What Is It Like to Be a Lawyer?

Growing up, many of us would say that we had always dreamed of becoming a successful doctor, CEO, surgeon or for many of us, lawyer. The reason behind why so many young people want to take on this profession is unclear but what is very obvious is that a great many of us grow up with ideals of being the purveyor of justice.

Personally, I have wanted to be a lawyer of real estate ever since I read about the inspiration Pedro Martin, CEO of the Terra Group and a man with over 25 years experience as a real estate attorney. I have tried, and still am trying, to follow in Pedro’s footsteps and leave my mark on the real estate industry. The question that many ask, is what is it really like to be a lawyer? Let’s take a look.

Stressful

Lawyers, generally speaking, are some of the highest paid men and women in the country, and given the level of stress which they face on a daily basis, it is easy to understand why they command the big bucks. When there is a live case, lawyers jobs can be stressful, they can expect long days, plenty of hard work and a great amount of pressure on their shoulders. Being a lawyer is not like it is in a program lie Suits, where we see Harvey Specter owning people each episode. Being a lawyer is hard work and incredibly stressful.

Morally Difficult

The idea of a lawyer is to ensure that everything which is brought to court gets a fair trial, it is about defending the innocent and ensuring that the guilty pay. With this being said, there are many cases as a lawyer where you may need to defend someone that you don’t believe, you may need to work with a firm which you believe to be unscrupulous or you may need to work on a case which is unsavory to say the least. With all this in mind, the life of a lawyer can be tough from a moral standpoint, and one must separate their professionalism, from their personal feelings.

Studious

As much as some lawyers will have paralegals or a team around them to help in terms of dong the donkey work when it comes to admin, many still need to muck in, and read reams and reams of information pertaining to their case. Most lawyers have a love and hate relationship with their job. Lawyers must study incredibly hard to achieve the status of a lawyer in the first place, and the studying does not stop there. There are always new cases, new challenges and ultimately, new information to be found and in order to be the best lawyer that you can, one must spend a great deal of time studying.

Being a lawyer is like being on a rollercoaster, there will be ups and downs and losses and victories, the job is a highly respected one which pays well, but this is a salary which is definitely well earned.

Are You Made OF The Stuff to Be a CEO?

Chief Executive Officers are ism of the world’s richest and most powerful men and women that have a great influence over the world. It is precisely for this reason that so many boys and girls grow up with dreams of one day becoming the head of a company like those who have inspired them.

CEOs are very different in terms of where they have come from and how they got to where they are, some are like Gary G Friedman, a man who who struggled at school and had to work his way up the ladder with natural instinct, and others like Mark Zuckerberg, a genius who revolutionized the world with his idea. CEOs do share the same core skills however, and the same attributes, so do you have what it takes to follow in their footsteps?

Are You A Decision Maker?

Chief Execs make decisions on a daily basis that have the potential to impact many people’s lives, these decisions are responsible for the success or failure of a company and so they carry a great amount of pressure. In order to be a good decision maker you must able to assess, analyze, and heed advice form the right people when necessary.

Can You Stay Focussed?

Those who have reached the top of their company are those who kept their eyes on the prize from the very beginning. These men and women worked tirelessly with just one though tin their mind and it is this level of staying focused that is required to attain such a position.

Can You Deal With Setbacks?

Most CEOs in the world will be able to candidly tell you about the times that they have made bad choices, the times that they have failed and the times that they have missed opportunities. The strength of these people however is that they took their medicine, they learned from mistakes, and they kept on going in spite of their setback.

Can You Build a Team?

These leaders cannot do it on their own and they require a functioning and efficient team around them who have bought into their leader’s vision, and are working hard to achieve it. Building a team that can work in unison is not easy and this is a rare skill which CEOs possess.

Can You Deliver Results?

In terms of making your way up to the top, this will all come down to how consistently you can deliver results. This could take long hours, focus and honing your adrenaline while you keep your stress levels down. If you are the the of person who will not stop until they have won, this could be the role for you.

Can You Be Responsible?

Ultimately this is a position which requires you to be responsible for an entire business and you must show this level of responsibility from the outset. This who have reached the position of CEO, are those who have shown that they can take responsibility for a successful team throughout their careers.

How to Improve the Value of your Home

Not everyone is set and ready to live in one house for the rest of their lives, a lot of people buy houses to get on the property ladder and see it as a stepping stone to make profit to move on to bigger and better ventures.  Making profit on a home is not easy and will take a lot of hard work to get the value increased to a substantial level.  If you are a first time owner and are looking for a place to start I have included some tips below to increase profits when you get around to selling.

