Tourism, The Economy, and Negotiating a Good Deal

CNN reported it as "Black Monday"; the worst stock crash since 9/11. It's unfortunate for every American financially (because I'll bet I've lost money in my 401k and any other investment I have out there). But I remain optimistic.

I'm very fortunate and thank god everyday. I have a stable job and work in a stable industry. I have a home that has not been ravaged by Hurricanes or any other natural disaster. And I even get to marry the girl of my dreams next July in Hawaii.

And so the topic of this post is to talk about living the good life... except without having to spend that money to do so. It sucks, we live in a shaky economy where daily necessities to luxury items are exorbitant. However, this is the optimal market for the buyer / consumer! Americans are forgetting a great freedom that's actually used by every other country worldwide, the freedom of NEGOTIATION!

I'd like to focus primarily on the Travel Industry. According to a recent New York Times article:

...Business in particular areas — like Maui in Hawaii, which is almost entirely dependent on air travel — has "already fallen off a cliff," said John Arabia, an analyst for Green Street Advisors, a real estate research and consulting firm in Newport Beach, Calif. Occupancy at the island's hotels has dropped to 63 percent from 85 percent last year, according to Hospitality Advisors, a research firm in Honolulu. One reason was the demise of two airlines serving Maui, Aloha and ATA, this spring.

In the next few months, I will be searching for the best deals for places to stay, plane tickets and travel arrangements for my family and I. This statistic is tragic for the travel industry, but great for us. I've recently received an email newsletter from Hawaiian Airlines offering round trip flights from the Mainland to Honolulu for $370! Yes, ROUND TRIP. That's spectacular.

Checkout the Autumn Offer Here:
http://www.hawaiianair.com/SpecialOffers/Pages/colors-of-hawaii-autumn.aspx

As I prepare arrangements, I'll keep updated on the blog of any special deals and any other negotiations I can come up with. And even though the economy really sucks right now, consumers have the ball in their court. Go out and negotiate today (William Shatner Priceline Commercial reference)!

SNL Skit: Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton

SNL Skit: Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton

Sarah Palin RNC Convention Speech

I've seen the Obama Acceptance Speech at the DNC. Unfortunately, I missed the heavily talked about Palin Speech. Here it is:

Quarter Life Crisis #2.5

Another realization:

Don't get stuck in the corporate trap. I know many of you have either NOT finished college and or are STUCK working their existing job. Whether it's a dead end job, or a great paying job, don't regret things and don't hesitate to further your education.

Jobs can always fire you or lay you off. You'll always have your experience and education with you.

Quarter Life Crisis #2 (Furthering my education)

To the left of my computer desk is a mounted copy of my college diploma: University of Arizona - Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science - something I'm honestly not too proud about. Lacking on the diploma are two minors I should have focused on: Media Arts and Business Administration. Unfortunately, my realization to what I really wanted to do - web/graphic design and business development - came too late. I was into my second year of college, and I felt the pressure of needing to graduate. So what did I do - I took the easy way out with an easy degree, and kept my two interest as minors instead.

Four years after graduating college, I've worked up the ladder and found myself in a fortunate position (along with a handsome salary). I've done well for myself, in comparison with my peers I've graduated with in college. Life is good (even considering the rough economy we are in).

Somehow, I feel something is missing in my life. I'm not content. I don't understand why. My situation is perfect: I'm engaged to a beautiful girl (to whom I'll be marrying in a year); I'm succeeding at my current job (in which I was recently promoted in May); I have the financial stability to buy things that I don't need (like domain names and iPhones); go on vacations....

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging by any means. I'm just in awe why I still feel a void.

It's not until I started to really evaluate my situation, and I started planning for the future. I asked myself a few questions like - Where do I want to be in the next few years? What do I want to be doing (career wise)?

I wish I had this sort of epiphany and realization maybe 6-8 years ago, while I was till a Freshman or Sophomore in college. Life doesn't work that way. I ignored the things I actually was passionate about during my undergraduate years. I refuse to live my life in regret and in "what if's." I've decided to do something about my dilemma.

So I enjoy being creative - especially when it comes to the Internet and graphic design. I also enjoy making money (who doesn't right?). In a few years, I want to be working for a marketing / advertising agency. Eventually, I want to manage and my own firm.

Although in a previous blog, I pondered the marketability of a web designer in the career world. I've researched a little more, and find the industry still in high demand. According to the Art Institute of Phoenix, part of their Web Design degree entails job placement, in which they are in need to fill in this industry.

As of this week, I have initiated the application and admittance back to school at the Art Institute of Phoenix -which has a spectacular media arts program. I am planning to obtain a second undergraduate year in Web Design. Eventually, I will plan to get my MBA thereafter.

By obtaining a second undergraduate degree, I am confident I will be able to master those classes (and GPA) necessary to apply to a promising MBA program, and achieve my ultimate goal - managing my own advertising/marketing firm.

I have been going back and forth whether to obtain a second undergraduate degree for almost a year now. I came to the realization that I should just do it and not have any second regrets. I feel by mastering this skill and getting this degree, this should fill the void I feel in my current life. Perhaps the cure to my dilemma is another diploma (in an actual study that I really enjoy).