REDEFINE SUCCESS M ove Up the Corporate Ladder Give M e An ERG Start Your Career Abroad Bucket List Vacation
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T HI S I SSUE Moving Up t he Corporat e Ladder
EVERY I SSUE 08
Career Spot light
Finding creative ways to advance your career
Redefining Success as a Teacher
Part y Like It 's Your Birt hday
Break Bit es
06
Celebr ating a coworker 's special day at the office
Bonding W it h Coworkers
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When You're an Introver t being social in the office can be a challenge
Give Me an ERG
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What it really takes to tr ansition your career back to the classroom
Bucket List Travel: UAE
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Off The Clock Do's and Don'ts of Paying Bills
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The difference between working in your home countr y and moving over seas to grow
Back t o School
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Out of Office
Finding an Employee Resource Group that can empower you on your job
St art ing Your Career Abroad
Biting into a New Career Following a Whole 30 Diet Being the Office Vegetarian
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Cover Phot o: Dlores Photography
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FOL L OW US
MAST HEAD Abou t Us Forty Magazine is a digital publication dedicated to young professionals. Intended for recent grads and professionals under 40, Forty Magazine helps young professionals transition into the workplace with ease.
OUR T EAM Kian Her vey Editor and Publisher Con t r ibu t in g Wr it er s Mai Lyn Ngo Kiara Hervey Reyona Hammond Adeshile Allinson Tremaine Millender Allie Martin Hope LeNoir Darren Baucham
PHOT O CREDI T S Attribution noted in spread if required by photographer. All images tagged in creative commons and/or non-commercial use. Photo Sources: Death to Stock Photo, Pixabay, Albumarium, PicJumbo
40 HOURS Your day- to- day inter actions and exper iences in the workplace
Party Like It’s Your
BIRTH
DAY
When it comes to celebrating birthdays around the office, there’s more than one way to do it.
Your office may be big on birthday celebrations or leave it up to you to make a coworker feel appreciated on their special day. Here are a few ways you can bring birthday fun to the office.
Group Cards
Pass a group card around the office a few days before your coworker’s birthday. It can be tricky finding cards with enough space for everyone to sign, but even the tiniest of cards can share a big birthday wish. If you’re one of the first to sign the card, be mindful of what you write since everyone will get a chance to see your birthday wish. If you’re near the end of the rotation, leave space for a few more to leave their birthday expressions. If you don’t want to sign a group card, you may want to show your cube mate how much you appreciate them on your own.
Personal Cards
Personalized cards go a long way, whether it’s just a simple “Happy Birthday” signature or a novel. a little personal touch can make all the difference. While Hallmark may be more popular, a stop at Dollar Tree for an American Greetings Birthday card will have the same effect at a quarter of the cost in comparison to the big name brands.
Share a cupcake or two...
Cube Decorations
If you have a few helping hands, consider surprising your coworker with some decorations in their work area. Balloons, confetti, streamers, and banners, all can be picked up at a local dollar store for a budget friendly purchase to allow the extra savings to go toward a gift. Whatever you choose as a theme, keep it fun, and find something your coworker won’t think of it as an annoyance.
Small Gifts
Feeling generous? Throw in a goody bag filled with their favorite snacks, gum, energy drinks, scented lotion, or maybe a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or lunch spot. Generally speaking people feel like relaxing on their birthday, so don’t be surprised if your coworker doesn’t make it in on their actual birthday. Ask your coworker ahead of time if they plan on being around and take note of whether they will be out of the office. If they will be out, plan ahead, and get ready to party like it’s their birthday.
Moving Up in Corporate America A secure job after college seemed like a golden ticket for Amira Onibudo. But after two-years on the job, she quickly realized there was no promotion on the horizon and had to find another way to avance her career.
“Being stuck in the same position is similar to being in a relationship with no growth...
E
ven though I was blessed with a job right after college, the struggle of finding a job was no joke. The struggle of rising in corporate America was even harder, but I did it by following a few golden rules. If you don’t settle, be assertive, find a mentor, and do more than the minimum, you’ll be able to unleash your inner Boss and rise in corporate America. When you first start looking for corporate jobs, some employers will try to put you in a position where you can’t easily rise. They will try to make you feel inadequate, like you are not good enough to be in a higher position, but you have to remember you are worth it. Do not let “The Man” get you down. Do not settle! Especially if it is your first job be on the look out for that glass ceiling. I experienced this at my first job where I was stuck in the same position for two years with no raise. I pleaded and asked for a promotion and was told that there was no money in the budget for it. Being stuck in the same position is similar to being in a long-term relationship with no growth. You start to feel stagnant like you aren’t going anywhere and no matter how many times you ask for a ring, you hear excuses about “not being ready.” You have to make the decision to either be patient and stay in the relationship or move on to the next one and be appreciated elsewhere. I learned that in order to get more money and to be taken seriously you have to move around. If you stay at the same job too long it’s so hard to get promoted or receive more money. The employer is already comfortable and doesn’t feel the need to give you more money because you are already doing the work for less. This obviously varies case by case, but from experience and recommendations from those who graduated with me, we’ve all been in the same boat. I went into marketing with no experience. But because I already had two years of work
experience and understood marketing concepts, I got my first job and was paid $20,000 more a year than my peers. After a month on the job, I got cocky and wanted more responsibility, so I set a personal goal to reach a management position after six months. When that didn’t happen, I left for an Account Manager position at another company and received another $20,000 more a year. With less than three years of work experience, I was making close to $70,000 a year. I became more spoiled and wouldn’t even accept a job if it paid less than $70,000 a year because I saw what was possible when I didn’t settle. In corporate America you will come face to face with so many personal boundaries that it’s important to know your worth. It’s normal to change careers and fall out of love with your “passion.” That’s the beauty of growing up and learning about yourself. But the most important thing to remember is to love what you do. When I got my Master’s degree this past May I received so many more career opportunities. The key to obtaining my degree was not rushing into it. Do not get an advanced degree if your sole purpose is to get a job afterwards. You should already be working toward your dream job before you go back to school. Think about how many times you changed your major in undergrad. You won’t change your mind so quickly on what you want to major in if you wait. We grow up and change our passions. When we graduate from undergrad, we either think we have it all figured out or we don’t; there’s no in between. So if you made up your mind that you want to get a Master’s after undergrad make sure you get some sort of funding and please do your research. A lot of social science majors (psychology/ sociology) go straight into higher education. They don’t really have a choice because most jobs in social sciences require a Master’s or certification of some sort. In this case make sure you research all your options so you are sure about what program you want to pursue.
