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What To Do When You Get Laid Off

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Losing your job is never easy. It can happen unexpectedly, and most of us aren’t prepared for the possibility of losing our source of income in an instant. As emotionally and financially stressful as it may be, rest assured it’s not the end of the world. Once you get over the initial shock, it’s time step to dust off your resume, reconnect with your LinkedIn buddies and get back out there.  

1. Reach out to your supervisors, mentors and peers

As corporate budgets get smaller and job responsibilities seem to grow, it can be tough to navigate the job market as an entry-level employee. Recommendations and leads from friends are key to landing your next gig. Don’t be afraid to ask your superiors, co-workers and HR at your former company for letters of rec (LinkedIn recommendations are great too!) or to connect you to anyone they know in your field. Chances are the people who hired you before, know other people who could hire you.

If you have good working relationships, people will probably be willing to pass your resume along and set up coffee chats—okay let’s call them what they are, informational interviews. If you have kept in touch with college professors or former classmates, reach out and see if they may be able to send you a few leads. Don’t be afraid to ask. It is isn’t shameful. It’s networking, and one day you may be able to return the favor. 

2. Have a financial game plan

What does your savings account look like? The general rule is to have 3-6 months worth of living expenses put away for situations like this. Chances are if you’re like most young professionals just starting out, you may not have much. This is the time to take a hard look at your finances and figure out how you can get by without your regular source of income. 

If your savings aren’t able to do the trick, is there a side-gig you can pick up while you search for something full-time? If you have an apartment or a house, are you able to sublease or potentially move in with a family or a roommate?  If you have student loans, are you be able to defer or refinance them? Would you potentially qualify for unemployment benefits? 

These are the questions you need to be asking now. It can take months to find a new job, and being honest about your bank account is the first step to surviving this drought. 

RELATED: INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS: WHAT THEY ARE, WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT AND HOW TO ROCK THEM

3. Update your professional profile

This goes without saying, but you should always keep your resume, LinkedIn and portfolio/reel up-to-date. Sending out applications is daunting enough without the task of going through all your past work looming over you.

Are you active on social media? Tweet about it! Post it on Facebook! Tell your story, what kind of work you’re interested in and share a link to some recent projects if possible. Be sure to not include anything negative about your previous employer, even if you aren’t fond of them. Use your network to amplify your skills and what you can bring to the table. Don’t discredit yourself by trying to bring your former employer down. It’s not about them, it’s about you and your search for a new job. You never know who may come across your posts.

4. Contact your university's career center

Many college career centers offer services to alumni, too. Angel Iverson, a University of Florida Career Resource Center director, says it's a resource many students and alumni aren't aware of.

"We offer one-on-one career planning appointments with via phone or Skype up to a year after graduation," says Iverson. "After that, alumni are welcome to come to career fairs on campus and info sessions with employers."

UF also offers virtual career fairs and webinars covering a variety of topics such as networking, LinkedIn and how to explore new careers. Be sure to follow up with your alma mater to find out was resources are available to you. 

5. Lean on your support system

Ayana Lage, a recent graduate of University of Florida, was laid from her job at a digital marketing firm when they lost a major client. For Ayana, losing her job was an emotional experience, but with the help of her family, she was able to pick up the pieces and begin to move forward.

“Allow yourself to mourn and cry for a couple of days, but set a deadline,” Ayana says. “View it like a breakup. You need to process, but you need to move on.”

Ayana says she was lucky and found her a new job within a few weeks, but that didn’t stop her from worrying about the future.

“Luckily, we had money saved up, and our family and friends were kind enough to give Starbucks gift cards, groceries and home-cooked meals during that first week. Cling to your friends and family, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”

RELATED: 7 QUICK FIXES YOU CAN MAKE TO REVAMP YOUR RESUME

6. Don’t be so hard so hard on yourself

A lot of the pressure to find a new job and have the “perfect life” may be coming from within. Try not project societal expectations onto yourself. You are not your job, and it’s okay for everything not to be perfect. Take time to reflect on what you’re looking for in your next chapter; your ideal compensation, the kind of projects you’d like to work on, your schedule, work-life balance and what you’d be willing to negotiate on. It’s good to have these things thought out before you start heading on interviews. You can also take this time to enjoy a little “fun-employment.”  

Iverson suggests volunteer work as productive way to use your time, and gain new skills in an area of interest. Bonus: It can also be used a to fill the employment gap on your resume!  

Ayana recommends catching up on sleep and “things like doctor appointments and coffee dates you'd been putting off.” How about taking an impromptu trip to Rome (only if it’s in your budget, of course), falling in love with an Italian pop-star who turns out to be a fraud, and realizing you had the ability to make your dreams come true all along? Wait, was that the plot of the Lizzie McGuire movie? Oh well, you get the point.

Losing your job may be a major blow to your ego, but you are so much more than your career. Don’t let this trying time make you believe anything else.


Taylor Swift Fans Are Flooding Kim Kardashian's Instagram Comments With Rat Emojis

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The feud between Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Taylor Swift never seems to end, especially with the release of Swift's new album Reputation, which is filled with Easter eggs rumored to be about Kimye. If only the three of them could let it rest, but that wouldn't be any fun for them, would it? Kim just added fuel to the fire with an Instagram post disguised as a simple throwback. Taylor fans think they've seen right through Kim's facade, though, and they're not happy.

With the simple caption "famous," Kim posted a photo of herself at the "Famous" exhibit in 2016. She's seen taking a picture of her husband's wax figure, with Taylor's naked wax figure in the background. Was this an innocent candid showing her love for her hubby and his work? Probably not—let's be real. Swifties believe Kim posted the pic to open old wounds and spark some more drama.

 

famous

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

If you take a second to scroll through the post's comments, they're filled with rat emojis. If this confuses you, let me back up and explain why rats are significant. When Kim posted *that* video of Kanye and Taylor discussing the "Famous" lyrics, she captioned it with a snake emoji. The post officially dubbed Taylor a snake, which she reclaimed as a symbol for Reputation.

Taylor's fans have now decided to flood Kim's comments with rat emojis because "snakes eat rats," according to one Instagram user. Kim has already blocked the snake emoji from appearing on her Instagram, but she hasn't blocked rats…yet.

Taylor's fans may think they're helping the pop star, but I think she said what she needed to on Reputation: "This is why we can't have nice things." 

