What Reading Reveals About Our Hidden Psyche

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One of the best things about being a kid was getting read stories. Whether it was the teacher at school, or your parents that read to you, we first had out imagination switched into overdrive when we listened to novels. It was exciting as you put yourself into a completely different world and you went through the stories playing as the main characters. Trying to feel what their experiences could be like, interacting with their friends and hopefully wishing to make the right decisions. It's a shame then that as we get older, we stop reading novels in favor for magazines and online news articles. Little do we know what a disservice we’re doing to ourselves by not continuing to read books. Even if it's not fiction, we should be reading to keep our minds sharp and able to absorb and process complex information. However, novels do have the most philosophical impact in our lives, because of what they reveal about ourselves.

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Source Beinecke Library


You’re not an angel

Horror, crime, drama and adventure genres often reveal our ruthless nature. In society, we like to think that we wouldn’t hurt someone almost in any case, least of all if it somehow only benefited us. This is because we have a sense of right and wrong but also a moral obligation to be fair. However, when we’re put into a situation where we have an option to make a harsh decision in our minds when reading a novel, we feel a little more free to be bad.




Treasure Island is one of the most famous books of all time. The Long John Silver character was pretty much made famous and some say born in the mind of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. He is kind on the surface but a ruthless murderer underneath. He has one leg so he garners sympathy from strangers. Yet, as we read through the plot, we begin to be more and more like him. We hope that his treachery is repaid in full, just the way he would act, with pure violence. We suddenly lose our ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude, and we want to see him shot by a musket or cut into pieces by the Cutlass of the captain. Just like John, we too reveal our bloodlust.



You’re not that tough

One of the great things about horror novels is that, we are challenged in a primal sense. Our fight or flight mechanism is activated, and we try to imagine what we would do when being attacked, haunted, hunted and being tortured. One of the most powerful books by Stephen King ‘The Shining’ does this is spades. We put ourselves in the shoes of little Danny and Wendy, the son and wife of Jack who goes insane. Secluded and far away from civilization and the rule of law, we are challenged by the notion that we must kill the people we love to survive. Haunted by the slaughter or thousands, the hotel reveals the dark side of humanity. We’re frightened by our own capabilities of savagery and murder of loved ones by our own hands.




Fiction novels take us on journeys of not just different worlds and lives, but into our own minds. We show parts of our psyche that we normally keep locked up. Reading such books can show us that we’re not that tough but we’re not that innocent and void of sin either.

Everything You Need To Know About Education Fee Planning

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A very wise man once said that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” You’d be a very brave person to disagree with the late, great Nelson Mandela.



In the modern day, the importance of education is paramount. We all want our children to have the best opportunities possible in life. We want them to have the chance to be whatever they want to be. Unfortunately, without proper education, the probability of this is very slim. The only drawback is the fact that education can prove to be extremely expensive at present and this is where education fee planning proves to be pivotal.



It seems that the costs of college and university courses are increasing by the day. In order to be able to afford these, you need to plan in advance and plan effectively. This is exactly what education fee planning entails. It ensures that your child has the freedom of choosing a school of their desire and reaching the dreams they have in their mind.



But, why not just rely on government loans? Why save for something that may not even happen? After all, your child may not want to seek further education. Why set aside money for something so far into the future when you have more pressing matters? These are all fair concerns and so let’s look at why it is so important to start education fee planning today…


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https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-writing-on-white-book-1043514/


There is no telling what your child may want to be when they grow up. They may have their heart set on something now, however, it’s usually not until they are 17 or 18 years of age that they really make up their mind. Don’t you want to ensure that they have the opportunity to become whatever they desire? By planning successfully you can be certain that your child is not limited in relation to their career aspirations.



The sooner you start planning the better. You will have more time at your disposal to locate ways of accumulating funds. Plus, you may have to pay for more than the course, like educational travel. In addition to this, you will also give your investments the opportunity to grow and develop. Therefore you will reap greater gains in the end.



Investing in education is something that is more than likely going to result in ROI (return on investment). After all, when your child bags an excellent job they are going to be making back much more money than their education cost. Just make sure they pass it in your direction!



It is also worth considering the benefits your child will gain as well. After all, a good education offers much more than mere money. They will gain from increased self-esteem, more extra-curricular opportunities, better teaching and learning resources, enhanced study and career opportunities.



Last but not least, if you embark on a strategy of effective education fee planning you can also ensure that less pressure and financial strain is put on yourself. You will be able to save for your child’s future without impacting your current quality of life or other financial commitments and goals you have ongoing.

Sys Admin Or Software Developer - What's the Better Study Choice?

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It is an age-old debate in the IT structure, which is the better career to aim for, that of Systems Administrator or Software Developer? It is not an easy question to answer, it really depends on your personal preferences and on your own set of circumstances. Have a look through our guide as a comparison of both careers and see if it can help you decide where to aim your talents.


