless workplace trend. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very professional and easy to pair with black, grey and navy. Style this look with a classic pair of black pumps, or simple two-strap heels such as these.

My work environment is business casual. A variety of both colors and styles, such as denim, are acceptable. Here is a look that could be appropriate for an environment such as this. I chose to incorporate leather â&#x20AC;&#x201C;a very popular fall trend. Leather also works as attire in more casual settings. Of course black leather is classic, but there are so many colors to explore in the modern workplace. I love how this mustard yellow adds more color to the look. I paired it with a denim jacket as an option, if your workplace allows denim. But it can also be paired with a solid colored blazer. Turtlenecks are also a fall trend, and they complement skirts well. An alternative shirt would be a blouse or button down shirt, solid or print. I completed this look with a pair of opentoe strappy, chunky heels. You could also try a pair of cute and comfy flats would work as well.

The Classy Kristen is a fashion merchandising graduate of The University of Texas. She is a fashion blogger, personal/ wardrobe stylist and fashion show producer. She enjoys showcasing her personal style and providing young professionals personal wardrobe, style, and bargain shopping tips. As the Dallas fashion industry grows, she plans to assist in both building it and leaving her mark. You can follow her on Instagram at @Kristylesbykristen.

This look is appropriate for a more free-spirited work environment, perhaps in retail or real-estate, in which you are allowed to express yourself freely and dress according to your personal style. I know from experience that retail environments would prefer you to dress in regards to the current trends. However, this look is still business appropriate, yet in a stylish, self-expressive way. The oversized skirt is currently in high demand. It is vibrant, so I styled it with a soft ribbed sweater for simplicity, in a color that works for both the fall and winter. Speaking of fall colors, I added a burgundy colored shoe for a pop of color. It complements the flow of the skirt. With this look I would have chosen between a black, olive, or tan colored shoe. Another option would definitely be a closed-toe pump in either of these same colors. Add a short blazer or jacket and the look is complete.

The Corporate Look

The Casual

Lessons from 5 Years at Fortune 500 Companies It’s crazy to think I graduated from college and started my career five years ago. Time really does fly when you are having fun, growing professionally, and living life. These past five years have been pretty well spent as an Internal Auditor with some amazing companies. While I have been fortunate in my career so far, navigating corporate America can be challenging. The journey never truly gets easier, but you will learn lessons along the way that prepare you to move up the ladder.

Here are the top five lessons I have learned during my five years at Fortune 500 companies.

Learn the Business.

I’m talking about more than just knowing the logo, products, and services the company offers. You should know the company’s business model; understand how they do sales, know the marketing strategies, and even know who the competitors are. This may or may not be directly tied to your current role, but it will help you stand out and become a “go-to” person. Trust me— knowing these things can help you land that new role. Although I’m in audit, I have coffee chats with my marketing and treasury colleagues to learn what is going on in their worlds. To learn about our company’s health, I read our quarterly and annual financial statements. No, learning the business isn’t a job requirement, but knowledge is everything.

Manage Your Time & Deadlines.

The amount of things to do both inside and outside of work can be overwhelming. From sending and answering emails, going to meetings, performing work tasks, developing presentations, and all the way to organizing your team’s next potluck, work is BUSY. Staying organized and being realistic with your time is crucial to your success in corporate America. I have learned to manage people’s expectations. If I am unable to do something, I simply say “No, I have another obligation.” When communicating reasonable timelines, I build in an extra day just for cushion. Create daily to do lists and write down what you are going to do each day.

Own Your Decisions.

All of my jobs in Corporate America have required me to be self-directed. I manage my own time, my work, and my reports. This sometimes comes with making executive decisions about what can and cannot get done for a project. Most corporate jobs are fast paced and non-stop, so when you make a decision it has to be quick and effective. If I decide to audit a business unit in a different way than previous years, I have to be able to present that decision to management with confidence and assurance. Now, they don’t always agree with my decisions, but they often respect that I took the initiative to make my case and present it. So be confident in your work and office decisions.

Be Involved.

Since college, organizational involvement has always been one of my top priorities. In corporate America, you can easily carry this priority from college to career. Being involved is one of the best ways to network and develop your professional skills. You can join employee resource groups (ERGs), different company taskforces or special event committees. I have had the very fulfilling and rewarding experience of serving as a co-chair for one of the ERGs at my company for over a year. I get to plan events, hone in on my public speaking, and get the chance to attend leadership conferences that are normally reserved for Company Leaders only. When

performance review time comes around, you can definitely use your involvement to showcase different talents such as project management or communication skills.

Don’t Be Afraid to NEGOTIATE.

As someone fresh out of college, negotiation can be a little more difficult as you are still gaining experience. However, if you have some great experience, armed with great education and certifications, take a stab a negotiating your salary. Negotiating can be intimidating, but you have to find a balance between what you think you are worth to what you really are worth to a company. During negotiation, don’t hesitate to bring up how valuable your expertise may be for the company or the fact that you have to relocate. These things can be points for an additional pay bump or bonus.

When you have these discussions, be confident, direct and informed. Research the market rate for your jobs, ask close peers in your field what they make, and be honest about what skills you bring to the table. If you can’t negotiate a starting salary, negotiate during your performance reviews. But do so strategically. Performance reviews can follow you the entire time you are at a company. So if you disagree with the way something was presented in the review, talk to you manager as to why it should be worded differently and be prepared to show evidence.

Roddeya Robinson works at a Fortune 500 company in Dallas, Texas. When not working her day job, you can find her running Tivity Consulting, a financial management firm for entrepreneurs. Learn more at tivityconsulting.com.

Sweet Dream, or Beautiful Nightmare Not all dream jobs turn out to be a fairytale... Anastacia Griffith recounts her experience landing and leaving her dream job.

rom the beginning of grade school until the conclusion of college, the biggest question proposed by teachers and professors is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” After you grow up and start working, the next question becomes, “What is your dream job?” We spend our entire youth being molded and developed by different experiences that ultimately outline the foundation of our future. Dream careers, whether a professional athlete, artistic visionary, zoologist or publicist, take work to become a reality. Few people are lucky enough to find their dream jobs directly after undergrad or graduate school, and even fewer after high school. But, for the vast majority, dream jobs come after you reach a few career milestones. In college, I eagerly pursued a degree in strategic communications with a focus in public relations. I was convinced that I would one day achieve my dream career as a travel journalist or sports publicist. Ultimately, that didn’t happen.

