'Find Time to Pursue Your Passion!' Says Moonlighting Toyota Attorney

In January, the job search websites go crazy as people start the New Year resolved to find work that's more satisfying.

"While thousands of people are dealing with the tragedy of unemployment, many others are looking for jobs that are more fulfilling than the ones they have," says attorney and author Pamela Samuels Young, www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.

In January 2013, job search website Indeed.com had a record 17.3 million unique visitors-a 24-percent jump, and January 2014 will likely see a similar increase. Many of those job seekers won't be looking for just a job, but one they're passionate about.

"It's great if your day job is your passion," Young says. "But if it's not, you don't have to give up a position that pays the bills in order to pursue your dream. You can do both."

Since 2006, Young has pursued her passion-writing legal thrillers-as well as her day job as Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

"I enjoy practicing law and I didn't want to leave Toyota, nor could I afford to. But I also had a burning desire to write mystery novels," says Young. She recently released her sixth novel, "Anybody's Daughter."

"I've always believed that if you have a dream, you should formulate a plan and make it happen. So that's what I did."

Young's plan included rising at 4 a.m. to squeeze in some writing time before heading off to work, and turning weekends and vacation time into creation time. "Sometimes it's hard to believe that I've published six novels, while still practicing law," she says. "The hard work and commitment have definitely paid off."

Young offers these tips for busy professionals itching to pursue their own passions.

* Schedule time to devote to your passion. "On my calendar, you'll find a few hours or full days blocked out as 'Writing Time' every week," Young says. "You have to schedule time for your passion. If you don't, the day-to-day demands of life will get in the way."

* Put "passion" time ahead of "pleasure" time. If you're working full-time and pursuing another "job," you won't have a lot of free time. "You'll have to cut back on watching television, socializing with friends and even family time," Young says. "Explain your goals to friends and family. People who have your best interests at heart will support you. "But do take an occasional break to relax. Otherwise, you'll burn yourself out by working around the clock."

* Learn from others. Surround yourself with people who share your passion. Sign up for newsletters, read books and join communities of other like-minded people, Young says. "There are tons of professional groups whose sole function is to help their members develop their creative talents and business goals." Young is a diehard member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that promotes the advancement of women mystery writers. "Not only will you get energy and inspiration from networking with others, you'll grow."

* Don't put your day job on the backburner. Young says it's important to give your day job 100 percent. "I never want my co-workers to think I'm phoning it in because I also have a writing career." That attitude has paid off. "I have a strong support system at work. My co-workers read my books, critique my manuscripts and come to book signings." Many of the people Young thanks in the Acknowledgements in each of her books are co-workers. Her fourth novel is even dedicated to another Toyota attorney.

"Don't just dream about pursuing your passion," Young says, "make it happen!"

Pamela Samuels Young is a novelist, motivational speaker and Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.,

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10 Hacks for Hidden Holiday Costs 

By Andrea Woroch

With the Holiday shopping season almost over, you may be patting yourself on the back for staying in budget so far. You've made a detailed list, searched for bargains, scored some deals and kept food costs down. All in all, you're on track to avoid going into debt this holiday season.

And then, the unexpected happens. Someone surprises you with a generous gift, you totally spaced a gift for your child's teacher, and Aunt Marge decides on a last-minute visit. Avoid breaking your carefully crafted budget with these hacks for hidden holiday costs.

1. Gift Wrap
You may think of gift wrap as a nominal expense, but at $3 to over $10 per roll, it can really add up! While a definitive number is hard to track down, some experts suggest annual spending on gift wrap is around $2.6 billion. That doesn't factor in the cost to the environment, which Earth911 estimates to be 4 million tons of trash annually. Consider alternative ways to wrap: newspaper, magazines and even cereal boxes are creative options. If you must buy wrapping products, head to the dollar store for some serious relief on prices.

2. Baby Sitting Services
It's tough to holiday shop with kids in tow, especially when you're helping you-know-who fulfill his gift list. Additionally, holiday parties and work get-togethers rarely include kids. These activities alone will increase the cost of your childcare this season, especially if you have several kiddos. Check Sitterycity.com and Care.com for rate calculators, and then consider signing up for BabysitterExchange, which operates like a babysitting co-op. This option can also help you schedule your errands or carpool with other busy parents.

3. Lights Galore
There are few things more festive than holiday twinkle lights, but they may be costing you more than you intended. If your electricity bills are giving you Grinch-like feelings, consider switching to LED lights this year. Home Depot's annual trade-in program has passed, but you can save your incandescent strands for next year's event for credit toward additional LED lights. Turn your lights off an hour earlier at night and only run them for a few days during the holidays for extra energy savings.

4. Fuel Use
The holiday season is a bustling time, with constant trips to the mall and supermarket for gifts and groceries. Reduce your fuel use (and stress level!) by shopping online for gifts. In some cases you may not have to wait for delivery -- eBay is offering same-day delivery in select areas, while Amazon is partnering with the USPS to deliver gifts on Sundays.

5. Greeting Cards
An estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States. At an average price of $3 to $5 per card plus postage, the cost of sending warm wishes home for the holidays can add up quickly. Eliminate this cost by sending an eCard from sites like Punchbowl instead. You can also create one photo card with a general seasonal greeting and scan it for endless email messages to family, friends and coworkers at nearly no cost!

6. Baked Goods
You may have budgeted for the holiday party you're hosting, but what about those baked treats you buy on the way to friends' parties and work gatherings? Keep your grocery budget in check by baking your own sweets. You can save up to 300 percent by avoiding those pre-made baked goods, plus homemade is always better! If time is an issue, buy sweets in bulk from Costco or Sam's Club and save 30 to 60 percent per unit. Then, separate the goodies into festive bags or boxes as hostess gifts or thoughtful presents for your neighbors.

7. Bank Gift Cards
Everyone loves a gift card, right? When shoppers aren't sure what gift card to buy, they may opt for bank cards like VISA, MasterCard and the like. However, these cards come with fees, requiring you to fork over more than face value for the gift card. Skip these cards in favor of ever-popular retailer cards like Amazon, Target or Walmart. You can even buy retailer gift cards at a discount through GiftCardGranny.com, saving anywhere from 5 to 25 percent.

8. Online Scams
Internet crimes cost consumers an average of $1,800 each in 2012, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The holiday season is an especially popular time for hackers and scammers to take advantage of online shoppers. However, taking a few simple precautions will protect you from these Web criminals. Always shop on a secure website, and never enter your credit card or personal information when using a public network. Look for the "s" in "https" to ensure a secure network and shop with reputable online merchants.

9. Unexpected Gifts
Receiving gifts you didn't expect can lead to unplanned purchasing. To avoid going over budget for people who didn't make your original gift list, have a backup of homemade or DIY gifts. An inexpensive candy jar filled with festive sweets is always a hit, as are a plate of homemade cookies. Check Pinterest for other ideas, including mason jars filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows and peppermint sticks!

10. White Elephant Exchanges
The go-to activity for corporate holiday parties is the white elephant gift exchange. Intended to be inexpensive, these events can put a dent in your budget when you attend several in one season. Instead of buying multiple items "valued at $10 or less," look around your house for an appropriate item to regift. No one has to know you didn't actually purchase it for the party! 
 
Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles.