#and I took anything to do with computer classes and skills off my resume when I quit 💀

[singlecrochet]

working with an older guy who is pretty good with the technology he uses daily but not super into other stuff as someone with basic tech literacy and related problem solving skills is making me feel wayyyyy smarter and more knowledgeable than I actually am lol

[nasfunkysunglassesinactive]

Loving is Easy

Pom groaned as he sat up, reaching for his alarm, blaring at him rudely from the side table.

Shutting it off, he rolled over and glanced out into the kitchen, where the light was already on and faint clanks and humming could be heard.

He found himself smiling, despite it being 6am and still dark outside, even though he hadn’t got to bed until 2am. He couldn’t help it, it was so nice to wake up and know there was someone there for him, on his good days and his bad ones, always believing in him, never giving up on him.

Pom managed to drag himself up, still blinking blearily as he sighed and slung his feet to the ground, reluctantly leaving the warmth of the blankets to pad towards the doorway between the bedroom and the living area of their apartment.

He smiled as Chanon turned to him when he entered the kitchen. Pom stretched down to rest his head in his arms on the counter, eying Chanon fondly as the kettle clicked and he turned towards it, reaching to pour the boiling contents into the mugs set out next to the sink.

Chanon stirred the coffee now steaming from the mugs, the gentle tinkling of the teaspoon the only sound that could be heard aside from the tune he was quietly humming.

He smiled as he tapped the spoon on the edge of a mug and silently handed one of them to Pom, wrapping his hands around the other and gently lifting it to blow across the liquid to cool it down slightly.

Pom huffed under his breath in amusement.

Chanon had burned himself from drinking boiling hot chocolate once in highschool, causing him to jump and spill the rest all over his shirt (and Pom’s). Ever since then, he had harboured a deep mistrust of hot liquids.

 “Thank you.” Pom whispered, glancing up at Chanon as they both took a sip of the coffee.

Apparently adequately satisfied with the temperature of his drink, Chanon smiled back at him.

 “Well you need to go prepare for class in a bit and you only got 4 hours sleep after the Gifted exam last night.”

Pom groaned again at the reminder and flopped his head back on the counter, closing his eyes as his hair fell to cover them.

 “I love being a teacher, I’ll never regret that decision and those kids are like my own at this point. Still sometimes I question why my job takes up so much of my life.”

Chanon smiled down at him fondly.

 “Just like you said, those kids are like your own and you love being able to help them grow up and find themselves. You teach to see them become the people they were born to be and you love it because they mean so much to you. That’s why you put so much time and effort into it.”

Pom laughed at the speech and sat up to stretch his arms out.

 “You’re right as always. I’m just exhausted I guess.”

Chanon put the coffee mug down and stood up.

 “Of course you are, it’s not easy being the cool teacher!”

Pom raised his eyebrows questioningly at the statement.

Chanon smirked and wandered off to the stove, where he flicked the switch of the gas on underneath a frying pan before setting off towards the fridge.

 “I saw a meme. Like, how the cool teacher puts in like this much effort-” he stretched his arms out wide in front of him- “ and end up getting this much recognition from other teachers.” he finished holding his fingers an inch apart.

Pom couldn’t help but smile at the compliment, even if it had stemmed from a meme (that Chanon had likely seen whilst he was meant to be working.)

Chanon came back over to the pan with 2 eggs, cracking one into it before leaning over to stick 2 slices of bread in the toaster.

 “You go get changed, I’ll sort breakfast for us.”

Pom nodded and slunk off to the bedroom to get clothes and take a shower.

He’d always showered in the morning. It always helped him wake up and collect his thoughts for the day, running through the never ending to-do lists as the cool water hit his shoulders helped him organise his day.

Chanon on the other hand, always showered at night. He couldn’t sleep unless he’d washed the day away. Pom quite liked it though. It meant he always crawled into bed smelling faintly of rosewood, the familiar scent of which always managed to calm Pom’s racing mind as they drifted off to sleep.

As he turned off the water and reached for a towel, he paused. From the kitchen came the faint, melodic sound of singing again.

Pom instantly recognised the song and smiled to himself. Chanon always sung when he was in the kitchen.

Once his clothes were on, the dress shirt tucked neatly into his trousers, a tie in his hand, he returned to the kitchen with a towel still around his neck, rubbing the ends of his hair absentmindedly.

He returned to his spot where a plate of scrambled eggs and toast had been placed.

Chanon stood up and silently reached for the towel around Pom’s neck. He took it in his hand and began to massage Pom’s scalp, gently, carefully drying the damp strands.

 “It’s usually you nagging me about things like this,” Chanon murmured, “You’ll catch a cold if you’re wet and shivering.”

Pom sighed, smiling as he closed his eyes and leaned into Chanon’s touch, enjoying being the one taken care of for once- something his job didn’t often allow.

 “I know. But it’s nice having you do this, maybe I’ll leave my hair wet more often.” Pom mused.

Chanon gently knocked Pom’s head and threw the towel over the back of an empty chair before ruffling his hair fondly, causing Pom to duck away and turn to pout up at Chanon, who just laughed and gestured to the plates in front of them.

Pom wrinkled his nose at him before whispering a thank you and turning towards the food.

Chanon had always been an amazing cook. Back in highschool, whenever Pom had been too tired to eat and content to just collapse onto his bunk after a long day and fall unconscious on an empty stomach, Chanon could tell. He would always duck into the kitchen area on evenings when the late classes had begun to take their toll and even though he was exhausted too, he always managed to whip up something so delicious that Pom could never refuse.

Just where he’d picked up this knack for culinary preparation Pom didn’t quite know. Chanon had always seemed busy, either at their desk or the chalkboard or the computer lab. He was always lost in calculations or maps or star charts or some such that Pom could barely keep up in trying to understand, yet he still always managed to find the time to make sure Pom wasn’t burned out or skipping meals again.

In the years that had passed since then, through their ups and downs, the fundamental basis of their relationship had remained unchanged. They both looked out for each other no matter what and loved each other easily, without the explicit need to voice it out loud.

Being together, no matter where they were, was comfortable. It was easy. And it felt right. It had always felt right to be by the other’s side.

They both finished breakfast at the same time and Pom reached over for Chanon’s plate and stacked it on top of his own before carrying them over to the empty dishwasher and slotting them both in side by side before turning to the clock.

 “It’s 7 o’clock.” He murmured.

Chanon nodded before reaching for the tie that lay on the counter and walking over to Pom.

 “Which means you need to get going soon-” he stretched his arms around Pom’s neck to tuck the tie under his collar- “to resume your role as best teacher in history.”

Pom grinned as Chanon continued to fiddle with the tie, looping one end over the other before undoing it and starting again, his tongue poking out in concentration as he bent down to get closer to the complicated knot he was managing to tie around Pom’s neck.

 “Let me.”

Pom gently slapped Chanon’s hands and took over tying the tie. At over 30 years old Chanon still hadn’t got a grasp on the skill.

Chanon looked at his feet sheepishly before glancing back up at Pom through his fringe. God he looked cute doing that.

 “I’ll see you later, then.”

Pom said, slipping shoes onto his feet and reaching for the keys hanging on the hook next to the front door.

Chanon nodded, leaning against the doorframe and handing Pom’s phone to him (he’d walked out the door without it too many times to count in the past.)

 “Make sure you get to work on time. Text me at lunch, if I’m free we can eat together.”

 “Will do.”

Chanon yawned, still smiling fondly at Pom as he fumbled to get his phone in his pocket.

Finally organised, Pom grabbed his bag and turned the key in the lock, opening the door up to the apartment hallway.

Their place wasn’t too big and it wasn’t showy or posh, but it was theirs and it was filled with little bits of each of them, from the decorations to the clutter to the smells, and that made it perfect to them.

 “Wait a sec.”

Chanon called out as Pom stepped over the threshold.

Pom turned to him as Chanon stepped forward and swooped in to quickly kiss his cheek.

 “There we go. Have a great day at work!” Chanon grinned cheekily.

Pom rolled his eyes fondly and nodded.

 “You too. I love you.”

 “Love you more.”

 “Impossible.”

He smiled as he made his way down the hallway, with the warm sunlight beginning to filter through the window in front of him and Chanon’s words still ringing in his ears, he felt he could face anything the day threw at him.

[daily-dose-of-imagines]

Hitmen AU! | Head Canons | 19+ [Haikyuu!!]

KΛЯΛƧЦПӨ [PART i] [PART ii] [PART iii]

Here is the last part for the Karasuno head canons~! I hope you guys enjoy these~! Expect some drabbles or one shots or even other specific head canons~! 

The next team I’ll be setting up for is Nekoma~!

Again, feel free to ask questions or request anything from this AU! (Specify so I know~!)

» » Admin Ko

»»————-　♔　————-««

T̷o̷b̷i̷o̷ ̷K̷a̷g̷e̷y̷a̷m̷a̷

One of the gifted snipers on the team

or well, that’s what Tsukishima likes to say 

is actually one of the all rounders in the group, but is usually hired for quick assassinations

usually paired off with Hinata which begins and ends with bickering, but holy shit do they get the job done

honestly has one of the more terrifying attitudes in the group when it comes to perfecting his skill

is usually sparring or at a shooting range to get the cleanest shot

whenever he can he’ll take classes on human anatomy and human behavior to better predict his targets and what they’ll do

accidentally shot his mentor’s ear (luckily it only really grazed the area so he has a scar now)

has a tsundere sort of attitude after warming up to his fellow teammates

is the one who’s out most of the time due to the high demand in quick assassinations.

“Target in sight. Decoy ready when you are.” 

The sharp tone in his voice left no room for mistakes as the lean male adjusted his position slightly.

Icy blue eyes focusing in on the figure behind the glass as he shifted the sniper in his hand to a better angle. Letting out a slow and even sigh, the young male positioned his fingers on the trigger. His eyes never leaving the scope as he watched the target interact with their Decoy. Observing the attitude and mannerisms of the target he adjusted himself once more.

It was better to be precise with this one, after all it was their initiation assignment and the male refused to be denied by another team. 

When he saw the signal from the orange haired Decoy, the figure didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger as he waited with baited breath until the target’s body fell into an ungraceful heap on the floor. A sinister grin on his features as he finally relaxed before relaying the information to base.

“Target neutralized.”

Out of all of the rookies, he is the second tallest 

built sturdy yet lean. Not too buff, not too undertone, but just right

Frequents the gym as much as he can and spars with Hinata every other two hours

has at least 3 tattoos on his body 

likes to keep his hair either side swept or slicked back during missions (no obstructions in his eyes when he shoots) but normally has it down when around the base

likes to wear anything protective yet skin tight to keep him from being hindered in any way at making a clean kill

is emotionally constipated

his s/o is confused the first time he confesses but comes to adore it

comes off as an ice prince but just doesn’t know how to give good affection

was scolded by Sugawara and Daichi for trying to ‘get rid’ of someone who was annoying s/o

is an awkward baby with affection but oml when he’s stressed and needs some relief just-- oof

S̴h̴o̴y̴o̴ ̴H̴i̴n̴a̴t̴a̴

Bright and energetic, one of the more unexpected members to join their group

tried to be a sniper and almost ended up killing Kageyama

it’s no surprise he’s banned from using guns after this

is a master in jumping the target or any sort of kidnap or capture assignments 

was hesitant on becoming a decoy, but once paired with Kageyama for their initiation mission he fell in l o v e with it

is kinda psychotic 

he loves the thrill of seeing a target so badly corrupted crumbling dead at his feet

is surprisingly a smooth talker

loves to spar and learn new skills so he takes up behind Noya to learn as many skills as he can and to be useful in any situation

Like Sugawara, he prefers using knives or daggers in close combat fights

“Is that so? Well hey! I know a better area where we can discuss that deal of yours.” Suave and friendly, the ginger began leading the target towards the area he and Kageyama had agreed on. 

The immaculate suit he wore hugged his body nicely as he ran a hand through his unruly hair as he played out the various possibilities that could occur in his head. Though of course snapped out of it as he placed his facade on as he walked with the target. Easily flowing with the conversation despite the heavy desire to gut the corrupted individual before him.

“I see, I see. That truly does sound incredible...” He began walking over to the window as he watched the target follow in the reflection before sighing. 

“Though I can’t really say I agree completely with your ideas. That is-- I can’t agree with them until you're nothing but a corpse at my feet.” He stated coolly, hazel eyes glowing with malice as an unsettling look graced his features.

Before the tainted figure could even retaliate, the sharp sound of wind cut through the air as a bullet sat neatly in the center of the man’s head.

“Pity we couldn’t talk more, but I really want to get a more interesting mission you see?” 

the second shortest among the male members 

is a thiccq boi with broad shoulders 

is very toned too and scarily strong 

tried to arm wrestle with Kageyama, and surprisingly ended it as a tie

undercut ginger boi 

has a couple of piercings on his ears and a nice handful of tattoos painting his body 

is an absolute sunshine with his s/o 

rarely ever gets mad at his s/o, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get frustrated

likes to pick up his s/o to combine their heights to be tall

he learned that from Noya

his s/o always gets embarrassed when he demands to combine their heights to be tall

loves to listen to s/o’s heartbeat when they sleep

K̷e̷i̷ ̷T̷s̷u̷k̷i̷s̷h̷i̷m̷a̷

2/2 of the brain and tactics hub

a sarcastic and blunt boi who absolutely hates incompetent people

very smart and clever

hella observant as well and makes his moves accordingly

avoids Noya whenever he can, but usually ends up caught in some sort of experiment with his senior 

immensely loves to psychologically torture their targets that are brought to base 

is the “good” cop to Noya’s “bad” cop during interrogations

loves to pick apart at people’s brains and their mental stability 

Definitely mocks the other rookies whenever he can

“Haa? So this is my initiation?” A blank look crossed the blond’s features as he adjusted his glasses before a wicked smirk settled on his lips. The slow psychological torture he could do, and learn from had excitement flood his veins as he sat before the man.

A wave of his hand dismissed the two other daunting figures in the room as he took a once over of the person before him. 

“A week huh? I suppose that gives me enough time to peel back the layers of that pile of mush you call a brain.” He stated as he casually shrugged his shoulders before golden irises bore deeply into the figure before him.

“I suppose we should start now with keeping you awake for as long as your pea-sized brain can handle.”

Is the tallest out of the rookies 

loves to use it to his advantage to mock Hinata 25/8

Has a lean yet toned body, but has more of a physique similar to Sugawara’s 

long messy blond locks always be in the bed head state 

has one tattoo and a a couple of piercings 

is an absolute ass to his s/o, but makes up for it with cute small affectionate gestures

is emotional constipated baby number 2

is able to read their s/o well, but doesn’t dwell on it too much as he doesn’t want to be too invasive

can immediately tell when their s/o is off or something is bothering them

will immediately tell them that he has no problems quelling the problem that is bothering them with a eerily placed smile

T̴a̴d̴a̴s̴h̴i̴ ̴Y̴a̴m̴a̴g̴u̴c̴h̴i̴

A soft baby, another unexpected addition to the rookies

has a similar energy to Hinata, but just a lot more tamer in retrospect

is usually with Ennoshita gathering information as well as learning tips and tricks on the cyber aspect of their work

takes the time to learn coding as well as researching other defense mechanisms that can help keep wandering eyes off of their business

usually seen with Tsukishima in the base’s library 

on occasion will be dragged to do sparring with the other rookies 

is the defense and attack on their cyber end alongside Ennoshita

Stretching his back, the figure let out a pleased sigh as he felt his body relax from the tension built as he sat hunched over the multiple computers around him. His eyes briefly skimming over the orders requested and the many attempts at trying to pry into their servers. 

Grasping the cooled mug of coffee, he took a sip as he couldn’t help but let out an irritated sigh as another attempt to breach their firewalls had been commenced. Without a second wasted, he began typing and tapping away with one hand as he took another sip of his coffee before fully immersing himself in not only humiliating the hacker, but exposing them to the rest of the deep dark web with absolutely no hesitation.

His senior glancing over with a hum of approval before resuming his own work as the young male couldn’t help but smile and feel giddy at the delight of approval from his senior.

Is the third tallest member in the rookie squad

out of all the male rookies, he is the scrawniest

but still has enough mass and muscle definition to defend himself if he were to be attacked alone

again, is dragged to spar with the other rookies often 

long medium length hair that is usually pulled back into a half man bun / half pony tail

has one tattoo on his back

is an absolute sweetheart with his s/o

unfortunately doesn’t get the most time with his s/o due to the constant cyber attacks 

but when he is lucky enough for a vacation week he pours all his pent up stress and affections towards them 

loves to just stay in and cuddle with his s/o

H̷i̷t̷o̷k̷a̷ ̷Y̷a̷c̷h̷i̷

The decoy that never was

Initially, when she joined she had tried to be a decoy like Hinata and Kiyoko, but ended up not doing too well in that

though to everyone’s surprise her skill isn’t in decoy, but quick draw gun work

she works alongside Kageyama and trains in utilizing her skills and honing in on her shots 

is usually the back up in case a target manages to get out into the open

never uses more than 3 shots to take down a target 

is the most awkward and soft spoken in their group, but is just as happy and energetic as Hinata

“Yachi-san! The target is turning onto your street!”

The aggravated voice of her teammate rang in her ears as she winced slightly before pulling out a pistol with ease. Her honey brown eyes skimming the area for any abnormal figures as she let the bickering between her two other teammates drown out into nothingness.

A slow and steady breath escaped her as she slipped into the dim alleyway as she heard the scuffling and ragged breathing of a large figure stumbling down the empty streets. With practiced ease, she took aim. Her eyes turning stone cold as she shot once into the target’s leg.

A stumble and he was on a knee. The second shot struck his shoulder as he suddenly fell forward and the young gun slinger stepped out from the shadows as she walked towards the soon to be corpse as she tuned back into the conversation between her teammates.

“Target found. Target neutralized.”

Despite being the shortest member of the rookies she can pack quite the punch

is well toned and lean

Mid-length blond hair that’s usually put in a messy bun or a high pony tail

like the others, she has at least 2 tattoos scattered over her body 

tends to lean towards form fitting clothes like Kageyama for ease of access and speed to engage and neutralize a target

she is immensely doting on her s/o 

loves to smother her s/o in kisses and affection while doing the most normal things she can before going to work

likes to watch movies and thread her fingers through s/o’s hair whenever they have a stay in door date

[gourdgirlmagazine]

Criminal Minds FanFic- The Interview

You step into the elevator and press the button that says 9. You take a step back as the doors start to close and you take a deep breath to prepare yourself for the jolt when the elevator starts to move. The box slowly starts moving to the 9 floor of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit Headquarters.L, 2, 3 The screen shows as the elevator slowly goes up. Today is the interview you have been waiting for ever since the presentation that was held at your college about the bau. You shift awkwardly and adjust your bag, 5,6,7. Ever since then you wanted to become a profiler and today you are finally gonna get a shot at making you dream come true. Although it's not the exact job you wanted, it's the closest you will get. Deep in thought you are alarmed by the ding of the doors before they slowly open to reveal the BAU floor.

