This Week: AI Resources and Wrist-Friendly Career Tools
Hello everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well. Sorry for the pause in posting recently — I’ve had a few health issues to manage, but things are improving and I’m getting back into the swing of things.
With all the news lately about artificial intelligence and how it’s changing the workplace, I wanted to share a resource that some of you may find helpful.
Goodwill, the nonprofit organization that supports many career and workforce programs, is currently offering the Google AI Essentials Course for free for a limited time. If you’re curious about learning the basics of AI and how it can be used in everyday work tasks, this may be worth checking out.
More details can be found on the Goodwill website:
https://www.goodwill.org/
I’m not sure if the course is limited to people in the United States or available internationally, so be sure to check the website for details.
Resources for People with Wrist Challenges
For those who experience wrist pain or repetitive strain issues, I’ve also been working on sharing some ideas and resources that may help. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’ve been documenting some things I’ve learned along the way.
I’ve created a small YouTube channel where I share information and resources related to wrist injuries and career options. Some additional notes and explanations are included in the video descriptions.
You can find the channel here:
Wrist Injuries to Career Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@wristinjuriestocareerchann4456
If you have thoughts, suggestions, or ideas, I’d be happy to hear them. You can either:
• Leave a comment on a video with the title “This Week: Course A.I and Wrist Resources” video on the Live Your Life Learning YouTube channel
• Send feedback to: helpfulfeedback@yahoo.com
My goal is to post again in about two weeks. I’m working toward sharing content a few times each month, and I’m also hoping to begin posting some interview conversations soon.
Things have been on pause for a while, so I appreciate everyone’s patience as I get things moving again.
Thanks for following along.
Mike
Live Your Life Learning
Live Your Life Learning Blog
This week on Live Your Life Learning, we’re focusing on a powerful — and often overlooked — job-search tool:
👉 A potential employer’s YouTube channel
Many organizations use YouTube to share:
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Company culture and values
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Employee stories and day-to-day work
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Leadership messages and hiring insights
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Training, onboarding, or “day in the life” videos
Watching a company’s YouTube content can help you:
✔ Better understand if the organization is a good fit
✔ Prepare stronger, more targeted interview answers
✔ Ask thoughtful questions that stand out
✔ Go beyond the job description
If you’re job-hunting, this is a simple step that can give you a real advantage.
Looking at a YouTube channel of a potential employer may help you finding opportunities with a potential employer.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
When filling out a job application, many systems give you a chance to review your information before submitting.
After completing a long application, it can be tempting to click “submit” right away — especially if you’re tired or short on time. If possible, pause and take a few extra minutes to review your application.
Things to double-check:
Also, look to see if the application has a “save” feature. If it does, consider saving your work and coming back to it later. Stepping away and returning with fresh eyes can help you catch mistakes — and ensures you don’t lose the work you’ve already done.
A few extra minutes of review — and using the save option when available — can make a strong first impression.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported Live Your Life Learning this year.
I’ll be taking a short holiday break and will be back in 2026.
I hope the rest of the year brings you rest, reflection, and time with those who matter most. As we head into 2026, may it be a year of growth, learning, and new opportunities.
Enjoy the holidays, take care, and I’ll see you in the New Year.
— Mike Searson
Live Your Life Learning
Live Your Life Learning Blog
Congratulations — you’ve been invited to an interview! 🎉
That’s a big step. One of the best ways to increase your chances of success is to spend a little time researching the potential employer ahead of the interview.
Here are some practical ideas to help you prepare:
1. Find the Location
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Look up where the employer is located.
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If the interview is in person, check the address and review a map so you know exactly where you’re going.
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If possible, consider driving by the location ahead of time to reduce stress on interview day.
2. Confirm the Interview Time
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Double-check the date and time of your interview.
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For virtual interviews, confirm the time zone.
A mix-up between Central Time and Pacific Time can easily lead to a missed interview.
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When in doubt, confirm the time by email.
3. Look for an Employee Handbook
Some organizations publish an Employee Handbook (also called an Employee Manual, Staff Handbook, or Company Guidebook).
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These documents often explain company values, expectations, and workplace culture.
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You may be able to find one online, especially for public organizations or educational institutions.
4. Check Recent News
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Try a Google search using the employer’s name plus the word “news.”
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This can help you learn about recent developments, achievements, or challenges.
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Mentioning something current in an interview shows genuine interest and preparation.