I started out as a health and wellness marketing coordinator. Then I dabbled in beauty and cosmetics marketing, real estate marketing, and finally reached the closest connection to my dream job, sports marketing. I was working around professional athletes daily, receiving free promotional gear and health supplements, and acting as an on-site photographer and copy writer. But I wasn’t happy. If I was doing what I loved, why wasn’t that enough? The job was all right for me, but the business was all wrong. I was the sole marketing coordinator for a medium-sized company and reported to the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. On paper it seemed like a dream, but there were a few key elements I neglected when saying “I do” to my dream job position. If your dream career is close or within reach, ask these questions to ensure your dream job is really a dream.

WHAT IS THE OFFICE CULTURE REALLY LIKE ?

Office culture is sometimes hard to describe. It is a group of qualities specific to a work environment and formed by an unwritten group of principles among employees. The office culture at my dream job was different from any office I experienced. By not asking about the culture, I found myself criticizing all the things that did not meet my expectations regarding team to team organization, transparency, positive reinforcement, support and accountability.

WHERE WILL I WORK ?

Do you know if you’ll be in a cubicle, large office, cramped corner or front desk? Ask yourself if you are okay with a certain work space. I have always had a large office. (In fact, my largest office came with a pool view). But at my not-so-dream job, an office wasn’t an option. Based on the company and job position, I thought I’d have a secluded office or at least an office with a door. To my dismay, I received neither and ended up in a cramped space with about nine cubicles separated by a single, thin slab for privacy. For someone who can’t think without silence or limited sound, this was a nightmare.

thinking," " I IsKept This Really My Cloud 9?

WHAT ARE MY SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES ?

Not knowing ALL the duties that are expected from you can lead to many unexpected tasks being passed your way, which can impede your formally committed duties later. Beware the fine print sometimes included in job descriptions that reads “performs other duties as assigned.” As the sole marketing coordinator, I was pretty much in charge of every marketing duty within the facility, including being items that fell between sales and marketing.

WHO WILL I REPORT TO?

Needless to say, people change! It is important to ensure that the characteristics and personality of your direct supervisor and peers are bearable, if not relatable. Not saying that you’ll get along with everyone you work with, but it is important that you’ll get along with the individuals you’ll come in contact with most. If you get the chance, meet your direct supervisor at least twice. Once will be in the interview setting; the second should be in an office visit. The first time I met my former boss they seemed a democratic leader that was nice, serious and showed willingness to compromise if needed. The second time, they were an authoritarian leader who was stern, controlling, faultless and demanding. But by the second meeting, I had already said “I do.”

WHERE WILL THIS JOB TAKE ME?

Beware of “dream jobs” with hidden agendas. It’s almost impossible to like EVERYTHING about a job, but some employers will set you up for failure--and leave you there. Always ask the employer how they see the position growing and where they think this position or department will be in upcoming years. Ask questions like, “Where will this position take you or leave you after a few years? Will this job leave you stagnant for years to come, or can this be a stepping stone to something more?” If not, at least an open door to new opportunities? In my “dream job,” I took on a list of job duties including digital and social marketing. I was marketing for three different departments while attempting to maintain my own deadlines and weekly events. The overwhelming workload surpassed the capabilities of one individual. Know your purpose within the business and whether you position includes personal growth or just company growth that may burn you out. Finding an amazing job shouldn’t leave you skeptical. It should entice you to investigate further and see what you are getting from the table, and not just bringing to it. Remembering these five things when accepting your “dream job” is a surefire way to ensure your job meets your quality of satisfaction. In the inspiring words of Les Brown, “Always shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among stars.” Aiming high to reach your dream job may land you amazing opportunities to get you closer to your intended destination.

AIMING SKY HIGH TO REACH YOUR DREAM WILL LAND YOU CLOSER TO YOUR DESTINATION.

Anastacia Griffith is a Freelance Writer and Marketing Coordinator. Connect with her via email at anastacia.griffith@yahoo.com.

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UP THE LADDER

Devoted to per sonal and professional career development

Future journalist Jade Jackson shares her networking advice to get you connected to the right person and closer to your dream job.

NETWORKING REQUIRED

Despite popular belief, we still live in a day and age where it's not WHAT you know; it's WHO you know.

Plan to Show Up. Now here's where initiative shows up. I don't have a car, so I have to be intentional about making plans to show up. If I landed this job, I would have to take an hour and half long train ride to Fort Worth, and then order an Uber to the news station. After work, I would have to do the same thing to get back home. Before I even put myself out there as a candidate, I mapped out a plan to make sure I could show up every day AND particpate in organization events. THAT is initiative, making sure "Jade, I see you network though, I seem to the Creative Services EVERYWHERE." "You're to be Superwoman. I'm team for promo spots and you're ready to show up always on the go!" "We omnipresent, in too many projects gave me a chance and participate. see your grind." "How do places at once, and people to poke my head in the Look for Opportunities you know everybody?" admire me for it. news room and shadow When the time to apply "How are you managing different reporters and for the gig rolled around, all of this?" "How do you But the ultimate question anchors. The experience I was already a part of do it?" These are the daily is, “How do I do it all?” I'm alone was overwhelming another organization comments and questions bombarded in different and amazing. The road to that hosted a fateful I get when you can catch inboxes and DMs on how get there was paved with networking event at my me in the brief moment of I set myself apart or put hard work. Here's how school. I checked the list a slower pace. myself out there. I realize networking helped me of companies who would that the answer to that land that role: be in attendance, and I've always been a gomay come easy to me, guess which company getter and eager to but passing that same Join an Organization. I saw? CBS 11. I never land an opportunity. energy and talent onto Organizations were the ran so fast to a table in They call me Jade The others takes more of an start for me. Interested Great because of my explanation. The fear in Broadcast, I decided to my life. I met my future boss and learned more drive and ambition to of failure and rejection check out the Broadcast about Creative Services. be successful. I would tends to rule us when it Education Association. He immediately loved my call myself a networking comes to taking a big leap The group brought in boldness and confidence queen, climbing the toward our goals. Fear local journalists and and looked forward to my ladder to my dreams. Any of initiation is something professionals to my application. event, brunch, dinner, that can hinder you, but it campus to give students community service can also be motivation. insight into the field. One Most of my opportunities project, conference, of the speakers, who come about like this. convention, or youFor my last role, I sought would be pivotal to my Some would call it luck, name-it, I'm there. I’m out and held a summer future role, was a CBS but you can't be lucky if always in somebody's position at CBS 11 in 11 news reporter. I was face, shaking somebody's their Creative Services just a hopeful sophomore you never show up. First hand, and ready with Department. It put my when I was inspired by his impressions are always my elevator pitch. technical skills to the presentation. A year later, important, and I choose to have mine say, "I am Sometimes I honestly test and confirmed my I would see him again at here. I am important." think I'm annoying. To my passions. Contributing another event in Dallas.

