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In Career Gems December 27, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

14 of the Highest Paying Careers To Pursue

Being paid your worth in a career of your choice would make you realize that sometimes money can buy happiness. It can certainly make sad days a lot more comfortable!

Work is work, no matter who you are, so being influenced by salary when making a career decision is actually a pretty practical way to look at it. Some of the top careers out there are also the kind we dream of becoming when we’re little kids: who remembers wanting to be a vet when they were younger?

Here are some of the highest paying careers to pursue:

1. Anesthesiologists

The number one highest paying job in America is currently an anesthesiologist. The average annual wage of an anesthesiologist in 2018 was $267,020. This is an astounding amount for people who simply implement anesthetic procedures before surgery.

To become an anesthesiologist, you have to go to medical school for four years. Before this, you must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is the standard for being admitted to medical school. After this, you have to get a license, do a four-year residency, obtain a state license, and finally become board certified. Don’t worry: you do start earning a salary during these stages.

2. Airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers

If you want to be a pilot, you don’t actually have to have a Bachelor’s degree, but it will certainly help your career path. You have to get a student pilot certificate and a medical certificate in order to fly a plane solo. After this, there are different kinds of licenses you need depending on the specific type of flying you wish to do. To fly for a major airline, for example, you need to earn your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

A pilot and co-pilot require the same qualifications. Most pilots will begin their careers as co-pilots and will work their way up. A flight engineer assists the pilot(s) and checks systems and instruments to ensure safety and effectiveness. All three earn an average salary of around $150,000 per year.

3. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers source materials for human energy consumption, and design and develop methods in order to make extraction as efficient and economical as possible. The average annual pay of a petroleum engineer is $129,990. As with most jobs, salaries depend on what state you live in and also depend heavily on experience.

In order to qualify as a petroleum engineer, you need to study for a Bachelor’s degree in either petroleum, mechanical, or chemical engineering. You may then need to gain experience as an apprentice or volunteer. You might also want to continue further study to make your CV more competitive, but this step isn’t actually necessary.

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral surgeons are pretty much-glorified dentists who focus on tasks like pulling out wisdom teeth, while maxillofacial surgeons do procedures that have something to do with the jaw. Anesthetic procedures are sometimes included in the work of maxillofacial surgeons. These surgeons earned an average of $242,370 in 2018.

To become an oral or maxillofacial surgeon, you can choose two routes. You can either go to dental school then apply for a surgical residency (four to six years). After this, you can take exams to be board certified. Alternatively, you can earn a dual degree as both a dentist and medical doctor. This degree usually takes about six years to complete, but at the end of it you come out with two degrees. Residency requirements are embedded into the course credits of this degree.

5. Financial Advisors

A financial advisor provides advice about how to spend, save and invest money. They will often provide tailored plans to their clients to achieve a long-term goal such as retirement or investment opportunities. To become a certified financial advisor, you have to earn a Bachelor’s degree, complete a course of study that is certified, and then pass a certification exam.

Your initial Bachelor’s degree can be in any subject, but you must complete certain topics at a college level to be fully qualified. These include insurance planning, income tax planning, and estate planning (to name a few). The median pay of a financial advisor is approximately $90,000.

6. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Obstetricians and gynecologists both specialize in female reproductive health to some degree. Where gynecologists do things like cervical screening and general check-ups pertaining to reproductive health, obstetricians are more hands-on and are focused on the care of pregnant women. This will often include prenatal and postnatal care and also child delivery.

In 2018, obstetricians and gynecologists earned an average of $238,320 for the year. Many people in these careers are known as ‘ob/gyns’ because they can fulfill both roles. In order to become a qualified ob/gyn, you start by completing a Bachelor’s degree in any science subject. Biology is a good choice for this career. After this, you must attend medical school, complete a residency, and finally become certified.