You quickly step out before the doors get called to the next floor. You sigh in awe of the sight of the place that you could possibly work at. As the doors close behind you, you start to walk up to the big glass doors that separate the elevators and hallways from the hussle of the offices and cubicles. You pull open one of the glass doors with the bau logo on it and you are hit with the beautiful sound of work. A printer is printing something in the distance. A phone is ringing. People are typing on their computers. An agent is laughing while talking to another agent. And the strong smell of sweat and coffee. You knew you just had to work here.

You were so immersed by the smell, sounds, and sights that you don't see the guy, whose head is stuck in a book, quickly walking to the doors. And you take a step forward, you clash right into him.

“Er um sorry,” he mumbles.

You didn't pick up what he said out of surprise from the impact “Huh? Oh I'm so sorry. I should have watched where I was going. Are you ok?”

“Yah I'm fine. The projectile of our collison was slow enough that it's isn't possible for either one of us to have any physical harm, just embarrassment.” He says. You make eye contact with him and you glance at his id which says, Ried, Spencer which a picture of him slouched and his hair moved to the side. He looked nothing like his picture. His hair was parted down the middle with volume and he was wearing glasses. No to mention the fact of how innocent he looked in the picture compared to the man who you were standing in front of.

“Wow. Way to throw me under the bus.”

“No No No i didn't mean it like that i'm just saying that i am physically fine and you should be too but bumping into someone leads to embarrassment. I know that I am not embarrassed because this has happened to me many times before but from your body langued, I can tell that you are embarrassed or uncomfortable. Can also tell that you are new here”

“How did you”

As he starts to go he touches your lover back to move around you and whispers in your ear, “i can see it in your eyes” And walks away. You inhale and smell aftershave and something sweet but you can't quite put your finger on what it is. “Oh and by the way newbie, Hochners room is 2011”

In shock by your encounter, you recollect yourself and take a deep breath in and out and walk to the room number that was that the mysterious man said- room 2011. You walk up the stairs while being on high alert to not bump into anyone else. Once you reach the room, the door reads, Aaron Hotchner. You knock three times and wait for the sound of approval. Aaron you thought.

“Come in”. A muffled voice says.

You slowly open the door and walk in, closing the door behind you. “Hi Im y/f/n and i am here for the interview to be your new communications coordinator.”

“Ah yes. Please take a seat. Did you bring your resume?” He asks while he pushes the send button on his computer and turns to face you. He was wearing a blue shirt and a green tie. On the shirt there was one spot that wasnt all the way unwrinkle. No wife you thought if he leaves the house like this. Single. 

“Yes sir, I did.” you fumble through your purse and pull out the file which you slide over to the agent. “I just finished academy training for the FBI and I am a graduate of Yale with a major in cognitive science and phycology and sociology and I minored in forecnics and was at the top of my class.”

He cuts you off “Okok no need to show off. I can tell you are very ambitious and that you are a hard worker. That is something that the BAU wants. Our last coordinator was ambitious just like you. She sadly had to be transferred so our digital analysis has been taking over but i feel as though we need an experienced communications coordinator, but i don't see anything about communications on your resume. Tell me more about that.”

“Well I originally was hoping to be a profiler but there were no spots so when i heard that you needed a communications coordinator for a little. I knew i had to try it out because maybe after you can see my skills, you would make an exception to add me to your team.”

“y/l/n, we are looking for someone with experience in talking to the press and police, not a young just out of the academy woman who is successful in school. No disrespect to your desire but if you don't have the experience for this job then you are wasting my time.”

“Wait, I do have experience, i took classes in public speaking and you know by my quick learning and adaptability, that i will do just fine in this job...”

He cuts you off and says “But fine isn't enough at the BAU. Thank you for your time Ms y/l/n.”

“Can you just try?” you fight back the pilling tears and stand up “You said yourself that you had a digital whatever who has been taking over for her and she is a F*CKING TECH LADY. I feel like I can do a lot better than that. I am experienced in so many other things that it would be a big opportunity to pass up.” then the tears release and you start to cry.

Hotchner is speechless and has no clue what to do now. He awkwardly passes over a box of tissues and clears his throat. You reluctantly grab a tissue and wipe the stream of tears away and grab another one to blow your nose. You take a second to catch your breath before making eye contact with Hotchner as he straightens his tie in discomfort. “Not an emotional one, are you?” you smirkingly say sarcastically.

“Most people say i have an aloof, grim or distant personality.” He says.

“Oh sh*t Im so sorry.”

“Watch your profanity, Ms y/l/n”

“Sorry. Um but anyways, I apologize for crying, I am just a very passionate person who strives to reach their goals and i didnt want this opportunity to pass. I am 100% sure I have ruined it all for yelling at my potential boss and then sobbing. What a great first impression. Way to go y/n”

“Well beside that fact that you were yelling, you did make some valid points. I was being a little bit biased and unfair for letting our digital analysis take the spot for a while and not giving you a chance. I too am very passionate about my dreams and one of my dreams is to have a working team and I too don't want to have my opportunities slip. How about we make a deal because I like your work and your passion. Tomorrow we have a briefing for a new case, you can sit in and watch but try to keep it low-key. After you give me a profile on the unsub and how you will address the press and police on what things to look out for. If all goes well, I would like it if you come along with us. You and our digital analyst will work together to notify the press and police and so on. Does that sound good?” Hotchner says.

“That would be better than anything. Thank you for giving me a second chance and giving me this wonderful opportunity. I promise I won't disappoint you.” you say.

“I hope not. In the meantime i think it would be helpful for you to meet our tech analyst, Penelope Garcia.” Says Hotchner as he stands up from his chair and you follow him out the door of his office.

Thank you so much for reading. You can probably tell that this is my first time but hopefully it wasn't that obvious! I will work on part 2 if you want but this is also the beginning of something new so I think this sort of needs a part 2 and the story is a long way from finished. We haven't even meet our favorite techie, Penelope Garcia! Good Night.

[krizaland]

I don’t know if your doing requests right now but I really like your stories and I was wondering if you could do an Autistic!Reader x Zim story. I headconon that defective Irkens are similar to neurodivergent humans and I think it would be interesting to see Zim compare how the reader is treated and how he is treated and to start questioning the Empire.

OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS REQUEST SO MUCH HOLY SHIT!!

I’ve always headcanoned Zim as autistic so I fucking love your headcanon! 

I’m Autistic myself so I have a super sweet chapter story in mind for this one!

I’ll admit, I got a little too self indulgent on this one but that’s because I wrote it from the bottom of my heart.

Be warned: This fic is loosely based on my middle school days so this fic deals with Ableism and includes the R slur!  

With all that out of the way, enjoy the fic!

From the day you were old enough to think, you never felt like you belonged. Everyone always seemed either one step ahead of you or one step behind you.

Everyday your parents would smother you with their high expectations and they would always look down upon you when you couldn’t meet them.

One minute you were praised for your intelligence the next minute you were mocked for not liking the feeling of jeans constricting your waist.

You always saw the world differently than everyone else. Most people assumed you couldn’t do anything right when in reality you simply had your own way of doing tasks.

People always assumed you were an idiotic child. Nobody ever bothered to get to know the real you.

Eventually you begun to believe that there really was something wrong with you. You begun to give up on trying and just wished you could end it all.

The only thing keeping you alive was your ever-growing collection of various toys and stuffed animals.

In truth, your toys felt like your only friends. They never judged nor mocked you. They listened to what you had to say and were always there to offer you a hug when you needed one.

Things only got worse as you got older.

You were forced into social skills classes where they tried to force you to be ‘normal. They forced you to wear unflattering and uncomfortable clothes. They told you to stop talking about your ‘childish’ interests. They even tried to take your toys from you.

But none of those classes worked.

The kids in skool still laughed and mocked you. In fact it seemed the bullying only got worse the harder you tried to fit in.

You tried to eat the revolting cafeteria food but nearly had a meltdown from how awful it tasted.

You tried to ask questions in class but your questions were always called stupid.

You tried to talk about what your peers were into but they wanted nothing to do with you.

However, there was one kid who seemed to understand you.

And his name was Zim.

Zim seemed just as lost and confused as you were.

He often asked ‘stupid’ questions in class and would run off screaming at the mere sight of beans.

He would even sometimes come to skool covered in meat or wearing some kind of ridiculous outfit.

Zim came off as pretty apprehensive at first. Much like you, it seemed as if he didn’t want anyone to bother him.

At first, you assumed he was bullied for his green skin. After all, that Dib kid kept calling him an alien and whatnot.

You always left Zim alone but you did stick up for him whenever Dib was being a jerk.

You would often sit by yourself and try to enjoy some peace and quite before a bully would saunter your way.

However, one fateful day, something wonderful happened.

You sat down at you usual lunch spot and pulled out the lunch you brought from home.

You were about to take a bite when

“Hey! Where did you get that sandwich from?!”

The sound of Zim’s voice made you almost drop your sandwich.

“Oh! Um, I brought it from home?” You stuttered as you caught your sandwich.

“Eh?! You can bring in food from…home?” Zim asked as he inspected your sandwich.

“Of course you can! If you don’t like the cafeteria food then you can always bring something from home! I think…” You explained as you took a bite of your sandwich.

“Huh, so there are no repercussions for bringing outside food and beverages?” Zim’s eyes lit up a bit.

“Nope. None that I know of.”

“Fascinating…” Zim let out a small chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” You grimaced as you put down your sandwich.

“Oh it’s nothing. Nothing at all.. Hey, wait a minute…You’re that Y/N-beast who always defends me from Dib aren’t you?”

“Well I-”

“Aren’t you?!”

“Well I-”

“Aren’t you?!”

“Well I-”

“AREN’T YOU?!”

“YES! I AM Y/N!” You snapped.

“Geez! You don’t have to shout.” Zim huffed.

“Sorry, I get annoyed easily.” You sighed as you resumed easily.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Humans can be so irritating.” Zim agreed as he sat down next to you.

“I know right? Like I don’t understand why people are always so mad at me! It’s not my fault that I’m not perfect!” You ranted as you kept eating.

“Right?! Humans have such a complicated social structure! It’s almost impossible to keep with with all of these…’trends’.” Zim agreed as he watched you eat.

You and Zim spent the rest of lunch exchanging stories and even cracking jokes about how weird humans were.

From that day forth, you and Zim formed a friendship of sorts.  

You and Zim would always sit together at lunch and recess.

You never seemed to run out of things to talk about!  The only thing that ruined your fun was Dib barging in and screaming about Zim being an alien.

Of course, you would always defend Zim. Hell, at one point you nearly tackled Dib to the ground to stop him from throwing a burrito at Zim’s head.

It wasn’t long before Dib became convinced that you were an alien too.

“Lack of social skills, often staring off in the distance, and now they’re talking with Zim?! Y/N is totally an alien, Gaz! I bet they’re another Irken monster in disguise!” Dib ranted as he watched you and Zim chat.

“Be quiet, Dib.” Gaz grunted as she continued to tap away at her GameSlave.

“I’ve got to do something! I can’t let these two aliens get away with..whatever it is they’re trying to do!” Dib growled as he slammed his fist onto the table.

The next day, you discovered that Zim was absent! You felt you heart sink a bit but continued on with your day nonetheless.

When lunch rolled around, you sat in your usual spot and picked at your food.

“Where’s your little friend today, Y/N?”

The sound of Dib’s smug voice didn’t faze you in the slightest.

“What do you want, Dib?” You grumbled as you kept picking at your food.

“I want you and Zim to stop trying to destroy the Earth! That’s what!” Dib snapped a finger in your face.

“What are you talking about? I don’t want to destroy the Earth.” You grunted as you backed away from Dib’s finger.

“You don’t fool me! I know what you are! You’re an Irken Invader! Just like Zim! You might have a better disguise but I see right through you! You’re nothing more than a space monster! And I’m gonna put a stop to your evil schemes!” Dib rambled as he slammed his hands onto the table.

You let out a yelp at the sudden smack and cradled your lunch.

“Oh don’t try to act all innocent, space scum!” Dib snarled.

“I’m not acting! And I’m not an alien either!” You countered as you started to pack up your lunch.

“Do you think I’m stupid?! It’s sooo obvious you’re an alien! You have no social skills, you’re always making these weird little…humming noises when you talk, you even have an adverse reaction to cafeteria food!” Dib explained as he adjusted his glasses.

“None of that stuff makes me an alien, Dib!” You huffed as you got ready to move to a different spot.

You were about to leave when Dib grabbed your wrist.

“You’re not going anywhere! Except on the front page of crop circles magazine!”

You let out a scream at the sudden contact. Your breathing grew heavy as you could feel every germ from Dib’s grimy hand slither onto your wrist.

“LET GO OF ME! LET GO OF ME!!” You screeched as you tried to break out of Dib’s iron grip.

“Not on your life, space monster!” Dib cackled as he tried to pull you down.

“Look, Dib’s trying to fight the retarded kid!” A random student cried out.

It wasn’t long before the cafeteria erupted into thunderous laughs and jeers. Some kids even pulled out their phones to record the carnage.

You let out a blood curdling shriek and managed to shove Dib off of you.

Before he could react, you ran off into the hallway with tears pouring down your cheeks.

You zipped into the restroom and locked yourself in a large stall.

“Why couldn’t Zim be here?! He wouldn’t let this happen!” You wailed as you slid down to the floor.

Little did you know, that Zim had watched the entire fiasco from the comfort of his lab and he was practically boiling with rage.

Zim was trying to work on his latest experiment but he wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing.

He didn’t expect to see you being abused and mocked in the lunchroom!

And that word “Retarded”… it made Zim’s squeedilyspooch churn.

“Computer, what does…retarded..mean.” Zim almost vomited as the word fell from his mouth.

“Retarded. Short for mental retardation, often used as a slur against those with intellectual disabilities.”

Zim felt his eye twitch at the definition.

“I knew it..” Zim’s words dripped with venom as his breathing grew heavy.

That awful, horrible word! Zim could already feel a negative memory resurface.

While he was never called retarded, he was called a defective.

His mind traveled back to his training days at The Academy.

“Hey look! Stink is trying to fight the Defective!” Skutch called out.

Sure enough, Zim and Stink were already in an all out brawl.

Zim tried to fight back, only to have Stink quickly overpower him.

By that point, a crowd had formed and they were already howling with laughter.

“Wow! He’s so defective he couldn’t even fight Stink!” Skutch mocked.

Skutch’s comment earned him another round of mocking laughter.

Zim was left a battered mess on the floor, barely unable to open his eyes.

“MASTER!”

The sound of his computer snapped Zim back to the present.

“Master! There was an error in the experiment chamber!”

“Scrap that experiment! I have a new plan in store….” Zim’s voice was a low growl as he typed away at his keyboard.

Next

[choiceenvironment]

Shorty’s Fight

Shorty is so deserving of the proper surgery to save her leg.  I feel horrible that I can not afford to provide her with it. With so many people struggling, I hate to ask for this kind of financial help, but I have no choice.  I have to try for her sake. Our local small town community has already sponsored the costs to saving her, with help from the wonderful (Strathmore Veterinarian).  The donations gave the vet enough to amputate her tail and cast her arm from a broken Radial bone. Including an anonymous donor that paid her intake. I believe it is because the town knows her, she has gone into stores, got the mail with me and all my clients love her. Since then (2 weeks ago) something has gone wrong and the Ulnar bone which had a hairline fracture has now broken fully, the only option now is amputate her front left arm for $2000 or Surgery for $4500 to save the arm. She is in a lot of pain, this breaks my heart for her and she does not deserve to suffer. I have been told by some that she is just a cat, That I should just do what ever is cheapest and/or put her down. But she is not just a regular cat, her personality captures anyone who meets her but not in the cuddly way most would think. This is my story of the most unique cat I have ever known. "Sam Shorty" 2 years ago I was looking for a small companion cat that I could bring to work at my newly opened print shop. I thought it would be great to keep the mice away, I was lonely as I worked alone and I had some struggles coping with stress. My store was opened in 2017, Since then my entire store was flooded and I lost all my inventory with no help from insurance because it was "overland flooding" - Jerks! They didn't help at all.  But my community did! Since then I lost my father, 2 brothers and covid took away my events which used to pay for my store rent.  I hosted, cooking and paint classes for kids when they were off school.  I also trained people who struggle to learn computer skills and building their own resume. I honestly needed to find a daily companion and furry friend.  My first thought was to catch or coax one of the Ferrell cats around town because I would be "giving them a better life".  So I thought. ha ha ha But the stray cats around town are pretty happy just eating the field mice and being wild and free.  No worries, just play, eat and sleep, I am almost jealous except in winter time. ha ha ha So after weeks of desperately trying to make friends with the Ferrell's I gave up and realized that all I was doing was creating Night Fights from all the food I kept leaving out. The neighbors must have loved that. ha ha ha They did keep all the outside mice away, but funny...I seemed to end up with more mice inside the store. ha ha ha Moving forward I checked online for any cats needing a home and oddly at that time frame there was none?  People even tried catching their own farm Ferrell's to no avail.  Well I was determined so I planned to go on the weekend to buy one SOMEWHERE lol, didn't know where but I was determined. Saturday morning we planned for a Sunday trip to the city.  But I was feeling really down so I prayed.  I honestly prayed to God and asked for help in sending me a cat that needs the most help. See, Although I want a companion for my sake I also want to return the favor to my friend, I want to be doing something good. 2 hours later I was cleaning up some things in the shed and my husband says "I think there is something behind the quad" Sure as shit there was a kitten!  So we ran and told my daughter to grab a can of tuna and after a few attempts I was able to quickly grab her scruff and pull her into my scarf. She fought hard but only for a few seconds, then she tucked her head into my hair and didn't move. I walked around with her for a bit and she seemed to like it.  Eventually I set her on my bed and she just stared at all of us like she was in shock.  Pretty sure she was freaking out. ha ha ha Her eyes were full of gunk, she was so badly filled with worms and she pooped all over my bedroom, my bed, but I could care less. Funny story - she even gave me worms which is very rare! The first night she was so afraid that she would only lay on the window sill.  Shorty was so stunted and small that we called her shorty.  Also because her tail was the smallest tail we had ever seen. While she was going from the window to the liter box and back up to the window sill, her litter was getting stuck to her feet and a small amount kept dropping into my bedside drinking glass. Lets not get into details, but I drank a lot of water that night. ha ha ha - I still laugh at this cause she was worth it. It took a long time to get her back to health, we thought she was dead a few times when she would not move for hours. We eventually got her fixed and with consistent food she began to grow :) and although small she is one tough kitty. I had her on a leash when we would go for walks, camping or to work.  But eventually I just felt like she missed the wild. When we were camping it poured rain one year so bad, but she did not want to leave the brush beside the fire and I realized she was hunting mice! She would be soaking wet and I would try to take her inside with me but she would get so mad, growl and kick her back paws on me.  So in return for her friendship I sat in the rain with her for hours so she could listen to the wilderness and hunt mice.  She even caught one that year but her excitement caused her to lose it and it ran away. She would stand on her back feet and sway her head like a crazy person filled with glee, she looked like a playful bear. Shorty would finally want to go to bed around 11 pm, but at the crack of dawn she would be sitting on her leash staring at me and using her "mind powers" to wake me up.  She is very polite and tries not to disturb me while I sleep.  So sweet. I decided that if I truly love her I would have to let her have her own freedom and if she loved me too, she would return home. At first when I took her off her leash, Shorty would stay with me as I gardened or worked in the yard.  But eventually she left the yard for a day and night. But she returned and before the incident she would come and go on the hour. Shorty could be dead asleep on the piano ( her favorite spot) and she would know if another cat stepped on her property.   So would we, because all of a sudden she would run upstairs to the bedroom windows, then down to the basement windows. Sometimes she would "Scobie Doo"  around the corners then race to be let out the back door. All the neighborhood cats are free out here and go as they please.  They are also bigger than her! But she puff's up, spits and kicks her back feet like she is the toughest little girl in the world. Climbing is her favorite and she always has to show me.  She will run up the tree and if I am not watching her Shorty meows at me and scratches harder on the tree. She loves to run and show off how fast she is, her favorite game with my daughters is what we call "the chase game" That's where the kids will get a foot from her and she will run to the other side of the yard and lay down.  Then she rolls and shows her tummy, so the girls walk up to pet her and when they are a foot from her she runs back to the other side. She loves it. Shorty does not cuddle, wont let strangers touch her and only comes to me "Mom" Now the sad part -  We rescued a Pitbull and have spent month retraining her as she was abused and left to freeze in the cold.  Her name is Calypso. She cowers to many things and we thought we were getting her back to normal. Her prey drive was bad, but the cat and her were beginning to play and we began lowering our guard. I never left them in a room alone together, I still always supervised just encase. But 2 weeks ago I was in court awaiting a verdict on a local exploitation of a minor case.  The judge called guilty, we cried with relief and became overwhelmed as it had been a year long uncertain battle.  By the system prevailed! AS we celebrated on the way home I got a call from my daughter, the dog had got upstairs and the cat was bleeding. I tried to keep my daughter calm and a Neighbour ran to my house to see how bad it was. When I got there, the floor had a trail of blood and a pool of blood behind the couch. But it is not the dogs fault, she is a sweet sweet dog that just wants to be loved.  The dog took to me the moment we met and her jealousy took her over along with her natural instinct. Just as the cat needs to hunt mice, the dog wants to hunt too.  It part of them and I hold no fault to either of them. We called the nearest vet who responded with "we are booked unless you want to just bring her in and put her down?" Yah we hung up on them. Then we called Strathmore Vet and while bawling I explained that I had absolutely no money, I had no idea how to get any money but I would do anything to save her. The vet worked tirelessly through the night and all the next day.  Shorty had her tail amputated, and a second time from the damage.   Luckily she had enough blood to rebuild and just a fractured radial bone.  They tried there best to cast the arm but gave me a 50/50 chance of keeping it. The last two weeks of healing, Shorty has been such a trooper.  We have been trapped in my room since but I think she knows its only so she can heal.  I have not gone to work or left her side. I thought she was getting depressed the last few days but yesterday we found out its pain, from the second bone finally giving out. Shorty deserves to keep her leg and she deserves proper care.  The feeling of not being able to provide this to her is horrible. I cant even afford the amputation. With amputation I wonder if I will ever let her back outside? There is 2 jerks on our street that always speed and with her only having 3 legs I would be too worried that someone would run her over. Most people in our town will actually stop and let a cat cross the road, we are always watching for children and the speed is basically 30 klm/hr over the entire hamlet or Carseland. This is my last resort. I have tried to phone Pet Card to get approve for a pet loan but I don't make enough.  I actually don't make anything since covid and have been operating my print shop at a loss for 6 months. My customers have been hit hard, they don't have the money to pay anymore.  Its not their fault and I have stayed close with all my clients because I truly understand what they are going through. I tried selling all my game consoles i have collected since I was 12, that didn't pan out. The stress of everything gave me shingles, so I have 4 bags of bottles to take in and I am now better so I can actually take them in, but that's not going to help her today. So I am here asking for help because Shorty deserves better and I am okay with putting myself out there for her. She really deserves a chance to keep her freedom and live the happy life she had before. Thank you so much for reading, sharing or considering helping my little girl. My love to you all Jennifer