JADE'S TIPS

• Join an Organization

• Plan to Show Up • Look for Opportunities After applying, I planned to send a follow up email to express my eagerness to work there. My future boss beat me to it and we set up my interview. The rest from there is history. I would have never received that networking opportunity if I didn't plan to show up. But sometimes the big leap off the cliff is just being present. You also have to have enough confidence to speak up, but just showing up is the first big step. Since I was a child, telling me "no," goes in one ear, and comes out the other as "it's aa challenge." With that being said, the challenge is always accepted. Before the application was even submitted for the opportunity, I was thrown curve balls from peers and professors about how maybe I wasn't ready for this role. Some people doubted I could possibly do what I've been networking so hard for. I didn't have a car, I had financial woes, and other responsibilities that I couldn’t ignore. But words have power, and right when I was about to give up, I told myself that I was ready for this. It was a challenge though because those words of others stayed glued in the back of my mind, making me less sure of myself. I've had other professional engagements, but I considered this one the biggest one I could have in undergrad. It was such a big deal for me to do great and I live up to my name. I was so sure I would have problems and issues because I wasn't prepared, but my first week went beyond greatness. It was blown away with how fear kept me stressed out, but my faith to endure proved I was right where I needed to be. My bosses loved my work ethic and complimented my discipline all the time. The best advice I could give about networking is to remember it like this: You are fisher in a sea of opportunity. The fish swimming around you are just waiting to be caught. You have to answer this question- Are you working? If you're a fisher, you have to be fishing to be working. Cast your net.

OFF THE CLOCK

Devoted to life outside the office

Adulting is hard, confusing and extremely exhausting. But, it’s nothing good book can’t fix.

BOSS BOOK MOVES

Shopping Hacks for Book Lovers The best professional leaders use reading as a way to expand their mind.Get more bang for your buck at the bookstore with avid reader Alexandria Cormier-Hill.

Now more than ever, it’s necessary to have a great read or two nearby to help us deal with all the corporate chaos that comes our way. Had we known adulting included juggling a crazy work schedule, rude managers, pile-high projects and tea-sipping co-workers, I’m sure half us would have opted out of growing up. All the professional development books in the world couldn’t completely rid our 9-to-5 stress, but they sure can help us cope in magical ways. Reading is my secret “staycation” when I need to find peace of mind. On my morning commute, you can find me intently listening to an audiobook. At lunch, you might spot me curled up in my car, face buried in pages, wishing someone would interrupt my bliss. In the evening, all it takes is a little wine (or whiskey) and a good book to melt the trials of the day away. If this sounds like you, you know designated reading time is essential to preserve your sanity. I would also assume that you go through books rather quickly, which means - you have to buy books frequently. Acquiring new books can cost a pretty penny if you’re not a savvy shopper. Since I sympathize with you as my fellow bookworm, I have compiled 5 simple ways to stack up on your favorite literature - for the low. Yup! Implement these few tips and you will be able to build your library, save your coins and increase your happiness in no time!

FOR THE PUREST: PHYSICAL BOOKS

If you love sniffing and stroking book pages - this breakdown is for you. 1) Stop by the Thrift Stores The bookshelves in the back of thrift stores are STOCKED with hidden gems! Most times, you can get a New York Times’ Best Seller for less than $3 which would normally retail for $25 and up. On any given day, I can George Jefferson strut out of the store with at least 15 books for less than $20. The best way to take advantage of book thrifting is to take-your-time. The bookshelves at thrift stores aren’t separated by genres like bookstores or libraries. So make sure browse through the book as to not miss anything. Fun tip: If you like to surprising people with gifts, sometimes thrift stores will have multiple copies of a book. Buy 2 or 3 of them and keep them handy for quick quirky gifts. Afterall, sharing is caring.

2) Visit Half Priced Books or Your Small Local Book Store I don’t know about you, but I looove the scent of a small local book store. It smells like knowledge, history and juicy stories. Often times, smaller bookstores and places like HalfPriced Books will have cool deals and/or events that allow you to book binge for the low. Another upside to shopping local is the ability to build rapport with the employees there. Once they pinpoint your favorite genre, they can contact you personally when a specific book comes in, an author stops by or even keep you in the know about their upcoming events. Plus, you’ll run across unique finds you probably wouldn’t have thought about had you stayed inside browsing Amazon.

3) Go Old School: Hit Up Libraries & Book Fairs

5) Switch It Up: Book Exchange

Keep tabs of when your local library, community college and/ or 4-year college or university is having a book fair. Depending on the size of your local establishment, these events can be pretty promising. You’ll find books from Free 99 to $1 everywhere. It’s also an awesome way to connect with other bookworms like yourself.

If you’re a book lover, more likely than not - you have other book loving friends. If that is not the case, join Meetup.com to find other local book lovers in your area. From time to time, swap books with your amigos (but ONLY the books you’re not attached to). This bonding experience can save you time and mula. Plus, if they are the note taking type - it’s always interesting to see what’s been highlighted, dog eared and underlined. It will give you a better understanding of who your friends are and what they deem important.

Don’t forget to go early. Check the library or school calendar to see when the events are taking place. The people who attend these events typically swarm the book fair before dawn to snatch the good books. So be there, or be square.