... You either be patient and stay faithful, or move on and go elsewhere.” The program you choose is more important than the “title” of the college or university. One rude awakening you’ll see after obtaining a Master’s is that you will not receive more money just because you have an extra degree. Obtain a Master’s if you are trying to gain additional skills or knowledge on a subject you are unfamiliar with. Stretch your skills and make yourself marketable by researching what is in demand. Don’t get a Master’s in the same thing you have your undergraduate degree in. You will only learn the same things you learned in undergrad with just more advanced concepts. I obtained a better job after my Master’s by attending career fairs, networking events, and utilizing references from my previous jobs. Make sure your Master’s program has an efficient career center that ensures students get hired. They shouldn’t leave you to find a job on your own. Corporate America can be draining but the key to making it work is to never lose yourself working a 9-5. It is so important to find your niche and thrive in it. If you are working at a job you hate from 9-5, make sure you are feeding your passion from 6-10. Never let your passion die. Unleash Yourself and become your inner boss.
Amira Onibudo is the founder and editor-in-chief of unleashyourself.org, an inspirational blog dedicated to empowering young professionals to overcome fear and unleash their boss. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook @unleash.yourself.
Bonding with Co-workers AS AN
INTROVERT
Introverts are often referred to as “antisocial,” but that’s far from who we really are. Oure personalities are naturally more reserved and intuitive, and others may interpret that as not outgoing. We’re much more likely to think about our responses before we speak. We enjoy thoughtful conversation instead of random small talk, and at the end of a long day we need time to recharge – alone. Our extroverted counterparts thrive in highly-active social settings and are energized by being placed around lots of people. Introverts don’t dislike being around people, but consistently being surrounded by others can drain us. My experience with being an introvert in the workplace has always been positive, and I’ve learned that there is no special strategy to follow when it comes to creating relationships with those you work with. We are unique people who bring unique gifts and talents to any workspace, and bonding with coworkers is a lot easier than what many people may think. It may be difficult for your coworkers to “figure you out” once you become a member of the team (I’ve heard this so many times.) But it just takes time to learn how introverts can thrive in certain work environments – and that’s okay. If you’re new on the job or if you’re just ready to change the way you communicate with your team, here are a few tips to help make your work environment a lot more enjoyable:
1
Be Yourself
There will be coworkers who naturally gravitate towards you, so be yourself. Don’t worry too much about having to force superficial conversation in order to make friends on the job. The more transparent and open you are, the more transparent and open your coworkers will be.
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Lead a Volunteer Project
Go Out for a Date
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Volunteer to go on “dates” with your coworkers outside of the workplace. I would recommend going with a small group (about four people) so that you won’t have to worry about the awkward silences that may come about if you’re just hanging out with one other person. It also gives you a break from being overwhelmed by social outings with your entire team.
Say Hello
Say hello to everyone, every single day. Being the first person to break the ice in the morning or at the beginning of each shift, is the easiest way for your coworkers to begin to warm up to you. Once you’ve established that rapport, it completely changes the entire office mood.
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Introverts can take on leadership positions in the workplace just as well as any extrovert. Take on the role of being a volunteer coordinator to get yourself more comfortable with managing a large team. Most of the coordination work can take place behind the scenes via email, but you also get the chance to be active with your coworkers in the community. You’ll get to know your coworkers on a more personal level and physically take action to change the world. Serving as a volunteer coordinator is another great way to build relationships with your coworkers beyond the walls of the cubicle.
Start with Small Social Actions
Be willing to step out of your introvert comfort zone! For example, I like to eat lunch alone in the breakroom, because it gives me time to unwind and recharge after being surrounded by lots of people all day. It is totally okay to eat lunch with your coworkers and simply listen in on “lunchroom talk,” without having to speak a single word.
Creating meaningful bonds with your workmates doesn’t have to be a dreadful or difficult task. It’s great to be able to feel as comfortable as possible communicating with the people you spend eight or more hours with during a work week, so make it worthwhile. Want more career insight from Reyona?
Connect with her on Instagram @TheSilentBoss.