[pandawritesmanythings]

Halfrid // Part 4

Platonic!Loki x Teen!Reader

Summary: Your life has always been dictated by the fact that you are smarter than most adults. This has made you antagonize many of them, it isn’t your fault that you are just citing facts! However, when the god of mischief becomes your friend, are there enough facts you can cite to prove his innocence?

Warnings: Censored Curse Words, dude being an entitled jerk (not Loki), Angst, Panic attack, bad writing.

Word Count: +4000K

A/N: Thank you so much for the support guys, just a heads up, some things in this chapter may not make sense now, but they will later. I don’t curse, personally, but it was important to have a catalyst in this chapter, that’s why I censored them. Leave feedback, I highly appreciate it!

TAG LIST IS OPEN!!!

PRESENT TIME

“I wish we could have met at a better time. I honestly do.” Fury had returned to the room and you had told him a short version as to why you started to investigate Loki.

“Why do you say that all of a sudden?” You asked, slightly confused.

“You see, I don’t find this kind of fire or passion in agents anymore. If we get out of this, and you are still around, come find me when you are 17, maybe I can find you an internship somewhere you can use your talents.”

He was sincere, you could see it in his eyes… Eye.

“Well, you might be the first. But thank you.”

He cleared his throat, the rumbling above had ceased a bit, according to Fury because the ground above had become a literal war zone. Military aiding the hero’s battle. The enemy ceased fire, but they were sure to resume it at any moment.

“So when was the next time you met the god of mischief?”

You almost giggled. “Ah. That was about six months after. I wish it had been under better circumstances. But the fact that our paths crossed again, is surprising in itself.”

NEW YORK 2015

Both you and Ashley leaned over to be able to look at your crush for a distance.

“We are not staring okay?” “Yeah, we totally aren’t.” You told each other.

You huffed and closed your locker with a thud, slinging your backpack over your shoulder.

“I’m not doing it.” You finalized.

“Aw, come on! Be a little courageous!”

“Being courageous is to know your mom may find out that you have been researching Loki for 6 months and still risking it by logging onto, probably, illegal websites and the dark web.”

“Soooooo, she doesn’t check your history anymore?” Ashley mused.

“Not manually, and I may have hacked into her phone so, I have that going for me.” You walked towards the exit, other middle schoolers filing after you.

“Still, if you just go and talk to him-” “Are you CRAZY?” “Don’t interrupt me. If you just ask him to walk you home, maybe then you could at least ask him out!”

“Not all of us have been able to have seven boyfriends on their 12-year life span.” You cocked an eyebrow.

“Oh, come on! I still haven’t kissed anyone. I’m waiting ‘till I’m thirteen!” She chirped.

“Why thirteen?”

“It’s supposed to be the unlucky number, right? That way I can pass my bad luck to whatever jerk deserves it!” She seemed too proud of herself.

“You are a jerk.”

She flipped her hair. “Wow. Thanks!”

You both giggled. Through the months you had learned to read her bull, call her out on it, and she had pushed you to try new things. It was a mutual relationship, she knew where your limits were and vice versa. Yet, in a way, you seemed to balance each other out.

“Anyway. Not all of us have your confidence, Ashley.”

“Well, if you don’t do it, I will.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” You gasped.

“Wanna bet?” She playfully glared at you, and you glared back.

Suddenly she made a run for it, dashing towards the exit where your crush was hanging with his friends. “Malcolm! Hey, Malcolm!”

“ASHLEY FOR THE LOVE OF G O D!”

Your crush turned around as you tackled Ashley onto the ground.

“Hey! You guys okay?”

You froze when you heard his voice. Oh, you were so sure your smile looked like a weird grimace.

“N-Nothing. It’s just someone was about to do a stupid.” You said as you got up and brushed off imaginary dust.

“A stupid?” He asked amusement in his voice.

“Is my constant state of being.” Ashley chirped.

Malcolm, your crush, raised an eyebrow in amusement. Another guy behind him chuckled.

“Well, I think we are all in a pretty similar state.” He smiled looking at his friends.

“You mean, you Malcolm.” The guy behind him called out. “Parker wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“Ah, as if you weren’t in that state often Morales.” Malcolm retorted. You knew he was joking, but there was something in his tone that just…

“Actually, my friend wanted to ask you something.” Ashley pushed me towards him.

“No. I don’t.” I squealed.

“What is it?” He asked with a smug grin.

“Umm… I-I…" STOP STAMMERING BRAIN!!! "I-I was wondering…”

“Yes?”

Ashley was dying inside. You definitely needed to work on your communication skills.

“I-I…” She placed a hand on your shoulder. You took a deep breath. “I don’t know if you r-remember, b-but in… science class? Yeah! Science. We have a project together, and since Ashley is already not coming with me home today… I was wondering if maybe you… Wanted to have a coffee? To… Plan the project out! Of course!”

He had a smug grin on his face, but it softened into a smile and he nodded. “Of course, I would love to accompany this lovely damsel in distress…” He winked at you kissing your hand. You pulled it from him, there was a way that he talked that you had never noticed before. However, since you actually did have a project to do, you ignored it and gave him a smile.

“Alright! Well, I’ll wait for you outside. See ya! Yeah… Okay.”

You fled down the stairs and waited patiently for Malcolm to come by so you could start talking. However, you were unaware of the conversation that was going on back there. But Ashley wasn’t. She hid nearby, where she could hear the aftermath of your petition without the boys finding her spying on them.

“Dude! She is really cute.” Ashley heard Miles say.

“And nice, I have Spanish with her and she is always very proper and quick about her speaking. She is really cool.” Peter added.

“I don’t know. See, physically, she isn’t my cup of tea. Yeah?” Malcolm interrupted.

“But, you do know there is more to her than how she looks, right?” Miles questioned, worry in his voice. This was starting to unnerve Ashley. Few boys had ever made her feel a chill go down her spine like this guy. He looked pretty nice on the outside but in private… He didn’t seem that nice.

“Bah, I’ll see. I do have to do the project, so let’s see if she is any good.” He said as he walked out the doors. “And, remember I’m waiting for that science report.”

Ashley had heard enough. She was not gonna let this idiot take you home by any means. She dashed as quickly as she could down the stairs, near where you were furiously typing something on your phone.

“Hey! (Y/N)!”

“Gimme a second Ash, I can’t let myself forget this.” You typed a little more and then turned off your phone. “I suddenly got an idea for a new argument for my essay. I think I almost have the intro down, but I need the first transition and-” Ashley quickly pulled you aside, interrupting you. “H-Hey!”

“Sorry, but I don’t have much time. I don’t think you should go home with Malcolm.” She tried to warn you.

“What? Why?”

“I don’t think he is who he makes out to be.” She continued. “I think he is only going to take advantage of you!”

There was something deep inside you that had been telling you the same thing. But you wanted to believe otherwise.

“Alright, I’ll be careful Ash. Thank you for telling me.” You smiled.

“But… I don’t think you should be around him, I heard him back there, he-”

You interrupted her back. “I know you mean well. But I don’t want to live life thinking the worst of everyone. If he steps out of line, I’ll kick him straight in the groin.”

Ashley let out a nervous breathy laugh. “Just… Be careful, I don’t want you getting hurt-”

“Hey!” A male voice sounded behind you. “Ready to go home, princess?” Malcolm asked taking your hand and placing a kiss to it as he did before. Again, you pulled away. For some reason, that gesture unnerved you.

“Yeah…” You smiled awkwardly. “I’ll call you when I get home, okay Ash?”

“Yeah… Ok. See you (Y/N)” She said masking her worry with a winning smile and a flick of her hair as she walked away.

“So, lead the way.” The boy signalled for you to start walking and, with a timid smile, you started walking towards a coffee shop near your home.

It wasn’t anything unusual. He cracked a few jokes like he usually did in class. Offered to open the door for you when you got to the coffee shop. And although you bought your own drink, he insisted on getting you a snack.

“You can have whatever you’d like.” He smiled. You tried to reject his offering, but he wouldn’t have any of it. In the end, you just asked for a muffin.

He was actually really good at doing research, quickly flying through loads of information and sending them to you as you typed the essentials into the PowerPoint presentation.

“I just need to make it look pretty, but I’ll do it some other time.” You said while saving the presentation and snapping your computer closed. He did the same and got up, pulling your chair gently from behind you so you would stand up.

“Are you ready to go home, then?”

“Yeah, it’s not that far away from here, so I can go by myself.” You smiled while strapping your backpack.

“I don’t mind, I’ll go with you.” He insisted.

In the back of your mind, Ashley’s warning kept sounding off. But you decided that a little bit longer wouldn’t hurt. He had been very kind to you after all. Why not let him take you home? That sounded really nice.

Together you walked out of the quaint little coffee shop and started heading towards your apartment compound.

“So, I heard you were in the WRITE scholarship!” He smiled.

“Yeah… Wait. Who told you that?” Only your parents and Ashely knew. She wouldn’t have told him about it, right?

“I saw you taking out a paper in class, it had: WRITE ideas! Written in a corner.”

“O-Oh…” You blushed.

“I’m working on it myself. Coming along quite nicely. It’s going to be a short story, but I think I might turn it into something bigger later down the line.”

“If mine does any good, I may publish it. But, I don’t think people would want to read about it.”

“Oh! Really? Why would you say that?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s just… It may get a little controversial…” You hid your face.

“Ah. I see, one of my friends is also writing about something controversial. I’m not supposed to say, but being anti-gun control sounds pretty controversial to me.” He whispered in your direction mockingly.

You giggled at his tone. “Ah. Well, she has her beliefs. I think as long as she doesn’t try to use her essay to justify violence, it should be okay.”

“Are you anti-gun control?”

“No. I think people’s safety is way more important than things.” You honestly said. “But she can have her opinion. Honestly, that’s why we have superheroes, to protect us. That way people don’t need that many guns.”

“Yeah. I think I stan Stark the most.”

“Oh, and why?”

“Billionaire? The smartest guy on the planet? All the babes? He has everything.”

You cast your gaze to the ground. Your shoes suddenly being more interesting. 

“I mean. I think he is cool because he saves people. But he just has everything.” He finished

After what seemed an eternity you arrived at the entrance of your building.

“Thanks… For coming with me.” You muttered.

“Nah, no problem.” He smiled. “By the way, can I come in? I need to pee.”

You didn’t want to. You really didn’t want to. But you found yourself nodding and leading him inside your apartment.

“The bathroom is over there… Just- Quickly, my parents shouldn’t be long.”

He ran inside the bathroom, and you walked into the open kitchen. Getting a cutting board out, you started slicing some carrots and boiling some water to make some chicken and potatoes. Your dad’s favorite dish. You really wanted to surprise him, and in about two hours he would be home.

Okay, yeah. You had lied to Malcolm about your parents being home soon. But he was making you uncomfortable, every time you let your guard down you had felt him invade your personal space, maybe he was just trying to be charming, but you wanted him out of your house, quickly.

And then you felt two hands sneak through your waist.

The handle of your knife made contact with the side of his forehead. The hands released your waist, you turned to see Malcolm stumbling backwards. His hands holding his head as he tried to recover from your hit.

“You b*tch!”

You were left paralyzed.

“Take that back…” You mumbled. The words barely coming out of your mouth.

“What if I don’t? You hit me with the handle of a knife, you b*tch.”

You head went numb. Swirling thoughts repeating over and over your head. Your demons were hunting you again.

“Get out.” You said. But it was numbed. You couldn’t hear yourself. “Get out.” This time he flinched.

Although you felt numb you grabbed his backpack and threw it through your window. Not caring about where it fell.

“Get out.” You kept saying as you pushed him down the hall. His string of curse words only worsening while all you could say was: “Get out.”

You reached the street and you were still saying it. He hadn’t touched you anymore but he was screaming at your face. And suddenly all the noise came back, crushing you.

“GET OUT!!!” You heard yourself scream.

“I’m out already you piece of-” He was interrupted all of a sudden.

“Malcolm. Stop that!” Miles came out of nowhere and pulled him away from you.

“Get out!” Was your voice failing you? You swore your voice sounded hoarse.

Two pairs of hands held you in place. “I’m sorry (Y/N). I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone with him.” You heard Ashley say near you.

“Hey, she is really cold. Is she okay?” Another male voice sounded behind you.

You shied away from his touch and retreated straight into Ashley. You did your face in her shirt. Finally allowing your voice to rest. But you felt so weak, your legs felt like jelly and your chest hurt. A lot.

“Hey, you’re okay.” She soothed you. “We’re here. We’re going to take care of you.”

Ashley ran her hand through your hair, a gesture that slowly calmed you and allowed you to regain a level of consciousness.

When you felt better, you pushed away from her and gave her a weak thanks. Then turned to see a very worried looking Peter Parker next to you.

“ ’m sorry Pete… I didn’t mean to push ya away…” You said weakly. Your throat barely emitted any sound.

“No, it’s okay. You were upset by whatever Malcolm did, you needed some space.”

You looked around, he was gone. “Wher’ did he go?” You slurred, suddenly feeling your energy drain out of you.

“Miles pushed him away. Don’t worry, he isn’t gonna bother you anymore.”

You highly doubted that.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur. You didn’t remember entering your apartment again. Just the feeling of Ashley running her fingers through your hair, and the worried questions of Peter near you. Mumbles. That was all you could hear. No definitive words, no. Just mumbling going all around you.

When you came back to your senses it was about to be 5:30 pm. Ashley was heading out the door with Peter and Miles, saying goodbye to both of them.

“I’ll see you guys on Monday, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. If she needs anything you have my phone right?”

“Yeah, I got it. Thank you, boys.” She closed the door.

“Ash?”

She whipped around to see you lifting yourself up from the sofa. “Hey… How are you feeling?”

“Like I was hit by a truck.”

She chuckled. “I made you something. I can bring it if you’re hungry.”

“Nah. I’m good.”

“Mom was calling me. I have to go, but if you need anything please let me know.” She started heading out the door. “Love ya girl.”

“I love you too.” You smiled at your friend.

But as soon as she closed the door it vanished from your face. You felt empty. That was something that happened when you got too worked up about something. Mom had told you that it would fade over time, and both of your parents constantly apologized whenever it happened. That’s why you never told them when this happened anymore.

Dad would arrive any minute, so you dragged yourself from the couch and sat in front of your computer to try and squeeze something out of your brain.

Your research for WRITE was good. But the more you looked at it, the more holes you found.

Why did Loki really attack Earth? He had been here before, why hadn’t he done it a year prior?

Was his slip up with Agent Romanoff a mistake? He hadn’t spilt any kind of information before. Not about himself. Not about his plan. Afterwards, he hadn’t even been asked why he’d done it. There was no trace of any comments from him about his actions. 

You looked and looked and started breaking apart. This was never going to work. This was stupid. There was no way that anyone would believe your poorly researched essay. There were no official comments on the main perpetrator. And where would you get it?

They were right. All their words. You were useless. Stupid. You would never be enough, why couldn’t you just dissape-?

“CUPCAKE! I’M HOOOOOME!!!”

Ah… Dad…

“Cupcake?” He had opened the door. “How are you, sweetie?”

You turned around, in the darkness he couldn’t see your reddened eyes. “I’m good. Just finishing some homework.”

“That’s my girl. Hey, I gotta head for the night shift, but I’ll see you in the morning.” He headed towards you and kissed you on your forehead.

“I-I didn’t know you had a night shift today…”

“Yeah, I know I’m sorry. They need extra back up to supervise after Ultron’s attack.” His voice was apologetic. “I’m a sorry munchkin. I promise you I’ll here tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry. I know your job is important.” You smiled, even though you felt broken inside.

“Mom also has a night shift, but she couldn’t drop by to say goodnight.” He rolled his eyes. “You sure you’ll be okay on your own?”

“Yeah. I know the drill.”

“Goodnight munchkin.”

“Goodnight dad.”

You were all alone. He left. She didn’t even bother to check on you.

You walked up to your closet and pulled out a corkboard. Where for the last few months you had worked extensively in collecting research to figure out your thesis.

Pictures of security cameras. Documents. Transcriptions of recordings. Some were tied by a red cord. It looked like a detective trying to solve a case. And for a while, that’s what you thought you were. But as you looked through it, you found more wholes. Wherever you looked, the word failure just hammered in your head. 

The word he had called you today. That insulting and disgusting word. 

In your anger, you grabbed the board and knocked it over. Papers flew across the room. Strewn all around.

Sobs then proceeded to rack your body. There was no way you could do this. Who would listen to a 12-year-old anyways?

THE NEXT DAY

Neither of your parents arrived home in the morning.

New York seemed to match your mood since it was raining. It was definitely a lazy Saturday, so you decided to text Ashley that you were feeling better and that you’d see her on Monday. Then afterwards, you walked out, with your coat on and some money to spend it all in whatever you were craving for breakfast that day. 

You usually didn’t ask for much, so your parents were never angry at you when you spent just a little bit more for yourself.

Is not like you were going to order a bunch of expensive items. But you just went wherever your stomach led you.

You ended up in a bustling part of the city. Despite the rain, people walked by in a hassle. You approached a food car that had a small roof to protect yourself from the light rain that fell upon New York. 

“Hey, there sweetie. What would you like today?” The owner of the truck asked you kindly. 

You looked at the menu, the variety of options overwhelming you. “Well… What do you recommend?”

“Ah! I think the best food to have in weather like this, is the Chocolate waffle delight. With some hot cocoa? The perfect comfort food, missy.”

“Then I’ll try it.” You smiled at him. Did you really look that bad?

After paying you still stood under the roof as the rain lightened, turning into a drizzle. The waffle was honestly really good. It was crunchy outside, but soft inside. The chocolate dripping everywhere and the sugar topping it. The hot cocoa was good too, but you preferred your dad’s. It was creamier.

As you finished your breakfast you dedicated yourself to look around at the people who walked by. Couples walked arm in arm. Families held the children’s hands. People who walked on their own, seemed to go faster. All of them had somewhere to go.

But you, today, on a Saturday like this. Had nothing to do and nowhere to go. Wasn’t that just pathetic?

If the thing with Malcolm hadn’t happened you would probably be working around those holes for your scholarship. But you didn’t feel like writing anymore. There was no motivation coursing through you like it normally did. 

So you just stared.

And stared.

And stare- Wait, what?

A single person in the street stood out to you. What was he wearing?

You threw away the paper wrapper and cup of cocoa and said a hasty thank you and goodbye to the truck owner.

He was standing on the sidewalk, waiting for the crossing sign to change. And he stood out like a crown in a sea of parrots. Because yeah, New Yorkers are weird, but not that weird. Who wears a three-piece, all black, suit anyway?

You speed-walked through your pedestrian crossing, walking towards him. 

It can’t be. They took him back to Asgard. They would arrest him if he ever set foot back on earth. It can’t be him.

You racked your mind for an explanation, but the place where he had just walked out of sent you into a new form of confusion. Why would he be in an elder’s home?

You finally caught up to the man. However, an inner panic overtook you so you just stood awkwardly by his side, waiting for the pedestrian light to change.

Look towards me. Come on. Notice me. You hoped since you were definitely not just going to start a conversation with an unidentified criminal. No. That would be irresponsible of you.

You bounced on the ball of your feet and when the light changed, you followed him as inconspicuously as you could.

After a minute or two of quietly following him, you just thought that maybe you were following the wrong guy. Maybe your sight failed you. There was no way this was him. I mean, he would have the FBI, the CIA, the army and the Avengers on top of him just by setting foot on earth. Yeah, you just-

“Why are you following me?”

Oh no. It’s definitely him.

“Uh-Uh, excuse me?” You tried playing dumb.

He didn’t turn around, nor he stopped. So you didn’t either.

“You have been following me for some time. Please go, I’m not friendly with kids.” He dismissively stated.

“Wow. I guess I’m just some kid. I thought I wasn’t that forgettable.” You smirked, wondering if that would steer his brain.

He only stopped when the next pedestrian light turned red.

Still not looking at you, but with a furrowed brow, he asked: “Do I know you?”

“Yep. I guess I am pretty forgettable.” You shrugged, not meeting his side looks. “I guess sneaking past the security of the highest security vehicle in the world is quite dumb.”

Is he catching on? Am I pulling this off? Or do I just look like an idiot?

It took him a second of silence and starting to cross the street to suddenly whip around in the middle of the crossing and give you a look.

“You’re my cell buffoon.” He smirked.

You gasped, feigning hurt. “Excuse Y O U. I’ll let you know that I am so much more than "entertaining”.“

You both stood there, in the middle of the street, staring at each other for a while. 

"Well, this will be interesting then…” The smirk on his face told you one thing. This was just starting.

[maxerikson]

My Career Troubles

Throughout my life I have had trouble with my career choices. During my early elementary school years, I obviously had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. It was only around the fourth grade that I began taking my own aspirations somewhat seriously. Throughout the rest of my time in elementary school and middle school, I had a lot of different career aspirations: Detective, archaeologist, music producer, photographer, cook, restaurant manager, and seaman. Those last two were the results of taking a career aptitude test. However, it was not until late into my second semester of the eighth grade that I thought I realized what I should be: a video game writer.

Well, not exactly. I wanted to be the person who came up with the ideas for video games, but I had no idea what title that person went by. I eventually learned that they were called a “game designer,” but then I found out that “designer” is what every member of the development team is called, and then I found out that the person in charge of a game’s development is called the “director”. However, the idea for a game doesn’t always come from the director—it can come from any member of the development. Besides, “video game director” is a position you have to be promoted to, so I would have to start as something else.

Unfortunately, I did not learn most of this until the twelfth grade. I think I was late into the school year too by this time. I tried finding as much information as I could throughout high school, but it was not until I was about to graduate that I found anything that was actually helpful. Also, there are barely any video game companies in the state I grew up in. The number one problem is that this type of career goal requires a good fallback or backup career; although I feel like everyone should have some sort of backup for their primary career goals, regardless of what those goals are. This lack of a secondary career path led to one of the biggest mistakes in my life: rushing into college.

I graduated from an online high school in August 2010, and then enrolled in college the very next month. I chose retail management as my major, thinking that I could pursue a career in selling video games as my backup for a career in creating video games. However, I badly needed a job to pay for tuition, and I eventually stopped doing my assignments to focus more on the job hunt. I really should have thought it over more. By the way, I promised myself that I would never, ever take out a loan in my entire life, so student loans were not an option for me. I loathe the idea of having to spend the rest my life paying back money.

Over a year after I first enrolled in college, I enrolled in a career school, choosing hotel/restaurant management as my major. This time, I did put a good amount of thought into this decision before going through with it, and I had help from family to pay for tuition. Then I had my first lesson. Right there, in the very first text that I was assigned to read, I was told that a diploma in hotel/restaurant management did not mean anything without some work experience. I should have switched majors right then and there, because it was basically telling me that this entire course was pointless, but no, I didn’t; I stuck with the course, earned my diploma, and then failed miserable at finding any sort of job at any hotel or restaurant. I think the biggest problems were that I had written that I would not cook meat in my resume, and that I lived in a town full of close-minded people who did not believe in online education.

At some point while reading this, you were probably thinking, “Why not aim for a degree in computer science? That way you could get a job as a video game programmer, and you would have computer skills that could get you jobs in several other industries as well.” That is because I hated computers, and did not want any job that revolved around them. However, in late 2012, I realized that computers are just going to become more and more important in every job out there, so I had to get more used to them. I decided to go all-in with this and re-enrolled in college for an associate of science in graphic design.

On December 3, 2015, after almost three years of College Take Two, I earned my degree; but there were two problems. Halfway through my course, I realized that I care way more about the stories and characters from my video game ideas than I did actual gameplay, and that I should be trying to turn my ideas into TV shows instead of video games. That’s actually how they started out, by the way. During the second half of elementary school, I began coming up with ideas for TV shows. Late into middle school, I imagined those shows getting video game adaptations. I then exclusively imaged them as video games. As a result, when thinking about what I should do for a career, I decided I should turn these imaginary games into reality. The second problem was that there was way less demand for graphic designers than I thought, at least where I lived. I pretty much had to apply to jobs out of state, but no-one was willing to do interviews over the phone or webcam. I couldn’t even get jobs in cities I could drive to, because I never got my driver’s license! I couldn’t, there was no-one to teach me and I hate driving!

It took so long to get hired for a job that was related to my field. I eventually got a work-from-home contract job as a photo editor, adding new backgrounds to pictures of cars and trucks so they could be used for advertisements. I hated this job. At first, it was OK. I was fine with it. Over time, I got better at it; but at some point, I peaked, and there were just not enough tasks for me to take. Not only was I never able to make enough money to move out and live on my own, but I eventually got worse at the job, which got more and more stressful as the solitude and monotony got to me.

After a year of working at this job, I decided that I needed a change in career. After three months of carefully thinking about it, I enrolled at my local community college to get a degree in therapeutic massage. Unfortunately, I was unwilling to ask my relatives to help me cover tuition again, and my photo editing job wasn’t paying enough to help, so I had to take out a student loan. I promised myself I would never take out a loan, and I broke that promise. To this day, I hate myself for doing that.

Towards the end of my first semester, I quit my job as a photo editor, which was negatively affecting my health. I got one A and three B’s for my first semester, but I dropped two of my second semester classes before it ended. I could no longer get a degree in massage therapy, but I could still get a vocational certificate. However, I had to transfer to another school in another state. I was homeless during my time at this college, and the massage therapy class was in danger of shutting down due to a lack of students. I liked massage therapy, but I had to drop out.

Now I’m living in Canada with my birth family, working another job I hate while waiting out a pandemic so I can find a job in retail or entertainment. There is a lesson here that I want everyone reading this to take away from my story: do your researching and think very carefully about what you want to do for a career. Do not rush into college before knowing what you want to study or what you want to do once you graduate. If you don’t know what to do by the time you finish high school, then take a year off; take two if you have to! Just don’t rush into your post-high school life, or you may just regret it.

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

J.B.B. (11)

Bucky x Reader

Content: Fluff, light smut

Warnings: light smut.

Word Count: cramps are bad. They suck. I could’ve done this on time but NO!

MASTERLIST

^J.B.B., ^Part 2, ^Part 3, ^Part 4, ^Part 5, ^Part 6, *Part 7, !Part 8, ^Part 9, ^Part 10, !Part 11, ^Part 12, Part 13

"So, is he your boyfriend?"

The question had been a repetitive invite to embarrassment ever since you arrived in Wakanda, which was a day ago.

"Uhh..." Your broken voice along with the betraying reflex of you fingers tucking your hair behind your ear gave you away every time.

"Relax! I'm just messing with you. You're Kalisha's friend and we're good with just that."

You looked at Shuri, who's enthusiasm ignited her lab with such positive vigour and light, that you couldn't help but mirror her smile.

"Thank you for accommodating me here, in your country. Kalisha told me about the ground rules and keeping the identity of Wakanda a secret and I promise I wo-"

"Promises? In this economy?" Shuri interrupted you, catching a look of surprise on your features before forcing a giggle out of the two of you. "Take it easy, my girl. You're really helping us by staying. Here," she pushed forward a tablet that had a questionnaire opened up, "fill them up so that we can find the best area for your skills."

You scrolled through the questions, impressed at their variance based not only on your past work experiences but also on life situations, work conditions, mental health issues and the overall environment.

Wakandans are way ahead of the rest of the world in more than just one way.

You filled up the entire thing within an hour, surprised at the fact that unlike the anxious times of making your resume over and over, this went quite smoothly, not making your brain overwork for no reason.

"Done." You placed the tab and turned it towards Shuri, who had been busy with a prototype of Bucky's vibranium arm. The black and thin back-lit purple striped metal rested over a support nerve rod connected to the systems sending her the readings from all the parts.

According to Shuri, her team of scientists had been able to map Bucky's targeted memory that brought forward the winter soldier persona whenever he heard the trigger words and they had been successful in wiping off the first partial imprints even as he was being kept in cryo-sleep and would be done with the rest in two more weeks.

Submitting your resume over to what you believed was the HR, she showed you around the lab.

"Would you like to see him?"

She caught you off guard despite your knowledge that he was here somewhere. Your right hand went over to your other arm, pressing down hard over the muscles while your mind focused on steadying your breathing.

"Am I allowed to?"

All Shuri did was give you a sly grin as she tilted her head in the direction she started moving. Behind a section cut off from the rest of the lab, stood a glass capsule resting at an angle, covered with what appeared to be a blanket adorning Swaziland art.

"Did you...?" You tried to suppress your laugh as best as you could at the irony that stood in front of you.

"I had to hide him. Long story. But I am ninety-seven per cent sure he would have been ignored anyway."

You tilted your head in acknowledgement, not bothering to ask the reason behind the setting as she removed the blanket from the glass.

It was the raven hair that first came in sight through the frost covering the glass. Then his eyelids and lips. The stillness surrounding the man you'd experienced a thousand emotions with, in seventy-two hours, scraped at your skin, raising all the tiny hairs over your body. Kline's sordid words echoed through your skull as you looked at the dead expression of Bucky sleeping upon the time surrounding him. Just when the waterworks started coming for the brim, you looked away, making Shuri cover him back before resting her hand on your shoulder. "He'll be fine. I promise."

"Promise? In this economy?" You threw a suspicious glance at her, laughing as she nudged your shoulder.

"But, you have my word. If I don't fix him up, I promise you T'Challa will give up on pursuing Nakia," she responded with dead seriousness.

Just at that moment, somewhere in the capital, T'Challa nearly sneezed the life out of himself, wondering what his sister was up to this time.

It was a surprise when Nakia informed you how impressive your resume had been as you had only taken up menial jobs after college and never really cared much about earning more than what kept you content. Turns out it was your voluntary activities with unprivileged kids and knowledge of certain languages and geography of the places you'd visited that attracted the woman. She wanted you to help the younger lot with the languages and geographies you were fluent with along with interning at Shuri's lab to further your experience in the advanced technology, given your Computers and Biology majors in college. You were sceptical of the choices she gave you to try out before moving to other options but all it took was one trial in a classroom full of curious faces- both eager to know and patient enough to listen to you- and a day at the lab- where the scientists and lab techs had been really patient in helping you adjust with their technology, something you knew had Shuri written all over it- for you to settle for them by the end of the day.

You had also nearly surprised Okoye with your tears of happiness when she confirmed that there was a place on the outskirts, away from all the chipper bustle of the capital, where you could settle down, but it was within a community of farmers and herders who had decent lodgings and the open skies with vast scenery in the name of luxury.

"Good thing that I come from a line of goat herders and wheat harvesters."

A week passed with the length of a year. Your eyes would wake up to the calls of early birds and the rising sun, breathing in the dew of early morning grass under your bare feet, tingling you all over, forcing you to get ready for your day. The first four hours would go by in the flash of an eye as you would fill up the young minds with places they had not visited and the things they had not seen. The next two would go by learning something new every day at the lab before Shuri would force you to learn some hand to hand combat from the Dora Milage along with her 'just in case'. You knew it had to do with the recent insurgency that happened in the country but you were more than willing to learn if it meant keeping her company while learning to defend yourself, though living here you felt you didn’t it much. But Okoye, who knew the reasons for your hidden scars, never neglected your learning and made sure you were ready to take down at least one warrior by the end of the week.

Your nights would pass on your hard bed under the blanket of stars too beautiful to get used to as you tried to look back at the blur that was your life before this but couldn't find anything to hold on to- except, maybe, Gina and Michael. You would fall asleep under the glow, to the sound of curious but harmless nocturnal animals as you would feel yourself drifting into a world with nothing but pleasant silence.

Today was your day off. No classes, no internship; not even training. You had busied yourself in tidying up your decent house and helped your neighbours in preparing lunch for the people busy in the field harvesting the season's first crop, who in turn surprised you by braiding your hair- which had recently grown long because you hadn't  paid much attention to it for the last two months- while the kids had gathered blue and purple wildflowers and decorated the loose bun with them, making you gleam with newfound joy.

Thabo, the youngest of the kids, wanted to learn about the animals you'd talked about in class yesterday and you were happy to reciprocate their artwork in your hair with some knowledge about the Arctic Fox and the White Wolf from your books.

It had been one instant that seemed to have extended into a sweet elastic stretch of caramelised frames. You'd been talking about the latter when Thabo pointed out to someone standing behind you, making you turn towards a stranger coming in your direction, standing still himself as his distant blue eyes met yours. The book fell from your lap- rescued by Thabo's brother- as you stood up and turned towards the pale figure of Bucky clad in the familiar old shirt and trousers.

"Bucky?" You called out in a whisper as your heart tried to take in his presence but your eyes already gave up.

You saw the bag in his hand drop, his eyes taking in your existence as you walked towards him.

You could feel his breathing fracture lightly when he called out your name- making your whole being glow like the stars you slept under at night- before taking you in his warm embrace.

It was back. His familiar warmth, radiating more than it ever did before. His scent. Bucky's delicious scent still drowning you in his sweet wondrous latency. His warm flesh and cold metal stirring the oceans under your skin on your back as his grip ensured you he was never letting you go again. Ever.

You forgot every other company around you. The children, who were low-key hooting at the intimate sight between their teacher and this foreign man- and adults- dragging them away by their ear to give you the much-needed privacy- disappeared.

Drawing yourself away from his decelerating breathing, you gulped in every shade of his skin and every corner of his ocean eyes, smiling while you moved his hair away from his face.

"Hey," you smiled at him, trying to find words in your breathless state.

"Hey," he came back with a wide smile, placing his hands around your face, grazing your jaw and cheeks with his thumb as his own turned red.

"You are more beautiful than I remember," his breathless voice spoke, making you giggle through your tears.

"Not as breathtakingly beautiful as you," you responded, taking the back of his neck in your wanting grasp, your limbs pulsating at his touch. He brought his forehead down to touch yours, allowing your breaths to mingle.

You stood there, just like that, never wanting to move. Your fingers laced into his hair as your other hand came down his jaw, your index resting at the corner of his red lips.