Being Prepared

It is going to take a lot of planning to improve your home to the level you want it to be at,  I would start be creating a list of what you want to improve.  Try to make the list in order of priority, start with what you want to change first and move on down your checklist.  It is always helpful to include quotations and prices of how much the improvements are going to cost you before going ahead also, this will allow you to get an idea on whether the improvements and renovations are cost effective.  Being prepared in the conventional sense is important but you also need to be prepared mentally.  Let’s face it unless you have a shed load of money or fancy applying for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition it is going to be a lengthy process.  Don’t get frustrated if things aren’t moving as fast as you would like, it is hard to put a timescale on these types of things and it will not happen overnight. 

Repairing

A lot of houses, especially older homes come with a handful of problems that need resolving.  Before thinking about the interior designs, renovations and possible extensions on the property, it is really important to take care of these issues first.  For example if your house suffers from patches of damp or cracking walls/ ceilings, you will tend to find that these are the jobs that are going to come at a hefty price.  Take these issues out of the equation as early as you can and this will give you the grounds to start improving.  If you do not do this it, your ideas could quite literally come crashing to the ground.  Eliminate the problems before they eliminate your project.

Replacing Windows

Not the most glamorous of changes to make to your house, however making sure you have the best quality double or triple glazed windows is a must.  Not only do they give the house a newer/finished look but as a potential buyer nobody wants windows that are going to let in a lot of draft or noise.  You can easily get quotations for replacing single glazed or beyond repair windows online.  I recently got my windows replaced by a company local to me called Community Builders Tulsa, a great company that have not only given the windows in my house a nice finish, they are actually saving me money.

Get Help

Finally, never forget that you don’t have to do everything by yourself.  It could be a company that you can hire to take the pressure off or getting a favour returned from a friend.  Putting all of the pressure on yourself will burn you out and you will lose motivation.  You are not in it alone! 

7 Top Blogging Tips

If you’re serious about becoming a professional blogger and are interested in giving yourself every possibility to achieve phenomenal success, simply continue reading to discover 7 tips to succeed as a blogger.

7 Top Blogging Tips:

1. Be inspired by your readers’ recommendations

If your readers leave you suggestions for future topics, which they’d love to see covered on your blog, it pays to write each suggestion which is left. As when you start to struggle to come up with new ideas for posts, you’ll be able to look back at your audience’s suggestions.

2. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking your loyal fan base

Many bloggers make the mistake of neglecting their loyal fan base of dedicated readers, in favor of continuously trying to attract new readers. However, if you begin to neglect your long-term readers, they may choose to find a new blogger, who blogs about the same niche topic, to follow.

Instead, make sure to continue engaging with your audience via your comments section and your social media accounts, whilst you work on building your readership.

3. Use regular competitions as a way of making subscribing to your blog a more attractive option

If you feel uncomfortable continuously asking your readers to subscribe to receive email notifications from your blog, you may want to consider hosting regular competitions as in order to be informed of each new competition, your readers will be far more likely to voluntarily sign up to your email list.

You may also be interested in making signing up to your email list a requirement to enter your competitions.

4. Post on a consistent basis

While it’s not necessary to post new content on a daily basis, it’s wise to create a regular posting schedule. As once your readers get used to your posting schedule, they’ll start to visit your blog at certain times of the week, in order to read your latest posts.

5. Consider creating a series of spare posts

As you never know when you might come down with a debilitating cold or depart on a last minute trip, it pays to create a series of posts in advance, which you can post in situations where you’re unable to write a brand new post.

6. Develop your voice as a writer

One of the keys to succeeding as a professional blogger is to develop your voice as a writer. As often it’s not the information contained in your posts, which will win you long-term readers but your unique style of writing. If your readers feel that they can relate to you and you have a knack for describing events in a way which makes it simple for your readers to imagine themselves in your shoes, you’ll be able to find the success which aspire to achieve.

7. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few months to build a following

Most wildly successful blogs were not overnight success stories, so if your blog doesn’t attract thousands of readers within a few weeks, don’t be tempted to quit.

So if you dream of becoming a professional blogger, it’s well worth taking the 7 tips listed above to heart and also be sure to check out, http://wildfreedesign.com for more inspiration and useful tips such as the ones listed above.