Systems Administrator


1. Work 24/7

A Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring that their employer's IT infrastructure is operating at all times. This often means that they have to perform work outside of the normal 9-5 hours and that they often have to be on call at all times. Some jobs can mean that there has to be an administrator actually in the office at all times, which usually means you will be working on a rota. In some jobs, it is permissible for an employee to be on call on a rota basis. This type of work suits some people because it fits in with their lifestyle. For others who like to know where they are every day, it is not so good. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of working on a rota basis here.


2. Less Salary

There's no getting away from the fact that Software Developers are paid more than Systems Administrators. It could be argued that this is because their role demands more creativity but I have known some System Administrators who have had to be pretty creative to fix issues. You only have to check NetworkProGuide to see how creative those offering IT services have to be.


3. Full Flexibility in Shifts

When you have to cover the office 24/7 it means that there is a degree of flexibility in when you work. If you want a big night out, for instance, you could always organise to work a late shift so you can have a lie-in. There are benefits to shift working.


Software Developer


1. More Salary in Short Time

Software Developers are paid more, simply because they have to be more creative and put a lot of thought into their designs. It is hard work, but you do get paid for it. If you are not sure whether this is your dream job and whether it's worth all the effort you would have to put in to be worth this large salary why not take a look at my blog post on finding your dream career.


2. No need to work 24/7 shifts

Some people just like a routine, they like to know the hours that they are working every day and for these to be consistent. This is one of the reasons why the 9-5 day is so popular, it just works for a lot of people. As a Software Developer, you too will be able to make the most out of the 9-5 day.


3. Enjoy all Government Holidays

As a Software Developer, there is no need for you to work on public holidays. You can enjoy spending time with your friends and family who are also not at work instead of facing the prospect of having to go into the office while everyone else has fun.

Six Signs That You May Be Addicted to Gaming

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In the past few decades, the world of gaming has exploded and there are more people than ever before playing the latest exciting games releases. While for the most part gaming is a positive thing that provides hours of entertainment, there is a growing concern that some people may be becoming obsessed with gaming. While this is not classed as an official clinical problem, there are some tell-tale signs that this is something that you may be experiencing. Below, you can find out more about these signs and some of the ways in which you make gaming less severe on your health.


Psychological

Like any other addiction, it is first of all mainly a psychological issue that you need to deal with. If you are finding that gaming is overtaking your life and that you feel unable to control this then it may be time for you to seek help.


Physical Health Problems  

If you are spending hours upon hours sitting on an uncomfortable chair playing games, this can quickly lead to a whole host of chronic problems including neck pain, back ache and eye strain. If you frequently find that you are experiencing pain while playing or afterwards, then this could be a sign that you are spending too much time gaming. In this case, you may also want to invest in a gaming chair as this will help to alleviate many health problems with its well-thought out design and extra cushioning. You should take a look at a site such as www.bestgamingchair.com to find a range of reviews on gaming chairs, so you can choose the one that will best suit you.


Problems with Family and Friends

Another common sign that you are gaming too much is that it is causing problems within your family. Daily arguments can be a common occurrence and you may start to neglect other family responsibilities from spending too much time playing games.


Financial

Gaming can be very costly and you can quickly spend thousands buying the latest game releases and consoles. This can have a big impact on your wallet. Not only that, if you are prioritising gaming over your job responsibilities, are showing up to work late, playing games at work or missing work altogether, this can lead to job loss which can have a massive financial impact on your life. If you find yourself starting to do any of these or you are considering it, then this could be a sign that you need help.


Education

Similarly, to missing work, younger people may be missing out on their education if they are playing games in classes or not turning up to school or university to game instead. This can also include missing deadlines, putting off studying and rushing through assignments to then start gaming again.


Social Interactions

When someone is addicted to video games, the will tend to spend more and more time in front of the screen and less and less time socialising with friends and family. This can lead to feeling disconnected from the world around you and is a major sign that you are spending too much time playing video games.

Is College The Right Choice For You?

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College is a very traditional next step. You’ve finished high school (or your teen has!) and now you’ve got to make a big decision about your future. Most of all, you want to be qualified for the career of your choice, and you want to give yourself the best chance of getting hired in your chosen field - so a degree it is, and becoming a student for the next three, four, or five years seems completely natural in most people’s minds.

But it’s not the right choice for everyone out there. There’s a lot of things you can do in this world, and there’s all kinds of people with different tastes and goals that take full advantage of this. So if you’re feeling a lot of doubt over your college prospects, here’s a couple of questions to ask yourself.

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To make it to graduation, you’ve got to be happy about your choices… and if college isn’t right for you, don’t force yourself! (Image)


What are Your Main Goals?

And how can you achieve them, if you don’t want to go to university? You can graft for years at different jobs, gaining all kinds of experience. You can go in for an apprenticeship or a traineeship, and get paid whilst you learn, which is something a college student would never be able to do. You could even turn your attention to the online world and all the ways it allows you to make money, if that’s one of your main motivations.


No matter what your goals are, you need to be sure that college isn’t the only way to achieve them, before you decide to give it a miss. We hear a lot about college graduates who can’t find jobs and are saddled with thousands in debt, and most likely will be for the rest of their lives, so be sure you’re in a position to earn more than them and proceed faster than they will. Because otherwise, it’s just another bad decision you might not have thought through properly.



Try to Find the College of Your Dreams

If the idea of heading to college is daunting only because of the logistics, then there’s a good chance you’re simply headed off to the wrong place, or you’ve chosen the wrong course. So now’s the time to put that right, and to make sure you’ve got a full ride of academic enjoyment ahead of you.

Using something like college consulting services can really help you out here, and they can help you to bulk out your college applications properly, to give you the best chance of getting into your top choice. We’re always worried about what our parents will think, but this is your life and your career - make sure you’re giving it the boost it needs on your own terms and conditions.



Just because college is all you hear about doesn’t mean you actually have to go to one. So making sure college is right for you before you commit to it.

How to Prepare Your Teen For College

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Waving goodbye to your kid when he or she is off to college is hardly any point; they’ll be back soon enough so that you can do their laundry and cook up a proper meal for them.

There is a lot you can do to avoid having your college student over so that you can parent them, though, and while it’s always nice to see them, it’s also good to know that they know how to take care of themselves.

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Image from: Pexels


It’s just what we’ve been trying to teach them their whole life but some things need a bit more repetition.

Here is a handful of the most important stuff you should make sure that your teen knows before it’s time for college so that you can feel even more confident that they’ll manage on their own.


First: Start by teaching them how to cook

Ever asked your kid to prepare dinner for the family, just to see them heat up a frozen pizza? Chances are that this is what they’ll be living off unless you put some serious effort into teaching them how to actually cook.

They might not enjoy it, in the beginning, but when there’s no other option than to cook up a meal, they’re going to be very happy that you taught them how to make it tasty. Plus, you’re also ensuring that they’re not spending all of their money on takeaway.

You can always pay them a visit on campus as well, though, to see how they’re doing; have a look at lodging near Princeton University and keep in mind that most universities offer great hotel accommodation to visiting parents.  

Start the cooking lessons by teaching them how to make cheap and healthy meals. Eggs, chicken, and canned tuna should be their go-to food in order to save money - and teach them how to shop in bulk when they’re on a budget as well.

Here is a handy article on student meals you can forward to them so that they won’t be bombarding you with texts on how to know when the rice is done.



Next: Teach them how to budget

As their parent, you probably know very well if your teen needs a crash-course in budgeting. If they were painfully saving their allowance and sniffing at their siblings’ reckless spending, they’re probably going to do just fine.

Most teenagers are, however, not that good at budgeting and saving money - especially not when there are so many fun things to do around campus. Help them to set up a proper budget for themselves before heading off, and advise them against going wild with their credit card.

If they should mess up once in a while, there are many lessons to be learned - and it’s much better to learn these lessons sooner rather than later.

As long as you’ve taught them these things as well as how to be decent human being around others, your teen will be just fine. Try not to worry too much and remember that you can always visit them to make sure they’re eating properly as well.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own Business

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Who hasn't dreamed of getting away from the wage-earner's grind and working for themselves? Unfortunately, for every person who starts a successful business, there are at least ten who end up crawling meekly back to a 9-to-5 job after an unhappy experience with trying to go it alone.

 

People say some are born to be entrepreneurs, while others are more suited to the regularity of a steady job with a salary. This isn't the case. Anyone can succeed in business provided they have a marketable product and the right approach to working for themselves. Once you have people beating the proverbial path to your door for what you're selling, you've made it.

 

Here are five essential tips for anyone who intends to go into business.

 

Focus on the customer and fully understand the market

 

However wonderful your product is, it has no chance of success until you have a web marketing program that reaches out to potential customers. A company like SMR Digital can be the link between you and your market. Their expert staff will guide you through the process of choosing and utilizing SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Link Outreach, and PPC (Pay Per Click) to maximize customer awareness. Without expert guidance, no start-up can exploit the full potential of the Internet and social media.

 

Understand your own your own strengths, skills, and time available

 

Choose a field in which you excel, and one that doesn't demand more time than you can devote to it. Don't follow the example of others who have been successful, if they are of a different temperament from you.

 

Surround yourself with advisors and mentors

 

Talk to as many experts in your chosen field as you can. If possible, talk to people who have already made it in your line of business. See if you can find people who have been successful entrepreneurs. If you don't know any such people personally, look up interviews with them in business publications.

 

Write a business plan

 

No business can succeed without a coherent plan covering all aspects of the enterprise - time needed, costs, sources of funding, etc. There is no magic formula for success, but at the very minimum you need something that has been realistically planned with all foreseeable problems covered. Don't dive in with your eyes closed.

 

Have a passion for what you are doing. Pick something you could enjoy doing for the rest of your life. To be a true success in business you need to follow your own path, doing something that really interests and motivates you.