7. Orthodontists

Orthodontists are a type of dentist who specialize in braces and other corrective measures. There are currently over 5,000 orthodontists in America, who earned an impressive $225,760 in 2018. The difference between oral surgeons and orthodontists is quite significant. This might be due to the fact that oral surgery generally involves complex surgical procedures.

It’s certainly interesting to see that specific roles within wider fields command different pay structures: one would think a dentist is a dentist, but these statistics show otherwise. The path to becoming an orthodontist is a long one: after completing a (generally) four year Bachelor’s degree, you have to go to dental school for four years and then do a residency of two to three years. After this, you have to complete certain tests in order to become board certified.

8. Psychiatrists

Psychiatry is an interesting addition to our list of highest-paying careers. Psychiatry is often considered one of the more artistic, or non-scientific, sciences. In other words, it’s often debated whether psychiatry is really a science or a humanities subject.as it involves the study of human behavior and psychosis.

However, in the United States, the training requirements to be a psychiatrist as the same as any medical doctor. So, in order to become a psychiatrist, you have to do a Bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school, and complete a residency to become board certified. In 2018, psychiatrists earned an average of $220,380 per annum.

9. Family and General Practitioners

A general practitioner is someone who went through medical school but only did the essential qualifications to become a doctor. A family practitioner, then, is really the same thing. They’re just called a family practitioner because they often have a lot of families who visit their clinic.

Doctors in fields like surgery and anesthesiology have to do more training in order to become qualified. A general practitioner is the doctor you go to at your local clinic when you have a mild illness such as flu, or afflictions such as a recurring headache or if you want to know why you feel tired all the time.

Family and general practitioners, despite their lack of specialty, still make a substantial salary. In 2018, the average salary for family and general practitioners was $211,780.

10. Computer and information systems managers/ IT Managers

An IT manager is a technical expert who oversees the installation, maintenance, and security protocols for IT systems. They also manage other team members to ensure a smooth operation. Software companies also hire IT managers to install the software they have designed into the systems of their clients.

To become an IT manager, you have to study a relevant Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. After this, you take on entry-level roles and gradually build up experience and expertise. The longer you work in the field, the more experienced you are. Eventually, you’ll be confident enough to apply for leadership and managerial roles. IT managers earn an average of $86,000 per year.

11. CEOs

Chief Executive Officers are at the very top of a business hierarchy. They often manage hundreds of staff, and the financial responsibilities fall largely at their feet. You can become the CEO of your own company by starting it yourself or work your way up to become someone else’s CEO. If you’re starting your own company, you don’t technically have to complete any college degree, but you will need a lot of industry experience. If you wish to work for someone else, they will be more likely to hire you if you have a university education.

Either way, there is no official step-by-step guide to becoming a CEO. It’s all about experience and networking. CEO salaries are potentially the highest of all, depending on who you work for. There are CEOs who earn millions every year, but the average salary of a CEO working for a small company is around $100,000.

12. Speech Language Pathologists

Also known as SLPs, speech language pathologists work with people of all ages to improve speech, communication, and sometimes swallowing problems. They are also known as speech therapists, and there is no difference between the two terms.

To become an SLP, you must complete a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), then a board-accredited Masters. After this, you begin a post-graduate fellowship (which you need a temporary license for), take an additional exam, and then apply for your license. The salary of a SLP ranges from $60,200 on the lower end to $96,980 on the higher end.

13. Pharmacists

Pharmacists can work in a variety of places including grocery stores or hospitals. They dispense medication, ensure correct dosages and compliance with medical regulations, and often liaise with patients regarding their overall health. To become a qualified pharmacist, you should study a board-accredited Pharmacy program, which takes six years.

The program includes a mix of coursework and work experience. Most programs have two years of taking classes and passing coursework and general exams, and then up to four years in a work setting. Once you’ve completed these stages, you must pass the licensure exam at the end of this program in order to become fully certified. The average salary of a pharmacist is an impressive $121,500.