5. Review Annual Reports (If Available)
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Some organizations publish Annual Reports that summarize the past year and outline future goals.
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Search the employer’s name along with “Annual Report.”
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These reports can provide insight into priorities, growth areas, and long-term direction.
Final Thought
Making it to the interview is an accomplishment in itself.
Taking time to research the employer shows professionalism, preparation, and genuine interest — all of which can help you stand out.
Good luck with your interview!
Live Your Life Learning Blog
Cell phones play an important role in the job-search process. Here are a few practical tips to help make sure your phone is working for you — not against you:
1. Check Your Voicemail Storage Limits
Some phones or service providers have limits on how many messages can be stored.
If your voicemail box is full, employers cannot leave new messages — and you may not realize you missed an important call.
✔ Clear old messages regularly
✔ Make sure your voicemail is set up and working
2. Check Your Messages Often
Make a habit of checking your voicemail and text messages throughout the day.
Recruiters sometimes move quickly, and returning calls promptly can make a strong impression.
3. Keep Your Phone in the Same Place at Home
This simple habit reduces stress.
When you’re getting ready for an interview, you don’t want to waste time searching for your phone.
✔ Pick a spot
✔ Keep it there every day
4. Bring Employer Contact Information With You
Before heading to an interview, save or write down the employer’s phone number.
If you’re delayed (traffic, trains, etc.), you can quickly notify them — which shows professionalism and responsibility.
Closing Thought
These simple habits can help you use your cell phone more effectively during your job search — and avoid small problems that could cost you opportunities.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
Remote work has opened up many creative and surprising ways for people to earn a living. There are more options than ever — and some of them are pretty unusual!
Let’s hear from you:
👉 What’s the strangest remote job or income source you’ve ever seen?
Share your thoughts in the comments on the Live Your Life Learning YouTube channel, under the video titled “This Week: Remote Work — Different Ways to Earn an Income.”
Thanks for your comments and insights!
Live Your Life Learning Blog
This week, I want to share a little about the direction I’m taking with Live Your Life Learning — specifically, the inspiration behind the interview style I hope to develop.
Larry King, for those who may not know, was a legendary interviewer who spoke with people from all walks of life and on countless topics. His style was simple, curious, respectful, and focused on truly understanding each guest’s story.
Larry King is a major inspiration for the interviews I hope to conduct in the future. My goal is to create a series of conversations — much like his — featuring people from different backgrounds, with different experiences, on a wide range of topics. Ideally, each interview helps us learn more about people’s lives, journeys, and unique stories.
Right now, my main focus is connecting with other content creators. At this time, I’m not planning to cover political or theological topics — the goal is to keep things easygoing, welcoming, and universally interesting.
Live Your Life Learning is a part-time project for me, mixed in with other commitments, so thank you for your patience. This is a learning process, and I’m working behind the scenes to get some interviews lined up.
With such a variety of topics and guests, you might find that one interview doesn’t speak to you — but the next one might be exactly what you’re interested in. That’s the beauty of this approach.
I plan to post all interviews on the Live Your Life Learning YouTube channel and release them on the Live Your Life Learning podcast as well.
Thank you for being part of this journey as I explore Larry King–inspired conversations with people from all different backgrounds and experiences.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
Have a remote or hybrid job? I’d love to hear from you!
More people than ever are working from home, coffee shops, or anywhere with Wi-Fi — and everyone’s experience is a little different.
What kind of remote or hybrid work do you do?
What do you enjoy most about it (or what’s been surprising)?
Share your thoughts in the comments — or even better, drop by the Live Your Life Learning YouTube channel and join the conversation there.
https://www.youtube.com/@liveyourlifelearning1553
I’m collecting stories and ideas from people doing all kinds of remote work. And I would enjoy hearing your story.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
For this week’s topic, let’s talk about cell phone use, contact information for a potential employer, and what to take along when heading to a job interview.
When you go to a job interview, always take along:
✅ Your cell phone
✅ The employer’s contact information (name, phone number, and email if possible)
You never know when something unexpected might happen!
Common examples include:
Car mechanical problems
Traffic jams or accidents
The company recently moved, and you accidentally drive to their old address because Google Maps hasn’t updated yet
If one of these situations happens, don’t panic — when you can safely do so, use your cell phone to call or message the employer and explain what’s going on.
Even if you’re running late, communicating shows professionalism and respect for their time.
In many cases, a quick phone call can save your opportunity and turn a stressful situation into a positive impression.
Live Your Life Learning Blog
