December 28, 2011 by Tegan.

In honor of my half-birthday- you know you’re getting old when:

1. You start going to bed before 10pm so you can get your “full 8 hours”
2. A vacuum is at the top of your Christmas list
3. You start referencing/judging the youth– “kids this days” or “it’s their generation”
4. Paying your bills and working overtime are pluses
5. You miss your parents regularly
6. You dream about time with your loved ones instead of Spring Break in Mexico
7. You actually get hangovers
8. You no longer have a place to crash when you head back to college for a football game
9. Others refer to you as “miss” or “mr.”
10. You actually care about the feng shui of your apartment

What do you have to add?

My roommate and I (24 year olds acting like 12 year olds). You have to run through a fountain every once in awhile right?

Posted in Comedy, Blogging, Twenty-something confessions, Career, Life | No Comments »

January 12, 2011 by Tegan.

The New Orleans Saints. Prolific quarterback Drew Brees. The team that inspired a city. Returning Super Bowl champs. Unfortunately, the Saints also ended up being the team that lost to the so-so Seattle Seahawks in the first week of the postseason. A major upset. (I’m not sure if this was the biggest upset of the year. Brett Favre returning for another year was pretty upsetting as well.)

While the tragic loss was a blow to my postseason bracket, I couldn’t help but analyze the mishaps of their season. We could go on and on… Super Bowl curse, injuries, etc. Instead, I decided to apply what is obvious and turn it into lessons for all us little people (I love writing about sports and public relations. I admit it.)

Don’t worry Saints! Your loss won’t go without a victory. The Saints taught us:

Being on top is great, but you need to keep evolving: It is great being the best, but you won’t stay the best by sitting and enjoying the view. Continue to evolve and grow. Take your career to the next level by adding a new skill set or volunteering to take on a challenging project. Never get comfortable!

Injuries will happen, it’s all about how you get back into the game: So you make a mistake. Hopefully not a huge mistake, but it happens. Instead of beating yourself up, evaluate what you learned and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Don’t harp on it. Pierre Thomas was out with an injury and burst back on to the scene. He could have chalked the season to a loss, but came back fighting and had a great game or two and won me my fantasy league! He is still fighting his ankle injury and potential free agency, but as stated, its all about how you get back into the game.

Home field advantage isn’t everything, you have to be able to win the tough games: The Saints were a good team, but they failed to win the big games. Step outside of your comfort zone to grow and get tough. Attend a networking event or join a new professional or volunteer organization. This is the key to continued evolution.

Being a good leader means being a good team player: Sometimes even the best leaders can’t get the job done (Sorry Drew!) Being a good leader also means being a good team player. Never let you head get so big that you can’t see your faults and how they contributed to the failed project/missed deadline, etc.  and don’t blame others if it was your fault. The defense didn’t throw 18+ interceptions this season. Fall on your sword if its rightfully so. You will be a better and more respected leader in the long run.

Confidence is key, but you might have to prove yourself: The Saints running back, Chris Ivory, was relatively unknown before the season. Have confidence in your abilities. Even if others don’t. You might impress somebody and get your big break.

Don’t stop believing, focus on you what you have accomplished: Losing to the Seahawks, a team with a losing record, when you’re the returning Super Bowl champs can be tough. I have no doubt that the Saints will come back fighting. If you are out of job or stuck in a job rut, stay positive. The worst thing you can do is give up. Focus on what you are good at and market those skills.

What did you learn from the returning Super Bowl Champs season end?

Full Disclosure: I am a Packers super fan. I wasn’t too sad to see them go!

Posted in Sports, Career, Life, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

July 27, 2010 by Tegan.

Being a twenty something isn’t a bad gig. We’re in the fruit of our youth, fresh from college, and ready to make our mark on the world. Unfortunately, along with these jewels come the stone cold troubles of being an active member in the “real world.”

Depending on how spoiled you were in college, the real world can bring taxes, student loans, health insurance, cell phone bills and finding a job in a down economy to pay for it all. Oh, being young.

Those that are lucky enough to have jobs are presented with another crisis. I call this dilemma the Save vs. Swank Dilemma.We’re told to live at home and save, save, save, but when we are able to afford or barely afford to live on our own, we move out of the nest and can’t wait to gain back the freedom we cherished in college. Pizza for breakfast, yes! Plus the ability to decorate your own place and start your official life as an adult. (My parents say when I’m out of the house, I’m out for good- monetarily).

I’ve been facing this crisis for some time now. I’m currently still living at home and doing a pretty decent job of saving, but I’m looking forward to moving out and embracing my freedom. I have a bunch of friends that are opted for “swank” over “save” and love their decision as well. That’s another good thing about being young. You can roll with the punches.

Nonetheless, here are a few tips that I’ve picked up to help spend smart and save whether you endorse the “save” or “swank” option:

- Avoid ATM Fees. If you have to walk the extra mile to go to your bank, do it.

- Put a set amount of money into your savings account and stick to it. 20% of your income is a good principal if you can float it.

- Take advantage of deal sites! A smarter way to indulge on things you enjoy like eating out and beauty services.

*Chicagoans- I suggest checking out Daily Deal Chicago, launching August 11, 2010. The site is going to offer one “amazing” deal (more that 50% savings) each day from Chicagoland restaurants, bars, spas, comedy clubs, sporting events, theaters, classes and other businesses.

Unlike other deal sites, there is no minimum voucher purchase in order to get the savings. The deals are real from the minute they are listed, and they are there for the taking.They’re currently running a $100 Apple gift card giveaway so check it out and subscribe to their daily emails!

- Brown Bag it. Lunches out add up. You spend money on groceries so eat your groceries!

- If you opt for “swank” find an equally “swanky” roommate to cut rent in half.

To clarify, living at home doesn’t mean shackles for everyone. I love my family so it’s a win-win, but everyone has a different opinion on the “save” experience.

It is important to do what is best for you and your situation. If you have a job and a place to call home, then it is safe to consider yourself pretty lucky.Some people don’t have either.

I think twenty somethings intrinsically feel like losers for moving back home right after college. I’ve heard way to many complain, “I got to do something. I can’t stand living at home any longer.” Returning to the nest definitely has negative connotations. I also hear stories from twenty somethings who regret burning years of income on rent.

You never really know if you’re making the best long-term decisions, but I argue that’s half the fun of being young.

What do you do to save money? Also, are you facing the “save” vs. “swank” dilemma? If so, how are you dealing?

——————–

I state in my “About Me” section that this blog is ever evolving. It is titled the Public Relations Hybrid and I try to stick with that theme. Part of being a hybrid is being open to discuss new topics and provoke conversation. This is part of my “twenty-something confessions” post series. Stay tuned!

Full disclosure: I was given at $25 gift card for mentioning Chicago Daily Deals

Posted in Twenty-something confessions, Career, Life, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »