Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Journal.

Are You a Fiddling Grasshopper?
It’s been 546 days since I last posted a Grasshopperism and the first time I’ve posted one on Vocal. I stopped posting them because I felt it important to live what I was writing about. To not actually live what I believed seemed wrong, so I wanted to test my thoughts. When I began writing about The Fiddling Grasshopper, I very much felt as though I had recognized something in myself and in other people that was a very unique and wonderful state we could all be in. Each of the 21 Grasshopperisms I wrote and posted described what being a Fiddling Grasshopper meant and is. But I still had a lot of questions, and so I felt it very important to go out and live what I believed.
By Gentry Bronson8 years ago in Journal
The Era of Self-Employment Has Dawned
There were more than a few cataclysmic events that almost wiped out every living thing on the planet. Have you ever watched movies like Jurassic Park and wondered to yourself, How could mankind ever make this far if the dinosaurs hadn't been erased from the earth?
By Andrea Dawson8 years ago in Journal
Let's Talk Passion and If You Have Any
Know that you are unique... We all have been endowed with incredible talents, gifts, and abilities from birth. Our gifts mean that each of us carries on the inside a solution to a particular problem. How amazing is that? You may not think you're something special but you actually are. You have a unique DNA makeup and fingerprint; even the pattern of your iris (the coloured part of your pupil) is not the same as anyone else's. I hope that you're inspired enough after reading this to discover (or rediscover) your passion, and to do something positive about it. So let me start by asking you this: are you doing currently spending the best part of your day doing what you absolutely love? If your answer is yes, well done. From the sounds of it you're already walking in your passion so I don't need to encourage you about that ;) However, if your answer is a no then we should talk...
By Precious Ofoegbu8 years ago in Journal
Employment Outlook for Teachers
Teachers play a vital role in shaping students' lives. They are responsible for imparting basic knowledge to kids and instilling a desire for learning in children. These educators teach different subjects such as academic, occupational, and life skills to help children make the right career choice. These educational professionals give lessons that are useful not only during school but also beyond the classroom. If you have a dream to inspire young minds and want to play a contributing role in shaping their lives, you can consider teaching as your profession. With rapid advancements in teaching methods and the need for good and qualified teachers being substantially high, this is an ideal profession for individuals who get delight in guiding others. Following list displays what different job opportunities a teacher can have and shows the roles he/she can play in the lives of students.
By Carol Wilson8 years ago in Journal
Is Your Boss Psycho or Supportive?
Most people don't work a job just for the money. We try to be the very best we can whether we're a doctor treating sick children or a cashier ringing up bananas at the supermarket. That said, very few of us have the luxury of not working, so despite our best efforts, we need those jobs to pay the bills and get by. But when do the scales tip? Stress at work is common, and let's face it, lots of people dislike their bosses, but when does it become a situation that forces your hand? After a two year stint at a job I really loved and believed in, after multiple HR complaints and many near implosions, after multiple trips to the ER with stress related cardiac issues and after a weight gain of more than a hundred pounds, I found myself asking these questions. My boss didn't like me from day one, but every so often, just enough to keep me moving forward and not jumping ship, she would say something kind or nice. These didn't make up for the utter nastiness and manipulation that came from her other times, but it gave that glimmer of hope that we all cling to, that maybe, one day, it will get better. Have you ever had that experience? I think we all have at some point. As a boss and business owner now, I understand that bosses can't always be your best friend, but as human beings, we have a choice as to how we treat other people. It's hard to determine whether your boss is psycho or supportive, because often they lace one with the other. Here's how to sort it all out (and how to figure out when to get the hell out)!
By Dan Utt8 years ago in Journal
How To Self Publish as an Indie Author
So, you’ve finally finished writing your book, awesome! But now what? If you’re anything like me, the fear and uncertainty of what to do next will cause you to develop chronic procrastination and self-doubt. I spent countless hours searching the internet with dry, tired eyes, lost in the world of literature and publication as a new author. There were so many things to consider! Finding an agent, searching for editors, and contacting publishers—it was very overwhelming. And oh my goodness! The cost of these options was nothing if not disheartening. Even so, a part of me didn’t want anyone else touching my work. I’ve heard horror stories of authors who have submitted their work to editors only to have their story torn apart and changed completely. How could I avoid losing the authenticity of my story while still finding a way to publish my book to a large audience? These thoughts ate away at me until I almost gave up the hope of doing anything with my work.
By Aili Barker8 years ago in Journal
How To Write a Layoff Résumé
A layoff is a temporary or a permanent termination of a group of employees for reasons such as downsizing of an organization, cost-cutting, and an economic slump. We live in times where a majority of the workforce is vulnerable to technological disruptions, recession, and stringent economic policies. "Layoff" is not a novel phenomenon as we often find the news feed buzzing with headlines such as “a massive layoff in so and so company.” Getting laid off can be emotionally devastating for people facing the ordeal for the first time, and the concerned person might consider it as a deterrence in future endeavors of his/her career. However, it is not the end and there are opportunities to bounce back.
By Eva Lee8 years ago in Journal
I Was Not Meant to Be Here
I let out a loud sigh as I turned the key in my ignition to off. I was here. Just moments ago I was pondering the character concepts of a new story I need to jot down before I forget it, feeling that adrenaline rush of creative discovery. But now I am here. I have yet to take one step out of my car and I am already emotionally drained for the day. I move out of my car and slowly plod across the parking lot towards the place that drains my soul of joy in this world. Why am I here? I was not meant to be here. So before you tell me to quit and get another job, I have to explain that I am a creator. This is my term for all people who are creative to any degree and style; writers, painters, photographers, and the holiest of the holies—musicians. This term applies to how good, or not so good, one is at their favorite form of expression.
By Tom Szostak8 years ago in Journal
The Good Writer
A good writer sits at her laptop, her hair still dripping from her luke-warm shower and accounts for her audience. She opens her laptop.
By L. E. King8 years ago in Journal
Tips for Staying Afloat in the Saturated Ecommerce Market. Top Story - August 2017.
According to an eMarketer report, e-commerce sales are expected to grow to $4.058 trillion in 2020. This indicates enormous potential of this market, and it is obvious that everyone will want a piece of the cake. Will you?
By Carolin Petterson8 years ago in Journal
What to Bring to a Job Interview
Most people can tell you that wearing a suit is a wise choice if you're heading to a job interview. They can also tell you that being on your best behavior, having a good resume, and bathing before the interview is a wise idea.
By Mackenzie Z. Kennedy8 years ago in Journal
Thousands Finding the Photo Booth Business a Route to Excellent Full-Time, Part-Time, or Retirement Income
In validation of the old adage “What goes around, comes around,” photo booths are back and are more popular than ever. Originally patented in 1888, the photo booth (aka “automated photography machine”) first gained popularity at penny arcades, amusement parks, and carnivals. To receive your photographic mementos of the moment, you just popped behind the curtain, adjusted the seat, deposited twenty-five cents and smiled! Ten minutes later a strip of eight fairly decent black and white (or sepia) photos would slide out a chute on the side.
By Robert Lindquist8 years ago in Journal