Reasons To Choose Rental Apartments In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. Over the years, the area has grown to be a leading tourist and vacation hub in Scotland. This has led to the development of hotel rooms and apartments suitable for accommodation. When on vacation, you need to choose a quiet and safe place to stay with your family. Here are some of the reasons why it’s best to stay in rental apartments.

Comfort

Unlike hotel rooms, rental apartments offer home-like comfort. You can choose a fully-furnished apartment. The apartment is serviced with quality furniture, cooking utensils, and entertainment devices. Once rented, the occupant enjoys these services together with other special amenities.

Privacy

You should enjoy your privacy while at home and away from home. Unfortunately, hotel rooms do not guarantee privacy. The room can be accessed by the attendants at any time of the day. The only place you can be assured of 100% privacy is a rental apartment. Accessibility of a rental apartment is limited to the occupant.

Availability

Are you struggling to find a rental apartment? Apartments in Edinburgh are readily available. Moreover, these apartments are located in Central Edinburgh. You can find a 2-bedroomed or 3-bedroomed apartment depending on your family size. These apartments can be booked online. The next time you are going on vacation to Edinburgh; don’t hesitate to rent an apartment.

Affordability

Renting an apartment is the cheapest accommodation option. The terms of payments are mainly monthly based or depending on the period of your stay. Compared to living in a hotel, apartments are very affordable. Moreover, you can find a rental apartment within your budget. Compare rental rates of different apartments to find the best for you.

Location

Location is a major factor to consider before renting an apartment. When on vacation in Edinburgh, make sure that you stay in the luxurious and modern apartments in Central Edinburgh. These apartments are within the city. Tenants enjoy an easy transport system, proximity to shopping malls and tourist attraction sites.

Safety

Finally, rental apartments guarantee safety and security. Most of these apartments are within gated communities. These communities have installed various security measures to ensure the safety of occupants. Access to these communities is limited to the tenants.

These are some of the reasons to consider renting apartments. However, it is important to note that they are in high demand. Although they are available, you can only be guaranteed of an apartment by booking in time. When booking, make sure to state your period of stay. You will also be required to make a deposit to book the apartment. As you prepare for your next vacation, make sure that you start by searching for the right apartment for your family.

 

Facts You Should Know About Long Term Travel

Long term travel is not for everyone. It is not easy as it seems. How do I know that? Well, I travelled for a year and visited some wonderful places and learnt a lot. I gained experience and a world view. It was good for the most part but there were some not so good experiences too. If you are planning long term travel, then you should know a few facts.

• Most of us tend to believe that a long term traveller just enjoys his or her time always. We feel that it is a wonderful life where you party every day with new friends and travellers. While this sounds great, it is not always the truth. A long term traveller usually has a limited amount of funds and they cannot keep partying everywhere. Partying at a new city or country when they arrive or on other occasions is fine, but if you are under the impression that you will be partying everyday and hence planned a long term trip then you are in for an awakening.
• Most of us feel that we will be traveling with new friends and new acquaintances wherever we go. This is a huge misconception mainly due to the photographs that we see of other travellers with beautiful companions in exotic places. When you travel be prepared to live a solitary lifestyle. Most of the time you will be without companions, so condition your brain to accept this fact in advance. If you do not like to be lonely you can get company if you are a social person but again it all depends on how you interact with others. Even if you are one of the most gregarious persons around when you travel for a long time you need to be prepared to be without company for a lengthy period.
• Most of us feel that the local cuisine that we are going to encounter would be the best. If you suppose so then you are farther from the truth. Not all food would be good for your taste buds. In fact, most of the food we see in travel magazines and food magazines are good only to look at, when you consume them you will enjoy them at all. Having toured a few countries, getting a McDonald’s burger to eat was my most satisfying.
• Be prepared to get sick. The travel, the food, the sleep pattern will surely make you sick and during this phase you will want to return to the confines of your home country. There will be hospitals and doctors to take care of you but nothing like home is what you will feel.
• Most long term travellers sell their belongings before embarking on travel, but it is advisable to keep them in self storage as they can get it back when they return. I used a Baton Rouge storage company to store my items, you can do the same in your city.

These are some of the facts that you should know. Also it is advisable to spend less on your travels.

Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Old Boiler

Boilers are meant to last for a long time. You need them to provide hot water and heating at home or in commercial properties. The problem is that even if they were designed to last a long time, there will come a time when you have no other choice but to replace them. Here’s how you will know that it is time to bid goodbye to the old boiler and invest in a new one.

