Tag: news

How To Get Back Into Music

I took a few years off from listening to music. Not in a dramatic way, but more just a lack of pursuing new music actively. I dove into podcasts as I did chores, and opted to be silent to think as I drove around doing errands. However, a few upgrades and a 3 month free trail from Apple helped move the needle towards opening myself to music again. As teens most can not fathom a world without music constantly. I knew I was getting older when I could drive in silence and “didn’t need to be distracted”. What are some steps to get more into the know of the music world?….

What is your technology?….

I still use CDs for my car. ( I am a weirdo, but that is ok). However, it’s totally fine to update old equipment to make your life easier. It can start with the right bluetooth wire to connect to your phone.

What music streaming service to use?….

I am an Apple music person mainly because you can share playlists with people. I am sure Spotify offers something similar. It makes music fun when it is shared. Although I was a loyal Pandora user and that was a way to discover new music. It really is up to you as long as you are getting an ad free version.

Go to indie record stores…

No record player required. You can still look and feel judged by the cashier (kidding… kinda). It can help you notice what you are drawn to. Soundtracks from movies are great for people who only love the hits.

Read a few music blogs….

No harm in seeing what the hot album is. You should take the opinions with a grain of salt, but it could expose you to bands you might have never come across on your own.

Buy the right headphones…

I recently was gifted apple air pods. I do like them a lot and it is great to have a hands free experience while I am walking, on a plane, or doing the dishes. Some people love a large headphone that rests on the ear and that is totally fine too.

Don’t let a music snob bully you….

This is important. There will be music people who will try their best to make you feel inferior. You are allowed to be completely basic with your music choices. I love hit songs and only really respond to music that simply just speak to me. You don’t have to defend your music taste to anyone.

Dance the night away….

See live music and DJ sets. Take note of the music that made you want to move your body.

Don’t get overwhelmed….

Try to not seek out too many music recommendations. Go with your gut and what you are drawn to in the moment. Don’t treat listening to music as a chore or a favor.

Bottom Line….

We now have more access to music than ever before. It is a great thing to expand your taste or get back into the old favorites. Upgrade your technology and how you listen to music. This can even mean going back in time and switching to vinyl. You want a great streaming service that suits your lifestyle. It’s ok to have your own options on what brings you joy. Do not let music snobs squash your desire to seek out music for yourself.

Weighing Future Options After High School or College

It’s been a long time since I graduated high school. However, I do think that the process of visualizing your future happens at many points in your life. There is so much pressure to know exactly what to do at eighteen. Millennials have regretted getting into massive debt for a degree they don’t even use. I wanted to break down a thought process that anyone can chew on to take next steps in life or career….

After high school or college…..

Just graduating high school, the world is your oyster. There is a ton of pressure to go to college for the sake of it. This mindset is not up with the current times. There are other options such as a trade school, or even taking a gap year to sort things out. As far as graduating with an undergrad, it is also important to take a beat and decide what makes long term financial sense.

Gap year option….

This is a good time to stack your money with investing. You can get a job, live at home, and invest. Is it an exciting option? No. The sooner you start investing the more wealth you will accrue. Some people use a gap year to travel. You could do that in the micro-sense or travel across the globe.

Don’t try to force your degree….

When we have that official paper it is easy to pigeonhole ourselves to only do that degree. Your bachelors could lead to a piece of a skill to a job or career. Try not to turn down offers just because that wasn’t what you majored in.

What lifestyle suits you the best….

Some people thrive with waking up at 6am and going into work at 9am, while others are not early risers and want more freedom and flexibility. Be honest about when you are most energetic during your day. Are you a night owl or a morning lark?

The job isn’t going to be what you think….

When you are getting your degree you are learning in theory how everything will work. This is why an internship is super important. On paper, it might seem like a glamorous job, but the reality could be a lot of late nights and out-of-control clients.

What is a hobby and what is a job?….

The people who can’t decide on a career have a hard time with this. You could have a million interests and you can’t pick one. In this case, it might come down to trial and error and what sticks. See how much positive feedback you are getting and if doors are shutting or opening. You should not have to force anything too hard. When it’s right it is something you are passionate about, but is also lucrative.

Give yourself time….

Jobs and careers take time to develop. You don’t want to abandon something after a week; it will take work and discipline. Cut it off or pivot after 2-3 years.

Network….

The wrong way to network is a cold email asking if you “can pick their brain.” Networking can mean going to a networking event or being social and ready with an elevator pitch. When you are relaxed and in your element you attract people towards you. You never know who you are chatting with or how big their circle is. Another thing to think about is what your resources are and who you already know. Most people get hired by former classmates, friends, or relatives. See where there might be legs up in your social circle.

Bottom Line….

At many points you will need to take it back to square one and follow your passions. Take advantage of your young age to invest your money. Start out with good financial literacy that can set you up to buy a home later on. Take advantage of a gap year. It is not common for Americans to do a gap year, but it can really save you from panic-picking a major. Give yourself time to digest and see how the real working world is like. Most importantly, it is ok to not use your college degree the way you thought.