4) Get a Library Card Let’s not forget, you can check out books (physical, audio and ebooks) FOR FREE at the library! Everyone sleeps on libraries once they become an adult. Libraries are still a fantastic resource for learning. Outside of merely providing free literature, they also have workshops, tutoring, and author talks throughout the year. There are several perks to getting a library card. If you breeze through books, but budget is sparse, this is your best bet. Also, if you’re on the fence about a certain book, checking it out BEFORE you buy it can save you time and sorrow. Also, if your local library doesn’t have something in their current database, librarians are more than willing to grab the book from another location or purchase a new one so they can have it in stock. Support your local libraries folks. They need your patronage. You could drown yourself in free books.

FOR THE NEW AGE READER: EBOOKS + There are quite a few underutilized websites that offer free audiobooks and ebooks. And I’m not talking about ol rink-a-dink, random books. You can find undiscovered and well-known authors in the same space. Here are a few of my favorite websites to visit: • OpenCulture: Why pick between reading and listening? Explore over 900 Audiobooks and 800 Ebooks all for free. • Spotify: You read that right. Spotify offers more than just music. Go to the “Word” section and prepare to be mind blown. Pay attention to certain holidays as Spotify has themed content that you might enjoy. • Scribl: If you're into indie reads or thinking about publishing your own ebook, Scribl is perfect. • LibriVox: You can also volunteer to read literature and become an audiobook star. Are you the next Morgan Freeman? If you have that godly voice, give it a try. • LitToGo: Great resource if you’re a teacher. Lit2Go includes abstracts and word counts for easy classroom use.

If physical books are not your cup of tea, don’t worry. Here are a few resources you might find useful if you love ebooks and audiobooks.

• StoryNory: Update your bedtime story routine with this ebook service created with the kiddos in mind. • Digitalbook.io: Take your reading worldwide with this UK-based platform for digital readers. • LearnOutLoud: Great for people who love speeches, documentaries, etc. • Overdrive: They partner with your local library to find books in their database • YouTube: You can find literary classics and best sellers on YouTube. All you have to do is type in the name of the book and audiobook and see what pops up. I hope you you found this list useful! If you have any more ideas, tweet us @40Magazine and let us know what you do to save a few bucks on your favorite books.

Alexzandria Cormier-Hill is the Founder & Chief Executive Storyteller of Narrative Cre8or. A proud Universty of North Texas alum and native Houstonian, she is a opportunity giver, connector, content marketing freak, music maven and clearly a book worm. You can connect with Alexzandria at narrativecre8or.com.

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YO U B E T T E R

BELIZE IT

by Travel Blogger Courtney Paige

Nestled between the southern border of Mexico and Guatemala is the beautiful country of Belize. Here you'll find a variety of beautiful sunkissed people who seemingly have not a care in the world. After all, they are surrounded by the makings of paradise. Heading inland you will drive deep into a rainforest that appears to be hand drawn from the cover of the children's book Where the Wild Things Are. You will quickly agree with the possibility of things being wild when you hear the sounds of the howling monkeys. Past the jungle terrain, you'll find easy access to the Mayan ruins. In a quick moment of history, Belizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fertile ground, warm climate, and access to the rich marine life of the Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem led to a population explosion for the Mayans. Large cities prospered, and today their ruins can be seen all over Belize. Tours of these grounds are provided by the locals or for the more adventurous, there is an open route along the back. I warn you however, there are no railings so the free venture is not for the faint of heart. The official language of Belize is English, with Belizean Kriol being the unofficial language. Kriol (Pronounced Creole) became the unofficial language after French inhabitation of the country. With my

Louisiana kinfolk in mind, I found familiarity in their creole style of cooking and mixed heritage, hair textures and facial features. Traveling to Belize City with no itinerary in mind gave me the opportunity to interact with the citizens on a deep, personal level. At one point, I even ended up inside the home of a lovely family. Over rice and beans, stewed chicken and slaw we discussed the economic structure of their county and how it is heavily corrupted. We spoke about the education system and Belize's connection to American culture. To make make me feel more at home during my stay, my host took me to a night spot where they played old school R&B. (I later learned their usual choice of music is dance hall.) The most interesting part of the city was an area called the gugulon. The gugulon became a home for poor people who were not offered the opportunity to own land or house. They established the area as a

home although it looked nothing like one; it was closer to a landfill with people living in it. These people would gather and forage for materials to build makeshift homes and churches. If electricity is available to one home, the community shared the electrical source. If there is a well nearby, one individual will walk to it to collect water for multiple homes. If someone is lucky enough to find a waterhose, they connect it to the makeshift building to emulate running water inside their homes. Years of living in these conditions createe a number of public health problems that are too large for officials to ignore. I learned that the government established a grant program that gives ownership to

the squatters and provides raw building materials to the new homeowners to make the homes, in American terms, 'up to code.' Without government intervention, these communities would have little hope for improvement. The flip side of government intervention has created a culture of classism. Along the outer edges of these government-supported neighborhoods are check points

to prevent the poorer people from venturing into the improving neighborhoods. The neighborhoods that ironically were previously a gugulon themselves, are now "too good" for certain classes. Past the urban areas, there is another part of Belize that many visitors don't see. They call this part of Belize the Cayes [keys]. Traveling to the Cayes can cost 15 USD or 25 USD round trip. While it seems like a good deal for visitors, it's a luxury for residents. 1 USD equals 2 BZE. Many locals only make it here once or twice in their life. The cayes are a tourist paradise. Assorted speed boats provide access to islands with miles of sand bar covered in blue lagoon-esq

waters. Reggae music blasts from speakers as tourist drink, dance and dine over seafood inspired dishes from shrimp nachos to whole lobster dinners fished from the sea for 10 bucks non the less. Big girls beware. These are Caribbean waters so you are the acquired taste to the local men. The cayes are a stark difference from the city of Belize. Here poverty is not a concern as the area is built to comfort tourists and includes

all the amenities of a first world country. It's a humbling experience as just miles away, the citizens that occupy it cannot afford the carefree lifestyle that the cayes provide. Back in the city, I ate a local treat called Birds Isle. My final night was karaoke night and everyone sang a love song or two. As we sang the night away, I was blown away by all that I had experienced. I thought to myself, "Did I learn to embrace and care for a city to the same level that I loved my own?"

You better Belize it! With all the gems of adventure, history and beauty that Belize offers, this is definitely a country I will visit again. Won't you come with me?

READY TO PACK YOUR BAGS? Visit starringcourtny.com and follow @starringcourtny on Instagram for more out-of-office travel inspiration.