1. It is already over 15 years old

On average, boilers last for up to 15 years. Routine maintenance can extend their life, but it is generally the length of most boilers’ life and you may end up using more than your planned budget for renovations and home improvements. Upgrades are available for old boilers if you want to have the modern features available, but this is not compatible with all models. Therefore, at this point, you might want to just have your boiler replaced.

2. The energy efficiency rating is not A

The only acceptable rating is A. It means that the boiler is energy efficient. If it is anything below the said rating, you might have to change your mind. The boiler might be cheap, but you will have to spend more for maintenance or parts replacement. You will save more money in the long run with A-rated boilers

3. Your boiler takes time to heat up

You don’t want a boiler that takes forever to heat up. It is a waste of time. You might want to have it checked, or repaired, but in many cases, it might not work correctly anymore. Even if parts are changed, the process is still slow. It is better to replace the whole thing and save more money than spending on constant repairs.

4. The flame is yellow and not blue

The boiler should not have a yellow flame. It is an indicator of carbon monoxide. This is referred to as the silent killer. You cannot easily detect it. This can also cause a lot of harmful effects to one’s health. Therefore, if you notice that it turns to yellow, change it right away. Be aware of the dangers and don’t take the risk.

5. Repairs are done more often

You have just finished repairing the boiler and it malfunctions again. You call someone in to repair and it works for a while before it goes back to being broken again. It is irritating to have this cycle. If maintaining it will cost a lot of money, you should consider boiler replacement.

Ultimately, you should decide if it is in your best interest to replace it. However, if all the above signs are there, whether or not you are financially ready, change it. You don’t want to wait for things to get worse before doing anything.

Dealing With The Trauma That Comes With Hair Injury

Suffering from a hair injury at the salon can be physically painful. If it results in hair loss and scalp irritation, you might have to deal with the physical pain for several days or even months. However, the worse pain that comes with it is on the emotional side. As you start looking at yourself in the mirror, you realise that you no longer look the same because of the incident. There is also some damage that has a more or less permanent effect. Don’t be too depressed and find a way to deal with the problem.

Don’t force yourself to accept it

Changes in your physical appearance are not easy to overlook. The pain will always be there. Imagine having long, silky hair for a long time and suddenly, it is gone. No one should tell you to just move on and accept your fate. This is a tragic incident and you need to take your time to deal with the emotions that come with it.

Look on the brighter side

While you might be forced to deal with the pain, it also does not hurt to start looking on the bright side. For sure, you still have a lot of other physical attributes that are worth admiring. Hit the gym and stay in shape. There are plenty of ways to keep active and it will also help keep your mind off things. You can find great workout routines to help improve your fitness, or you can even sign up for a local gym membership. You can also wear makeup that best suits you. Sometimes, radiating confidence is better than simply looking beautiful.

Stay away from negativities

It helps a lot if you just ignore any teasing that comes with the hair loss. For sure, you will have friends who will mock you more than support you. Just stay away from them. Don’t let their words sink in. Otherwise, your fate will be more difficult to accept.

Wear a wig

If you are really bothered by the hair loss, just wear a wig. It can prevent you from seeing yourself without hair. Besides, in most salon related hair injuries, the damage is temporary. There will come a time when your hair will grow back. Until then, it does not hurt to wear a wig.

Get the justice you deserve

You are the victim in this case and you have the right to fight for your rights. Going through this process is not just emotionally troubling, but can also be financially damaging. Therefore, you have to seek advice from a lawyer specialising in hair damage claims and, at the very least, get paid for the medical treatment. Rest assured, there are lawyers out there who are willing to help you out and negotiate with the other party for better terms. You will then get the right amount you deserve for suffering from this problem. Don’t worry about the cost since you will only pay once you’ve won the case.

What To Look For When Hiring A Realtor

Regardless of whether you are in the market to sell your home soon or you are planning to make a purchase, hiring a real estate agent is one of the best initial steps that you can take. A home is a major asset, and you have a lot to lose when both buying and selling real estate. You understandably want to walk through the process as easily as possible, but you also want to structure the best deal for you. The right real estate agent will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that your goals are accomplished. When searching for a great real estate agent, focus on these points.

