All posts tagged: advice

[Book Review] The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Published by Jenn

Are you ready for a heaping dose of Monday motivation? The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari was recommended to me by my sister. If memory serves correct, I read it at a point in my life when I was in career crisis. I was working my first post-university job in an office that reeked toxicity. It was bad. Like, bursting-into-tears-in-the-wine-aisle-of-a-liquor-store-after-work kind of bad. Talk about un-happy hour. After two years, I had had enough. This was not an easy, nor comfortable decision; leaving without having another job to step into is financial insecurity. (When your colleagues ask where you’re going and you say, “Nowhere,” it really means you literally can’t stand to be there even a minute longer.) Anyhow, whether you’re looking for some sage wisdom or just a little up-lifting, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is hardpacked with inspirational, meme-able quotes. Enjoy! *Apologies in advance that I wasn’t able to include corresponding page numbers.  ••••• Foreward As previously mentioned, I will be publishing an abbreviated collection of themes, ideas and direct quotes from …

Warning Signs You’re not Ready to be an Au Pair

Published by Jenn

  This post contains some of my most valuable knowledge about au pairing. It addresses you. The following needs to be considered with real thought and honesty. Your answers are critical to finding a compatible family. Happy au pair, happy kids, happier home. What is my time commitment? Consider things like upcoming academic endeavors, how long the host nation will permit you to work for and how long you can afford to go for. Be realistic about how long you would like to be abroad. Be firm. If you don’t want to commit to a full year then don’t! It is a long time to be somewhere when you don’t necessarily want to be in that somewhere for that long.  Your time commitment should be a deal breaker. There are plenty of families to choose from. It’s kind of like dating and this is certainly one aspect of (in)compatibility. Conversely, if you are looking for a 1+ year placement then leverage that commitment. I’ve never met an au pair who was crazy enough remained with one …

Essential Safety Tips for Backpackers

Published by Jenn

  Backpacking is usually pretty safe but obviously there are times when we are especially vulnerable. Here are some tips for staying safe: Watch your bucket! It is really easy to slip something into the wide mouth of a bucket, sand included. I found taxis to be ultra-scammy in Southeaset Asia and tried to avoid them in Bangkok. Travel with a buddy; the more the merrier. Watch the meters in Vietnam especially. They tend to rise strangely fast… Ensure your door guest house or hotel door is always locked. Check that the windows are locked before leaving (especially if you are ground level) Be aware of your surroundings and any new ‘friends’ If something is too good to be true, it usually is If a tuk-tuk driver offers you an exceptionally cheap fare, he will usually make you stop by his friend’s shop. He will receive cash or a gas voucher in return. Inspect a room before taking it to ensure you’re comfortable with the amenities, fire escapes, hotel ambiance, and the room’s proximity to common areas Plan your schedule …