These Pics of Chrissy Teigen with Her New Baby Bump Prove She Looks Totally Fab

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After announcing her second pregnancy in the cutest way possible, Chrissy Teigen hasn't been shy about showing off her growing baby bump and gorgeous fashion sense. Here are some of our favorite of her maternity style moments to date. 

1. The 2017 American Ingenuity Awards

Accompanying John Legend, who was being honored for both his philanthropy and social change, Chrissy looked absolutely stunning in her floor-length Lanvin gown.

2. Aloha, baby

 

 

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

Chrissy looked ready for a night out with her sleek black maxi dress and perfectly executed top knot. 

3. Poised with pineapples  

 

spot the difference

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

We wish we could look that good in a monokini! 

Chrissy is still early in her pregnancy, so we're sure there'll be plenty more #stylegoal moments to come.

 

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John Oliver Confronted Dustin Hoffman About Sexual Harassment Allegations, & Twitter Was Living for It

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On Monday night, the 20th anniversary film screening of Wag the Dog turned into a heated discussion about Hollywood sexual misconduct, The Washington Post reports. Last Week Tonight host John Oliver led a panel of the film's stars, including producer Jane Rosenthal, director Barry Levinson, and actors Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. Last month, Anna Graham Hunter publicly accusedHoffman of sexually harassing her when she was a 17-year-old intern on the set of Death of a Salesman, and Oliver was not about to let the allegations go undiscussed.

About halfway through the panel, Oliver called out Hoffman for his "insufficient" statements on the situation. Though the actor offered an apology at the time of the allegations, his words on the panel made it clear that the statement was more of a formality than a sincere admission of wrongdoing. His alleged inappropriate behavior was called into question by Oliver. "This is something we’re going to have to talk about because… it’s hanging in the air,” the host started bluntly.

In response to Oliver's probing questions, Hoffman tried to defend himself by claiming he doesn't know who Anna Graham Hunter is. Oliver suggested that there's no reason for an accuser to lie about sexual harassment, to which Hoffman wondered why Hunter waited until now to tell her story, when the alleged incident occurred in 1985. "I still don’t know who this woman is,” the actor said. “I never met her; if I met her it was in concert with other people.” 

Oliver boldly dismissed the actor's defense. "It’s ‘not reflective of who I am’ — it’s that kind of response to this stuff that pisses me off,” he said. “It is reflective of who you were. If you’ve given no evidence to show it didn’t [happen] then there was a period of time for a while when you were a creeper around women. It feels like a cop-out to say ‘it wasn’t me.’ Do you understand how that feels like a dismissal?”

The remainder of the panel was dominated by the subject of sexual harassment, though audience members and Oliver himself tried to guide the conversation back to the film. When the debate continued, Oliver decided to explain his reasoning for bringing up the subject in the first place. "I can’t leave certain things unaddressed,” he explained. “The easy way is not to bring anything up. Unfortunately that leaves me at home later at night hating myself. ‘Why the…didn’t I say something? No one stands up to powerful men.’"

Though the Wag the Dog panel seems like an unlikely platform to host this significant conversation, people were not shy about sharing their support, especially on Twitter

The extended argument between Oliver and Hoffman was not fun, as Oliver pointed out, but it was vital for women and survivors everywhere. Oliver is keeping the conversation of sexual misconduct alive so that other women can confidently share their stories and other men can follow in his footsteps to defend them. The more people who are brave enough to stand up for women, the closer Hollywood and the whole nation will be to eliminating sexual harassment. 

Lush Just Released a GIANT Bath Bomb & We Need to Try This

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When it comes to magical bath-time experiences, Lush Cosmetics dominates the game. It’s no surprise then that this holiday season they're going all out with the release of a new bath bomb that's so huge we're pretty sure you could use it to transform a whole ~pool~ into a spa wonderland. 

Those familiar with the popular Golden Wonder holiday bath bomb will easily recognize this massive new creation. Weighing in at two pounds, the Giant Golden Wonder is officially five times bigger than the original and takes three days to make.

The star scent of this bath bomb is zesty lime with other notes of orange and cognac that give the bomb a festive holiday aroma. When dropped in the tub, an array of surprise colors fizzle out along with tons of shimmer––in typical Lush fashion. 

You can nab one of these giant goodies online for $20––once they're restocked, of course! 

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5 Ways to Let Go of a Relationship That Ended Before it Started

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You know the signs of a relationship that’s dead in the water. They stop responding to your texts with the same excitement (or they stop completely), it becomes impossible to make plans or life just gets in the way. There are so many reasons a relationship can end before it even begins, and none of them make the mini-heartbreak any easier to get over.

Thankfully, the heartbreak doesn’t have to be permanent by any means. Plus, others have gone through this before you, and they’re here to help! Read on for ways to get over a relationship that never quite got started and for some collegiette advice for getting through the disappointment.

1. Take all the time you need

It’s easy to feel invalidated by a casual or brand new relationship. We all want to keep our cool in the early stages of a romance, and that often involves playing down our feelings. It’s also pretty much impossible not to think about where the potential significant other lands in your larger plans for life. “No matter how casual a relationship is, it's hard not to think about a future with that person,” says Cristina, a senior at Marist College.

This doesn’t mean, though, that everything we feel isn’t legitimate. That said, it might take you a while to feel like your usual self after a brand new or getting-there relationship ends. There’s no one acceptable grieving period for every type of relationship or every length of relationship. Work through your emotions, take time for self care and do what you have to do on your own terms. After all, you are the one going through it!

Related: How to Get Closure After a Breakup

2. Don’t blame yourself

In any breakup scenario, it’s easy to develop a sort of complex about the “it’s not you, it’s me” reasoning. It has to be you, doesn’t it? Don’t let yourself get caught up in this kind of thinking. This reasoning isn’t always accurate, and it certainly isn’t good for your personal wellbeing in the wake of a breakup.

Blaming yourself for the ending of this kind of romance won’t get you anywhere. “There comes a point where you have tried everything you can and it still doesn't work,” says Lauren*, a recent grad from Marymount University. “You have to know that things that happen like this are out of your control.”

Life happens, and you have to put yourself first when it does. “I am still holding on but it has come to the point where you need to do what is best for yourself and let go of something that no longer serves you,” Lauren says. There’s no reason to endure the pain of a relationship that isn’t working, and you also don’t need to have an excuse that makes sense to other people in order to justify its end.

3. Try to look at things objectively

There are plenty of circumstances that can lead to the early demise of a relationship. Rather than get caught up in the back and forth and the emotions of it all, it can be helpful to take a step back. Consider the realities that made it impossible for the relationship to go on. Maybe you had bad timing, like a casual summer hook-up that started to get serious, but you both had to return to school. Maybe one of you was fresh out of another relationship, and there was just no way you could get into something serious again.

You might also have been flat out incompatible in fundamental ways that didn’t make themselves evident at first. “I was in an amazing relationship with a guy who was my opposite in every way…we were so good together, but in the back of both of our minds, I think we knew it wouldn't last,” says Cristina. “We couldn't see a future where we were together…I just had to keep reminding myself that we wanted different things in life.” Sometimes it’s really that simple.

Related: Should You Break Up? A He Said, She Said Guide

4. Avoid being sucked back in

Suddenly not having a person to go to for physical or emotional comfort is really jarring, and going cold turkey on this kind of intimacy and support won’t be easy. It will be for your benefit, though. If this means you have to block their number or be irrationally angry for a little while, that’s fine! “I'm taking it day by day and I'm focusing on myself, my friends, and my work,” says Catherine Lowe, a senior at Winthrop University. Whatever it takes to keep your head above water is what you have to do.

The reasons for the romance’s end are legitimate reasons, so you have to be kind of hard on yourself to make sure that you don’t let the other person get ahold of you. You also want to make sure it’s not you that ends up going back to them or trying to start things up again. "There's probably a clear reason or collection of reasons as to why things ended, so reminding yourself of that will also remind you that the relationship's not worth starting again," says Megan Sawey, a senior at Temple University. Keep yourself busy and focus on what’s ahead of you.

It's difficult to not lapse right back into something that was comfortable (even if not without its problems). “We got together several times after we broke up, which ended up being a mistake because in trying to end things civilly, we couldn't stop having the same problems we always did,” says Cristina. It's for your own good to keep the person out of your life, and it will make dealing with your emotions that much easier.

5. Remember this isn’t the only romance you’ll ever have

This can be the hardest part, but the old saying holds true—there are plenty of other fish in the sea! Wallowing has its merits and is a necessary part of the mourning of the end of a romance, but don’t let it turn you bitter. This was not the only romance you’ll ever experience in your life. It taught you about yourself and about what you’re looking for, which makes it a good thing, even if the feelings involved might be horrible.

If you’re the type of person who would benefit from a rebound, put on your best outfit and your biggest smile, get out there and get some! If you’re not, stick to your support circle of friends and family, and just don’t let yourself be alone and sad (at least not for too much time).

Don’t let what might have been kept you from enjoying the rest of your life, especially when it comes to romance. Endings are sad, painful and may even seem utterly pointless. You just have to do your best to remember that, in time, everything truly will be all right. For some immediate recovery, make yourself laugh, binge your favorite easygoing TV and talk things out with people who can give you support.

To give another cliché its due, your relationship with yourself is the most important one you can be in! Self-love is essential before, during and after a relationship. “We have to know our worth is greater than anyone's uncertainty about us,” says Lauren. Remember that your happiness, even if it doesn’t seem like it’s in reach now, comes first!

*Name has been changed

Selena Gomez Won't Be Getting Rid of Her Blonde Lob Anytime Soon

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Keeping up with a celebrity’s style is like trying to keep up with the Kardashians. You’re always on your toes, and there’s always a ton of excitement. The latest style change we’re obsessed with? The blonde lob Selena Gomez debuted at the AMAs two weeks ago (along with her killer black leather outfit). We're getting some serious Grease vibes. 

The color itself looks absolutely stunning, and she definitely rocks the super short cut. With a new album and a new (but also old?) beau, it’s totally understandable that she wanted to update her look. According to E!News, Selena revealed that “she’s not going anywhere,” meaning the blonde 'do is here to stay and we're honestly pretty happy about. Now the only question left to ask is, "Where can I get that dress?" 

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Milo Ventimiglia Lets 'This Is Us' Use His Car as a Prop in Exchange for Food for the Crew

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We already know just how hard it is to handle any episode of This Is Us, but sometimes there's a happy story to ease the pain the emotional show can cause. In fact, this tale about Milo Ventimiglia, who plays Jack, proves that the behind-the-scenes of the series are just as heartwarming as TIU itself. 

It turns out Milo is actually the nicest person ever. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the actor revealed that he lets the show use his car as a prop in exchange for food for the crew. Be still my heart.

Yes, the Chevelle Jack drives on the show is Milo's car IRL. The crew was apparently looking for a Camaro for Jack when Milo jumped in with a suggestion. He explained, "They were looking for a Camaro and I was like, 'You can’t put Jack Pearson in a Camaro.' I say, 'Well, I have a Chevelle…' And then the transportation guys were like, ‘You know, Milo, your car looks really nice and it’s period correct?’ I said, ‘Yeah, it’s period correct. You want to use my car.''' And just like that, the decision was made.

Milo had one condition, though. He asked that the money the show was going to pay him for using his car go toward food for the crew. "I go, 'Okay, well you can use my car no problem, but whatever you’re going to pay me for it goes back to coffee trucks and burger trucks for the crew. Make it work for the crew.'" Is that not the nicest thing you've ever heard? 

Somehow, hearing this story makes Jack's impending death even worse. Thanks a lot, This Is Us

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'Jane the Virgin' Star Justin Baldoni Tackled Toxic Masculinity Perfectly in His TED Talk

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You may know Justin Baldoni as the pretty face of Rafael Solano on The CW's Jane the Virgin, but off-screen, the actor is a champion for women's rights and equality. Justin gave a passionate speech about redefining masculinity at the TEDWomen conference in New Orleans, Glamour reports, and his words give me hope for the entire male population. 

In the wake of dozens of sexual assault accusations against some of Hollywood's biggest names, Justin has taken it upon himself to start a dialogue about toxic masculinity. His speech, titled "Why I'm Done Trying to Be 'Man Enough,'" dives into the cultural stereotypes that have allowed misogynistic behavior to be considered the "norm." As the star of a feminist show, Justin admitted that he is often seen as a "feminine man," meaning that he isn't always taken seriously by the male audience that he's so desperately trying to reach. 