Starting a Non-Profit An over-arching vision for my life was always to pour back into others, especially a generation of individuals who will take my place one day. Many individuals had poured into my life, often validating a phrase I always heard growing up, "It takes a village to raise a child." From managers to mentors, I have always learned valuable lessons from someone in a position of leadership or seniority. Without the many lessons I learned, I would not be who I am today. I never considered myself on the fast track to success, but I was always aware of the fortunate opportunities that landed in my lap because of the guidance that I received from a mentor, and heeded. I always felt called to share this guidance with others, but how and when would I share? How does one who is under 30, just now conquering the corporate world, give back to someone that is not that much younger in age? The traditional mentor is aged 40+, has decades of experience, and enough titles and accolades to fill up a five page executive summary. Could I make the same impact with a nonprofit?

There are a lot of ways you can make an impact in your community. Philanthropist Brian L. Fontenot shares the path he took to start his non-profit, and encourages you to take the first step to starting your own. my network, by mentoring peers, college students, and those I cared about the most. I offered career tips, advice on personal branding, and even did interview coaching to ensure my mentees thrived in any upcoming interviews. I was already doing the work to make an impact, but had one more question for myself. How do I formalize my plans to make this impact?

Create Your Vehicle of Change

Never Underestimate Your Impact More often than not, we tend to deny our ability to make an impact or create real change. We believe that our impact cannot be felt because what we imagined our impact would look like doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t line up with what we perceive as reality. This often causes frustration, inaction, and a sense of overwhelm. But the moment that we decide to be in the driver's seat of making change, we unlock dormant abilities that we may or may not have realized existed. For myself, I had been making change within my local community, within

I decided that formalizing a mentor and scholarship program would be my agent of change. The common way that I had seen this done before was through a foundation. Once I landed on this change vehicle, I embarked on creating a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on developing future leaders. Through the mentorship program, I could address the skills and talents that hiring managers and recruiters considered not prevalent in my peers and next generation leaders. Those skills would involve traits such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking and problem solving, brand development, networking, financial literacy, and time management. Through the scholarship program, I could address a portion of the financial and technology challenges that current college students face. Our society has been driven

to the Information Age, and it’s important to have the right technology throughout an undergraduate career. Not only is it important to have the right technology for studying, but technology also encourages so many personal aspirations and ambitions. Combining a focus on finance and mental/ emotional health would equip students with the skills, the technology, and resources needed to be successful in academic and professional career.

Allow Change to Happen

Fulfillment comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes it’s financial, emotional, or mental success that brings you true excitement. Watching the students in my mentorship program grow brings a level of enjoyment and satisfaction that I had not experienced through any other mediums. Through our regular mentorship sessions, their viewpoints on how they would approach situations change. Their thought process expands to include knowledge they never had before. From text messages, to emails, to phone calls, the students convey their appreciation for the program and the knowledge shared. The words shared with me touch my soul; "I never have had someone discuss these items or allow me to ask these tough questions. I appreciate this program and everything I learn from it." Far from a failure, this program has become a success beyond my wildest dreams and imagination. If I had considered delaying starting my nonprofit until I met a certain criteria, certain age, or certain position in life, I would have sacrificed the impact I’m making today. If you want to change an environment, a community, wherever you reside, you are equipped with everything you need. The hardest step is always the first step, but the first step signifies change. When you start down the path of change, you will also find help to conquer any obstacles that stand in your path. Countless organizations, individuals, friends and family have helped to further the work of my mentorship program. Allowing my vision to grow has allowed for their personal goals to be accomplished and filled their hearts with purpose. While we consider giving back to make an impact on others, giving always create reciprocity. Much like I have seen the students’ growth, I have also grown by leaps and bounds from a professional and emotional perspective. These students pour back into me far more than I could have ever imagined. Whatever vision you have for giving back, on whatever scale you can imagine, it has an immense impact. The best time to start and invoke change is today. Do not delay something rewarding that can not only touch the lives of others, but impact you too! Brian L. Fontenot is an accomplished technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, world traveler, and public speaker. Learn more about his initiatives, the BLF Foundation, DIRFTR podcast, Austin Urban Tech Movement, and Elevation Firm, visit BrianLFontenot.com.

You won't always know the right time to leave your corporate job. But if entrepreneurship is calling you, you have to shoot for the stars. INC Tutoring owner Jay Veal recalls his transition from part-time to full-time entreprenuer.

One fateful afternoon while working with SQL queries and managing batch processes, I kept receiving emails from Dallas ISD about Alternative Certification. I was just hired at this health care IT firm in North Dallas, and was being tapped to take over a department by a director who wanted to move onto another role. My vision at the time was to be a Chief Information Officer of a Fortune 100 company, but something kept telling me, “Be in Education. Our kids in the world— they need you.” I didn’t know what to do with this sign right away, but I would soon After receiving the alternative certification email for the third time in a row, I decided to check out the opportunity. I had been tutoring Algebra since I was 10 years old, started high school at 12 years old, and graduated at the tail end of being 16. With a passion for Math, I studied information sciences at college. After years in the corporate world, I didn’t know the first thing

about teaching the subject, but tutoring was innate to me. So, I decided to leave the IT/Tech field and enrolled in the alternative certification program to be a Math teacher. My first year out of the IT/tech world, I started teaching at my alma mater, Townview Science & Engineering Magnet. I felt nostalgic walking the halls of my younger days, and enjoyed the energy gained from being around youthful students all day. It was a stark contrast to my previous days of query and batch processes, but not as challenging as I anticipated. After 100 percent of my students passed the state standardized test, I moved to another school district to teach Algebra 1. Over the next four years, district hopping became my norm as I sought the challenge I knew and enjoyed about the corporate world. But around 2013, I started seeing signs that it was time for a change once again. Feeling discouraged by

the teaching methods practiced by some educators, I left education to go back to corporate. I found myself feeling fulfilled in my work at Microsoft Corporation in IT, but I realized I was not doing what I LOVED to do. So again, I left corporate to go into education as a Math Instructional Coach teaching teachers how to teach math and mentor students. At the same time, another teaching opportunity fell in my lap. After seeing my success at the high school level, Strayer University invited me to become an Adjunct Professor of Math at their Dallas campus. As I balanced the two roles for years, I finally recognized why I kept feeling unsettled and not fully fulfilled in each role. I needed a way to combine my passion for education and energy helping large organizations. I need to start my own company. But I knew I couldn’t just quit my job and start an innovative education company right away.