"I thought I'd never see you again," you finally broke, your voice barely reaching over a whisper. "I had no idea wha-"

"I know," his hold around your face bringing you closer to his, the tears in his eyes breaking as he closed that with a whimper, "I know. I'm sorry. I couldn't drag you into the mess. I didn't trust anyone. I didn't trust myself. I'm sorry, Y/N."

You shook your head as your fingers came over his lips. "Shhh. It's not your fault, Bucky. Stop."

Bucky's tears made your body shiver, wanting to hold him close and tell him he was never the problem. "But your home, Y/N. It's because of me that you w-"

"No," your adamant eyes looked at him, making him still, "it is no home of mine if my judgement and decisions cannot be respected under the roof; if I cannot care for the person I want to."

A silent breeze passed through you, bringing the smell of the intoxicating wildflowers with it. "My home is where I can have peace, Bucky." You could tell he was holding his breath. Trying to stop the last of his restraints.

"And amongst all the turmoil in life, I found it with you."

The night took its first stretch outside; the brilliant stars already visible all over the sky. Inside your home, lips met to ignite a solemn fire. Hands rediscovered the skin over the shoulders, on the chest, over the back, burning every surface it passed over, arching into the compulsory touch. Limbs crossed over one another, aching at the pulsating desire between them while heavy breaths tingled the neediness in the throats. The tongues tasted the thirst over each other in an intricate dance as the arms drew each other's naked bodies closer. The marks and bites burned and the wet kisses soothed them. Bucky turned you over your stomach to find your back, leaving no scar unkissed, no mark untouched, replacing all the ache with the frames of his lingering collision inside your mind. His legs parted yours while his hand found your waist. Your hands grabbed the sheet under you as you felt him filling you up, forcing you to arch back to have him plant soft kisses right on your shoulders as his flesh hand cleared your hair away for him to find all your sensitive areas on the neck, while his metal supported his weight above you. The slow rhythm found a pace of its own, as your animalistic desires surfaced. The high built up with the pace so did the fervent kisses and gasps. You could feel your walls clench around him and his hand travelled down your waist to find your aching nerves, bringing the arousing high to its much-needed release. Your body trembled through your first of many pleasures as he found his own release.

"This must be heaven."

You looked up at Bucky with bliss, who was watching the stars, his flesh arm supporting your head. Both of you lay under the dazzling sky over the bed in the open air, limbs entangled under the sheets, taking in this calm night. "It is, isn't it?"

He lifted his head to look at you, smiling at the dazzle in your eyes.

"It is," he announced, never leaving your gaze as he kissed you. His thumb grazing the skin over your arm, taking in as much of your skin into his memory at a time.

"She didn't tell me."

"Hmm?"

"Shuri didn't tell me you were coming home today."

Bucky's smile disappeared for a second before a cackle burst out of his lungs. "So that's what they meant!"

He told how Shuri never told him about you either and had been pushing him to take the prototype with him 'for research purposes'.

You could feel the embarrassment surging through your body as you shifted under the covers to hide your face in his chest, making him chuckle.

You played with the rebellious threads of his red clothing that Okoye had provided him with when he came over as a thought played inside your mind. Finally, you gave in.

"Do you want to keep it?"

It was Bucky's turn to shift. "No."

"It must remind you of the things in your past, right?"

Bucky nodded. "Yes. Yes, it does."

"Then don't keep it." You half got up to face him. He looked at you with a blank expression for a second.

"You want to start new. If you feel this is the first step, then do it. No one's going to force you. No one can. It's a free country."

You rested your chin over his chest, feeling his fingers make circles and hearts over your back making you smile as Bucky had no idea currently what he was doing.

"What's stopping you?"

He sighed, never stopping the hearts.

"I'm whole even without this, right?"

You looked at him with your concerned eyes. "Bucky, you are definitely whole without this piece of metal."

You got up and shifted your legs over his waist while directing your upper body to his conjunction. "Here," you said as you found the control and swiped a few digits before Bucky heard a snap and the arm safely detached himself from Bucky's shoulder. You got up and tucked it away in Bucky's bag before coming back to his warmth.

"You are more than that metal, James Buchanan Barnes," you announced in his ear before kissing his lips.

His smile came back and he held your face in his flesh warmth as he came back for a lingering kiss.

"What did I do to have you here beside me?"

"Oh, you didn't do much," you pointed out, "It was Steve and his rebellious bunch who did all the work."

Bucky groaned, making you laugh. "He's at it again, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he told me all the stories, mister. And he approves of me if you wanted to know. I mean, as you can see, thanks to him, I'm here."

Bucky's ocean orbs reflected the stars in them as he got lost in yours. A pleasant pain filled him up as he kissed your forehead and pressed you closer to himself.

"Yes. You're here."

And with that one satisfied thought, both of you found the once disappeared sleep again in each other's arms under the best blanket the universe had put on display.

(Send me an ask if you’d like to be tagged in future fics or if you’d like to tell me how you good/not good you found this fic/chapter. xx)

^J.B.B., ^Part 2, ^Part 3, ^Part 4, ^Part 5, ^Part 6, *Part 7, !Part 8, ^Part 9, ^Part 10, !Part 11, ^Part 12, Part 13

TAGLIST

Permanent

@greenarrowhead @magiclolipopqueen @choke-me-sweet-pea @classy-swiftt @smexylemony @hazzastyles2471 @lokis-lady-death @lokixme @l0kisbitch @bambamwolf87 @tarithenurse @hiddlestonstansworld @itheoneofmanyfandomsi @nalokoniloki @fuckidontknow @qualitynerdwasteland @cryinglots @unipanda1006

J.B.B.

@lost-and-wandering-alone @imsunnysu @vxidnik @sebbies  @unknownuserhasjoined  @cauraphernelia @queen-of-elves @doitfortwitter @ladywintersoldat @introvertfangirl @alt-er-love-er-alt @klmpun

[kuriquinn]

Hey Kuri. I just need a little life advice. How did you find your call in Teaching? I'm kinda struggling right now trying to find what I want to do with my life. Im going back to college soon but the subject I'm studying isn't what I'm interested in. I've tried to love it but its been difficult. I often times feel like a disappointment to my family because my siblings are all doing great and I feel like a loser not getting there yet.

Strap in, there, Anon, this’ll be a long one…

If I’m being honest, my call isn’t teaching - it’s writing. Even now, though I have a Big Girl Job and everything, which pays my bills and keeps my fur babies in food and toys, I consider my writing to be my real job. Even if, at the moment, it’s just writing fanfiction.

The first piece of advice I would give you for anything in your future is to do something you love. That way it will never be a chore and you will stick with it longer than five minutes. 

Now, on the heel of that, the second piece of advice is: if you can’t pursue your passion, pursue something you don’t hate. And it might take you a while to figure out what that is. 

I graduated high school with pretty decent grades, went to a good college and did well there (Liberal Arts), and I applied to university hoping to major in Creative Writing and Minor in German Language. My outside logic was: it would help me get into a writing field like journalism or translation. Inwardly, I figured I was just taking university courses while I was busy writing my novel and that before graduating I would be published and famous and rich.

Yeah, eighteen-year-old me was a bit of a naive idiot. 

Cue life-experience:

My parents were kind of wary about the whole thing, they didn’t really believe I was doing a good thing, but it was my choice and they had to respect it. They knew what I didn’t, but would learn for myself. At the time I was also working in a bookstore, which while not my passion or anything, I actually enjoyed. Work never felt like work, and for minimum wage, that’s a good thing.

Flash forward to my first semester of university, in which I learned that a) my German skills were beyond what I could be taught at uni and I wouldn’t be able to take half of the courses I needed to fill my minor, so it was basically a waste of time to take and b) my Creative Writing classes basically centered around having a published author (and I use this term loosely to define a person who self-published one grungy, literary shock fiction and passed it off as literature) get up and talk about how to write. And not write actual good stories with decent plots and characters and such, but the gritty, sensory, detailed lyrical crap…and if you didn’t try to write exactly like that person, they flunked you.

So trying to follow my first passion didn’t exactly pan out. 

I ended up switching my degree completely, majoring in Classical Civilisation and minoring in History. I figured, I love history, and I love research, maybe a degree in this could help me get a job in museum studies or as a researcher or something. The next two years passed quite nicely…and though my part-time bookstore job fell through because of crappy managers, I started to tutor a lot more (and my brother was in his last years of high school at this point, and needed my help getting through his classes) and I realised that I was actually pretty good at breaking down information and explaining it in different ways. Plus, I already had a lot of experience with learning difficulties due to my brother.

So, one year before I graduated, I get the bright idea to become a teacher. I had enough credits to switch majors, but the problem was, my university only offered Early Childhood Education…and while I dearly love little kids, more than five or six of them below the age of ten would probably drive me insane. I figured teenagers would be more mature.

(*pause* *waits for riotous laughter from Those Who Know Better*)

Anyhow, I had to apply to a whole new university program just to get into a high school teaching program. And that was the most miserable two years of my life, because teacher education is the most useless piece of trash degree you can take. You know when you learn? When they stick you in a school as a student teacher. I didn’t learn one thing from my second university degree except that sometimes the only way to move on to the next stage of your life is to sit through the boring shit and get a stupid piece of paper saying you sat through the boring shit.

And THEN…

I didn’t even get a job for another two years. 

The thing people don’t tell you about university is that when you get out, there is almost no one hiring. The Baby Boomer generation is not retiring any time soon, the job market is flooded with so many newcomers that competition is fierce, and on top of that, your chances are reduces based on what field you go into. Science, Engineering, Computers, Medicine, Business and Law? Competition will be fierce, but you will definitely have a job at the end of your degree. Anything else? Unless you somehow become famous, every other job out there has a crappy percntage of hiring, and chances are you are going to have to get an average Joe job for a year or two before you actually get hired to do what you studied.

Me, I had one learning experience where I moved to England because there’s a huge demand for teachers (and learned why there’s a huge demand is because the school system there is complete shite), and then spent a year unemployed and basically acting as an unpaid domestic/caregiver because my mother was sick (I lived at home, though, so that’s why it worked out). I still tutored when I could, but I didn’t have as many clients as I had hoped for. Things were so bad at this point and I was so depressed I couldn’t even write…

I did finally get hired, but the way I did won’t make you feel better. I basically sent my resume to one of the schools where I did my field experience, telling them I was available for tutoring in the upcoming year. I got a call back (on my birthday) to see if I was interested in taking on an actual teaching job - they remembered me from my internship and remembered my brother (who once was a student there).

So I basically got the job because I knew someone.

And that’s the reality of it. You will not get a job (in certain fields, at least) unless you know someone. Networking and good interview skills are so important to getting hired these days, and your ability to be social (or fake being social) is key. 

Even now, I’m not exactly secure in my job. As a teacher in the private sector, I don’t even have a contract. I literally spend every August sitting by the phone biting my nails hoping that they’re going to call me back for the year.

But it’s a foot in the door. You always have to think about it that way.

Contrast this to my brother - he finished high school, took a trade (auto mechanics), and had a job within a year. He now makes and will continue to make more in a year than what I will in two. He had his forever job at 19; I didn’t find mine until I was 27.

Now, if you’re still with me and I didn’t bore you with my life’s story, here’s the take away:

1. Pursue your passion. If you can make a living from it, you’re one of the lucky few. Keep doing you, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Friends, family or loved ones, it doesn’t matter what they think.

2. If you can’t pursue your passion (full time, at least), do something that you don’t hate. Something that you are good at, a job where you can show up to and do your work happily and then go home at the end of the day and not stress about. Again, if anyone is telling you to do something you hate, DON’T. In five years, you’ll be burnt out, stressed and miserable. It is so not worth it. And if this is an Average Joe Job like working in a bookstore? Fine. Do that. It gives you more time to pursue your actual passions, and looks good on a resume.

3. Get a trade. Seriously, if you put off university for a year to get a trade, like real estate or mechanics or electrician or something, you not only give yourself the ability to be hired sooner, you can also support yourself throughout your academic career - and for those of you facing a future of student loans, this is so important!

4. If you pursue higher education, be prepared to change your mind A LOT before you graduate. You might find your are more interested or better at a certain subject that you thought, or a complete loss. There is nothing wrong with changing your major or minor until you find the right fit, just make sure you get all your General Education courses out of the way first so that you have that leeway.

5. After graduating, unless you’re in certain career fields, be prepared not to have a job right away. Get an Average Joe Job to keep you going, keep sending out CVs and going to interviews, and just hang in there - you will eventually get there, even if it takes you a little longer than your friends. And network! Make sure you keep in contact with people who might be able to help you in your career.

6. If you have the money and means, travel. Because chances are you won’t have the chance to do it once you join the rat-race.

7. MOST IMPORTANT: Do not let stress take over your life. You MUST find a way to balance your life while you worry about school/career stuff. Go out with your friends, travel when you can (even if it’s just a day trip to a museum!), write or paint or play music or build models or code or binge watch your tv show of choice, or whatever it is you do for fun - make sure you do it every day. Because your brain needs a way to unwind from the not so pleasant adulty stuff.

Anyhow, that’s the advice Twenty-Nine-Year-Old-Present-Me would give Nineteen-Year-Old-Me on the eve of starting university. I don’t know if she’d listen to all of it, but I wish someone had told me all that. Especially the parts about not getting a job right away. I thought I was a humongous failure because I couldn’t find work, when the reality was, I was just one of thousands of people seeking employment in an uncertain economic environment. 

So, on that note, I hope that you managed to find some comfort or guidance in these words. Remember, you are not a disappointment and everyone moves at their own pace. Maybe you’re having a slow year and your siblings aren’t. Maybe next year you’ll be the one who has exciting new opportunities and they are stuck in a rut. Our lives are very static and you never know what’s coming around the next bend. Just keep on keeping on.

And personally? If I was struggling to love my college program? I would take a very good look at whether it was really for me.

Thanks for the ask :)

[stephengream]

Advice to CompSci students and recent graduates

I thought I’d give some advice to people from a seasoned engineer. I’ve been in computing since I was 19, so nearly 10 years now, and I did this when I actually used tumblr regularly and got a fair few reblargs about 5 years ago, so I thought I’d repeat it now that I’m a little older an more jaded and see how we go. So let’s get started!

UNIVERSITY DEGREES DON’T MATTER IN THE LONG TERM

This is probably the hardest thing to swallow. You work your ass off for 3 or 4 years at university for what? A bit of paper? Truth be told, after a couple of years working nobody will care, and it will count for naught.

NOBODY GIVES A SHIT ABOUT YOUR MARKS... IF YOU’VE BEEN WORKING

Want to know my average mark? Somewhere in the 65-70% region. I pulled a Credit or distinction for most courses. What did I learn? Some fun stuff, but not much of it was useful outside algorithms, software construction and design. The other courses I did were cool, but I learned way more by diving into relevant open source projects.

To be completely honest, the best engineer I know is a university drop out, so don’t sweat it if you fail a course or two. With some work there’s still going to be pathways for you.

As a thought experiment, put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer. They have two candidates, someone like me, not getting great marks, but has been working nearly fulltime through university and has a great reference from his old boss, and someone with no work experience but a straight 90% average mark. Who is a less risky choice? 

The person with the job has worked with computers in a practical setting, outside the lab, and had to deal with the consequences of his or her decisions in real life. The person that’s concentrated on uni? Sure, they be smart, but have they ever had to deal with a stakeholder? Have they had to create actual working pipelines for their work? Have they ever had to support and maintain any of their code after an assignment? 

Who will take less time to get up to speed in this situation? My advice is that if you enjoy study, great, whatever, but remember that universities will never drop you in a situation where everything is burning down and expect you to fix it. The earlier you learn to cope with that scenario, the better, and as it becomes a routine thing you will start to form practical links between your study and useful information, thereby beefing up your marks with minimal extra study.

MANAGE AND TRACK YOUR TIME

This isn’t what your parents tell you, "you spend too much time playing computer games and on that god awful tumblr site” is an astute observation, but not something you can really action in isolation. What is useful, however, is knowing how you spend your time and how you can optimise it. This is perhaps the most difficult thing to do, because it’s tedious and boring, but even just setting your timetables and work times in your calendar as a recurring event can help, and from there you can start to have a better idea of how much time you actually have to spare every day. Get into the habit of this, and I promise you, you will never run late or work overtime ever again.

MAKE NOTES ON WHAT YOU’RE DOING

Lectures, eh, I never found notes that useful since they were all recorded. Personal taste though, I know a lot of people that lived in their notebooks.

That being said, I do keep a very tight grip on my design and implementation decisions. I like using OneNote for this, because I can quickly scribble down ideas and to-do lists, and paste in code snippets for later. Another program that could work is Scrivener, and one of my classmates even kept an Excel spreadsheet with a workbook for each thing he was working on (I suppose you could use something like KEdit or Atom, but I like to lay things out in a very specific way so I don’t have to scan through anything. Find what works for you and keep it that way). When it comes time to stand up in front of my team and tell them about the project, I can always answer any question thrown at me. I don’t have to sit there thinking about it and trying to remember exactly why I chose library A over library B or why I thought this class was garbage and restructured it.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS A CHANCE FOR YOU TO IMPROVE AS AN ENGINEER, IF YOU GET HUFFY YOU’RE MISSING OUT ON A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Leave your ego at the door and be a team player. You’re never going to be alone on a project, and you’ll do well to listen to your teammates and converse with them in calm terms. 

If you get upset every time someone makes a suggestion on how to improve your Already Perfect Code™, not only are you going to look like a pompous dick but you’re going to completely reject this lesson someone is offering you for free. Everybody is there to get their job done, and if you get in the way and refuse to compromise and discuss your implementations you can’t expect to keep your job for long.

The flip side to this is that not all advice is good. In time you will learn to recognise this, because shitty advice will make your job harder, but when you’re just starting out it’s best to assume people probably know something you don’t.

CODING STYLE AND NAMING STANDARDS MATTER

You want to know what the stupidest argument on the internet is? Tabs v spaces. It gets nasty, and I saw classmates in uni get into yelling matches. My opinion is I’m a spaces guy, but I do what the rest of the team does. Why? Because consistency.

Have you ever opened up an old project you worked on at uni with a few different people and thought “oh dear god, what were we thinking”? I can assure you that part of this mess will be down to the different styles you all employed in your code. When doing this in a professional setting, it needs to be consistent to ease readability and ensure the team doesn’t misinterpret code. The lucky thing is, all the best IDEs have plugins that will do all this for you and throw warnings when something isn’t right.

PEOPLE SKILLS ARE PARAMOUNT

This doesn’t apply to everyone, but I know that a lot of us are basement dwelling nerds, but being awkward is something you need to get past. Working in software is just as much about your interactions with people as it is how good you are at making computers do what you want. How can you expect to get a good list of requirements from a client if you’re too shy to ask them tough questions? How do you function in a team if you can’t communicate with the people assigned to help you on a problem? 