14. Lawyers

The final installment on our list is a highly competitive career. Lawyers represent clients in trials and advise them on the best options going forward. There are many different types of lawyers that specialize in different areas: family lawyers, divorce lawyers, and so on.

To become a lawyer, you first earn a Bachelor’s degree in law, then attend law school for three years. To get into law school you have to pass an admission test known as the LSAT. After these initial years of study, you gain experience wherever you can as a sort of apprentice lawyer while working towards passing your state bar examination.

The average lawyer’s salary is $115,820. The salary you make as a lawyer depends on many factors: your success rate, experience, the size and reputation of the firm, and your general demand. For example, a lawyer who gets their client a great deal in a high-profile case followed by media can potentially earn millions a year, whereas a new lawyer starting out in a non-profit organization will be at the low end of the earning scale. For example, personal injury lawyers in New York can earn around $80,000 in a year

Many of the highest paying careers involve many years of undergraduate and/or postgraduate study, while some require tons of experience. No matter what job you’re interested in, you will always have to climb the ladder to some degree. You can never start at the top, but you will get there eventually. Good luck in your search for your dream career!

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Source: Baucemag

In Career Gems December 21, 2023 By Women of Rubies

How To Ignite The Power Of Self-Love: Building Confidence And Resilience

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery in a world that often demands perfection and relentless achievement, the transformative path of embracing self-love and building confidence becomes an empowering narrative for women seeking resilience and personal fulfillment. In this blog post, we delve into the art of self-love and confidence-building—essential components for navigating life’s challenges and thriving as a modern woman. How to Ignite the Power of Self-Love: Building Confidence and Resilience offers actionable insights that will guide you through this empowering journey, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and unlocking the true potential within.

Embracing the Journey

The journey to self-love is a personal and transformative one. Begin by acknowledging that imperfections are part of what makes you uniquely beautiful. Share personal stories and experiences that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of embracing oneself authentically.

Building Confidence Brick by Brick

Confidence is not an inherent trait; it’s a skill that can be developed over time. Provide actionable tips and strategies for building confidence, whether through setting and achieving small goals, celebrating accomplishments, or practicing positive affirmations. Share stories of women who have transformed self-doubt into unshakable confidence.

Nurturing Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. Discuss the importance of resilience in personal growth and provide practical advice on cultivating this trait. Highlight stories of women who have faced adversity head-on, showcasing their resilience and the valuable lessons gained from overcoming obstacles.

Self-Love Rituals and Practices

Explore various self-love rituals and practices that contribute to overall well-being. From mindfulness exercises and self-care routines to embracing self-compassion, offer actionable insights that readers can incorporate into their daily lives. Share personal anecdotes or success stories illustrating the positive impact of these practices.

Voices of Empowerment

Feature interviews or quotes from inspiring women who have embraced self-love, built confidence, and demonstrated resilience. Their voices can serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for readers navigating similar journeys. Include diverse perspectives to resonate with a broad audience.

Conclusion:

Embracing self-love, building confidence, and cultivating resilience are powerful tools that every woman can wield on her journey to personal fulfillment. By sharing stories, insights, and actionable tips, we hope to inspire and empower our readers to embark on their own transformative journeys, realizing the strength and beauty that lie within.

In a world where self-love is revolutionary, let’s celebrate the unique journey each woman takes toward embracing her authenticity, building unshakeable confidence, and cultivating resilience in the face of life’s ebbs and flows.

In Career Gems December 21, 2023 By Women of Rubies

How to Achieve Financial Independence And Grow Your Wealth

Building wealth and getting clarity around your finances doesn’t have to be daunting or stressful. In fact, with the right practices instilled, it can be liberating.

If you want to be one of them, then read on to educate yourself about debt, value-based spending, the best saving habits, financial freedom, and the key components that lead to financial success. It won’t be easy to implement these new habits, but you certainly won’t regret it.

ONE- Pay Off Your Debts.

Not all debts are bad. Debt with a plan can actually be really good for acquiring assets. These are ‘good debts’ as they are spent on investments and assets that are valuable and can be liquidated in the long run.
‘Bad debts’ are those debts you use on consumption.

When you have a million naira personal income and you have a debt of 500 thousand naira that is due or will be due, it is advisable you pay off your debts first before you calculate how much you really own.

If you have more than one debt, pay off the one with the highest interest rates or the one with the highest balance first.

TWO – Determine Your Priorities.

When you prioritize debt, think about high interest versus low interest. You can build emergency funds simultaneously while paying off your debts because if you do not have an emergency fund, you may slip back into that debt if real emergency happens.

Being in debt is stressful so you will feel more compelled to rid yourself of that burden. High-interest debt steals from your wealth; values-based spending helps you get in alignment with building wealth, and an emergency fund protects your wealth so that you don’t slide back into high-interest debt.

THREE- Practice Value-Based Spending.

The first step is awareness – know what you’re spending.
Look back at the last three to six months of your spending and analyze how much you’re spending on your lifestyle.

It is easy to often assume that you are just paying for rent and food but our brains want to rationalize that we’re on our best behavior, so it doesn’t allow us to think about all of the subscription boxes.

Value-based spending is a lot easier than budgeting. Setting a budget can feel restrictive, like being on a diet.

You spend within your budget for a week and then you see that dress on Instagram and you click.

But if you have values, you will see that that instant gratification won’t be gratifying for long because it’s not aligned with our values. Once you determine three values that really matter to you, you’ll find that they can function as a filter. An example would be equity, family, and leverage (when you’re willing to spend money on things that help make life easier). Buying the shoes doesn’t align with any of those pillars, so it needs to be a preplanned choice.

FOUR – Open a High-Yield Savings Account.

Saving is the inverse of spending. Parkinson’s law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Basically, any one thing can shrink or contract to the size of its container. In relation to money in a bank account, the reason you end up spending what you should be saving is that it’s right there, visible, in your checking account.
Open a high-yield savings account and automate transfers on a monthly basis. That recurring act will give you accessibility to only what you should be spending.

Consider investments as well, but make your research so you are investing in what you are knowledgeable about.

FIVE – Understand the Definition of Financial Freedom.

Financial freedom is an equation: enough passive income to outpace your expenses. When you have financial freedom in your life, work becomes an option instead of an obligation.
Financial freedom allows you to enjoy your wealth because time is no longer a finite resource.
When you go to work, even as an entrepreneur, you are trading time for money. But, if you can buy assets to create additional income, then you are trading money for assets that bring you more money.

If you get on this train and educate yourself, you will find that you don’t always have to rely on yourself and your body to make money. It takes a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice to get up every morning and go to work.

SIX – Instill the Key Components That Lead to Financial Independence

Six qualities that every wealthy woman should try to encompass:

Planning: Determine your financial goals, write them down, and find an accountability partner. You can’t get what you want if you don’t plan for it. When it comes to money, you have to be goal-oriented.
Frugality or Intentionality: Commit to saving more, spending less, and sticking to a plan. This formula leads to an ability to have a passive income because if you spend all of your money then there will be nothing left to invest it.
Confidence: In order to gain financial confidence in managing your money and investing, you need financial education. We didn’t learn this in school. You have to go and find it, otherwise, you will stay in a state of stress. Inaction is terrible for your finances.
Responsibility: Accept your role in financial outcomes and take action to make financial changes in your life.
Focus: See your process through to completion one step at a time. Accountability is crucial.
Social indifference: Don’t succumb to buying the latest thing as a means of feeling good. If you practice this, it will change your life. Women are the targets of consumerism. But, if you appreciate how you look and how you are inherent, you will save yourself a lot of time, money, and energy.