E RG
GIVE GIVE ME ME AN AN
The latest buzzword floating around the office can actually help you feel more comfortable at work. Career Coach Hope LeNoir explains what is an Employee Resource Group, and how joining one can add value to your job.
WHAT IS AN ERG
ERGs, Employee Resource Groups, are groups initiated by employees and supported by a company. They are often supported by Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within a company, but can come from any executive level. These groups are also referred to as resource groups, affinity groups and employee networks. Most times, these groups have no fee and anyone can join any one of the ERG organizations. Their events are often open to all employees in their designated company. Events range from social and professional development to cultural knowledge and informational programs. The most common company ERGs support Women, African American and Latino, and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) populations groups. But there are also groups that support veterans, those with disabilities, and one of the newest groups, millennial employees. My ERG gave me the opportunity to step outside my everyday role in the office. I put on my event planning cap and helped plan events for tons of Employees. After the event, I became the go-to person for decorations, event budgets, booking speakers, and finding giveaways. Joining an ERG really developed my skillset. I could have waited years to showcase my talents, but an ERG gave me the opportunity to step into my dream role years ahead of my career timeline.
WHY ERGs MATTER
Despite the number of connections an employee may build within these groups, most employees don’t participate in ERG programs. According to a recent study, only about 16% of U.S. employees are members of an employee resource group. The number one reason most Employees said they didn’t know their company had an ERG. The reality is that 90% of Fortune 500 companies alone have ERGs. So saying Employees didn’t know they exist, can’t be the only problem. Some research participants admitted they don’t know the benefits of being an ERG member. Employee Resource Groups are designed for the benefit of both the employee and their company in an ultimate win-win situation. Members of the group have an opportunity to enjoy and use their professional strengths in a visible way that may not be doable in their current job role. And being active in these groups also promotes the opportunity to network, mentor, mentee and gain support from other strong, advanced, tenured and fresh employees with various titles. Besides the employee benefit, there is also a company benefit. The company uses these groups to gain perspective and to engage in a diverse set of thoughts to grow the business, recruit and retain employees, and to promote efforts of being an employer of choice. The company also sees the value of having these groups as a resource for marketing and diverse talent recruiting. Again, a win-win.
FINDING AN ERG
If you’re interested in joining an ERG, start by reaching out to your boss. Ask him or her if they have joined an ERG lately, and how you can get involved. Before signing up for anything, try to attended an ERG event to learn if that group is right for you. Simply ask a fellow employee, “Give me an ERG,” and see what they know about the opportunity. Don’t forget to search your company site for even more information. Your Company ERG will be happy to have you.
THE AUTHOR
Hope LeNoir is a professional career coach and the owner of Rise and Fly, LLC. To learn more about her, visit riseandfly.net.
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Starting Your Career Abroad
Adeshile Allinson spent most of her formative years in the United States as a student. When she returned home to Nigeria to expand her career, she reflected on what it is really like starting your career abroad.
We all know the world has become a global village. It is not uncommon to have at least one person from every continent on the globe working in your organization or in your social group. People move abroad for various reasons. Most commonly moves happen because of significant others or job transfers. Others move because they are seeking new experiences, better education, or a fresh start. At the age of 17, I moved to the United States for college because my country of origin does not have the best higher education system. My entire family still lived in Nigeria at the time and although I was excited, I can remember how terrified I was while saying goodbye to my family as I walked through customs to board my flight. After college, I stayed back in the United States because I got an amazing full time job in Pittsburgh, PA. Two years ago, I moved back to Nigeria to be with
my family and also to continue my career. Although moving back to Nigeria was essentially going home, it felt more like moving abroad again because I had spent most of my early adult formative years in the United States and it had become my home. When I got to Nigeria, I had to familiarize myself with the corporate and social culture. I quickly realized that superiors preferred to be referred to as “Sir” and “Ma” versus the first name basis I was used to in the United States. Up until today, I still do things or say things at work and my boss or someone around will say, “That’s so American of you.” I wouldn’t trade my work experience in the United States for anything. I always advise young professionals to get some relevant foreign work experience; even if it is a summer teaching or volunteering job. Getting foreign work experience in your 20s or 30s can have a tremendous impact on your career.
Having work experience in a foreign country, especially if it is a relevant field to your career path, is always an advantage. These days, employers are looking to hire people who have a global mindset, people who are able to understand and interact with business partners or suppliers from a foreign country. Having foreign work experience also shows a willingness to travel or transfer abroad if the need arises. When I applied for jobs in Nigeria, hiring managers and interviewers were quick to ask about my job role and responsibilities back in the United States.
You Expand Your Network While working in a new country, you’re going to meet new people in your workplace and social settings. As they say, your network determines your net worth. You get to meet people with different views, different backgrounds, and different experiences. Your interactions with them exposes you to other realities you can learn from, and most importantly you grow a network of people you can call on for assistance or reference. Whenever you meet people from a foreign country, always ensure that you maintain the relationship because you never know when they would be in a position to help you; either professionally or personally.
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I still do things or say things at work and my boss or someone around will say, ‘That’s so American of you.’
dialect. Even if you don’t become fluent by the time your time abroad is over, you can continue to practice when you get back to your home country. Speaking more than one language is always an added benefit for your resume. According to Forbes, people who speak more than one language tend to get paid as much as 20 percent more. When I moved to the United States, I spoke a little bit of French. However, Spanish is more common in the United States so I started learning Spanish. Although I have forgotten pretty much everything now because I have no one to practice with in Nigeria, I sometimes remember phrases here and there and use them in conversations. Also, the fact that I could speak some Spanish is always a great conversation starter.
