Archive for February 24th, 2009

How to Get a Travel or Adventure Job

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Thomas Carroll asked:


“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do - especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are

what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” - William Least Heat Moon

I want to open your eyes a bit to the wonderful opportunities the world has to offer. Other than spending 8-plus hours a day in a tiny cubicle, slaving away at something you hate, there are scores of things that you can do to make money in exciting, adventurous ways.

For most of these jobs you don’t need to be young or physically fit. You don’t need to have special training, or training that is not easily acquired. You just need to realize that they’re there and go and get ‘em.

There are jobs that pay you to travel. There are jobs that give you free room and board. There are jobs that take you sailing, horse-back riding, mountain-hiking and to exotic islands. There are even jobs that pay you to dine at fancy restaurants.

There are a multitude of exciting, adventurous jobs that are available to you. You can literally pick and choose what excites you the most. And if in the rare case your dream-job doesn’t exist - you can create it.

Did you know that:

There are literally thousands of commercial fishing companies in Alaska that are always looking for new employees. Several companies will give you room and board for free and pay for your round-trip airfare from Seattle, WA to Alaska. Average monthly earnings range from $2,000 to $10,000.

English teachers are in high demand around the world. Institutes and private individuals will pay you just for showing people something that you already know. Usually, no special certificates are required (you don’t even need to speak the local language), and you can make $200 a day by teaching English as a foreign language. Teach in Tailand, Japan, Brazil - wherever.

In many parts of the world you can buy valuable items cheaply and sell them elsewhere for large profits. (Gold jewelry could cost you $100, you sell it for $1,000, earing you a profit of $900). One of the best ways to sell these items is through online auctions like eBay - and if you do it right you’ll be able to run your auction business from anywhere in the world.

There are humanitarian organizations, like the Peace Corps, that pay for your room and board, and give you a monthly income. You’ll be able to travel to foreign lands, help people, and get paid for it.

You can make money from your travel and vacation photographs. There are several places online (check out Shutterstock.com and iStock.com) where you can post your pictures. Every single time one of your pictures gets downloaded, you earn a commssion. You’ll earn residual income from your picture from anywhere in the world for as long as you like. Imagine how much you could earn each month with 1,000 pictures posted on several different sites.

Countless websites, magazines, newspapers and trade journals want your travel stories. When you write about your travel experiences these publications pay you for it. Also, when you show restaurants, tour agencies and hotels your writing credentials, they will often give you a big discount on their services.

During the summer months, wildfires start in mountainous and desert areas. They threaten forests, wildlife and homes. The people that fight these fires get room, board and travel expenses paid for. Besides the hourly-wage, firefighters can get paid extra for hazards, overtime and time and a half. Wildland firefighters consistently make thousands of dollars every week.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. There are so many exciting, adventurous and fun opportunities available that there is no reason why you should stay at a job you ****.

Life should be an adventure. There are scores of adventurous job opportunities waiting for you to take advantage of them. So why wait? Get started today.



LOWELL

Disaster Preparedness - Essential Tips to Help you Prepare

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Diana Ennen asked:


As the California wildfires continue and the new threat of mud slides emerge, disaster recovery planning is front and center. It’s important for all to take this time to plan. If you havent prepared a disaster recovery plan, now is the time to do so. Even 30 minutes now can save one from a lifetime of heartaches.

Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, a First Responder in California and author of the fiction thriller Sledgehammer has firsthand disaster recovery experience and participated in various disaster relief efforts in California including the major earthquake in L.A. in 1994. He advised, “Loss of lives can be greatly reduced if everyone has a complete plan of action prior to the event. Not only with the reduction of heart attacks and stress related illnesses, but people tend to get to safety quicker if they have already planned ahead and know what they are going to do. Here are some steps to take to prepare:

Step One –Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. A second location should be discussed. Also, out-of-town relatives should be advised of this location. Additionally, each person should have a list of phone numbers for immediate neighbors and family members. 3X5 index cards work well.

Step Two  Take an inventory now. Write down all your valuables (personal and business). Don’t forget the little things that can truly add up. Keep receipts of all purchases. The receipts allow you to get that value when filing a claim. Take photos. Secure all this in a safe place.

Step Three — Write down a complete family medical history. Include any medical conditions, medicines and dosages, doctors names and contact information, where medical records can be found, etc. Be specific. A life can truly depend on this one step alone.

Step Four  Get a copy of all important information, wills, trusts, mortgages, deeds, birth certificates, contracts, medical records, even household bills to help get things restored quickly, etc. Back-up your computer. Get extra cash. Often ATMs are down so cash is needed.

Step Five — Write down all your computer passwords, and important information.

Step Six — Doublecheck all your insurance coverage. Are you adequately covered? Write down all your coverages, insurance policies, contact information, policy numbers, group numbers, date of births, etc. Think coverage of everything — life insurance, car insurance, property insurance, business insurance, etc.

Step Seven — No one wants to think about this one, but you should for your family’s protection. Do you have your will up-to-date? If not, please do. Especially for those with minor children. You need to know that they will be taken care of and placed in the homes of those who you trust and whom you know will provide the best care.

Plan now and update your plan often. Also, when you write down your information and contact numbers it allows you to see if you have the coverages you need. The amount of stress this will save can make a big difference in how you recover if a disaster were to offer.



LES