Great References

Many people will begin hunting for a real estate agent by asking friends and neighbors for referrals and recommendations. You could also post a question on your social media account to get excellent feedback from people who you know and trust. This may include agents who you should and should not reach out to. You may also find a few agents through your online research. Always obtain references, and read online reviews to learn more about what level of service they provide.

Exceptional Knowledge

The best real estate agent will have extensive knowledge about the industry and about the local market, but he or she will also be able to translate technical terms into layman’s terms. The individual should not sound like a financial glossary that uses so much jargon that you do not understand what is being said. Remember that the real estate agent should be assisting you rather than confusing you or trying to show off with a large vocabulary. Experience in the local market is also important because of its benefit in helping you get a great deal.

Attention to Detail

Buying and selling real estate is very detail-oriented. For example, the fine print in the sales contract and small yet critical items of interest inside the home need to be identified and pointed out to you along the way. A real estate agent is not a lawyer or a property inspector, but he or she should have enough expertise and an eye for detail to point out areas that require a closer review by an expert.

Excellent Service

Some people unfortunately hire a real estate agent with a big name in town or because they are a friend of a friend, but they are sorely disappointed with the level of service that they receive. A smart idea is to interview multiple real estate agents before signing a contract with anyone for representation. Reach out to each one by phone and email a couple of times with random questions. Pay attention to how friendly and responsive the individual is. This may not tell you how the level of service will be throughout the entire transaction, but it gives you a fair idea. Avoid working with individuals who are so busy with other clients that they cannot give you the time and attention that you deserve.

Hiring a real estate agent is an excellent initial step to take when preparing to buy or sell property. However, the overall service that you receive from each agent will vary dramatically. You should put as much importance on hiring the perfect real estate agent for your needs as you would when planning interior designs for the house. By focusing on these important qualities, you can make an informed decision when selecting a real estate agent.

What to Do If You Get Injured While Traveling Abroad

Injuries never happen at convenient times, but there may be no worse time to get hurt than during a trip. If you’re engaging in high-risk activities like rock climbing or cliff-diving, you might anticipate an injury, but even if you’re taking a leisurely vacation, anything can happen. Bathtub slips, stairwell tumbles, traffic accidents, and everyday scrapes and bruises can happen in a hotel or resort just as easily as they can happen at home. Follow these steps to deal with injuries abroad.

Practice First Aid

Image via Flickr by dlg_images

The same first aid principles apply no matter where you are. If you’re bleeding, apply direct pressure and elevate that body part above heart level. If you or someone in your group has a head or neck injury, wait for professional help, and don’t try to move. Clean wounds immediately with soap and water to prevent infection.

Seek Medical Care

Your hotel, hostel, or rental host should be able to help you get in touch with a doctor or hospital. If your situation isn’t an emergency, you can Google “English-speaking doctors in [city]” to find assistance. The International Medical Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers can also help you find English-speaking doctors worldwide at no charge, although the organization does accept donations. If you have travel insurance, call the number and see if your insurer can put you in touch with a doctor. In a true emergency, reach out to anyone nearby for help with calling an ambulance.

Self-Care for Minor Injuries

If your injury doesn’t require medical attention, practice good self-care. Keep wounds clean and lightly covered. Ice swollen joints, rest them, and keep them elevated. Ask your hotel or host for any supplies you need. A supportive brace or elastic bandage can work wonders for a sore knee or ankle, but be careful not to overuse it. Injured joints need rest.

Evacuation for Serious Injuries

If you need serious medical care, you’ll need to be evacuated to your home hospital. If you’ve planned ahead by purchasing aMedjetHorizon membership, you’ll have all the essential help with coordinating your evacuation, whether it’s due to injury, political unrest, violence, or terrorism. Without that support, you would need to manage all the arrangements yourself, which could be overwhelming.

Check Your Insurance

Even if you didn’t buy travel insurance, you may still have some coverage available through the credit card you used to pay for the trip. Most credit card travel insurance is extremely limited and may not provide much help to an injured traveler. However, there are a few cards that carry more useful benefits. While none of them will cover medical or evacuation expenses, some have a trip cancellation benefit that will reimburse you for the portion of your tours, flights, cruise, or other expensive activity that you’ll have to miss.

No one plans to get hurt on a trip, as injuries are almost always unexpected. If you find yourself with an injury abroad or while visiting a new city, make sure your top priority is to find access to the medical care you need to recover. It is important to keep safe while traveling during all times of the year and throughout your travels. So be prepared and have the right care and coverage to protect yourself!