You Often Get Paid More
While working in the United States, I met people from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Australia, different parts of the U.S., and more. These are the people that I sometimes still email when I’m working on a difficult project and I believe they could give me some tips on how to solve some issues I’m facing. Sometimes I reconnect with them just to reminisce about old times.
Most times when you move to a foreign country for work, your compensation (salary and allowances) will be higher than the natives of the country (this is very common in Africa and Asia). You also will most likely earn a lot more than you would have been earing in your country of residence if you were in the same role. Working abroad is a great way to earn and save money towards your goals or to pay off any debt you may have.
You Can Learn a New Language
When I worked in America, I earned about 3 times more than I make in Nigeria.
Instead of worrying about language barriers, embrace the challenge of becoming bilingual. Even if English isn’t the first language of the locals in your foreign workplace, it could be the official lingua franca (language of business). If local languages are used in social settings, it will be a great opportunity to learn a new
You Experience a New Culture Most people have never moved out of their home states or countries. Their thoughts, ideologies, and beliefs are very limited because all they know is what they’ve been told or what they hear in the news. Moving to a foreign
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You Become a Better Candidate
country helps you form your own experiences, learn about the country, its people, and their ways of life. Before I moved to the United States, I always heard people talking about how violent Americans were and how you could get shot because you didn’t respond to the stranger that greeted you. Of course I went with that fear in me and I always looked over my shoulder when I was in public. After spending a little time in the United States and interacting with the people, I got to know that Americans are actually very friendly people.
You Learn to Keep an Open Mind Before moving to a new country for work, I researched the local business etiquette, health norms, housing options, accessible modes of transportation, and more. I wanted to prepare myself as much as possible about life somewhere else. Even with all my research, I still discovered new things. From that experience I learned it is so important to have an open mind. You don’t want to be “that foreigner that complains about everything!”
Adeshile Allinson has a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from Howard University. She started her career in Supply Chain Management in the United States, and later moved to Nigeria to start working in Business Development. You can follow her journey at Innovation22.com.
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BACK TO
Think you’re ready to be an educator fulltime? Kiara Hervey shares what you need to transition into a career in the classroom. Get Some Experience
No part of science actually helped me prepare for being a teacher. I worked at three other educational facilities before I committed to being a teacher fulltime. When you’re teaching something every day, year after year, you want to be confident in your work. So find something
Get Emotionally Prepared
It’s very underrated the amount of stress kids are under these days. Some of my students don’t have time to do their homework because they go straight to work after school. They feel the weight of trying to help their parents and carry their siblings, and trying to get into college is extra
you’re good at and try to teach it. I never really paid attention to why I gravitated toward science until I started teaching it. When I started debating what I wanted to teach, I went back to science. It’s a decision I don’t regret.
pressure. And on top of all that, they have to battle social lives of homecoming and prom. When kids are stressed, they place the stress on teachers. And we bear those burdens for them on a daily basis. It is emotionally exhausting.
Network
Forget Getting off at 3 PM
Within education, there’s this assumption that you have to don’t have to network, and you don’t have to know people. That’s completely false. The only way you get into a good school district is if someone refers you or if you’ve worked there previously. You have to have you name in the principal’s ear. They have to know you some sort of way. Networking is extremely important in education.
My first year, there was no balance between work and play. During the week, I was nearly unreachable. When the school day was over, my work didn’t stop. I would have tutoring for an hour, then go home and plan the lesson for the next week or next day. Or if I’m not tutoring after school, I’m making copies and grading homework. Working 40 hours a week is not realistic for your first year. I’m pretty sure I’m worked double that.
Not Everyone Has the Capacity to Be a Teacher. Set expectations
In corporate America, it’s the understanding that life happens, we get it. But you still have to get your work done; expectations don’t change. With kids, that understanding hasn’t been drilled into their head yet; you have to set expectations. They all come with their issues like their dog ate their homework, their Wi-Fi went out, or their printer broke. You have all of these things that could be going on and have to make a justification call for each kid.
Give It Time
My first year, I also coached volleyball because I was trying to be every woman in that capacity. I wanted to wear multiple hats, but I had to accept I couldn’t do it all. My second year is a lot easier because I realized it’s okay to not be two weeks ahead. I know what I’m supposed to be teaching. I’m not as hard on myself, and solely focus on staying ahead of the kids. I think that’s the only way you can have balance as a teacher, and it gets easier the more years you do it. I’m sure next year will be a lot easier too.
If You’re Called, Answer
Everybody I talked to and asked about teaching said the same thing. They say, “Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it.” And still I felt this internal need to just try. When you feel that way, you need to do it because not everyone can. Not everyone has the capacity to be a teacher. It’s not the easiest job in the world. No matter what people may say. My advice is don’t do it, but if me saying that pushes you to do it, then you need to. You’re the ones that the education system needs.
Kiara Hervey teaches ninth-grade biology in Arlington, Texas. In her first year of teaching, 97 percent of her students passed the state Biology test, and 24 perent were commended. You can connect with her on Instagram @kiaraminri.
I realized success little to do with the size of my paycheck and more to do with the amount of lives I could change.
