Yes, there was a surprise quiz tucked away in there, so I hope you were paying attention. First two people to answer correctly in the comments box below get a copy of the book. The rest of you get personal satisfaction. Godspeed, young human.

// josh

I really need some help in the career area. Well anyway, what’s up is I’ve been wanting to become a physio for several years, but when I was 17 my dad didn’t let me do YR 12 because he thought that business was for me, but I never wanted to be chained to a boring desk. That would never be purposeful for me. Well, dad does not live in the household anymore so it’s just me and my mum.

This year I decided to make my dream my goal and make it become reality so I’ve been doing YR 12 part time. Anyway because I have to look for a full time job or centerlink will not pay me, I’m stuck because they say I must get a full time job and I have to quit my course which means quitting my dream. I don’t know what to do and they don’t accept part time work either. I don’t want to sound like I’m whining but if I study full time I can’t pay my bills.

What should I do? I’m also wondering, could sponsorship be an option and how would I get it. I don’t want to give up on my dreams and reality is I have 10 weeks till my exams and then I will work as many hours as they demand my work. Really need HELP, don’t know how I’m gonna solve this problem and finish my course.

–Erina

—

Yo Erina,

Thanks for your email.

I’m proud of you for making your dream your goal. I’m guessing you’ve already seen my short film about CAREER?  If not, stop everything and watch this beast.

[NOTE: this lovely bit o' wisdom won't be hanging out online for free forever so, seriously, watch it good and watch it now. Take meticulous notes, practice your meditation techniques, get feedback from your goat about it...whatever it takes to make it to stick.]

I’m not familiar with centerlink, but I would say do whatever it takes to finish that so you can keep pursuing your goals.

Sometimes it’s about doing what you HAVE to do so you get to do what you WANT to do.

Many times in life while pursuing your goal, you will have to make painful, not fun, pain-in-the-butt, short-term sacrifices. Maybe, in your case, the answer is working hard at a full time job while you study on the side. Crazy?

Consider…

Is it worth a 6 month sacrifice, for a 25 year job you love????

Right??

Indeed. So do that.

I’m sure your parents love you, but remember your future / your career is YOURS.  No one else’s.

// josh

Hey You, have you ever faced a situation like this? What’s your advice?

“I hate dancing and I am uncomfortable with many aspects of school dances. I have issues with crowds, strobe lights, and did I mention crowds? Severe issues. Dances make me physically sick. In the weeks leading up to dances, I develop eating problems and give up on schoolwork (even getting detention on purpose).

If I am forced to go to a dance, I have a panic attack and spazz out, shaking and whimpering, which of course makes me look rather undignified. My friends don’t understand and they probably feel insulted when I refuse to dance with them. My boyfriend accepts my fear of dances but I still feel guilty.

Telling me ‘just go to the dance’ will not help unless you think throwing up in public is a good idea. And honestly? I don’t want to change. I just want to know how to help my friends accept and understand me.”

Yo Kaela,

Agreed. Barfing in public is no good. I concur.

Your local school counselor would probably tell you to “push outside your comfort zone and live your teen years with zeal and heart and enthusiasm and my little pony.” I shall do no such thing.

Some things are critical. Some things aren’t.

Bathing = Critical
Not kicking puppies = Critical
Prom = Not critical

If you don’t want to go to prom, don’t go. It’s your call.

As to some of your friends not understanding you? Explain it to them like you explained it to me. Some will get it, some won’t. Those who do…do. Those who don’t….don’t.

The end.

// josh

02. Rent a limo. Can’t afford a limo? Borrow your parents car. Can’t talk them into loaning it to you? Clean your car out. Your date does not want taco bell wrappers stuck to her high heels.

03. Avoid the urge to dance in the center of a circle of prom-goers at all costs unless a) you are Justin Timberlake, b) you are blatantly trying to be funny, or c) you want your date to ignore you the rest of the night.

04. Ladies, getting your hair and make-up done is fine. But try to slightly resemble your normal self. When you have so much make-up on that we can’t tell if you’re smiling or frowning, it frightens us.

05. Guys, despite what your friends might say, it is never a good idea to wear only your vest and bowtie with nothing underneath. Awkward.

06. Just because he/she is hot doesn’t mean he/she will make a good prom date. If you can’t carry on a conversation in normal circumstances, it’s not going to be any easier just because you’re wearing a rented tuxedo or formal gown.

07. Don’t have a date? Don’t sweat it. Find a friend of the opposite sex that you know you’ll have a good time with. Or better yet, go with a group of single friends. It will a) probably be more fun, b) save you money on a lame corsage or boutonniere, and c) spare you the embarrassment of those awkwardly posed prom photos that your kids will one day mock you for.

08. Guys, you can never go wrong with a top hat and cane. It worked for Willy Wonka. It’ll work for you.

09. Relax. Don’t stone me for saying this but prom is only a dance. It’s supposed to be fun.

1. ADVICE! Your biggest promlems + my wicked mad advice-slinging skills = A Happy Prom For Everyone!

2. Need some help asking that really hot/cool/funny/smart/popular/talented guy or girl you’ve been crushing on all year to go to the prom with you? Allow me. I have absolutely no fear of rejection. 

3. Giveaways!!!! One lucky guy will be tuxedo-clad for absolutely NO charge this year and one lucky gal will be all gussied up for free! That’s right folks, we’re giving away a tuxedo rental and a prom dress! Stay tuned for contest details!