This is definitely something that can be learned if you put some work in. The way I did was just to hit it head on on the job and start out just trying to reword what the client was telling me they wanted. It’s not ideal, but it took a lot of awkwardness out of the exchanges I had. From there, I just started talking to people in bars, not hitting on anyone, just chatting while we were in line for a drink or something. Didn’t have to be anything specific, I just said the first thing that came to mind, and boy did I spill the spaghetti more than a few times. But you know what? I learned from it, and become much better at at least pretending I wasn’t a giant, awkward weirdo, which leads me to my next point...

ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES EARLY AND LEARN FROM THEM 

You will fuck up. You are not perfect. Do not double down, especially when you’re brand new to the workforce and everyone will grant you three times the patience they’d grant to someone like me. Every time you screw something up, you will learn way more than if you did it right first time, so don’t sweat it and learn how to admit to your own failures and work on fixing them rather than learning how to cover them up.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MOVE ON

‘nuff said. Always keep abreast of the job market and have your resume ready to go with a number of cover letters for different types of employers. Consider this a risk management and profit maximisation strategy if nothing else, and always know how much you’re worth to the company you work for (and be honest to yourself about it). In saying this, though, I tend to aim for a minimum 2 years with a company outside of contracts. It takes a while to onboard someone and bring them up to speed, especially in software, so be mindful of how it would look if you moved around too much.

This point is something I can definitely reinforce with my own personal experiences. I’ve been through 2 redundancies up until now, and both were for similar reasons, in that I was cheap to move off the work roster. My first I was on casual time, so wasn’t legally entitled to any redundancy payout, and the second because I’d only been with the company for a year and was only entitled to a small payout. 

The other thing to note here is that if you work for a small company, chances are someone high up will do the firing personally. For me it was the CEO in both situations, so don’t burn your bridges here and be an ass. A personal endorsement from a C level executive will net you serious credit and at least an extra $5-10k at your next position, so be professional and make sure that’s the image of you they keep in mind when someone comes ringing for a reference.

LEARN AUTOMATED TESTING

If you’ve never worked in a real setting, this probably sounds stupid. 

“Why would I write tests when I can just run the application and look at the output myself?”

Oh my sweet, summer child.

This one will come in handy for when you’re sick of spending 5 minutes loading up an application, clicking through and getting your inputs right, then waiting for it to finish. There are many different schools on how to do this, but truth be told even though nearly every company does it, most people on a team will do it slightly differently. 

I’m of the school that will figure out the outputs for each component, write the skeleton for each one, then write the tests after having a basic implementation in place. This works for me, because I will often change the architecture and interfaces of an application as I go along and learn more about the problem domain.

On the other hand, my teammate will write the tests before she does anything else and generate stubs for everything she has to do. This is also a perfectly valid way of doing things and one I’ve seen used a lot, but it does require a more in depth plan and better understanding of what you’re putting into place before your fingers even start to tap out that code.

The third “correct” way of doing it is developing the tests as you go along, which is also perfectly valid, though I find with the way I work it adds a lot of overhead in my development time.

The process here is a personal one, and I’ve had a lot of heated debates in the past with zealots who insist on a particular way. Don’t be that guy, because as far as I’m concerned you need to find out which way works for you and stick to it while letting other people be productive in the way they do things.

SHITTY LANGUAGES THAT EVERYONE USES OFTEN HAVE AWESOME TOOLSETS AND ECOSYSTEMS

Yes, Java is shit, I know, but have you ever used Gradle?

How about JavaScript? Node is popular for a very good reason, you know.

Before completely dismissing a technology, be sure to check out what people are doing on the edges. I was a .NET programmer for many years and was locked into the absolutely amazing C# language, but the horrendous MSBuild build system. I started looking over the Java side of the fence and found a wonderful ecosystem full of amazing tools and even more amazing and dedicated developers maintaining them. 

The rule of thumb is, if the language is shitty, people will build some cool tools around it to overcome its limitations. If the language is good, it can be a victim of its own success in a lot of ways. Don’t just look at a language, much sure you look at the tools that come with it, too

READ AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Yes, this is where I crack out Stephen’s must read list: Software edition.

Code Complete - Seriously THE book for amazing software construction. I’ve read my copy many times and keep it handy to refer back to it a lot

Introduction to Algorithms - The only textbook from uni I keep coming back to. An absolute treasure trove of great info, and provides insight into why your application is running really slowly or blowing out its memory heap

 Introduction to the Personal Software Process - Want to be a better engineer? Read this, and figure out the best bits that apply to you. It’s bureaucratic, but it’s where I got my obsessive note taking and time tracking from and I stand by it as one of the best process oriented books I’ve ever read

Refactoring to Patterns - Your code is garbage, but you can’t quantify exactly what’s wrong with it? This is the book for you, and as a bonus it will help you fix it in a sensible way. Great as a reference, and I keep the quick reference list from the inside cover in my laptop bag.

Patterns of Enterprise Architecture and Enterprise Integration Patterns - These are fucking cumbersome tomes and very difficult to slog through, but will serve you well with some of the stupid, overengineered crap people have done in larger systems. 

Continuous Integration - This is what’s done in the real world. Learn what it is and how to do it.

Continuous Delivery - Some places do this, but most really need to start. This book is a little enthusiastic about it, but the points it makes in regards to delivery methodology are spot on

The Lean Startup - You want to start your own million dollar company? Of course you do. Read the shit out of this one and learn what it means to be a customer driven, adaptive company. It will also serve you well working in agile teams, as you can help institute better processes and understand why things are done in certain ways.

Risk and the Smart Investor - “Yeah man, but I’m a free spirit hacktivist and I’m going against the man I don’t need money row row fight the powah”. Yeah, ok, I was young and unemployed at one point too. When you’re ready to be an adult and learn how to make your money work for you, spend the $20 on this book instead of Twitter or Yahoo shares. It walks you through various ways of hedging your risk and diversifying investments while also telling you the stories of two men who have lived very different lives and how they’ve spent and invested their money. If you want to make sure you don’t get suckered into a get rich quick scam and have a little nest egg put away for your twilight years, this is vital reading.

And that’s about all I can think of right now. I will try to blog more, I have some ideas for some home projects that I want to pursue over the next couple of weeks so I can get some things straight before I need to do them at work, so will probably write about them. Lately my routine has been wake up at 6:30, at work by 7:30, come home 5:30-6, go to the gym for an hour, come home, practice guitar for an hour or two, then go to bed. Absolutely thrilling lifestyle, but it should start to slow down in a little soon as I settle into this new job. 

[totoreishii]

I will be graduating from college in two months with a job lined up for me right after, so with what I’ve been through in terms of applying for various positions, I figured I’d share some advice on how to apply to positions as a college student, interviewing, and overall overcoming the grind that is finding a job.

disclaimer: I can only speak from my own perspective, a US citizen majoring in Computer Information Systems (under a business school) with career aspirations in software development. Idk how many of my followers can relate but I hope it at least helps

Generally speaking, I recommend in your university career that you work a part-time position and do at least one internship. For the part-time position, I recommend working on campus because universities are usually flexible about scheduling. Internships, especially for people interested in software development, help you gain experience of what it’s like to work in your field. Overall, doing both these things will supplement and boost your resume and make finding that full-time job a lot easier.

Go attend your university’s career fairs. Any that are relevant to your career aspirations. I’ve attended my major’s career’s fair, the big main career fair, hell I even raided the engineering school’s career fair. Honestly in my opinion, this is one of the best ways to apply for a job, whether it’s full-time or for an internship. Literally for some companies, the career fair is the application process; it might be the only way to grab an audience with them. I managed to capture the attention of one of my top desired companies to work for simply by talking to them at the career fair (I just interviewed with them a couple days ago). I have applied to their positions multiple times on their online portal, but I had never once received a response. Now, I’ve had professors urging me to go as early as possible (like when you’re a freshman or sophomore) because they want you to be recognizable by the employers. I have mixed feelings about this because really most of the time employers are only looking for juniors (internships) and seniors (full-time) and will sometimes front-out tell you that and then just shoo you away, and I speak from first-hand experience of such actions. And please for the love of God DRESS UP. I can’t tell you how cringy and unprofessional it is to see people showing up to these events in casual clothes.

Apart from career fairs, utilize your school’s job board or online job portals. I think for the most part a majority of universities offer some type of job portal that employers can post their open positions to. Most of the time, the job postings in those type of sites only require you to submit a resume, but you should expect that they’ll ask you to submit a full application their site as well. In addition to using my school’s job board, I’ve used Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn to help me find jobs. I strongly recommend having accounts on Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Glassdoor has profiles on companies and will tell you average salaries and interview processes. LinkedIn is a professional social media tool and acts like an online resume; you have the ability to directly contact a company’s HR manager, but I’ve mostly used LinkedIn to learn about potential interviewers I’d be interviewing with.

If you’re extremely concerned about finding a job with no particular preferences about companies, then my recommendation is to apply to as many positions you qualify for as you can. I can tell you right now it will be a pain in the ass to fill out 98098134 applications, but someone is bound to consider you and you want a considerably large pool of potential employers to choose from. With that being said, you may get a large amount of responses back all asking to interview you, and you might find yourself overwhelmed. I have personally been VERY overwhelmed in terms of scheduling AND interviewing because I have to balance my work, school, and interviewing schedule all with the fact that interviews in general just make me anxious lol. However, I think this is a price worth paying because while others may think doing all these interviews would be a waste of time, I personally believe practice makes perfect. If you’re a shy or quiet person, you need to practice interviewing, whether it’s what you’ll say or how to project your voice and tone, doing multiple interviews will help you present a better version of yourself.

I urge you to stay positive when you face rejections. Especially if you do the previous bullet, you may find that you’ll get a lot of rejections (or just a lot of silence). Each rejection or ignored application can chip away at your self-esteem (especially if you already have a low one), and if you do mass applications, sometimes the rejections will just hit you with extreme force. I remember during my junior year when I was applying for internships, I had gotten so many rejections in one week, the night I came back from a really bad interview, I had extremely violent thoughts about throwing myself down stairs and just in general having very scary suicidal thoughts because I felt like no company would want me and that I was worthless and that I wouldn’t get a full-time job later on because I couldn’t even get an internship. Try to keep a positive mindset; if you haven’t received a reply back from someone, it’s not a rejection yet. However, if you’re anything like me, you’ll learn to just shut off your emotions and do what you need to do if you have further interviews to go to. After that night, I had an interview a couple days later and I remember feeling so dead on the inside but had the thought that basically nothing could hurt me because I had been suffering so much already. After that interview, not even 10 minutes later, I got a call saying I got the internship.

Try your hardest NOT to compare yourself with others. This is an extremely common thing to happen with my major. Computer Information Systems and Computer Science are fundamentally different but both teach programming and allow individuals to become software developers. As such, many people in these majors compare themselves with each other, I myself included. I was always self-conscience about being qualified for a position versus a Comp Sci major and it showed when I answered questions in interviews. Therefore, I encourage you to focus only on what you’re capable of. There’s always going to be someone better at something than you, but you’re also better at something than someone else. If you only focus on what you can do and market that to employers, they will in turn see you’re confident in your own abilities and not someone else’s. 

When you’re going to an interview I have two things I want to mention: bring appropriate materials and have questions to ask the employers. Appropriate materials means a binder/folder containing paper to take notes on, copies of your resume, something to write with, and oh my god REMEMBER YOUR ID. Majority of US companies require you to check in before meeting with anyone in their company and that means having an ID. I have forgotten my ID before and the company wouldn’t let me in, so I was extremely late to my interview and overall butchered any chances of being considered for the position. At the end of every interview, the employer will always ask “So do you have any questions for me?” If you say no, this kind of gives off the vibe that you don’t really care for the company or the position because someone who’s really passionate about something will have many questions. Here’s a list of some questions you can ask that I myself have personally used.

In my business school, we took a class on how to write a resume, so I actually get shocked to see that so many people have ugly and horribly written resumes. There are a lot of resources out there that can help you with writing your resume, but in general: limit any whitespace (i.e. 0.5in margins) and use action words when describing work experience; people don’t want to read about what you did but how the job benefited you OR how you contributed to the job. Also, unless you’re like a masters student or something, keep your resume to one page. Show only what’s necessary and present it logically. If you’re a student, education should be at the top. If you’re a student in a technical field, put your education first and then list any technical skills that you have. Employers don’t want to look through filler just to see what programming languages you know.

I feel like I had so much more to say but this has gotten incredibly long as it is. If there are any fetuses who read this and have further questions, you’re welcome to send me an ask! I feel it’s my duty as a graduating senior to pass on my knowledge and experience to the youngins’ lol. 

[5hfanfiction]

Don't dismiss it (Camila & You)

Resume:

You’re ah PhD exchange student trying to get your degree in Miami University. You had just arrived in this new country and it’s trying your best to adjust. Because you are very devoted to your studies your hardly ever leave campus and in one of the few times that you do, destiny decides to mess your life a bit.

You’re Brazilian, have big dreams but never thought your life would turn out the way it did.

I want this story to be about love, family, self acceptance and culture. Have fun!

Hi there, everybody!

I’ve been slowly writing this fic for a while and the idea had been stuck with me for quiet some time. I’ve never wrote a YOU perspective before, so I hope it turns out ok. Some of you (perhaps most) may have trouble adapting very well since I chose to make YOU Brazilian and from my city up north, only because I think it would be nice to introduce to some of you other parts of Brazil that aren’t in the media very much. I hope you’ll bear with me. The story will pass in US and I’ve never been there, so I’ll just make up some facts and try to check others. I did a little research on Miami University but I won’t pretend that I’m an expert, so if it’s blatant different, ignore it hahaha.

I would like to alert you guys that I’m really dramatic writer. I hate deaths or bad endings, though.

Well, as I said before I’m Brazilian so my natural language is portuguese and I do have this story in portuguese as well, so if interest anybody in the future I may post it on my wattapad page.

Without further delay… I hope you like it,

Sweetest Downfall (foldingchairsss.tumblr.com).

Synopses

I didn’t know much about the US when I applied to finish my doctorate here. It was my first year of it, when I had just arrived at Rio to study Fluid Mechanics at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), when I saw an opportunity to do the last two years of my research in the States.

I had just arrived from my home town up north on Brazil called Belém, having just gotten my master degrees. Not even a month earlier I had received the news by my professor that I have gotten a scholarship to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in the beautiful “Marvelous City”(A\N/: that is the nickname for Rio if you guys don’t know).

Things went a little fast and chaotic on that period of my life, but I managed to adjust to a complete different city, do well on my studies and gather all the paper work I needed to apply to the scholarship on the other continent. Then the two years I had to spend on Rio went by almost like a blur. Ok, not all of it. It was really hard adjustment for me in the beginning, I had never lived so far away from anyone I know and it was my first time being financially independent, so I got to admit it took me a while to stand on my feet, but when I did, things got on pretty well.

After the two years taking classes to help me in my research and coordinating everything with my doctoral advisor from UFRJ and the one from M.U. (Miami University, that’s where I would be going), I packed all my belongs (they weren’t much because I knew I would go away soon enough) and parted to an new adventure. One, that for the life of me, would never believe could happen. Actually, if I’m being honest, I still can’t.

Chapter One – Real life is hard, man!

If adjusting to a new city was hard, I had no idea how hard it would be to adjust to another country. I know nobody here and my English kind of sucked. Don’t get me wrong, I could read, I could understand people and I could even write something understandable (right?), but my talking skills were a little limited.

When I got off of the plane on Miami International Airport the first thing I noticed was the heat and the feeling of being in somewhere tropical. I thanked the heavens for that. Because even though I knew Miami wasn’t exactly as hot as Rio or as Belém, it was comforting to know I wouldn’t have another hard thing to adjust to.

When I was in the cab heading to M.U.’s campus I tried to suck in the beautiful place in front of me. The city mas sunny and had a lot of trees. It kind of reminded me of my home town even though the trees on there were more thicker and the air was more humid. Miami felt like a good place to adventure and that thought made all my fears get a little smaller.

Getting into Campus I was really mesmerized, it looked beautiful and nothing like the universities I was familiarized with. It looked modern and clean, I guess. Well, cleaner then I was used to.

The cab driver got me to the address the administration sent to my email and I was left in front of a big building. I got all my stuff from his hand and after paying him, got in the building ready to find the dorm I was assigned to so I could get a little rest. I would have my first face to face meeting with my advisor in the morning and I wanted that to go well.

After putting my not so good english to use, I finally found my dorm’s door and with a big breath entered it. I thought it would be occupied by now, but there was no other things in the room but two beds (one in each side of the room), a set of table and a small wardrobe beside each bed, as well as a door in the other side of the room. So figuring if I was the first one here I could pick my side, I chose the one closer to the door I figured led to the bathroom. From the plant they sent me in the email two dorms shared one bathroom.

Sitting in the bed that would be mine for at least one year to come I sighed looking around. Ok. “New country, new people, different language. You can do this, Y.N.”.

After the little pep talk, I organized my things in the wardrobe by my bed as well as put some of my materials on my bed, including some books and my computer. When this was done, I made up my bed and went to take a shower. For my luck the bathroom was free, so I locked both doors and took my time. In the small gap of time I was there, nobody arrived, so I figured I would be alone for the night. After getting everything that I would need for the other day together, I went to get some sleep.

The other day came soon. It seemed to me that I just closed my eyes and soon my alarm clock rang. I crawled into the bathroom with the clothes I had separated last night, and as it was free, I got ready for the new day. When I left my room, my stomach complained and I realized that I had not eaten anything since I had arrived in Miami. So I decided I had time to eat something before my meeting. I followed the the map towards the refectory and I came upon few people around the space. It was still quite early, after all. I followed where the food was served and checked if I had brought my card from the cafeteria before pouring me some scrambled eggs, a thing that looked like bread (I think it’s bagel) and a little juice. I searched for coffee but could not find it. Must have a machine somewhere, I hoped.

After eating, I followed the corridors to the engineering department. I had to walk around campus a lot, luck I had woken up almost 2 hours before the meeting, for exactly that reason.

I walked the whole way paying close attention to my surroundings. The campus was beautiful and bustling with people pacing back and forth and a few sitting in the grass with books, cell phones and computers in their hands. Here it was certainly different from the universities I attended in Brazil.

As soon as I arrived at the engineering building, I took a deep breath (it was a routine I acquired over time to calm myself down), I tightened the straps of my backpack and entered the room. I walked over to a board where they gave information about the location of the departments. I looked for the mechanical engineering department and saw that it was on the third floor. I thought about taking the elevator, but in the end I decided to use the stairs. Arriving on the third floor, there was a counter where you could see the other people on the other side, as if it were a secretary. I approached the counter and waited for someone to notice me. It was not long before a young-looking man came up and with a polite smile on his face asked me if I needed anything.

“Good Morning. Could you tell me where I meet Prof. Richard Levi? "The man nodded on the other side and seemed to get something behind the counter.

"PhD student, correct?” He asked, holding out a blue paper folder. I said yes, so he continued. “You will find Prof. Levi on the fifth floor in room 12. In that folder are some information you will need and also some documents that I need you to read, fill in and deliver me when possible. But do not worry, it’s just for me to give you your credentials you’ll need to access the lab anytime.”