REDEFINING
SUCCESS The degree I graduated with wasn’t a direct correlation to a job like accounting, so finding a job that fit my qualifications based upon my degree was challenging. I graduated in a science field, and with science fields you have to know where you’re going. But health care is such a vast industry you don’t always know where to start. After I graduated, I stayed close to what I knew. I built upon my experience as an Education Coordinator for a community center in West Dallas, and wrote the science curriculum for the center’s summer program. After the summer was over, I planned to start nursing school the following semester. I only had a six to seven-month window of free time, and really wanted a good paying job until I went back to school. Because I had always placed myself in an educator role over the years, I started substitute teaching for the quick money and flexibility. But while I was substituting, my passion changed. While I was substituting, the kids really liked me. I was teaching 9th and 10th graders at the same school (The principal liked me), and the kids listened to me. I enjoyed being in front of the classroom and I felt like I could do good in this field because not many people have the capacity to reach teenagers. I started believing I had a gift for teaching, and knew I had to use it. So the day before nursing school orientation, I decided to be a teacher. Making the jump from enrolled nursing school student to full-time teacher took some time. I started researching ways to become a teacher, and ended up participating in Texas’
alternative certification program. I passed the life sciences content test, and then the state offered me a probation certificate. To get off of probationary, I would have to complete a full academic year of teaching. During the process of me getting my certification, my sister’s former coworker referred me to Uplift Education for one of their teaching positions. By May I had an offer to teach senior high school – 11th and 12th grade anatomy and freshman biology. A comment made by one of the science teachers from the high school where I started subbing prepared me for that first full-time year of teaching. She said, “Your first year is similar to rush when you’re joining a sorority or fraternity.” In the midst of my first year, I was literally running around with my head cut-off 24/7. I spent time trying to learn the school’s lingo and culture. I spent time trying to learn the content because I haven’t taken a physical biology class since high school. On a daily basis, I managed about 200 kids and dealt with kids of different age ranges, different developmental styles, and different personalities. In addition to all that, I was learning about the challenges within our education system. We base funding in America on standardized tests. And while it is a good system to ensure educators and students are reaching bench marks, it doesn’t allow us the opportunity to evolve. From my classroom experience, I learned I couldn’t teach the same way that I was taught because I wasn’t dealing with the same type of kids. We need
She thought success was chasing after a degree in nursing. But after a semester of teaching at a local high school, Kiara Hervey started to redefine success. to train kids for jobs that don’t exist yet, but we can’t do that with our current education system because the current one doesn’t teach kids how to think. It teaches them content and information. It teaches them you are not smart unless you know the difference between a dicot or monocot root system. But some of my kids don’t want to be botanist. Some of them want to be mechanics, veterinarians, or even a train conductor, and unfortunately the education system reinforces the image that jobs are not created equal. My job in the classroom quickly changed to battling all these things. I started to teach my kids about more than biology; I started teaching social tolerance, equity, and innovation. Switching my mindset for teaching also switched my mindset for my career. With teaching, the promotions take you out of the classrooms. For me, going into teaching, knowing that being a high school teacher would be my peak, was a little difficult for me to swallow. But I realized success had less to do with the size of my paycheck and more to do with the amount of lives I could change. I saw the greatest impact and change comes at the high school level because educators have to prepare students for college. And it also comes at the college level because students are in their formative years. Teaching content is maybe 20 percent of my whole job. Teachers train students for the workforce and global marketplace. America doesn’t run without an education system. The education system is the start of everything.
Kiara teaches ninth-grade biology in Arlington, Texas. Connect with her on Instagram @KiaraMinri.
OFF THE CLOCK Your life beyond 40 hour s, cover ing tr avel and more.
Bucket List Travel United Arab Emirates
Somewhere in the crazy days of my youth, I got it stuck in my head that I HAVE to ride a camel in Dubai. (I partially blame Disney for getting me hooked on Aladdin in the 1990s.) The idea stayed on my bucket list for several years and finally became a reality a few months ago. The bucket list experience of traveling to the United Arab Emirates far out lived my expectations! Our group of five (two writers, an analyst, specialist and Pilot) originally planned for our adventure to include the luxe experience of Emirates’ heralded plane– the A380. When the international air carrier swapped our plane for a Boeing 777 the week before departure, our double-decker aircraft dreams were dashed. But when our boarding passes for the 14hour nonstop flight from DFW were issued, we all felt excited. As soon as we landed in Dubai, we hit the ground running. Our marathon weekend vacation included visits to Dubai’s noteworthy attractions, like the Grand Mosque and Burj Khalifa. But by far my favorite part of the trip was our desert safari which included a sunset camel ride. Traveling to Dubai was a dream experience I can’t wait to have again!
What I Did
With only three full days on the ground, our group made every hour count. We visited Miracle Gardens, Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, an Arabian tea house, Old Dubai, spice and textile souks, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi’s Marina, Emirate Palace, and the Presidential Palace.
Where I Ate
While Dubai is located in the Middle East, the city is full of international flavors. The first day, I ate a kebab from a German fast-food chain! I ended up trying something different every day like Arabian halloumi and barbecue.
Where I Stayed
A major perk of traveling with a Pilot is swanky hotel connections. Our reservation at the Marriott Marina was upgraded to a 2500-sq ft suite! While there are more affordable AirBnB and VRBO options in Dubai, hotels offer convenience and views that can’t be beat.
Pictured Above: Chandeliers in Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Pictured Left (Top to botom): Abu Dhabi skyline, Camel in Arabian Desert, Dubai Marina
Breakfast in Old Dubai
While riding a camel in the Arabian Desert was a highlight of the trip, I had more fun exploring the city and seeing the constant contrast of old and new in the local architecture. Right next to multi-million dollar skyscrapers would be traditional Arabian structures that reminded me of the rich history that the Middle East claims. Our group decided to tour Old Dubai on our second day of travel and started with breakfast at Arabian tea house. I tried halloumi, a fried cheese appetizer, and learned about traditional Arabian tea, which is served in a small “teacup� that appears similar to a shot glass. After breakfast, we passed by several small shops that reminded us of the nearby spice markets. To get to the larger souks, we had to cross the creek, Al Khor.
Crossing Al Khor
Crossing to the other side was an adventure in itself. There was no modern ferry system; only abras, small water-taxis, were avaialbe for transport. We were amazed at how our driver maneuvered the boat around the narrow waterway. We nearly hit another boat while crossing. After our water adventure, we took in the smells and sights of the souks. I had never seen so many raw spices before and was mesmerized by the strong fragrances and textures. A store owner saw us strolling through the market and invited us into his shop to try on a hijab and burka. As he dressed us, he explained why women in the Middle East wear these coverings and the significance of the wrappings. It was interesting to get a local perspective on a custom that seemed so far from Western norms. I appreciated his perspective and bought a trinket from his store to take back home as a souvenir.
Dubai Miracle Garden
I’ve always been a sucker for gorgeous flowers, and had to visit Dubai’s Miracle Garden during our stay. To get to Dubailand from our Marina hotel, we took an Uber, metro train, and taxi coming back. By the time we arrived, the sun was going down and we had limited time to see the park with natural light. We first headed to the umbrella park, which is one of the most Instagrammed places in the world. We crowded under a sea of orange, red, blue and purple umbrellas to take our Instagram-worthy pictures and felt satisfied with our long trip. We spent the rest of our time relaxing in an Arabian cabana and marveling at the giant peacock, heart, and even Eiffel Tower flower displays.
Emirates Palace
On our last day we rented a car and headed to the capital city of Abu Dhabi. On the drive there, we listened to the radio and enjoyed hearing our favorite pop songs and BBC radio. After an hour and a half on the road, we saw the Grand Mosque and Emirates Palace, a hotel built to mirror the grandeur of the Presidential Palace. While our trip was coming to a close, the memories of United Arab Emirates were just setting in for our group. It was a trip we’d always remember. Kian is a Publications Specialist in Dallas, TX. Read more about her trip to UAE at fortymagazine.com
PAYING BILLS
When you’re starting to pay bills on your own, adjusting to monthly responsibilities can be costly. Darren Baucham breaks down the dos and don’ts of paying your monthly bills.
Par t of being a young adult is cutting the financial cord between you and your parents?wallet. If you?re being cutoff or str uggling to move from a college student to a financially- stable adult, you?re not alone. As young adults, we sometimes take for gr anted the benefits we had when we were in college. We go from having a meal plan to having to buy grocer ies ever y week. We go from having access to a free campus recreation center to finding a gym that fits within our budget. Adulting can be hard and it doesn't get much more real than having to pay your own bills. Luckily, we?re not the fir st or last ones to go through this process. We can live and lear n the hard way, or take the advice of folks who have been there before. Here are a few dos and don?ts I?ve lear ned when it comes to paying my own bills.
Do PLAN AHEAD
USE AUTOBILL PAY
One of the most impor tant things you can do is plan ahead. Before making any ser ious financial decisions I always weigh my options. Sure I could buy some extr a fur niture for my apar tment, or I could delay this purchase and pay my rent without feeling str apped for cash. If you really want something, create a budget for it, and stick to it. An easy example of this would be creating a Tr avel budget that you put XX amount of dollar s towards each month. After a few months of budgeting, you?ll be ready to ball out in Vegas.
If you're anything like me and have a hard time handing over lar ge sums of money, you should consider automatic bill pay. We?ve all heard the adage, ?out of sight, out of mind?; auto bill pay provides the secur ity of knowing the bill will be paid on time without the stress of handing over a lot of money. I have my most impor tant bills (rent, savings, student loans and credit card) on auto dr aft and have yet to miss a payment. This one may sound a little cr azy but tr ust me, you?ll never have to wor r y about those things and your credit score will thank you!
EDUCATE YOURSELF If you took a finance class in college, you?re ahead of the game. But for most of us, lear ning about money as a young adult has been a cr ash cour se. Some books that helped me become more confident in my management skills were The Richest man in Babylon, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and the Wall Street Journal?s Guide to Understanding Money. Books like these helped me consider the shor t- ter m impact of big purchases and helped me under stand how to achieve my long- ter m financial goals.
Don't FEEL FORCED TO BUY
PA Y I N A DV A NCE
Don?t ever let anyone or anything force you into an impulse buy. Before making a big buying decision, shop around. Explore your options and sur vey your resources, whether it be close fr iends or online reviews. Don?t hesitate to br ing EVERYTHING to the table when it comes to making financial decisions. It sounds tedious to do so much planning, but it?s better to assess r isk now than take r isks with your money and credit later.
On the other end of the conver sation, when it comes to paying bills, I would not advise ?paying it for ward.? (Student loans and credit card debt are an exception of cour se. Paying more than the minimum due can save you tons in interest and monthly fees.) Don't dedicate funds to something that isn?t due yet. Life never really goes as smoothly as planned and sometimes things happened. You don?t want to put your self in a situation where you need the cash you over paid someone the month before. Paying the balance on- time each month is better than being late on a payment somewhere else later.
WA I T TO PA Y We all know technology can be a blessing and a cur se. Whether you choose to go with auto bill pay or not, don?t wait until the last minute to pay a bill. If you can manage, always pay a couple of days in advance to allow time to address any payment issues should they ar ise. Always pay bills on time. If you do decide to go the auto pay route, set your withdr awal to occur at least three days in advance so that the bank has time to move the money on their end.
Self- discipline is the key to successfully adulting and being able to pay your bills is a step in the r ight direction. Paying bills can be tough, but we can pull through it together.
Darren Baucham is a Facilities Manager at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. While Darren loves his job at SMU, his favorite job is being an uncle.
BREAK BI TES Your favor ite par t of the workday ? lunch.
Fast Facts Education
Southern Methodist University Journalism Chinese and English
Company Collabs
Sprouts SIX02 Athleta DART MisFit State Fair of Texas
Where to Connect
DeepFriedFit.com DallasFitness Ambassadors.com @DeepFriedFit @DallasFitness Ambassadors
Biting Into A New Career
A background in Corporate America gave her insight into building her own business. Mai Lyn Ngo, Founder of Dallas Fitness Ambassadors and Deep Fried Fit, talks her professional career and journey.
When I graduated from college in 2011, the market for a journalism major was terrible. I took a short-term contract gig at The Dallas Business Journal (DBJ) as a research assistant, and was more grateful for at least the opportunity to work. After my time at DBJ, I started working at Omnicom as a media buyer, even though the job had nothing to do with journalism. After a while, I began to crave writing and needed a creative outlet. A friend of mine gave me the idea to start a blog. So I chose a name, created a website, and the rest was history. At first, managing a 40+ hour workweek and my blog was
fun. It made me feel like I had more of a purpose and I was able to bring more value to the table. My blog fueled my passion for other things and it kept things interesting and fresh. It even got me a better position at another company as a marketing coordinator. I’d spend my day focused on content and ideas for my 9-5, and then my evenings and weekends writing. In the beginning, Deep Fried Fit was more of a diary about my foodie adventures. The rest grew sort of by accident after a brand under Footlocker, SIX02, reached out to me to attend an event at Terlingo Cycle. They outfitted me head to toe in apparel and I tried cycling
for the first time ever and loved it. After that, I maintained a great relationship with the brand and started hosting events at their stores. Demonstrating that I worked with bands on the blog brought other opportunities for me to work with other local brands and companies and eventually monetize my blog. After that, I saw an interesting opportunity in the blogger space. I noticed that bloggers that worked together are more likely to grow when they invest in each other instead of competing with each other. I started Dallas Fitness Ambassadors with that in mind. (Plus, I more workout friends!) I started hosting private influencer events for bloggers and connecting them with local and national brands to help them grow their presence. It was a win-win for everyone and SO much fun. But after two years of juggling all that and still working full-time, I was starting to feel burned out. I didn’t have any intention of making Deep Fried Fit a big thing. That dream seemed so out of reach for me when I started. But when the blog and Dallas Fitness Ambassadors started growing, I was having trouble handling that and a corporate job. I started planning an exit strategy and how I could take the leap to run my business fulltime. In order to do that, I’d need to build up my savings for a rainy day (or a month or five). I had a great team and an amazing boss and I was sad to leave them. The decision wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to do it for myself. I’m a firm believer in choosing happiness over material items and even money. Despite potentially facing months of financial instability, I transitioned from full time in corporate America to only juggling the blog and my business. Since I’m not depending on a bi-monthly paycheck any more, it’s refueled my passion to work my butt off for what I want. I’m so much happier and fulfilled with what I do. I love getting to curate my content and images, work on my blog, and help others every day. While it’s a ton of fun, it’s also a lot of work. Despite what people think about bloggers and some business owners, there’s so much that goes into
mananging all the “behind-the-scenes” action. Planning events is a lot more than you’d expect. Some days I’m up early; other days, I’m working late into the night to meet a deadline. Most days, I wake up, make some coffee, and pound out some emails and blogs. Around noon, I try to get in a workout and then I’ll schedule calls and meetings in the afternoon. At night, I usually attend a media event or two a week and repeat. When I think about slowing down, I reflect on how much I’ve grown in such a short time and keep going. I love my freedom in this new career path and want to keep it that way. My core interests are still here as a writer; it’s just growing into something else.
30
WHOLE
You can’t have a long and healthy career if you don’t take care of your body. Hoping to revitalize her health, Technical Writer Allie Martin dedicated herself to a diet change for 30 days. Post-graduation is the time to get your finances, career, and relationships in order. Your time as a young professional is marked by the attempts (and hopefully successes!) of figuring all these things out. Like a lot of you, I’ve been in this process of learning how to be an adult. But there’s one part of being a responsible adult that I’ve ignored for most of my life. Getting my health right.
What is Whole30 Whole30 is an elimination diet that promises to “change your life in 30 days.” It’s a pretty lofty claim, even for diet program propaganda. However, what drew me to the program wasn’t their claims, but the philosophy. Whole30 isn’t a diet to lose weight; it’s a nutritional reset designed to change your emotional relationship with food. The point isn’t to change your body, it’s to change your mind. It’s also designed to help identify food sensitivities that may be having a negative impact on your health without you even realizing it. These are the rules:
Yes: Eat real food.
And as much as you want! The point isn’t to make you eat less, it’s to make you eat better.
No: Cheating. On Whole30 you’re not allowed cheat days, meals, or even ingredients. If you slip up, you start over. The list of things you can’t eat is pretty strict. • Added sugar of any kind, real or artificial • Alcohol in any form, not even for cooking • Grains, including the ways it’s added to food in the form of bran, germ, starch • Legumes (e.g., beans peas, chickpeas, lentils, peanuts, and soy products) • Dairy • Carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites • Baked goods, junk foods, or treats re-created with “approved” ingredients (e.g., Paleo Pop-Tarts, banana “ice cream”) • Stepping on the scale or taking body measurement
WOULD I RECOMEND ABSOLUTELY WHOLE30? My Experience In the creators’ words, “Don’t you dare tell us this is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black is hard. This. Is. Not. Hard.” Whole30 may not be hard, but if I’m being honest, it sure isn’t easy. The first two weeks were the worst. Going into it, I thought going a month without cheese or bread was going to be the most difficult part. In reality, it was sugar and legumes (corn starch and soy) that became a thorn in my side because they’re so frequently hidden or added to foods. I also didn’t account for how much time it would take in my life. Eating out is basically impossible, and all of my go-to quick meals were out. After reading a lot of blogs and many frustrating trips to the grocery store, I eventually got the hang of it. I found a vegetable broth that didn’t use soy, started making my own breakfast sausage, and came up with a couple of quick meals I could make when I didn’t have time to cook. I also started setting aside time to prep food for the week. While I did miss my comfort foods, I focused on trying new foods, like zucchini noodles and beets (sorry Dwight, not for me).
How I Felt After Did Whole30 change my life? Yes and no. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I did end up losing weight during my 30 days, which definitely was a welcome result, but I pretty much felt the same physically as I did before I started. I still have cravings, and I don’t have a new wealth of energy. I didn’t even have anything crazy happen once I reintroduced all the foods I’d eliminated. (Side note, my parents both did the program with me and had some incredible changes; my dad lost 20 pounds in the month, is sleeping through the night instead of waking up four or five times, and had the arthritis in his knee go away!) What I did get from Whole30 was a mental change, which is exactly what I’d hoped to take away and the reason I think anyone would benefit. It’s only a few weeks since I finished, but I’m still avoiding soda, drinking coffee black, and this very morning I turned down a donut (basically unheard of prior to this). I’ve also morphed into the dreaded label-checker at the store (spoiler alert: not all health food is very healthy). Your diet is only one part of your overall health, but not having it under control will catch up with you eventually. Eating Whole30 for life isn’t really feasible (and to honest I wouldn’t want to live a life without pasta), but being conscious of the food you eat and its effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing is something anyone can do long term.
ORDER ME A VEGGIE
Being the office vegetarian means ordering off the regular lunch menu. Ashley Douglas of Foxy Veggies shares what it's like being the office vegetarian.
I am one of the unicorns prancing around this earth that dared to be different and chose a vegetarian lifestyle. I know, I?m so dramatic right? Truthfully speaking, it was one of the best decisions of my life. It was something I always felt would happen, but I just needed discipline, a little push, and time to do it. People are typically shocked when I say that I?m a vegetarian, and I?m sure all of my fellow vegetarians of the world can relate. In the workplace is really where I receive the most curiosity. Here's what it feels like to be the only vegetarian in an office. The first thing that can sometimes be a hassle is the office lunch meeting or party. A lot of times if you are not vocal or
upfront about being a vegetarian, you will not have anything to eat. For example, since moving to Texas, we typically have barbecue for every single lunch meeting. Don?t get me wrong, barbecue was always good growing up, but there aren?t many sides that are vegetarian friendly that go along with it. You?ll be surprised how many things come seasoned with a touch of bacon, pork, or red meat. This of course is not done purposely, but it gets awkward when you only have a few sides on your plate while everyone else is throwing down on the rest of the spread. Then the questions start flowing. You don?t want to come off offensive, but you have to respectfully explain the extent of your vegetarianism. This flows into the next
thing about being the office vegetarian. People always want to know why you're a vegetarian. The questions are just to get an understanding of your lifestyle choice, but some questions can get a little outrageous or repetitive. Despite that, I actually welcome all the questions. I would rather educate people and have them ask me directly instead of leaving them to assume. The only tricky part is that there are different types of vegetarianism. While I'm no expert in all vegetarian philosophies (I would be terrified to even get that title), I?m always ready to help and inspire others. Although you may standout as the ?office vegetarian,?at least everyone knows who you are. Growing up I always walked to the beat of my
own drum. When you become a vegetarian, you are now set a part from the rest. And that is a great feeling. My co-workers are kind enough to all try to make an effort to make me feel included at work. Everyone has been accepting of my lifestyle. Sometimes they even forget that I?m vegetarian because I guess I just wear it so well. If you ever encounter an office vegetarian, just make treat them like everyone else. They may tell you what foods they do and don't like. They will appreciate the effort you make, and who knows, they may even share some cool recipes.
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