4. Prom Tips: Should I rent a limo? What if I can’t find a date? How important is personal hygiene? I’ve got tips for all your biggest prom conundrums.

5. And More. I can’t tell you what the “more” is. You just need to keep checking out Hey Josh every day this week for the goods. 

Your Friendly Neighborhood Prom Wizard,

// josh

I need to ask you something. My English teacher called my whole class (of advanced students) failures. She said that all but maybe 3 of us will flunk out or drop out of college! This kind of enraged me because it reminded me of my third grade teacher who almost shattered my dreams of becoming a pro skateboarder (which I’m still going for).

How do I take this? Do I just sit back and let it happen? Or should I tell her off? Oh, and by the way, this is probably the third time she has said this.

Thanks,
R.J.

—

Hey RJ dot com,

Dude. Not cool.

I can understand why you’d want to tell her off!!!??!?!??!!! Like in front of the whole class.

Embarrass her!
Shut her down!
Show her what’s up!

Yeah, it would feel good for a few minutes….but it wouldn’t solve your problem.

My advice? Stay after class someday and mention it to her in a really calm and cool manner. It’s happened three times, so you’re pretty tweaked, but this is the first time you’re bringing it up to her. Stay calm. Breathe deep.

Tell her how you feel and see how she responds. She might not even be aware that she is being a dream crusher.

In your face, but on your side,
// josh

So you’ve met someone you’re really into. They’ve got the 4 things you look for: hot looks, cool personality, book smarts, and a hilarious disposition. Bingo! You’re in there like swimwear.

Now it’s time to go on that first date and who insists on coming along but Mom or Dad. Ugh! The agony! How are you supposed to get your groove on when the ‘rents are tagging along?? Sure, they may be needed to chauffeur you around, but you know their main motive is to chaperone. Of course they have your best interest at heart and they know you’re responsible, but it can be irritating when you’re trying to do your own thing. Here’s how to make the best of this unfavorable situation:

• Put it in perspective for them. Remind Mom or Dad that you are on an actual date. That means no embarrassing stories about how you used to fart to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb when you were a little eight years old.

• Get some space. Let Mom or Dad know that you are attempting to get to know your new boo, and you can’t do that if they are going to be all in your business during the date. One of my first dates was at a concert. My mom and older sis came along but Mom purchased their tickets all the way on the other side of the arena. The only time we saw them was before and after the concert. It worked out great. If you’re going to the movies, ask Mom or Dad to sit in another theatre or see something else. That way, you both get what you want. You get to have your space and Mom or Dad get to tag along and make sure things are going smoothly.

Join us for Part 2 of this series where we will discuss how to establish a code and be cool with Mom or Dad just a stone’s throw away from you and your date. Ciao!

Can you make the goat less addictive? I found my mouse pointer running circles around the goat at the bottom of your site making the laser beams appear every split second… and for a second I was completely amused =o

Or you can make it more addictive and change the color of the beams every time the mouse hovers over the goat… ? Maybe…? Awesome.

You rock! Maybe next time I’ll actually ask for real advice =)

Keslie

Keslie,

The goat is not addictive.

Seriously its not a problem.

I can stop anytime I want.

// josh

—-

Hey Josh,

What’s up with the “& a Goat” t-shirts and quotes that seem to be everywhere on the site? I saw you live at the Student Council State Conference in Pennsylvania in the middle of November and you didn’t even mention a goat. I’m both scared and confused, could you clear this up for me?

Brian

Brian,

I am not at liberty to say, for the goat has laser beam eyes and is physically threatening.

Forgive me. I must think of my family.

// josh

—-

Hey Josh,

do bald people wash their head with soap or shampoo?

Kendra

Kendra,

As a non-bald American. I am not at liberty to give advice on this subject. However I emailed two of my friends regarding this subject.

We shall learn from their wisdom.

// josh

If someone doesn’t like a video of a cat in a box with Japanese writing on it, I’m just not sure the friendship is going to work.  Think about it:  what kind of person would not find this funny.  Since I posted the video, I watched it two more times.  It’s a cat jumping into a box.  No one gets hurt, and you get to see little cat legs sticking out of a box.  Everyone wins.

Tired of the same old videos of  “Leave Brittany Alone!” diatribes, giggling babies, and cats flushing toilets? Are you into the green scene? Then GoGreenTube may be just for you.

From Leo Dicaprio’s global warming warning to product reviews, like SIGG bottles and Fair Trade Soccer Balls, GoGreenTube has the eco streamer covered.

Their mission is “to create a green focused hub of such activity, educating the world on how to live a greener, healthier, fun life, in a way that’s lighter on the planet.” Sweet!

Unlike other video sites, GoGreenTube actually helps its users save the environment. How can watching videos and eating Skittles help the planet, you may wonder, as you sit and taste the rainbow. Well, candy-crunching friend, once you do the quick ‘n easy registration and start watching the eco footage roll, GoGreenTube will offset a whole pound of carbon for each vid you watch. Truly! It’s verified and everything.

Plus, if you drag your pals along, they’ll offset carbon, too. It’s like going to the movies, but for free. And you get to check off a good deed. Plus, no sticky stuff on your shoes.

Want to join in on the green goodness? Click here!