“I believe that as men, it’s time we start to see past our privilege and recognize that we are not just part of the problem, fellas, we are the problem,” he said. “The glass ceiling exists because we put it there. And if we want to be a part of the solution, then words are no longer enough.”

Justin keeps the conversation of toxic masculinity alive on his social platforms, but his following is overwhelmingly female. The actor hopes to gain the attention of more men but has realized that he must be stereotypically manly to do so. Talking to Glamour, Justin explained that he started posting about working out and sharing exercise videos in order to increase his male following. Ironically, it worked.

"If I want to talk to men, I do have to kind of be a man… Because if I’m a 'girly man,' then they’re not going to listen, but if I can do more pull-ups than you and if I can do that crazy workout that I guarantee can kick your ass, then you’ll listen to me, right?"

The instance above is exactly the issue that Justin addresses in his speech. As he said to Glamour, "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with men inherently; I think it’s what we’ve learned and the roles that we play." Men have been conditioned to see themselves as stronger, less emotional and more professionally successful than women, and there's no one to blame but society.

"This is the script that we’ve been given,” Justin said in his speech. “Girls are weak, and boys are strong… I came here today to say as a man that this is wrong, this is toxic, and it has to end.”

Justin admitted that the issue of toxic masculinity affects him as well. In fact, he made a point to acknowledge his own privilege and reached out to other feminists to ensure his speech was supportive and non-offensive.

"By nature, I would have mansplained something because I have the privilege of being a white male and I’ve been mansplaining my whole life—that’s just the way it is," Justin said of preparing his speech. "There’s no way that I could have given this talk without the support and help of women, there’s just no way."

The more people, male or female, supporting and empowering women, the better. 

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Michigan Dem John Conyers Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Claims

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John Conyers, a Democratic Michigan Rep. who’s served as a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary since 1995, has stepped down from his position after sexual assault allegations surfaced, BuzzFeed reports.

CNN reports that Conyers decided to resign after many have urged him to leave his House position. After all, the ongoing investigation regarding the accusations against him is more important than anything else right now (especially since the claims involved former coworkers).

Conyers initially announced his decision to temporarily step down from the House on Nov. 26. In his official statement, he said, “I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger. I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics.” 

Cleary, Conyers' successful career is at risk, seeing as he’s been a congressman for 27 terms (though that also means he has a lot of power that he could've abused); however, it seems a bit outlandish that he tries to blame these claims on an alt-right conspiracy blogger (especially since one of the women who came forward was one of his former aides).

Nevertheless, plent of folks are wondering what’s going to happen to Conyers’ role during his leave (or permanent retirement, depending on the outcome of the investigation). Thankfully, Conyers’ seat won’t be empty for long. During Conyers’ (maybe) temporary resignation, he endorsed his son, John Conyers III.

Despite the obvious nepotism, it might not be best to take recommendations from someone who is currently being accused of sexual assault and misconduct. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of qualified candidates who could take over Conyers’ duties.

Although Conyers still denies that any of these allegations are true, it’s probably best that he stepped down from his position (or at least it’s better than a certain Senate nominee who continues to campaign or the people still who blatantly support him, regardless of the accusations). Regardless, we hope that the House will keep us updated regarding this ongoing investigation.

A Gay Australian Politician Proposed During The Same Sex Marriage Debate In Parliament & Love Isn't Dead After All

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During a debate to legalize same-sex marriage in Australia, lawmaker Tim Wilson, seized the opportunity to propose to his SO, teacher Ryan Bolger. Because just when we thought we couldn’t be more thrilled about Australia finally legalizing same-sex marriage, Wilson proved us wrong (and we're so glad he did —even if it does briefly distract us from the fact that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting married).

USA Today explains that the couple has been engaged for 9 years, but because the ban on same-sex marriage was only recently lifted on Nov. 15 they haven’t been able to officially get hitched.

According toThe New York Times, Wilson ended his speech with his big proposal: “So there’s only one thing left to do. Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?”

Not only was Wilson able to contribute to this monumental movement in LGBTQ+ rights history, he was also able to capture this beautiful moment in his relationship (and share it with all of us).

Thankfully Bolger didn't leave him on a cliffhanger, because you can clearly see him smile before he eagerly says yes. (Seriously, if your mascara isn’t running right now, are you even human?)

Now that Australia has voted in favor of marriage equality, Wilson and Bolger will finally be able to fulfill their nuptials. Plus, they have the ultimate love story to pass down to any and all of their children.

Here’s Your Perfect Winter Uniform Based On Your Zodiac Sign

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This winter, show off your personality with stylish, but still weather-appropriate, outfits that correspond with your zodiac sign. Since holiday season is just around the corner, maybe even start a wish list with some of these items?  

Aquarius 

Aquariuses are known as deep-thinkers and intellectuals, so a smart-chic style this winter is their go-to look. Think clean, wide-patterned lines (very trendy this season!) and emphasis on black and white looks, but add a pop of color with a colorful bag. Black tights pull any look like this together. Finally, add jewelry for a little flash.  

Aquarius

 

Hobbs white top
$60 - johnlewis.com

 

Commando tight
bergdorfgoodman.com

 

Dolce Gabbana handbag purse
$1,750 - mytheresa.com

 

Pisces 

Pisceses, the artsiest out of the zodiac signs, love to show off their creativity through their style choices. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from wearing bold pieces. The perfect solution is splurging on one (faux of course!) colorful, fur piece that can take any look from drab to eye-catching. If that’s a little too bold for your liking, splurge on a pair of colorful shoes instead. 

Pisces

Turtle neck sweater
mansurgavriel.com

 

S W O R D fur vest
$810 - italist.com

 

Distressed jeans
makemechic.com

 

Aries 

Arieses are sporty and competitive, so they need a look perfect for a girl-on-the-go. Retro sportswear is making a comeback this season (think "80s in Aspen"), so don’t be afraid to wear some funky athleisure out on the town. Thick, white sneakers are still in, so that should be your go-to footwear to complete this look.

aries

 

 

Forever 21 jacket
forever21.com

 

Stripes Soft Loose Sport Pants
$22 - newchic.com

 

Adidas lace up flat
neimanmarcus.com

 

Backpack bag
zaful.com

Taurus 

Tauruses should have plenty of high-quality basics in their closets to fit their practical personalities. Then, rely on a few splurge-worthy statement pieces to easily dress up any look. Denim is in this season, so it’ll be worth it to pick out some everyday denim pieces that will last a while and work for different looks. 

taurus

 

 

 

Gap denim jacket
gapfactory.com

 

J Brand high waisted jeans
$305 - net-a-porter.com

 

N Damus leather crossbody
$490 - wolfandbadger.com

 

 

Gemini 

Geminis are very versatile and curious. They love learning more about their world and don’t really fit one certain “look” or style. They’re the perfect candidates for wearing fun patterns. Polka dots are in this winter, and Geminis are the perfect girls to rock this trend without looking like a librarian. Wear black and white polka dots with statement shoes for a fashion-forward edge.

gemini

 

 

Off White oversized top
$365 - brownsfashion.com
 

Earring jewelry
$170 - libertylondon.com

 

Cancer 

Since Cancers love spending intimate time with friends and family, a cozy and cute look is perfect for them this season. Large, white knit sweaters are trendy, but comfy, so they’re perfect for homebodies. Pair with some boyfriend jeans. Hair pulled back in a scrunchie and athletic shoes complete the effortless look. 

cancer

 

 

 

Joseph white long sleeve turtleneck
$590 - net-a-porter.com

 

NIKE sneaker
$99 - vanmildert.com

 

Asos hair accessory
$9.12 - asos.com

 

Leo 

Leos are creative, and known for being funny. A bold sweater with a quirky phrase on it matched with colored pants is the perfect look for Leos this season. This look will allow them to show off their personality from across a room and can even be a great conversation-starter.

leo

 

 

Crew neck sweatshirt
teesandtankyou.com

 

Converse shoes
$86 - office.co.uk

 

T shirt Jeans zip top bag
nordstromrack.com

 

Virgo 

Virgos, the most hardworking out of the Zodiac signs, can sometimes be all work and no play, so a Virgo girl always dresses like she’s ready to conquer the corporate world. Think blazers and pencil skirts. But a Virgo needs something to glam that look up and sterling silver accessories are the solution. 

virgo

 

 

Vince camuto jacket
nordstrom.com

 

Roland Mouret skirt
$945 - stylebop.com

 

Balenciaga stiletto pumps
$495 - ssense.com

 

M Co braid jewelry
$13 - mandco.com

 

Libra 

Libras need a style that will keep them warm while they continue to go out throughout the winter months since they're such social butterflies. Crushed velvet is their new best friend. Thigh-highs add edge to the look. 

libra

 

 

J Brand jeans
$140 - brandoutlet.borderfree.com

 

Black over-the-knee boots
spylovebuy.com

 

Express sexy choker
express.com

 

Scorpio 

Scorpios love standing out, so they’ll be wearing eye-catching colors all winter. Deep blue is the color of the season, and Scorpios can pull this daring look off better than anyone else. Amp up the look even more with trendy black accessories, like edgy boots or a funky bag.

scorpio

 

 

H M blue top
hm.com

 

Over-knee boots
woopshop.com

 

Sagittarius 

Sagittariuses love nature and thrive exploring the outdoors. They need winter clothes that will keep them protected against the elements, but still looking fashionable. It’s definitely worth it to splurge on durable boots and coats because these pieces will always be essentials.

sagittarius

 

 

Cut out crop top
prettylittlething.com

 

Timberland multi coloured shoes
englinsfinefootwear.com

 

Everlane bag
everlane.com

 

Capricorn 

Capricorns don’t like drawing attention to themselves and are impressively independent. This winter, Capricorns will be wearing nude-colored coats and accessories, because while these are on-trend, they’re also very understated pieces. Black clothing matches nude accessories well, FYI! 

capricorn

 

 

WearAll long vest
wearall.com

 

Lost Ink skinny pants
$31 - navabi.co.uk
 

Sole Society bootie boots
solesociety.com

 

Lancaster pink purse
$140 - forzieri.com

 

Miss Selfridge beanie hat
missselfridge.com

 
Ok, so ready, set, start online shopping! 

Russia Has Been Banned From Competing In The 2018 Winter Olympics

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With only 64 days before the 2018 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin in Pyeongchang, South Korea, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended Russia from competing. 

This decision stems from a 16-month investigation into Russia's alleged doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Former president of Switzerland, Samuel Schmid, led the investigation and determined there was a "systematic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia."The New York Times reports that a Russian team meddled with more than 100 urine samples to hide the proof that top athletes had used steroids during the 2014 games in Sochi. 

"This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic games and sport, said IOC President Thomas Bach in the IOC's official statement. "The IOC EB, after following due process, has issued proportional sanctions for this systemic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes."

Russian athletes who want to participate in the 2018 Games must follow multiple guidelines, according to Sports Illustrated. They must meet qualifying standards in their sport, have no violations regarding doping and undergo any other required testing to be considered by the IOC. If the athlete is invited, they will then compete under the Olympic flag with a neutral uniform, and will be referred to as "an Olympic Athlete from Russia (OAR", said the Washington PostSports Illustrated also reports that 11 medals from Sochi were stripped and the medals will possibly be redistributed during the 2018 Olympics.

Bach also stated that the Russian Olympic Committee will reimburse the costs from the investigation, plus $15 million to contribute to the IOC's anti-doping system, according to the IOC statement. 

The investigation was still ongoing during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, but at least 100 Russian athletes were banned from competing and only a limited number of athletes participated, according to Sports Illustrated. More than 1,000 Russian athletes from 30 sports have allegedly been involved in doping and steroid use since 2011, the Washington Post reports. 

It is currently unclear on how Russia will respond to these punishments.

Selena Gomez Briefly Made Her Instagram Private After Posting a Cryptic Story & Fans Are Concerned

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There's a lot of pressure that comes with being the most-followed person on Instagram — and it seems like, at least for a brief time today anyway — Selena Gomez has had enough.

Fans were freaking out on Tuesday after the "Wolves" singer posted a cryptic, now-deleted Instagram story and subsequently made her Instagram account private for part of the day, People reports. 

It all started when Gomez posted a screenshot of part of her recent interview for Billboard, with the super strange caption, "Never will I let another human guess my words ever again," she wrote. "Or invite them in my home. That is so hurtful. The most ‘ridiculous’ part of that is no one knowing my heart when I say things." 

It seems that the section of the article Selena objects to is the one in which the interviewer points out a giant teddy bear in her living room. "There's a five-foot teddy bear sprawled across the kitchen floor in Selena Gomez's North Hollywood home," the article reads. "'I know, I know,' says Gomez, rolling her eyes, acknowledging that the stuffed animal doesn't quite blend with the trio of armchairs nestled in the inviting, marble-accented nook. 'It was a gift, and at first I thought, This is so ridiculous, I can't wait until I give it away to another person.' But Gomez, 25, hasn't let go of it — yet."

 

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on

Selena choosing to call the story out is strange for two reasons: it's kind of unclear which part of this particular quote Selena found to be hurtful, and the story has been out for a week now — meaning you'd think she'd have seen it by now.

Regardless, it seems to have caused Gomez to also make her Instagram private for several hours on Tuesday — though chances are, if you're one of her 130 million followers, you probably didn't even catch it. When fans did finally take notice, many left comments on her latest Instagram making sure everything was okay. Some suggested that the Billboard article upset whoever gifted her with the teddy bear when he or she read that Selena called it "ridiculous" in her interview — which seems like a pretty likely explanation TBH.

Whatever the reason for the brief bump in Selena's day, as of Tuesday evening, she's public once again — so hopefully it's all good?

Trump Is Planning to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel & Here's Why That Matters

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President Trump has plans to announce his formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and his plan to move the American Embassy there in the future, the New York Times reports.

His decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from its current location in Tel Aviv, would make him the first U.S. president since Israel's founding in 1948 to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and according to experts, could threaten to worsen already-hostile Israeli-Palestinian tensions. 

As the Times reports, the POTUS is being faced with a bi-annual deadline that requires him to sign a national security waiver that keeps the American Embassy in Tel Aviv for six months — and while he still plans to sign it this time around, Trump administration officials say he will announce his plan to eventually move the embassy and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Wednesday. Though the process would realistically take several years, moving the embassy was one of Trump's major campaign promises.

So why is this such a big deal? For starters, both Israel and Palestine lay claim to Jerusalem. Although Israel has remained in control of it since 1967, most members of the United Nations don't recognize it as being part of Israel. Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would go completely against decades of U.S. foreign policy, which has previously said Israel and Palestine should decide who controls the city for themselves. 

According to the Huffington Post Trump has already received backlash regarding his decision from multiple world leaders including Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan and King Salman of Saudi Arabia. Many experts say the announcement could have dangerous consequences, possibly inciting violence in the region and endangering American troops and diplomats stationed in Middle Eastern countries.


I Tried To Become A Morning Person & Here's What Happened

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There are two types of people: morning people and not-so-morning people. I happen to be the latter. As a junior in college, my parents have been encouraging me to practice the whole “adulting” thing, which may include having to learn to wake up early. As a student who has taken EVERY opportunity to not have to be anywhere before at least 10 a.m. (class, work…anywhere), I already knew that this was going to be a challenge. I did a little research on what type of sorcery these “morning people” do every day, and I tried out their techniques for a week. Here’s how it went:

Preparation

I set my alarm to wake up at 8:15 a.m. each morning. (For you “real” morning people out there, cut me some slack.) I also opened the blinds, included a multi-vitamin and a little breakfast each morning.

Day 1 – Early to Bed, Early to Rise

As a not-so-morning person, it only makes sense that I feel most alive in the evenings and nights. (I was born on a Friday night at 10 p.m., so I was destined for the nightlife.) But if I was going to make it through a week of early mornings, I knew that I needed to get a little more sleep. Instead of starting my bedtime routine around midnight, I decided to prepare myself to go to bed earlier. I began trying to wind myself down around 7 p.m. with dinner, a hot shower and an episode of Say Yes to The Dress. At 10 p.m. I turned my phone on “Do Not Disturb” and I forced my racing mind to sleep. Despite my early bedtime, I still was not ready to face the next morning.

Day 2 - Avoiding The Snooze Button

As a chronic snooze-r, I decided to try waking up the moment the alarm went off. I placed my phone on the opposite side of the room to force me out of bed when the alarm went off. Once I was up, I had to fight the urge to hit snooze anyway and crawl back into my comfortable pillowed fortress. I took a couple of laps around my apartment to help me wake up, but I felt like a grumpy zombie for the rest of the morning (and early afternoon). This “happy morning person” thing definitely cannot be real.

Day 3 – Stretching

On Day Three, I managed to avoid hitting the snooze button again, I decided to try stimulating my muscles with a series of stretches in the bed, and a few standing poses out of the bed. The stretches were helpful in relieving some muscle tension. If anything, hearing my joints pop woke me up a little, but I was still in grumpy zombie mode during the rest of my morning routine.

Day 4 – Morning Workout

As a fitness instructor, I’m no stranger to the benefits of a good workout—including endorphins and an energy boost. I decided to start my Saturday with a little morning workout to help get me going. I prepped for my workout with another series of stretches, and after getting dressed, I decided to take a little jog for a boost. Running into the morning sun did give me a little boost of energy, but I still wasn’t feeling the “happy morning person” aura.

Day 5 – Musical Selection

I read that listening to music during your morning routine could help make the mornings a little peppier. I created a playlist with upbeat music from my favorite artists, and I let it play while I did my morning routine. While I usually have no probably getting turnt to Rihanna, Beyoncé or Drake, I could not muster the energy to shake my hips or sing the lyrics to any song. Again, I started my day as a grumpy zombie. Shortly after making breakfast, I crawled back into bed and took a Lazy Sunday nap.

Day 6 - Coffee

Day Six was definitely a struggle. After hitting snooze THREE times, I finally rolled out of bed, got dressed and dragged myself into Starbucks. As a self-proclaimed coffee-holic, this definitely wasn’t a problem. With coffee in one hand and confidence in the other, I thought it was the perfect way to start the day. The caffeine kept me energized through the first couple hours of work, but my mid-afternoon lecture, I was already missing my extra morning sleep.

Day 7 - Espresso

Day Seven was my last day (thankfully), but I knew I had to take it up a notch. I was definitely failing at this morning person thing, but I had one last trick up my sleeve. So far, drinking coffee had been the most helpful solution so I was taking it into 2.0 mode. After only hitting snooze once, I woke up, got dressed and headed to Starbucks again. When I approached the counter, I nervously yet assertively asked the barista to give me the strongest drink on the menu that wouldn’t kill me. After a ten-minute wait and a little anticipation, I drank a tall Americano with soymilk and four shots of espresso. (Side Note: The barista offered five shots, but I chickened out.) As I walked into work, half way through my drink, it happened. I felt this overwhelming, energetic feeling of being awake before 10 a.m. I had achieved the “happy morning person aura.” I found the secret, and it is indeed espresso.

After a seven-day trial of morning rituals, I learned a lot techniques to take to the mornings better. Also, as a disclaimer, I am not sure that what worked and didn't work for me will be the same for someone else. Overall, my best advice on how to become a morning person from a not-so-morning person: DON’T.

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Someone Unearthed a Hilarious 'Mean Girls' Deleted Scene & You Need to See It

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There are few movies we've seen as many times as Mean Girls. We can quote all the best scenes by heart and regularly reference the movie in our daily lives — however, it turns out that there's one part of the *iconic* movie that we have yet to see until now.

In this gem of a deleted scene unearthed by Refinery29we get to see yet another amazing plastic prank that goes a bit awry. In the beginning, Damian can be seen loosening the screws on a table in the North Shore cafeteria, and the scene immediately cuts to Cady later sitting at the same table. Queen bee Regina George comes close to putting her tray on the loosened side of the table, until she's distracted by Aaron Samuels (obviously). 

Instead, it's poor Karen who ends up getting both her and Cady's lunch spilled all over her. To be honest, if we have a soft spot for any of the plastics, it's definitely Karen — after all, she's not even mean, just a little... lost. She doesn't deserve this! Justice for Karen, am I right? As you'd expect, the scene ends with Regina laughing hysterically at what's just happened to her friend.

No word on why the scene was cut from the movie, but we're definitely glad to now know it exists — because the more Mean Girls we can get our hands on, the better.

What to Do if Your Parents Are More Obsessed with Getting Into College Than You Are

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College is supposed to be the best time of our lives, so it’s no wonder that parents get excited when their kids begin the application process. From touring campuses to attending information sessions and writing essays to completing interviews, there are so many aspects of preparation before you even get into college. Sometimes parents become too involved in the experience and even obsessed about your future acceptances.

You might feel an overbearing pressure to get into all of your reach schools or their alma mater; this pressure could eventually become too much and blow up in both your and your parents’ faces. To prevent a nuclear explosion from happening and protect your relationship with your parents, follow this three-step guide to handling their obsession with your getting into college.

1. Acknowledge their enthusiasm and support

At one point or another, many of us have been pushed into something our parents love. This could’ve been playing soccer or doing ballet as a kid. Parents love to live vicariously through their children. It’s not at all surprising when the same thing happens when you start applying to colleges. Kate*, a junior at New York University, had been expected to go to Penn State her whole life.

“Since the day I was born, my parents had been pushing me to go to Penn State,” she says. “Everyone in my family has gone there, so it was kind of expected I’d follow the tradition.I felt more and more pressure as my parents set up weekend visits without my knowledge and started buying me apparel that I didn’t want. Finally, I told them I appreciated everything they’d done, but I needed to make my own decisions.”

Kate handled the situation in the best possible way. Even though she didn’t want to go to her parents’ alma mater, she made it clear that the support was appreciated. However, she needed to make her own decisions about where to apply because it was her life. Of course, your parents might be hurt at first, but they’ll understand eventually and hopefully come around. Miranda*, a freshman at Johns Hopkins University, had problems with her parents’ excessive bragging.

“I’m the first person in my family to go to college,” she says. “My parents were ecstatic when I showed them my list of potential colleges, but in that moment I didn’t think they’d want to get involved in the process. They didn’t know anything about it. That didn’t stop them from bragging to everyone they knew. Eventually I had to tell them I loved how excited they were for me, but I hadn’t even gotten into college yet.”

When broaching the topic of your parents’ obsession, it’s important to start with the positive. They’re less likely to get defensive if they know you value their input. Blaming them or beginning with negative criticism of how they’re too controlling will only lead to more problems and arguments.

2. Set clear boundaries and stick to them

Now that you’ve acknowledged your parents’ effort in a positive light, it’s time to get down to business and set boundaries. In any experience as important and taxing as applying to colleges, you should create ground rules for both yourself and others. You’re going to have to set boundaries with your parents before heading off to college, so you might as well start now. Elle*, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, took small but effective precautions when letting her mom become involved in reviewing her essays.

“My mom is an English teacher, so I knew when I started applying to colleges that she’d want to help me with my essays. With my school assignments in the past, letting her proofread meant changing entire paragraphs,” she says. “I didn’t want that to happen with these essays because I wanted them to written in my own voice. As a precaution I only let her read PDFs of my drafts.”

The boundaries don’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as asking for more space, toning down the enthusiasm or in Miranda’s case, waiting to celebrate until she received an acceptance.

“I told my parents they could brag to whoever they wanted once I actually got into at least one school. I didn’t want my relatives and friends to get their hopes up in case I got rejected from the top-tier universities,” she says.

If you know your parents are the type to push boundaries, write down the rules in a contract. Have them both sign it and then talk about what each rule entails. Keep it an open and civil discussion. In the days and weeks following the sit-down, make sure you stick to the contract, or you might find your parents continuing the behavior you disliked in the first place. It’s just as much your responsibility to remind them as it is theirs to listen.

Related: What to Do When Your Parents Are Too Involved in the College Process 

3. Make sure to keep your parents in the loop

Even though there’s a clear understanding between you and your parents, it’s still important to keep them involved somewhat. College application season can be extremely stressful, so you wouldn’t want to keep all of those feelings inside. Let your parents know when you’re nervous about an upcoming deadline or confused about an essay prompt. Submitting applications can also bring a huge sense of relief. Celebrate each submission as a tiny victory, but tell your parents because maybe they’ll surprise you with a treat!

“I think it’s only fair to update your folks once in awhile about how the college applications are going. They want you to have the best chance of getting in and having the best four years of your life,” says Erica*, a junior at Millersville University. “Maybe they think that’ll be at their alma mater, but even if you disagree, let them in a little bit.”