She Wanted To Be A Lawyer But Ended Up A Carpenter, The Story Of Comfort Adzigbli

I started Omaness Skinfood To Empower And Enrich The Lives Of Women- Ifeoma Adibe-Chukwuka

In Editor's Choice December 16, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Women Of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 2.0 Recording Now Available

Navigating the dynamic landscape of personal and professional growth, the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp emerges as a powerful force for empowerment. The reverberations of enlightening sessions, expert guidance, and transformative conversations endure, and we’re thrilled to announce that the long-awaited BootCamp recording is now available!

What to Expect:

Relive the Insights: The recording encapsulates the essence of the empowering BootCamp, featuring expert insights from industry leaders; Sola Adesakin, Esther Ijewere, Mayowa Adegoke, Adeola Osideko and Funmi Ajala on building a strong online presence, crafting a personal brand for leadership, shaping narratives, leveraging financial literacy, mastering public speaking, content creation, brand sustainability, and intentional visibility.

Diverse Perspectives: Join the Fireside Chats where Chinaza Favour, Wendy Nwajiufor, Azeezat Adejare, and Rinret Gofwan discuss content creation, building sustainable brands, and intentional visibility. Gain diverse perspectives to enhance your personal and professional journey.

Why Grab Your Copy:

On-Demand Learning: Access the invaluable sessions at your convenience. Whether you missed a masterclass or want to revisit a favorite, the recording puts the knowledge in your hands.
Practical Strategies: Each session is packed with actionable strategies that can immediately elevate your media visibility and professional impact.
Diverse Insights: Benefit from a diverse range of topics and speakers, ensuring a holistic approach to your personal and professional development.
Invest in Yourself: Your personal and professional growth is an investment. The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp recording is a valuable resource that continues to provide returns on your commitment to self-improvement.

How to Access

Visit our Selar page and unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom from industry experts. Your journey to enhanced media visibility and success starts with a click!

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself. Grab your copy of the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp recording today and step into a future of limitless possibilities!

For further enquiries, reach out via info@womenofrubies.com

Grab our free PR guide E-book here for enhanced visibility!

In Career Gems December 13, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Canada Vendors Entrepreneur Awards And End Of Year Gala Set To Ignite Mississauga On December 16th, 2023

In just four days, the entrepreneurial community of Canada will come together for a night of recognition, celebration, and inspiration at the prestigious Canada Vendors Entrepreneur Awards and End of Year Gala. This extraordinary event, founded by the visionary Maryam Muritala, promises an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and a collective celebration of entrepreneurial excellence.

Event Details:

Date: December 16th, 2023
Time: 6.30 PM EST
Location: Shahrayar Banquet Hall, 1150 Crestlawn Dr, Mississauga, ON L4W 1A6

The Canada Vendors Entrepreneur Awards aim to spotlight and honor the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in their respective fields. It is a platform that recognizes the tireless efforts and contributions of individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape in Canada.

Maryam Muritala, the driving force behind this initiative, believes in the power of acknowledging and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels economic growth and community development. The awards ceremony will serve as a testament to the remarkable journey of these entrepreneurs, highlighting their impact and paving the way for future successes.

Get Ready to Celebrate: Entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and esteemed guests are invited to join this unparalleled celebration of success. The gala promises an enchanting evening featuring inspiring speeches, networking opportunities, and the presentation of prestigious awards recognizing excellence in various categories.

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this momentous occasion. Secure your spot now and be prepared to witness the brilliance of Canada’s entrepreneurial community.

For media inquiries, sponsorships, or to RSVP, please email: info@canadavendors.ca and visit canadavendors.ca

Grab your ticket here

In self development January 30, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

Maryam Muritala: Pioneering Change And Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Canada Vendors

Maryam Muritala is a foreign-trained lawyer whose expertise extends from Business and Technology to Copyright, Trademark Law, and Contract Management. As a seasoned Business Development Consultant, Maryam has successfully guided entrepreneurs across five continents, establishing herself as a driving force in the business world. In this exclusive interview with Esther Ijewere, Maryam shares her inspiring journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming the founder of Canada Vendors and the visionary behind the renowned Brand Expo.