Jay started his business while working full-time in the field he hoped his part-time business would positvely impact. While being a fulltime Educator and Instructional Coach, I learned a lot about public education and knew what daily challenges students and educators faced. Beyond coming up with a business concept, selecting a business name, logo, website, and more would be a heavy task. I knew I needed a team to help get this business of the ground. After building a team and building a BRAND, it was time to take the business, INC (It’s Not Complicated) Tutoring, to the masses. Social media and word of mouth became our most popular way of “getting the word out.” We partnered with many local Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters in Dallas and became their tutoring company of choice. From that point forward, we received “Best of the Best in Tutoring” for three years in a row and earned several accolades due to our tutoring approach, consultation process, and results. Starting in corporate and spending several years in education was a part of our launch success, but it also was having a great team. Every tutor who signed up with INC made us the best. But it wasn’t always such smooth sailing. Our backend systems and processes were not at their best so I enlisted more help in 2016. Pocketsuite, a San Francisco based tech company, built a CRM app to run smaller business operations items like client messaging, invoicing, payments, client assignments, classes, and more. It was the most robust system I had seen and we needed it. After four years of developing INC Tutoring part time, I decided to leave my 9-5 job, and run INC Tutoring as a full time Entrepreneur. All the stars had finally aligned for me to work in my purpose and impact the community through supplemental education, mentoring, and educational consulting.

Learn More...

INC Tutoring is a private, prescriptive tutoring company based in Dallas, TX. They tutor students from kindergarten to doctoratelevel in all STEM Subjects, Test Preps, Reading, Writing, and Foreign Languages. Visit inctutoring.com for more information.

If you’re thinking about moving from corporate to full-time entrepreneur, here are a few things to remember:

1. Wait for better things / signs to come. Nothing is an overnight success 2. Research your current job/industry. 3. Save cushion money so you will not have to really struggle during the startup days. 4. Fill all your medical needs before you jump. You have to take care of yourself. 5. Build your business in stages. Start with a team, marketing plan, and brand identity. 6. Network very efficiently. Treat your clients and your team well 7. Deliver solid results consistently. 8. Build relationships to GIVE, not to GET. Share more than you take. The road to entrepreneurship is tough. Do NOT give up on your corporate job right away. You can stay the course and eventually find success.

A HEALING BUSINESS After years of working in the corporate world, Spa Kneads owner Daychell Bridges left her days at a desk for a business that empowers professionals through physical healing. When I graduated from Blue Cliff College in 2004, I had no idea my passion for healing would turn into a career. For seven years, I worked as a collections supervisor in Dallas, Texas and enjoyed the benefits associated with a corporate job. I spent years working part-time at some of the top spas in Dallas, servicing corporate accounts, spa parties, and professional athletes. I took continuing education courses every year to learn and grow personally and professionally. The more I learned about the preventative health care benefits of massage therapy, the more I wanted to bring massage services to the corporate enviorment. After months of planning and debating, I decided to quit my job and start Spa Kneads. Spa Kneads is a corporate concierge wellness program by way of massage. We are a team of dedicated Massage Therapists available to service clients with chair massages right at your office or event. Every therapist is licensed, insured, and coached on how to educate each client. All Spa Kneads clients leave with a positive experience not just a product. Doing so ensures that they will continue seeking massages and sharing Spa Kneads with their family and friends. Since massages are known to relieve tension, relax the mind, leave employees ready to work, they bring a positive atmosphere to the workplace. Wherever you work, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to feel good, not only mentally but also physically and emotionally. While my old job left me mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted, Spa Kneads ultimately combines my passion of massages and business.

SPONSORED CONTENT

I get to run the business out of my Dallas home, support my 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, and will eventually pass the business along to them. With every appointment, I get to improve my client’s work productivity, boost their morale, and leave them with positive impression of massage therapy. It has been an exciting three years of launching and watching Spa Kneads grow. But growing a business after years of working in the corporate world isn’t easy. I had to get a business mentor and set short term and long terms goals for in order for Spa Kneads to be successful. Without these goals or a business plan, I knew I would be set up for failure. Things in the business are constantly changing and they may not always go as planned. But having a plan in place turns challenges and issues into new things that can be accomplished. Although some challenges may be more difficult and take longer to resolve than others, there’s always a silver lining in owning my own business. As Spa Kneads keeps growing, I know my plans for the company in the next five to 10 years will pay off. To learn more about Spa Kneads, visit www.SpaKneads.com or contact Daychell Bridges at 214.838.2677.

ackie Brown sat in the back of the kitchen, listening to the comments of two older ladies who had wandered into the open house. It was a Saturday, another busy weekend for the young real estate agent, and she was assisting a professional mentor with a family-style home that had been on the market for a few weeks. In the growing Houston market, homes moved at a steady pace, but the clientele these homes attracted varied. As she listened to critical comment after critical comment, she remembered why she invested so much time securing her professional license. While most would mark the NegativeNancy’s as a lost cause, she remembered there’s an art to connecting people to their dream home. Only a few months into her new career, Jackie was getting the hang of it. “I may be 23, but I don’t conduct business like a 23 year old.” But Jackie wasn’t always so eager to apply her business savvy to the real estate world. A former film and digital media student at the Baylor University, she tried to run away from the “family business.” When she left Waco, Texas and returned to her hometown, she spent a majority of her time being a fitness trainer. Instead of helping clients find their dream home, she helped clients find and build their dream body. “I focused on my fitness stuff for a long time. But I kind of went through this weird phase where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she recalled. “There are so many things that I enjoy and there are so many little different things that I’m good at it was kind of hard for me to pick one to focus on.”

WAKE UP BUILD

Her dad, an experienced home builder, encouraged Jackie to give real estate classes a try after she went through a challenging summer of being “stuck.” She had just abandoned her job at a popular sports bar to follow her heart, and had it sorely crushed by reality soon after.