“Thank you, I’ll give it to you as soon as possible,” I replied, putting the briefcase in my backpack and headed up the stairs and up two more floors to where the man had indicated it would be the teacher’s room.

As soon as I got to room 12, I knocked lightly on the door and when I heard a “come in”, I turned the knob, entering the room to see my advisor for the first time.

“Oh, Y.N., it’s really nice to finally meet you in person.” Professor Levi stood up excitedly, coming toward me, lending me a handshake and a big smile on his face. The man appeared to be in his fifties, his black skin contrasted with his beard and gray hair. But I remember the feature I noticed most in him was his eyes, of a common dark brown, you could see a glow. At that moment I knew that this man would be important in my life.

“Nice to finally meet you in person, Professor.” I said returning the handshake and sending him a smile.

“Come on, sit down, sit down.” He motioned for me to take one of the empty chairs in front of his large table. “How was your trip? I hope it went well.”

“The trip was quiet, though long,” I replied, occupying the chair and strangely already feeling comfortable in that new environment.

“I am glad. And the dormitory? Everything good? "Professor Levi seemed to ask questions not just for education, but as if it really mattered to him that I was adapting well, it made me content and even a little less nervous about what was to come.

"Everything is fine, Professor. The campus is really beautiful and the dorm quite comfortable. I have not had the chance yet to meet my roommate, though. But I’m sure I’ll fit right in here. "I gave the man a sincere smile that he returned from the other side of his table.

"I’m very happy, my dear. Now come on, come on, I have many things to show you and introduce you to. I’m sure you will fit well in our team.” He motioned for me to follow him and we left his room following to the end of the corridor where there were two large doors, with a plaque on top indicating "Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics”.

“I read your last article in the Journal of Multiphase Fluids. I was impressed by the results. I think we’ll get on very well and you’ll be happy to see the equipment here, I’m sure.”

As we entered the door, my jaw dropped. The space was huge, full of modern and cutting edge equipment. If I found UFRJ a paradise compared to UFPA (Federal University of Pará), where I got my bachelors and masters degrees, this here was a thousand times better there.

(A.N.: UFRJ does have a pretty cool fluid lab, but I don’t know about M.U. though.)

“Do you guys have optics?” I spoke in wonder as I approached an experimental stand, where a boy and a girl were, I imagined students. Professor Levi laughed under my admiration and led us to the table.

“We have. Plus a supercomputer that will make your life a lot easier. I know it does mine.” I laughed at the man’s stripped-down way. The professor touched the boy’s shoulder that seemed focused on the computer in front of him, catching his attention. “George, Selena, I want you to meet the PhD student from Brazil that I discussed with you.” The two of them got up and came to greet me. George was a tall, skinny kid, he seemed very young and very clever. His hair was dark blond and his eyes a deep blue. Then Selena was a short, thin girl with honey-colored hair that ran down to the middle of her back and with light brown eyes. I greeted them both with the same animation they did with me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said politely.

“It’s nice to meet you, too. Professor Levi spoke very highly of you as he showed us your articles. We’re very glad to have you here and know that you can count on me for anything you need.” George spoke again, but still looking at us.

"Certainly. For what you need. George and I are still in graduate school, but we’ve been helping Professor Levi for over a year and we’re very familiar with things here, so do not hesitate to ask for something if you need it.” It was Selena’s turn to speak kindly. I smiled at them both, thanking them.

After introducing me the equipment and talking about all the research that was going on in the lab, as well as introducing myself to the rest of the people who worked there, Professor Levi led me to a bench next to the window and announced that my workspace would be there.

"You can bring your things and settle here. Since you’ve already done most of your classes in Rio de Janeiro, I think we can focus on your research work. Selena and George will help you with anything you need. And I’d like to know if you’d be willing to teach a course on the platforms you’ve worked on. The University is licensed to use Ansys, so we used it a lot, but I saw that you work with ComSol and OpenFOAM, so I would like to expand the knowledge of the students here, especially the undergraduates.” These were widely used computer simulation programs in the field.

"Certainly, Professor.”

I would love to teach, it was always my passion to teach. And give lessons about what you love then, even better.

The professor still spent time with me, commenting on some things and discussing what my routine would be like in the coming months. As soon as everything was settled, however, he left because he would have a meeting with the other teachers and left me to finish rearranging my bench. I took out of my backpack my computer, books, some personal belongings, and the briefcase I had picked up earlier at the reception. I turned on my notebook while I set up my own reference books. As soon as everything was in order, I decided it would be good to fill out the papers to get my credential.

I finished filling out faster than I imagined the paperwork and decided that I would take the rest of the day to finish an article I had started a few months ago. I already had all the results so I just needed to write about them. I sat comfortably on the black swivel chair that would be my space and pulled the notebook to the end of the table in front of me. I pulled my headphones out of the front pocket of my backpack and with a comfortable sigh I tucked them into my ear where I played the playlist I had created just for moments like this. It was my custom to write listening to music, since I have always lived in noisy environments because of having a large family.

The hours flew as my eyes stayed stuck on the computer and I almost had a heart attack when I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

“I’m sorry!” I heard a small voice as I pulled out my headphones abruptly, my hand on my chest in fright. I turned around and came across a frightened and timid Selena.

“No problem. I’m sorry for scaring you back, I scare easily.” I said, smiling softly at the girl, trying to appease her. A smile appeared back on her lips.

“Alright,” she replied. “I came to ask if you want to eat something with me and George.” She pointed to the boy who was occupying the same table as before, but now he was looking at us, waving his hand at me. I turned to my notebook in search of the hours and was shocked to realize that I had spent four hours in a row writing. My stomach complained at the sound of food.

"I’d love to, thank you.” I said, saving what I’d done up there and getting up to meet them by the door. When I was coming, I remembered the briefcase and asked for a moment, returning quickly to my workbench, taking my hands in the briefcase to deliver to the reception.

"I’m glad you’ve finished filling. When you have your credential it will be easier for everything.” George commented as we left the lab.

"I don’t understand. I did not see any place that needed to show a credential.” I comented.

“Ah, it’s more for days when you’ll be the only one here. For all nighters or holidays and etc.” Selena answered. Now I understand, people who work with research have to know that sometimes there is no time to be stuck inside the lab in search of the best results.

"Got it. And you guys usually get around here many nights?” I turned to the two of them as I stopped in front of the reception. The same man saw me and came to me with the same polite smile. “Here are the papers.” I said, handing him the briefcase.

“Great. Once your credential is ready, we’ll send you an email.” I nodded my thanks, and went with Selena and George to wait for the elevator.

“Answering your question, yes. We were having problems with the wind tunnel, so we were her a lot.” It was George who answered. We entered the elevator and the boy pressed the button that would take us downstairs.

“But the problem has been solved, then?” I replied interestedly.

“More or less.” Selena made a face. “We have achieved good results for laminar flows, but we are still having difficulty finding the most appropriate instrumentation for turbulent flows.”

“I have some materials that can help you if you’re interested.” I said mentally fixing my references. I’ve always been well-organized with it.

“That would be great,” George replied.

We went the rest of the way to the nearest cafeteria talking about professional things. But once they got there, they gave me tips on what to eat and what to avoid. They asked about Brazil and I confess I felt a slight squeeze on my chest, which had a name, longing. Despite always being considered detached and free, I missed my country, friends and family.

With that conversation I found myself approaching them both and felt that I could find in them a friendship despite the difference in age. Me in my 26 and George and Selena with 19 and 21, respectively. George was very young because he had entered college when he was only 16 years old. Selena was also young, entering college with 18. For the short time I had with the two of them, I decided that they completed each other. George seemed more timid, a great nerd himself. Selena, although shy, was more social and took initiative. I felt that theirs relationship was her pulling him out of his comfort zone, and he pushing her forward with incentives.

We came back almost an hour later and each went to our own corner again. Selena offered to show me their difficulties in the wind tunnel the next day, since they would have classes now in the afternoon. I nodded and said goodbye to them before they left.

I decided that before returning to my article, I would sort out a material to help the two of them, and tomorrow I would refine even more by knowing the exact location of their difficulty. It was about five o'clock when Professor Levi approached me.

“How was your first day?” He asked, leaning against the wall next to me. I smiled at him. The man was very nice. Do not get me wrong, I’ve always liked all my mentors, thank God. But it was comforting to have someone like Levi in ​​a distant country, someone who shows that he cares about my well-being. And I knew it was real, Selena and George did not measure words to say how good the professor was.

“Was very good. I decided to end that article we talked about in our last Skype meeting and talked to Selena and George. If you do not mind, I plan to help them with the wind tunnel.” The man smiled at me, putting his big hands in the pocket of his pants.

"I don’t mind at all. I’m glad you got along well and I appreciate your initiative. Tomorrow we will discuss the course I want you to teach and some more details. I’ll leave you now. Do not get too tired, okay? It’s still the first day.” He blinked at me good naturally and put his hand on my shoulder and with a slight squeeze left me alone again.

I did as I was told, and in less than an hour I was on my way to my dorm. I wondered if my roommate would ever be in it.

She was. Her name was Jasmine, and she was an exchange and a PhD student too, only in Architecture. She was 25 years old and was from Spain. We talked briefly to get to know each other, even though we did not try to gain much intimacy.

Time went by. My life was restless, but it felt good. I got a lot closer to Selena and George and I already saw them as friends, feeling a sense of protection for them because I was older. I was still getting along with Jasmine, though I did not see her much, both very busy with our routine. Professor Levi seemed satisfied with my performance, and from time to time I saw him at the door of the small room in which I taught my courses.

In a little over two months I had already set up a routine. I woke up early to be the first in the bathroom, I ate a fruit and ran for an hour on campus, I needed to exercise. I would go back, have a good cup of coffee, and when I came back (Jasmine, Alicia and Clara, the last two being the occupants of the other dormitory, with which we shared the bathroom), they were gone, so the bathroom was free again. I would take a good shower and head to th engineering building. There I spent the day immersed in my activities, going out just to eat something and then returning. In the morning I would do things with Selena and George, in the afternoon, devoting myself to my personal projects, since they both had classes during this period.

I had not left campus many times, only three times. Once to buy groceries, like new bedding, warm clothes, and so on. And the other two to get to know a bit of the city. All three times alone. I had already gone out with Selena and George, but always for events or on or so close to the campus that I did not even considered as out of it.

The fourth time I left the campus, once again alone, I went to a department store that was relatively close. I needed to buy socks and batteries for my calculator.

It was a Saturday morning, around 10 o'clock. I left the store with two small bags in my hands and was wondering if I would go back to campus or explore the city again. I had to decide soon, because if I were to return, I would have to wait for the bus on the same side I was already on, and if I were to explore, I would have to cross the street and wait there. In a rush, I decided that I had been trapped in the lab or in my dormitory for too long, and I stepped on the pedestrian track when the traffic light turned red for cars.

It all happened so fast. I was walking quietly when I heard screams and a loud horn. I was going to throw me back to leave the middle of the street when I saw a girl in front of me. It was too fast, instinctive. I do not remember much, just her very black hair and panicked face. Instead of throwing me back, I pushed myself forward, taking the girl out of the cars way, but unfortunately, I did not have time to get out of the way altogether. And feeling great pressure on the left side of my body, I felt myself being thrown away and after that, just darkness.

I woke up to the beeping of machines and my throat was dry. My eyes were heavy and I felt they were stuck together, as if I had not opened them for a long time. I groaned when the pain came at once. My whole body ached as my head throbbed. I slowly opened my eyes and confirmed my suspicions that I was in a hospital room.

There was no one there and my throat was too dry to call for anyone. I tried to look around, but all I saw was the very white walls and a window with curtains closed. I tried to think of the last thing I remembered, and I remembered the accident and the girl. Was she all right? I have a inlcination for confusion.

I do not remember much after that, I believe that because of the medicines and my weakened body, I fell asleep again.

I woke up this time with whispers. I opened my eyes slowly wondering who could be there. I came across an seemingly older lady. Her hair was blond in color but looked dyed. Her hands were entwined in front of her face, preventing me from seeing it fully. Her arms were propped on her thighs as she kept her face down, as if praying. That’s when I heard the whispers again.

”Ayudarla, señor. Utilice las manos divinas para protegerla.“ I heard it in a whisper. Was she praying for me?

I waited patiently for her to finish her prayer, looking at it curiously. I do not remember seeing her anywhere.

HAVE I LOST MY MEMORY?

I lost it for a few seconds, but then laughed at my crazy idea. But laughing was a mistake because my ribs burned and I let out a grunt of pain, making the woman’s face rise abruptly towards me.

"Dios mio!” She exclaimed coming towards my bad. “Gracias a Dios se despertó!”

(A.N.: I speak zero Spanish, so I’m putting it on google, so excuse me for anything!)

I felt her warm hands touch mine and I smiled even though I really confused.

“No hablo spañol!” I do not know why the hell that was the first stupid thing that came out of my mouth. The lady in front of me smiled a big smile, I guess finding me amusing.

“I’m sorry, when I’m nervous, I can only speak in Spanish.” The lady spoke in an accent that was definitely from someone born with Latin origins and had little contact with the English language like me.

“No problem. Can you tell me where I am? "I asked.

Of course I knew I was in the hospital and I remembered the car accident, but that seemed to be the only question on my mind.

"You’re in the hospital. You’re in an apartment, but you left the ICU yesterday, thank God! ”

“Have I been out for a long time?” I asked. By the way she said it seemed more than a few hours.

“Seven days, mija.” she said with sad eyes.

“Seven days?” I said with an empty stare, not speaking exactly to the woman, but thinking aloud, not believing it.

“Yes, the accident was serious, but the doctors managed to stop the bleeding and we were just waiting for you to wake up.” She replied, but I still did not understand who she was.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” I asked hesitating. She looked like a sweet woman, but still to me she was a stranger.

“Oh, pardon for my rudeness. I’m Mercedes, the grandmother of the girl you saved.” She replied and I saw her eyes flutter, I guess imagining of what might have happened to the girl if I haven’t pushed her out of the way.

"I saved? So you mean she’s okay? "I asked curiously.

"Yes, and it’s thanks to you.” she replied, pressing my fingers into hers. “We can never thank you enough, mija.”

I smiled at the tender way she called me and squeezed her fingers back in a way rto correspond to her gesture.

“I’m just glad she’s okay,” I said simply. And I meant it.

Sooooooo that’s the first chapter. What do you guys think?

[willmeiertext]

Behind the Fourth Wall: My Experience as a Museum Worker

It’s a unique experience, art-handling – being a “preparator” (which autocorrect thinks isn’t real). Like with any manual labor, it’s rad to get paid to work out. But obviously, there’s much more to it than that. You touch the untouchable things, you have keys to rooms many will never know exist full of objects to be seen by sometimes even fewer (I mean, the amount of pictures on my computer I wanted to include in this post and just...couldn’t...for whatever reason...it’s more than just a couple), and you live behind the fourth wall that is the magic of the completed exhibition. You built the wall. And in a way, it’s like there’s some of yourself sealed in there.

There’s a sort of trivial glory in it, but also a kind of hilarious demystification, a rapid desensitization to the wondrous. And a lot of the most menial labor you could possibly imagine. Dozens and dozens of hours of out-of-body audiobooking while waxing-on/off. I haven’t been doing it long enough to become jaded yet, but I know very few career preparators it hasn’t happened to. But really, would I be writing this if I didn’t think it was awesome?

I’ve had a lot of people over the years ask me how I came to do work like this, so I want to give that question a bit of attention:

I had an internship and then a job at a gallery in college, the H&R Block Artspace – which was run by a really brilliant director and showed world-class art, but mostly entailed sitting at a desk and socializing with visitors. But toward its end, I met some real-live art-handlers who chuckled with sympathy when I tried to get on with them. That small private company very shortly after, however, got the contract for several years of building traveling exhibits from New York’s American Museum of Natural History at a brand new nature and science museum outside Kansas City. And they needed a big team all of a sudden, and gave me a call. So I started out building dinosaurs.

There’s a very ad-hoc feeling to that sort of context. You need this thing to fit with that thing and if you’re tool-savvy enough, you make it happen. Sometimes it’s not pretty but if it’s safe to let the public walk under then it will work. It’s fun, or at least engaging – the small-scope part of the job which is just the constant problem-solving and spontaneous fabrication strategies.

But the bigger picture that fascinated me from the beginning about this kind of work was the collision of information and architecture. This is what will always carry over into my future pursuits: the question of, how do you best craft an architectural space, one inhabited momentarily by all varieties of people, the sole purpose of which is to educate each of those people about some element of culture in an engaging way?

I got my taste, but quickly realized that it’s incredibly hard to make a living in this career path. The nature of art-world work is that almost all positions are contract, meaning you need a minimum of probably 2-3 jobs at once to juggle in order to make it work, and still often there are dead periods where you are really panic-level strapped for cash. So I branched out quickly in as many relevant directions as I could, taking any skill-building entry-level job I could find. Some of the paths I took were fabrication-oriented: doing backend assembly of custom commercial cabinetry, then finish work on museum casework and artists’ sculptures. Some were art-handling: private transport and storage, hanging galleries, assisting professional artists on installs, etc. There’s a resume on my website *eye roll*.

Every one of these jobs I gained through face-to-face ‘networking’, through someone I met at another gig. Meaning at the recommendation of friends. Most of them I worked with my best friend, also Will, who got me into the world of art museums. Team Will, shoutout. 

I’ve in turn gotten more than a couple of people their first museum jobs. There’s nowhere I’ve seen where ‘who you know’ matters more.

That being said, not everyone is cut out for it. Most aren’t. I just happen to associate with generally exceptional people ^______^ . It takes an eye for a ridiculous level of detail, and a hand that can consistently perform tasks attuned to that detail without fucking anything up. Plus snap-judgment problem solving skills for often dangerous and/or costly predicaments. You also generally need to be a fun person, since the work can get quite tense (understatement for the 60hr/wk installs my team is used to) and it helps to be able to lighten things up.

It’s interesting how many different skillsets and attitudes intersect in this world. You have very blue-collar-flavored work surrounded by typically intellectual types of people. The stakes are high (put it in the back of your mind that just about every individual object around you is worth more than you might ever make in your life, accumulated) so people are very serious, especially around art, and while there’s a special level of hero-ness in actually touching The Stuff, it can tend to involve less creativity, for good reason. I was a Lego kid, so the construction and space-creation side of the job was always a little more engaging for me, personally.

So I really lucked out to land where I’m at today at the Denver Art Museum. My current job is basically to assist in the construction, fabrication, assembly, and finishing of everything that exists between the empty room and the art. It’s called “Exhibitions Production”, and at DAM, what a ‘production’ it is. We do really high-dollar build-outs designed to be theatrically jaw-dropping to the public. At standards of craft that I’ve never seen anywhere else as ‘standard’ – think 1/16″ margins on nearly everything. Which, combined with the irregularly angled Liebeskind building we do most of our work in, makes my job pretty complicated. Which keeps me out of trouble, which is nice.

So back to how the hell I landed in such a good one: 

In order to secure this job (they’re extremely coveted and basically impossible to get without personal invitation), I had to work as a guard, a ‘gallery host’, for half a year. I told my hiring managers in that interview that I only wanted the job to meet the art-handlers who I would be working for in the future. It was interesting to take a step back from the behind-the-scenes world I was used to and be basically at ground-level with the visitors, an underling of the museum social hierarchy who exists as a mediator of rules. By interesting I mean almost totally shitty, with the exception of a much slower-paced experience of observing many, many people engaging the same exhibits day after day. I had always worked to put the shows on, but by the time that is over with you are sick of the show and already on to the next thing anyways. Catharsis. This was sort of the opposite – like a Groundhog Day of visitors forever wiping their oily foreheads all over the fourth wall. Incident Report.

But it offered an opportunity to see both sides of the idea of ‘the exhibition’. The before and after. To watch people’s patterns of real-live interaction with shows that clearly had intricate thought put into specifically the visitor-engagement / education elements of their designs. 

And it also worked: it gave me the opportunity to see someone pushing a cart full of tools, whose boss’s email I got from him, who I proceeded to harass frequently over the next half a year until he finally agreed to give me a trial run.

Since my promotion to the Exhibitions department, moving on to work with the designers and administrators in charge of those experiences I mentioned – that has been so fulfilling. It’s been the best job I’ve ever had, but beyond just enjoyable day-to-day-ness, it planted the seed that has grown into my biggest fascination now, which is the idea of the future of the museum experience.

“Museum Experience Design” – the museum in the digital age. Information architecture meets architecture. Rather than didactics for a universal audience, a modal, entirely custom veil of educational opportunity tailored to each visitor... That kind of thing. That’s where I’m headed. But that’s an entirely different topic.

For now I just feel super lucky to be on such a ridiculously talented team at a big, well-funded museum that puts on such extravagant shows. There’s a lot to observe, and a lot to learn.

I guess the moral of the story, if there is one, is that if you really want to get into this kind of work, you need to be talented, i.e. probably an artist (no, not a conceptual artist), but mainly you need to put yourself out there and meet the people who can hire you. And be relentless in trying to get them to do it. There aren’t a lot of these jobs but they’re worth trying to get. 

If you land one, just make sure you don’t drop anything, then have fun.

[olivay-official]

A Date with a World Class Creep

So here is a drabble from something I am working on with some of my OC’s.

Before you read: The premise of the story is a girl by the name of Jay in college gets the copycat ability where she can mimic anything she sees. She uses this superpower to become a kickass fighter and behind a leather mask and work out clothes becomes the town vigilante. An anonymous presence who she knows as Napster occasionally helps her out. He is the tech guy but she has never seen him nor heard him speak but she knows he’s there. He hacks computer systems and cameras to help her be a superhero. This drabble is early on in her crime fighting days.

I jumped to the next rooftop before pausing to listen to the sounds of traffic below and then piercing the air I could hear it, the muffled sounds of a girl’s scream. I stood on the lookout searching the streets below for any sign of a struggle.

“Napster if you’re listening now would be a really good time to put your tech skills to good use. There’s a girl, I heard her scream. Find her for me,” I said out loud feeling just a little bit crazy talking to an invisible force. I waited a few minutes feeling incredibly stupid when silence was all that greeted me. Then I realized what was happening. The traffic lights weren’t changing at all. Cars started honking but the lights refused to change. I grinned. “I hope that’s you.” I ran across rooftop to rooftop until I made it to the lone green traffic light. The light switched to red. I looked around in all directions. To the left a traffic light had turned green. I changed directions following the course of the green lights. I followed them to the next block and in an instant the lights turned to normal. Traffic resumed and the cars stopped honking. I was in the right place according to my secret tech boy but I still didn’t know what I was looking for then I heard it- another muffled cry. My head swiveled in the direction of a dark alley. Looking over the rooftop I saw it. A man with his arm wrapped around a girl’s neck from behind muffling her cries with his hand. She struggled against him but he held firmly onto the poor girl. I sneered down at the scene before deciding it was time to intervene. I jumped down onto the fire escape making my way down the stairs quickly. Neither seemed to notice my presence until I was just above them.

“You know when a girl struggles like that it means she doesn’t like you,” I said casually sizing the man up. It looked like he had something in his pocket probably a knife but it was hard to tell.

“Stay out of this bitch,” The man snarled back at me. He was older, maybe late 40’s. He had dark hair that was graying along the sides and the beginnings of scruffy beard that had patches of white in it. He looked up at me with cold unforgiving blue eyes. I had seen that man’s face somewhere before…

“How about we do a trade? You let her go and you can have me instead well that is if you can fight me or are you too scared?” I taunted.

“I ain’t scared to fight a girl!” He spit.

“Then why don’t you fight me?” I smirked.

“Fine by me. I’ll bring two trophies home tonight.” His smile was disturbed and unsettled me in a way I can’t quite described. If I had spidey senses they would be tingling all over because of this guy. Cars started honking again drowning out all other noise. I glanced up. Every traffic light nearby was red and had been for a while. Napster. But I didn’t have time to dwell on what he was trying to tell me because right then I had a girl’s life to save. I glanced back at the man who now had a rag in his hand. He pressed it firmly to the girl’s nose. The blonde’s eyes began to flutter. Without a second to lose I jumped down from the fire escape and ripped the man off of her. The girl fell to her knees just barely conscious. The rag abandoned on the ground.

“Let me guess, mommy issues?” I asked as I pulled the man back by his shoulders. The man swung his fist at me. I ducked underneath it. I sidestepped behind him. Punched him in the back just about where his kidneys would be. The man folded over. He spun around arm out. I jumped back too late. Pain ripped through my midsection. He was holding a knife. My stomach stung but the wound couldn’t have been very deep.

“You carry a knife around? Talk about being insecure with your masculinity,” I chuckled. The man charged grabbing my neck and throwing me up against the wall. His thumb and finger squeezed my neck hard. He put the point of the knife to my cheek. He had a demented smiled on his face as if he were enjoying every second of this.

“You know what I love about the female body?” He asked voiced quiet. His eyes were trained on the tip of his knife as it barely trailed along my skin not quite piercing it but with enough pressure to draw blood at any moment if he wanted. His face was calm, his smile slightly excited. “I love it’s softness. Women now are much too thin. They used to be plump, round, it was beautiful. Now they are much too thin. But you see there is a certain amount of plumpness that no one achieves today. They are either too thin or too fat. There is no plump women anymore so I have to do the work myself. Feeding them, starving them, whatever it takes for them to be that nice state of plump. I love the way the skin flows over the curves of the body like milk. And then the feel of my knife,” He pushed his knife farther into my skin now drawing blood from my chest just underneath the collarbone, “digging into their flesh, the red of their blood against the ivory of their skin, it’s absolutely beautiful.” He looked down at his knife admiring the blood on the blade. Suddenly it seemed to click for me. His face I had seen it before because he was wanted in several states including this one for murder. The man before me was a serial killer. Well fuck. While the creep admired my blood on his knife I tensed my body preparing to strike. I kneed him in the groin. Simultaneously I spun my arm out making contact with his and twisting until he released the knife. The knife clattered to the ground. His hand left my throat to throw a punch at me. I ducked beneath it.

I punched him in the nose. Then I swung my forearm back down on his head in a single motion. He had a cut on his face now and his nose was bleeding. I kicked him in the side. I threw another punch his way. He dodged throwing me off balance. He grabbed the back of my head swinging me around until he could shove my face into the brick wall behind me. My face hit the wall hard. The impact reverberated throughout my head my jaw taking the brunt of the impact suddenly felt numb. I reached back with my hands grabbing the elbow of the arm holding me to the wall. I swung his arm the wrong way over my head. He released me. Now freed I spun on my heel to face him. He swung at me. I ducked.  He swung again. I caught his arm this time twisting it painfully. His body contorted around until his back was to me. I kept one arm on his. With my other hand I sharply jabbed a pressure point in his neck. The man collapsed at me feet unconscious. I breathed a sigh of relief, head throbbing.

“You sir are one sick son of a bitch,” I muttered as I dragged his limp body to a nearby drain pipe. I pulled the zip ties from my pocket securing the man’s hands to the pipe. I quickly patted him down finding another knife in his possession and a small vile of what I assumed to be chloroform. In the dumpster nearby I found a plastic shopping bag where I stuck his weapons including the knife he used to cut me (which I cleaned off) and the rag he had abandoned on the ground. The girl now more or less recovered from the incident was finally able to pull herself shakily to her feet. She looked over at me gratefully. Police sirens sounded in the distance.

“Thank you,” She whispered to me.

“No problem but do me a favor and give this to the police when they arrive?” I asked handing her the plastic bag. She took it and nodded at me. I smiled at her before dashing off down the street.

[charllieeldridge]

Teacher Feature: Living in China and Teaching Online

In this interview, we’re chatting with Kacie, an American teacher living in China while teaching English online.

Learn about what it’s like to live in China, what a day in the life of a teacher looks like, how much the salary is, what qualifications she needed to get hired, and the pros and cons of the job and lifestyle.

Here we go!

Hi Kacie! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois. My family traveled quite a bit, but only in the United States. In college my husband, Derek, and I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy.

After university, we settled into full-time jobs, but quickly realized that we wanted something different in life. We both loved our time in Italy so we decided to make traveling more of a focus in our lives.

Over the last few years we have been living off of our savings and trying to build up remote work so that we can become location independent!

I decided to look into teaching online, but most companies require that you have teaching experience.

Kacie teaching a class in China. She now teaches online

So I got my TEFL certification and took a job teaching in a classroom in China! Now I teach English online as well with two companies, plus some blogging on the side about our travels and life in China.  

What made you decide to become a teacher? Did you have any prior experience?

I was looking for a flexible way to earn money remotely.

After a brief career in banking and customer service, I didn’t feel like the skills I had were very marketable for remote work, at least not the kind of work that I wanted to do.

So I looked into a ton of different options before trying out a whole new career opportunity.

After teaching at a brick and mortar school in China, I applied to a few different companies to teach English online.

As I mentioned, these companies typically require that you have experience, but what I didn’t realize early on was that that experience can come from anywhere!

It doesn’t have to specifically be experience from teaching English as a second language.

Do you have experience babysitting? Kids of your own? Worked at a school in your country? Volunteered at a youth summer camp?

Any kind of teaching, training, or experience working with children will help. You don’t have to live abroad before you can teach online, but that is certainly a great way to get experience, too!

Where in the world are you currently teaching online and what’s it like living there? 

Derek and I currently live in a development district of Nanjing, China.

There aren’t many foreigners on the outskirts of town where we live, and we don’t speak Chinese very well. So there were definitely plenty of challenges navigating the city in the beginning.

But the people here have been so kind, welcoming, and helpful. We visit the same restaurant almost every Sunday, and the owners talk to us through translation apps on our phones!

Kacie enjoying fried rice at their favourite Sunday Restaurant

The online teaching companies that I work for primarily have Chinese students so it’s great to learn about their lifestyle and culture first hand.

And being in the same time zone that they are is awesome. It makes teaching online so convenient!

How did you find a job teaching online? 

I spent several days researching the most popular online ESL companies. I decided that I wanted a company that didn’t have a minimum availability requirement, as well as one that offered 1 on 1 classes.

I first applied at VIPKid, but they rejected my application because I hadn’t included all of my experiences teaching and working with kids.

After refining my resume I applied at GoGo Kid and was hired in just over a week. I absolutely love it!

My sister was a former brick and mortar language arts teacher in the USA and she had recently started teaching online with Qkids.

Qkids didn’t meet my initial requirements in an ESL company, but after hearing about her experience working with them, I decided to apply, too.

Can you tell us a bit about the online teaching companies that you work for?

GoGo Kid is a parent-booked company. That means that the teacher has to set up a profile to market his or herself to the parents.

Bookings will be sporadic and probably pretty low at first, but over time as you build up reviews and repeat students you will find yourself settling into a routine.

GoGo Kid does require that the teacher use at least two props as well as a secondary reward system in the class.

There are so many great ideas out there on the internet for classroom equipment and props, and most things can simply be printed and cut out. 

Pro tip: If you don’t have access to a printer, you can buy a couple of children’s activities books and cut out the graphics as props. I spent about $10 to buy a few books, and that’s all I’ve been using since I started.

These requirements do take a little bit of prep time, but it’s one of my favorite things about teaching these classes. They really can be so much fun!

Classes are 25 minutes long and they are 1 on 1. You will also need to write reviews for each of your students after class. The reviews don’t have to be more than a paragraph, but they do need to be personalized so they can be a bit time consuming for new teachers.

Kacie’s ESL classroom

GoGo Kid has an amazing training program for new online ESL teachers. I think I would have been a little lost getting started if it wasn’t for their online academy training and live workshops!

Qkids is about as different from GoGo Kid as it can be!

It’s a company-booked platform so once you give them your availability, they will take care of scheduling you. You will rarely see the same student twice.

They do require that teachers have a minimum of 12 classes of availability each week, but this isn’t a guarantee you will work them. You are, of course, able to open up more classes each week, too.

The minimum required availability really isn’t an issue since their teacher cancellation policy at Qkids is so forgiving.

You will also have a coach at the company who may give you feedback and help you adjust to teaching with Qkids. Some coaches are really great to work with, but others not so much. It’s just luck of the draw, but if you get a coach who isn’t working out for you, I hear you can request another one.

The majority of classes are 1 teacher to 4 students. The classes are 30 minutes, and you do have to enter the class 3 minutes early to greet the students. It can be pretty exhausting for an introvert like me, but there are many things I like about Qkids as well.

They don’t require props or secondary rewards, but you are still welcome to use them if you want. Evaluations are brief multiple-choice questions that you answer for each student at the end of class.

Even though their actual class time is longer, I spend less time overall for each of my Qkids class than I do when prepping for, teaching, and writing feedback for my GoGo Kid students.

They are both great companies, with very different perks to offer. It just depends on what kind of an ESL company you’re looking for. Or if you’re like me and you enjoy the variety, why not do both! You get the best of both worlds that way!

Did you need to have any qualifications to get a job teaching with them? 

Both online companies that I work for do require that you are a native speaker from either the USA or Canada, and you must have a four-year degree and some kind of ESL certificate.

I got my TEFL certificate through MyTEFL. It’s a text-based online program that I completed in a couple of weeks. It gave me a very basic idea of what to expect going into the classroom.

Prior experience will also give you a leg up over other applicants! Get creative with your resume and include anything that might be relevant.

For example, I included peer mentoring that I did briefly in college and training other employees at my banking job. Neither were directly related, but they still counted and helped me get hired!

SEE ALSO: Teaching Without a University Degree – Top 10 Companies That Pay

What does a day in the life of an online teacher look like? 

My students are anywhere from 3-14 years old, and they are mostly from China. Occasionally you will come across a student from another country, but it is rare.

Kids will be kids, so occasionally there are behavioral issues that may pop up, but overall the students are so sweet, cute, and eager to learn!

I may have anywhere from 1 to 6 classes a day, but depending on how you set your schedule you can have more. That’s the beauty of it. You’re in control of your own schedule!

It can be slow starting out, so I don’t recommend quitting another job to teach online, but over time as you build regular students or seniority (depending on how the company books the classes for its teachers) it should become more reliable.

Kacie’s ESL Profile Pic with props in the background

However, there can be slow periods when the students are busy with their other school duties and there just aren’t many students booking classes. Just take it in stride and get ready for the next peak season!

Each company has its own requirements for the equipment you will need, but in general, you will need a relatively up to date desktop or laptop computer with an ethernet connection.

You will also need to have a headset with a boom mic for your classes. Although they don’t require an external mouse for a laptop, it’s almost essential! It will make your life so easier if you get one!

How much does an English teacher with GoGo Kid and Qkids earn? 

The two companies have very different pay scale systems that can be a little bit confusing and intimidating at first.

Salary With GoGoKid

GoGo Kid will offer you a base fee per class in the contract. This can be anywhere from $7-10 depending on your qualifications (master’s degree or additional teaching certificate, etc.) and experience.

They also have an incentive program based on your attendance and performance (ratings) in the classes that you teach, as well as how many classes you teach per day.

It took me about a month to start earning the incentive earnings on top of my base pay, but now I can earn anywhere from $17-22 dollars an hour teaching with GoGo Kid.

Teacher cancelations can severely impact your bonus earnings, but they do have an appeals process if you can prove that your cancellation was beyond your control.

Travelling around China while teaching online

Salary With Qkids

Qkids offers a base rate of $8 per class, but if you get good ratings from the parents you will earn an extra $1 per class.

Also, if you teach more than 15 classes per week, you will get an additional $1 per class.

So here you essentially will make $16-20 per hour.

However the schedule is a little bit different. They are 30-minute classes with 10-minute breaks in between (and remember you have to start each class 3 minutes early).

So it will actually take you an hour and 13 minutes to teach two classes.

Furthermore, you have no control over whether or not they will schedule you to work at least 15 classes each week. Sometimes you just can’t make the attendance bonus.

Qkids will not punish you in any way as long as you give at least 5 hours’ notice before cancelling a class. This flexibility really works well for some teachers!

What are the pros and cons of teaching online? 

Teaching English online can be really great! The pay is good, and the work itself can be very fun. Not to mention, you can work in your yoga pants from the comfort of your own home! It’s so convenient.

It’s also really amazing to see your students start to understand English and be able to share things about their lives with you. You’re helping to break barriers and cultural differences to connect with these wonderful kids from another continent.

Of course, every job has its downside too!

There’s a steep learning curve in the online classroom. Every company has its own tools, teaching techniques, and features on its platform. At first this will probably be pretty stressful, but after a few weeks you’ll feel like you could do it in your sleep!

The behavior issues can be so frustrating at times, but usually trying one of a few different strategies will solve the problem. I’ve taught dozens of classes now, and only three of them have been a real struggle.

Also, while teaching online helps to bring in “remote” income, it’s not exactly location independent.

You can teach from a lot of places, but you do have to have access to a strong internet connection and a quiet, private teaching space.

Kacie and Derek at the Temple of Heaven in China

You are also not considered an employee, but rather an independent contractor.

You will have to handle withholding all of your taxes and traditional benefits like retirement savings on your own. It’s a bit of a headache at first, but a good tax lawyer or account can help you figure it out.

Any final advice for an aspiring English teacher?

No job is perfect, but teaching online can come pretty close. It requires very little risk to get started!

If you have a university degree, you can find the ESL certification course that works best for you, and you’re all set. You can print props or just use things you already have around your house.

You really have nothing to lose by giving it a try. If you think you might enjoy teaching in the online classroom, chances are you’ll probably love it!

If you’re thinking about joining GoGo Kid or Qkids, or if you just have questions about either company, feel free to email me at kacie(at)gobeyondtheborders(dot)com. And, make sure to check out our travel and lifestyle website, Go Beyond The Borders. 

Note: the lead image in this article was provided by Shutterstock — a website for sourcing high quality, royalty-free images and videos.

Like This Article? Pin it!

  The post Teacher Feature: Living in China and Teaching Online appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Teacher Feature: Living in China and Teaching Online published first on https://travelaspire.weebly.com/