Childhood Influence

Born and raised in Lagos, Maryam’s entrepreneurial roots run deep, shaped by the influence of both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Inspired by her family’s commitment to service, Maryam’s journey into law was further fueled by her aunt’s encouragement. Her childhood laid the foundation for a life dedicated to building connections and providing opportunities.

Career Path

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008, Maryam initially delved into corporate law, working on diverse projects involving contract agreements. Her pivot to business development was a strategic move, opening doors to a realm where she could blend legal expertise with entrepreneurial vision.

Canada Vendors and Navigating Challenges

Witnessing the evolution of the digital marketing space post-COVID-19, Maryam founded Canada Vendors to empower businesses with structured online visibility. The challenges faced, from business registration hurdles to integrating digital marketing, prompted the Canada Vendors Team to host virtual info-session events, offering crucial support during the pandemic.

Brand Expo and its Purpose

Brand Expo, an annual business networking event initiated by Maryam, serves as a platform for businesses to showcase products, services, and brand image. More than a networking opportunity, the expo facilitates workshops, exhibitions, presentations, and networking events, fostering brand awareness, visibility, and valuable business connections.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Against the backdrop of the pandemic’s impact on small businesses, Maryam launched ‘The Entrepreneurial Journey,’ a YouTube mini-series spotlighting the Canadian small business community. Emphasizing the benefits of technology integration and digital marketing, the series aimed to empower businesses with the tools for growth in the digital landscape.

Being a Woman of Rubies

For Maryam, being a Woman of Rubies means creating opportunities wherever she goes, wearing her crown proudly and tall. Her unique ability to seize opportunities aligns with the essence of resilience and strength that defines a Woman of Rubies.

Inspirational Figures

Michelle Obama, Ibukun Awosika, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg stand as women who inspire Maryam on her journey, reflecting values of leadership, empowerment, and advocacy.

Maryam Muitala, Esther Ijewere and others with Hon. Abike Dabiri during her visit to the City of Brampton

Nigerian Community in Canada

Maryam acknowledges the significant contributions of the Nigerian community to Canada‘s vibrant multicultural society. From business and politics to healthcare and technology, Nigerian trailblazers continue to positively impact various sectors, embodying the spirit of excellence in diverse communities.

Maryam Muritala’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining legal expertise with a passion for entrepreneurship. Her commitment to empowering others, evident in initiatives like Canada Vendors and Brand Expo, showcases the potential for positive change within the business landscape. As a Woman of Rubies, Maryam stands as an inspiration, embodying resilience, vision, and a dedication to creating opportunities in every endeavour.

In Career Gems December 13, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Single Mom Of 7 Turns Her Last $5 Into A Million Dollar Cupcake Business

Mignon Francois, a single mom of 7 turned her last $5 into a million-dollar cupcake business.

Mignon Francois struggled financially to support her family between 2005-2007 after a job offer for her former husband fell through. A neighbor knew her plight and penchant for baking and offered her an opportunity to turn her situation around. She put in a request for 600 cupcakes at $1 each.

The Plot-Twist For Mignon Francois

With just $5 to her name, Francois wasn’t sure how she would make it work, but she used her last bit of coin to purchase the ingredients, baking 60 cupcakes, and gaining a $60 profit that same day to buy the rest of what she needed. She launched The Cupcake Collection, selling custom cakes and cupcakes and growing her small business which now generates more than $1 million annually.

Mignon Francois is proud of herself, her journey was not without its share of challenges. As a Black woman, one of the biggest obstacles Francois faced was funding. Instead of relying on banks and facing loan denials, overdraft fees, or credit card debt, Francois relied on an old envelope system trick.

“I think a lot of times in my community, we often have been used to rejection from banks. Having my money in a bank account at that time, if I had messed up even a dollar, it would have caused me to get a bank overdraft, which would’ve cost me $30, and then that’s just a vicious cycle of snowballing in a negative way,” she said.

Staying In Business

The entrepreneur used the system to designate her money via envelopes, categorizing her profit into an emergency fund, set a budget, and a debt snowball method to help reel her finances in. Today, the New Orleans native uses her story to help others.

As a now successful entrepreneur, Francois has begun paying it forward, funding scholarships at Tennessee State University, and partnering with community organizers to support education and food insecurity efforts.

She also sits on the Pathways Women’s Business Center and Nashville Entrepreneur Center board and works with grassroots organization Corner to Corner to help other aspiring business owners.

To learn more about Francois and the work she’s doing, visit The Cupcake Collection.

Congratulations Mignon!

In Inspiration December 13, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere: 8 Simple Ways To Make People Attracted To You

Law of attraction is one of the easiest ways to manifest good connections. Ever wondered why some people are just loved and admired? If you want to radiate in that kind of energy then this article is for you.

If you are looking for a long-term partner, job, or more friends, you will have to make them attracted to you. Here are the 8 simple ways to make people attracted to you without turning them off.

1. Be Confident, But Not Arrogant – Major Law of Attraction

First, it is important that you are confident about yourself. Being proud of who you are and liking your characteristics is one of the keys to make people like you. This also includes being sociable, being able to go along with the conversation and being smart when talking. Confidence is attractive, but you have to remember not to be conceited or arrogant as you might only push people away from you.

2.Sense of Humor

People who are funny are known to be intelligent and sociable. Most people are looking for this characteristic when searching for romance or friends. Even if someone is not interested in you, you can grab their attention by making them laugh.

3. Ask Deep Questions

Cut the unnecessary conversations and start asking them deeper questions. This can make them personally connected to you and you can tell them something deep as well.

4. Don’t Forget to Smile

You can easily make someone comfortable talking or having long conversations with you when you smile often. Of course, smiling is the easiest way to tell other people, “hey, don’t hesitate to talk to me, I’m friendly.”

5. Eye Contact

Making eye contact to a person makes you appear to be dominant and confident. This also makes you appear clever. You can also pair it with a strong handshake and you would totally nail it!

6.Dress Properly

When trying to make people attracted to you, it is important that you give attention to how you dress. Most people give definition to the clothes a person wears. It can be a definition associated to success or personality so if you want to make people notice you or attracted to you, make sure that you dress well.

7. Have Many People Around You

People who are in groups tend to be more attractive. This is because it shows you that you are sociable and you can easily connect to other people. Having many people around you makes you look more attractive.

Try this magical law of attraction to build your confidence, and let us know how it goes in the comment.

About the Writer

Esther ijewere Is a multi-award winning Social Activist, Journalist, Writer, Best-selling Author, Host of the Youtube syndicated show; #GettalkingwithEsther and a certified PR expert with over 10 years of experience. Esther has spotlighted over 1000 women across the globe, Interviewed First ladies, A-list celebrities and giants of different industries. She is the Editor-In-Chief of Women of Rubies, and other development initiatives recognized globally. Follow her on Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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In Career Gems January 9, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Here’s How To Trick Yourself Into Saving More Money

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need to trick ourselves into saving money, because we’re all grown-ups who have self-control, right?

Let’s be honest, whether its splurging or the unfortunate mishaps that require immediate funds, we could find areas where we can cut our costs and unnecessary spending.

Acknowledging that our self-control might need some work isn’t a bad thing. Try implementing some of these tips and tricks to help you become a super fine finance ninja!

Coin Jar

It may seem old fashion, but that change after you break a dollar can add up quickly. That few extra $100 per year might not sound like much, but it’s far better things to be done with extra coins than losing them between the cushions!

Make Money Shopping

Numerous websites offer opportunities to earn cash back when shopping, whether online or at brick-and-mortar stores. One of the options I particularly like is an app that provides cash back for purchases at various participating stores. When you use your linked debit or credit card, you receive cash back. The participating stores vary widely, making it a versatile choice.

New Habits

Transform your routine. Instead of ordering lunch every day at work, pack a lunch on some days. Consider the unnecessary subscriptions you have monthly, and divert those payments into your savings account. What habits do you have that you can work on quitting to help save those extra bucks at the end of the month?

Check Your Home

You’d be surprised at how much you can save monthly by just cutting back on your energy bill. Caulk holes and cracks that let warm air out in the winter and cool air in the summer. Ask your local gas and electric providers for a free or low-cost home energy audit. This can lead to tremendous long-term savings. Learn the correct settings for your thermostat to ensure you keep your usage at bay when you away from home during the day.

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In Career Gems December 13, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Yewande Jinadu: 5 Things You Need To Know When Negotiating A New Salary

Salary is very important in the life of an employee. In fact, that is the reason why people leave their houses every day to go to work. A lot of people have made mistakes in the area of negotiation, and I can totally relate to it. This is for those thinking of making the next move in their career, but don’t want to later regret their salary due to lack of information.

1. Know the difference between Net Pay and Gross Pay and ensure you negotiate based on Net pay

Gross pay is the total amount an employer pays to an employee. Gross pay includes the breakdown of what an employee is entitled to, and it is from the gross pay that deductions are made, while net pay, which is also known as take-home pay, is the amount you receive after all the deductions, like tax, pension, etc., have been made. It is preferable to state your salary expectation in terms of net pay because you may not know the basis for which deductions are made in the new company.

When you negotiate on the net, it ensures that you’re not on the losing end, and HR will do some calculations before making you an offer, which will be more than what you negotiated. This is to leave room for deductions. E.g., your letter may carry ₦150,000 as pay, but by the time you receive your first alert, you will be getting ₦120,000.

2. Ask about other benefits that the company offers during a negotiation

Some companies have variable pay, based on certain conditions like the performance of the individual or the company. Some benefits may be in kind and not be cash; this should be noted when you want to mentally calculate your pay. What I’m trying to say is that do not reject an offer because it doesn’t really meet your expectation; find out if they have other perks, which can be considered. Also, if you’re coming from a place that has a lot of office perks, don’t take an offer just because it pays higher. E.g. if you’re coming from a place that pays for membership of professional bodies as well as subscriptions, cars, performance bonuses, higher HMO packages, etc.

It’s best you put a cost to the benefits you were enjoying before and ask if it exists or if it would be more, then weigh your options.

3. Do your own research

You may think you have gotten a good offer, but when you get in, you may eventually get disgruntled when you realise that your colleagues who have the same job description as you earn far above what you accepted. Jobberman, Payscale and Glassdoor will help give you insights into relevant data. If you can make calls to people in the industry who will have an idea of the range, it would be helpful (not necessarily the exact figure, though). Some people on Nairaland sometimes disclose pay for some roles, so please dig well.

4. Be open to negotiation

I always advise you to mention something higher than what you expect, then tell them you are open to negotiation. E.g., you earn ₦150,000 and the minimum you can take before considering an offer is ₦220,00. It’s best you say ₦280,000 then tell the recruiter it’s negotiable. This way, they don’t start negotiating from ₦220,000.

5. Negotiate a salary based on what works best for you

I’ve realized that different things matter to different people at various points in their lives. This guides their decision to take an offer or reject it. E.g., I have a friend whom a premium HMO is what mattered most to him (at that point in his life) because his wife needed it. To someone else, he was stupid for taking that pay, but he negotiated an HMO package that saved him millions for the birth of his child. For some people, proximity is more important, for some, it’s staff bus and canteen. Whatever your own case may be, identify it and negotiate with that.

Don’t be pressured unnecessarily. Negotiate with confidence, because you know the value you will be contributing to the organisation. Don’t be scared to have that conversation when it’s time.

Follow @careerlifeng to know more about Yewande’s work.

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