Bailee*, a sophomore at Boston University, found a healthy balance after talking about boundaries with her parents. She was able to keep her privacy while working on applications, but afterward she shared her work.

“When I was applying to colleges, my parents were super nosy. I know they only wanted to help and support me, but I wanted to keep the experience personal. They only knew what colleges were on my list. They didn’t know any of the essay prompts or details of my Common App,” she says. “After I overheard my mom saying how hurt she was, I decided to let them in a bit more. Whenever I submitted an application, I let them read an essay or two.”

Applying to college comes with enough stress without having your parents obsess over every step of the process. Whether they want you to get into a high-caliber program or a prestigious university, please recognize their over-the-top excitement stems from love. They care about where you spend the next four years of your life and what you do with them. This doesn’t mean you don’t deserve some privacy and control while working on applications. Just be sure to deal with your parents in a mature manner and use open communication. That way everyone’s content, and it’ll make talking to them about financial aid or other logistical information much easier.

6 Top Knots for EVERY Hair Length

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With finals week closer than we'd like it to be, there's a lot that takes a back seat to our studies. Say hello to top knots, your go-to look during exam season. It's a quick, easy and chic way to disguise dirty hair and to keep your locks up and out of the way as you spend endless hours in the library. Fortunately, done the right way, a top knot can look less lazy, and more glamorous AF—no matter what your hair length.

Short Hair

Teeny Top Knot

Beauty vlogger A Ting Thing creates an adorable mini top knot by taking advantage of twists to create the illusion of additional volume. This is key for super-short strands and gives extra depth to your ’do. It works well if you want to rock the trending half-up, half-bun hairstyle, but don’t have Rapunzel-length strands.

Simple and Sophisticated

In this video, vlogger Nicole Kristian shows viewers how to create a professional top knot on short hair without having to worry about a bunch of wispy pieces of hair getting in your way. She suggests dividing your hair into two sections and using lots of bobby pins to achieve a look that will last day and night.

Medium Length

Carefree Cali Girl Style

Top knots are all about function, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cute as well. Give off effortlessly chill West Coast vibes with this easy top knot that keeps your hair in place without looking like a hot mess.

Half-Up, Half-Down

The length of your hair is perf for this trendy style. Creating this look is just as simple as it appears, but for extra tips on achieving the perfect style, check out this video from Amalie of ShinyLipsTv. She starts by sectioning her hair, then teasing it with a hairbrush for volume, and securing the top knot with an elastic before roughing it up for extra texture.

Long Hair

Braided Bun

For long locks like yours, it’s easy to get the best of both worlds with an awesome braid and chic top knot. MakeupByAlli shows you how to easily incorporate the braid into the bun itself, but other tutorials can show you how to fade a regular bun into a French braid. It’s up to you!

Polished and Professional

The beauty queens at Birchbox know a thing or two about hair, so you know their simple hair tutorials will help you slay no matter what you have planned for the day. The beauty maven in this video has long, thick hair that she first texturizes with a pomade. After creating a loose ponytail, she pulls at a few ends and secures with bobby pins to give the look extra texture.

What are your favorite top knot styles?

How She Got There: Pat Hedley, Advisor, Investor and Author of 'Meet 100 People'

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Name: Patricia (Pat) Hedley
Age: I once received the best compliment ever: “You’re an honorary millennial.”
Job Title & Description: Investor, Advisor and Author of Meet 100 People; former Managing Director at General Atlantic
College Name/Major: Dartmouth College / Computer Science
Website :www.meet100people.com
Twitter Handle: @Meet100People

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

After a 30-year career at a global private equity firm, three years ago I embarked on my own as an investor in and advisor to growth companies. My job entails finding great companies and working with them to help them grow. In addition, I wrote a book called Meet 100 People, providing career advice I would have greatly benefited from when I was first starting out.

My typical day consists of meeting people in person, lots of emailing and many phone calls. I find investment opportunities by talking to and meeting with lots of people. I work with the companies I invested in by meeting with the founders and helping them access resources through my network. I occasionally speak at events and write blogs/articles.

What is the best part of your job?

I LOVE meeting people especially entrepreneurs and millennials because I am always learning something new. Entrepreneurs are generally extremely passionate, curious and interesting people. Millennials are a window into the future. I love hearing your stories and what interests you. I find opportunities because I am in the flow of lots of activities.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

My first job out of college was a consultant for Bain & Company. There I was on a team that developed a business plan for a start-up. The client decided not to fund the start-up, but Bain Capital (an investment firm) did. I had the opportunity to join the start-up and jumped at the chance. I wanted to see first-hand how to build and grow a company.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

“Get lucky by placing yourself in the path of opportunity!” You do that by meeting a lot of people and being open to ideas. I know that I am driven by my curiosity, so it helps me seek people from whom I can learn, and find situations and experiences that stretch my thinking and capabilities.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

I have made many mistakes along the way, but my view is that all of life is about learning. I learned to be proactive, I learned to speak up and make my opinions heard, and I learned to be unafraid to push outside my comfort zone. I am much better in smaller groups than larger ones, but each time I have spoken in front of bigger groups, I find I am less worried about doing it again. Keep practicing what scares you and you will become better and even more confident than you ever thought you could.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

I was invited to speak to a group of 600 people in Jaipur, India. It was my first trip to India and that, in and of itself, was incredibly different and exciting. It was my first time to speak in front of a large group and anytime I speak now, I think, “if I was able to do that, I can do anything.”

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

I am looking for someone who has grit and perseverance. If you have those qualities, you can overcome many obstacles. I also am energized by people with a positive attitude, a good sense of humor and a strong work ethic. I respect those who can say, “I don’t know the answer to that question, but I can find out.” And then they follow through. A willingness to learn is extremely important because all of life is about that.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

You are only limited by your own beliefs and your own fears. Address them head on. If you are shy and reserved, acknowledge that and then practice meeting people. If you are afraid of rejection, know that that emotion is very natural, and do not be deterred by someone saying “no” because it may just mean “not now.” Engage with others and build real relationships. People are willing to help you, but you have to help them help you by being specific about what you need.

What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

I also look for evidence of someone who can “get things done” and is a hard worker. The ability to execute even in a non-glamorous job is a key skill. I also like action words such as analyzed and solved (a program), led (a project), created (a program), or designed (a new system). A resume must always be neat, well-organized, concise and accurate.

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