“I just felt very lost. I didn’t have a job; I didn’t have any money, any drive to do anything,” she remembered. “I was literally brain dead.” Jackie recognized the new low point as part of her every day battle with Dysthymia, a mild form of depression with longer lasting effects. She knew she needed to get out of her head and returned to fitness as an escape. But what really woke Jackie up was a chance to start something new. Her dad sweetened his suggestion to become a real estate agent by offering to cover her certification fees. She found a local course that encouraged students to go-at-your-own-pace and committed to getting her license.

After a summer of feeling stuck, Real Estate Agent Jackie Brown woke up from her funk and built her dream career.

From fitness to real estate, Jackie has always been committed to helping others reach their dreams.

“The more that I learned about it, the more... I learned it was something that I would be happy doing and be good at.” While most of her classmates were older and balancing coursework with family and careers, Jackie was able to go all in. By attending classes every day from the early morning to late afternoon, she finished the program in less than a month. She dreaded taking the state test a month later (especially after hearing a number of her peers had failed and had to take it again), but Jackie ultimately passed the first time. After overcoming heartbreak and an intense certification process, it was time to build her career. She signed on with Caldwell Banker and collaborated with peers to start One and Done Realty, with the help of her dad of course. “It’s funny that I grew up with a dad who builds homes and a mom who does marketing and I never saw myself in real estate, which is literally a combination of the two,” she laughed. “But I really think it’s my personality, my ability to [make] people feel comfortable with me.” Jackie’s clients, who primarily range from 2029, would agree working with her team is a rewarding experience. She works with young professionals who are looking for apartment homes and their parents who are seeking to move. With the One & Done team, she’s able to help aspiring home builders, renovators, and those with “sticky situations.” “Jackie never gives up on your dreams, even in the face of adversity,” peer Christina Wiggins said. “She is outgoing, someone who has star quality, is caring, and beautiful inside and out.” In a business where word-of-mouth counts, referrals like these keep Jackie’s career going. The highest compliment she received from a client was a lease signed in single day. For a career where success is not guaranteed every day, daily wins like this that keep Jackie going.

It sounds so cliché, but you really have to just get up

do it.

“The $20,000 commission check-it’s not going to happen every time. It’s a great job, but it’s not a 9-5. You only get paid when you work.” To be successful, she explained, “it takes someone who has an entrepreneur mindset.” While Jackie’s entrepreneurial mindset started with fitness, she uses it to her advantage in her new career. After seeing so much growth for her personal training business through Instagram, she applied the same techniques to real estate. “I’ve always had a hard time proving myself to my dad, so it was nice for my hard work [posting and engaging] to finally get recognition.”

Above: Jackie and the One and Done Realty Team, Michael Ashmore (L) and David Whisner (R).

Despite her experienced father’s initial doubts, she launched a page for the One and Done Realty team. In a single day, the page generating over 200 client leads. As her real estate career grows, so do her passions about marketing and connecting with aspiring home owners. What’s next for the young professional is a YouTube channel showcasing available listings, fitness tips, comedy sketches and more. “While we’re young and spry, we have to go for it,” she said when asked how she manages a diverse career. By being her own boss and growing in the real estate world, Jackie gets to wake up and build her career every day. “It sounds so cliché, but you really do have to do it. You have to just get up and do it.” To learn more about Jackie, connect with her on Instagram @jackienotjacklyn. If you’re looking for or renovating a home in the Houston area, connect with One and Done Realty on Instagram or Facebook.

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MAGIC NUMBER THE

Author, Consultant and Financial Educator Angel Radcliffe helps you find the perfect salary, and learn how to use it.

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93 5 76 21

As a college graduate, we all have our target salary or “magic number” in our head. My first job after college put some serious rain on my parade when it came to meeting that number. As a first generation college graduate, I didn’t have any close sources to know what to realistically expect regarding salary. My first job offer after college offered $40,000 while I was expecting $7080,000. (I know, I know, not very realistic.)

financial moves in your small car now, so when you get your semi-truck, you’ll be the perfect driver.

the position before a promotion? • What are the benefits offered (401k match, profit sharing, insurance cost, etc. As a young professional, it • What is the bonus is important to understand structure? your surroundings and economic conditions While on your job search, before seeking or be sure you know your accepting a job offer. If worth! According to you have a friend who The Society for Human lives in California and you Resource Management While you may be slightly reside in Dallas, DO NOT, (SHRM), when coming disappointed when I repeat DO NOT compare out of college, graduates starting your career, don’t your starting salaries. The are making more money lose hope. Your magic cost of living in each city than ever before. In number is attainable and will be different, causing 2017, entry-level salaries at one point you will the same position to pay averaged $50,000. A few exceed the magic number. more or less depending things to keep in mind While you are waiting to on location. Remember, if while you job hunt: move up the corporate the same opportunity is • Evaluate your skills ladder, it’s important to in another city and paying and experiences, along be responsible and learn more money, the housing with your degree to manage what you is probably higher. program. currently have before you • Research degree have more. Think about Ask yourself these trends and see what it like this, when you are questions: industries need your learning to drive, it may be • What is the cost of skill set. easier to learn to drive a living in the area? • Stay updated with smaller car as opposed to • What are your current economic trends a semi-truck. Let’s treat and/or potential bills? by following career your magic number as • How long do you sites such as SHRM, the semi-truck. Practice have to remain in GlassDoor, or making responsible

PayScale. • Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. (You never know when another opportunity will come around.) While seeking new opportunities, even if you have yet to meet your ideal salary, stay on a tight budget. Finances are important at this stage. Many young professionals rely on credit to keep them afloat, but it could bury you later down the line. Start by writing out a budget on paper to be sure your salary and cost of living will add up before accepting the offer. Keep in mind, the salary you accept is NOT what you will bring home. What you bring home and what you are offered is the difference between net income and gross income. Don’t focus your budget on gross salary. Why? Because gross income is before taxes; net income is after taxes. Your NET income is what you bring home/your direct deposit. You may be asking yourself, ‘How do I calculate my NET income if I haven’t accepted the

percent and spend less on wants, but you definitely don’t want more to go towards the needs. If you are spending more than half of your paycheck on rent and bills, there is a serious problem which needs to be addressed. Cutting down expenses then re-evaluating will help you understand how to change the outflow of income until you can level up.

As a new graduate it’s easy to get sucked into the reality of spending; Vacation, parties, shopping, etc. Even when you reach your magic number, this doesn’t mean you can ‘Ball until You Fall.” Just because you have the money, doesn’t mean you should spend it. Avoid developing the ‘It’s my money and I’ll spend it how I want” attitude. Prioritize saving and be sure you

Staying on a budget and not living above your means will also keep your stress level down until you are able to move up the corporate ladder. One rule of thumb to follow is the 50/30/20 rule. No more than 50 percent of your net income should go towards your NEEDS, no more than 30 percent towards WANTS, and be sure to SAVE at least 20 percent. You can always save more than 20

$ $

job?’ There are many websites like ADP.com which will help you determine your net income, by allowing you to enter a gross salary and deductions. You can estimate your take home pay so you aren’t blindsided when you receive the first paycheck.

are investing in your retirement and have an emergency savings of at least six months of expenses. You don’t have to give up 50 percent of your pay, but it is always wise to start investing in your retirement sooner than later. For some it may be easier to save in a separate bank other than where you have your checking. Try not to transfer from savings to checking. Be sure you have a realistic budget, as learning to sacrifice is important. The first few years after college is a learning process. Remember, there are no mistakes only lessons learned. Knowledge will take you a long way in this world and being equipped to properly handle your finances is key. Remember to enjoy the little things while being smart about your budget.

For more money management advice, visit angelradcliffe.com.

AFTER AN 8-HOUR DAY OF WO R K I N G O N

SOMEONE ELSE'S DREAM, WHEN CAN YOU WORK ON YOUR

OWN BUSINESS?

OVER

Launch Lunch

It’s hard enough to build a career of purpose and excellence every day during the workweek. It’s even more difficult to simultaneously build a side business you’re passionate about. You’ve spent an eight-hour day working and building someone else’s dream, fighting through your evening commute, decompressing from a hard day of work and sometimes the last thing your want to do is switch gears and put on your entrepreneur hat. So when do you find the time to work on your business? As a senior analyst at a commercial real estate trust, my day is busy from the time I sit at my desk until I leave. However I’m also focused on building my career development firm that helps young professionals with the tools they need to elevate their careers. As every entrepreneur knows, it’s a one man show from marketing, budgeting, content creation, networking, and client management. There’s not enough time in the day so I’ve made the conscious and disciplined decision to use my lunch break to my advantage. Each week I plan out my to do list and I make sure to schedule tasks during my lunch break. These are the things that I do during my break to build my business:

Create Content

I’ll use my hour to do a massive brain dump of ideas of articles I want to write, videos I’d like to record, and/ or products I’d like to develop. Social media batching takes up a bit of my time, so I’ll create graphics using apps on my phone. Since my lunch break is constrained to an hour, it forces me to let go and just flow with creative ideas. I then take this brainstorming session and expand upon it at a later time for development.

Career Strategist and Consultant Melissa Fleury helps you get the most out of your lunch break for YOUR business. Read

Motivational speaker Les Brown suggests reading at least 30 pages a day. With our hectic schedules, it’s difficult to find time and even truly desire to read. As you and your business matures, reading becomes imperative to your development. Many of the greatest CEOs, thought leaders, and public speakers find time to read and so should you! Find something that will increase your knowledge or expand your imagination.

Communicate

I’ll use this time to reach out to professionals, business owners, and potential clients I want to connect with. I’ll craft emails that I’ll proof read at a later time to send. I’ll also respond to texts and phone calls I’ve received throughout the week depending on the urgency. I’ll use this time to catch up on any communication, both business and personal, that I let fall by the wayside.

LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS OVER LUNCH STARTS WITH

DISCIPLINE

AND AN ACTIONABLE

TO-DO LIST.

Meditate

I usually spend about 30 minutes in the morning for devotions, but some mornings aren’t that successful. I’ll use my lunch break to pray, journal, and meditate on the things I want to see happen in my life. It’s a great way to reset and let go of any morning stress. Successful people can account for their time most of the day. Be intentional about using your lunch break to not only grow your business but also develop into a better professional.

Home Restaurants The food revolution you need to experience for yourself.

Home Restaurants bring highly-skilled chefs and fine-dining right to your door. DC-Based Chef Meschach Cisero explains the trend.

FOOD TREND

Dining experiences as we know them today are changing rapidly. The demand for line chefs has recently decreased as the demand for highly-skilled executive chefs continues to rise. Restauranteurs are forced to shell out top dollars to attract talent and pass on increasing costs to diners. Factor in additional overhead costs related to real estate, wait staff, and client demand for a fresh, seasonal menu, and you have the perfect recipe for a conflicted dining experience. How can foodies get reasonably priced fine dining AND explore new food concepts with the traditional brick and mortar restaurant setup? The answer is “home restaurants.” The “home restaurant” scene first launched in San Francisco. These dining experiences are hosted by a chef or home cook in the comfort and privacy of a guest’s home. The host invites one or several friends to join the dining experience, and the chef creates a one-of-a-kind meal tailored to the guests’ palette. Although, introduced in San Francisco, this trend is spreading across the nation. Your company’s next teambuilding dinner or holiday party could very well be an inhome restaurant event. With home restaurants, you get to • Avoid a restaurant experiences that’s too “out-of-the-box,” • Explore high-end fusion menus without the hassle of reservations, an annoying commute to the city, or parking. • Choose a cutomized menu that is price conscious, and

The in-home chef experience adds a personable experience to dining that most restaurants or catered events miss. You get to be more connected with the chef and the food. If you have a question about a pairing, you don’t have to wait on a waitress to take a message back to the chef, and hope he can explain. You get a front row seat to the chef’s mind, and can ask questions about the menu ingredients, preparation, and more. Aspiring and skilled chefs also get the freedom to make recommendations to clients, prepare the dishes they’re best at, and really involve their guests throughout the whole process. These days, foodies like you and me are anxious for more than a great meal. We want to know more about the dishes we eat, and why certain ingredients work well together. The in-home dining experience gives young professionals and foodies exactly what they want.

• Include your home and friends in the restaurant experience. As the head chef of Chef Cisero Catering, I’ve had the privilege of hosting a few home restaurants in Washington, D.C. I started to test our private dinner and brunch services and discovered it’s not only foodies who are looking for authentic dining experiences — it’s everyone!

Interested in brunch or dinner with Chef Cisero? Book your first home-restaurant experience at chef-cisero.com.

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