• Puppies of the pandemic: domestic happiness or foretold disaster?

    It all started with toilet paper and antibacterial gel. Then, stuck at home, the apprentice bakers ran out of flour stocks. Then there was panic due to the shortage of ventilators and intensive care beds, and finally the lack of vaccines.

    And now the dogs.

    Eh yes. A canine shortage. And yet, they are everywhere. The parks are full of them, the kennels empty. There has been a 30-40% increase in adoptions, and animal welfare organizations are struggling to keep up with demand.

    Waiting lists with breeders stretch for years, and overwhelmed vets book appointments months in advance. In Britain there is an epidemic of dog kidnappings led by a “canine mafia”. Already widespread, puppy mills and scams are on the rise as the world rushes on puppies.

    Expert articles, edited by journalists, supported by facts.
    Dogs are a big part of my life. As an associate professor in anthropozoology, I attend annual conferences on this subject, presented by the world’s leading scholars. Early in my career, I trained in dog training with Huckleberry, my baby Labrador, at a time when award-based training was booming. I also teach a course on human-canine relationships. I even met my husband while walking my dog!

    The Rush for the Dogs
    This frenzy is understandable. Those who had decided not to have a dog because they were away from home for long hours suddenly found themselves without a school or an office to go to. And for many of them, this may be a permanent change.

    It may be a blessing to work alongside your dog. Research shows us improved productivity and a better work-life balance, areas in which my colleagues and I collect research data. At the very least, many new owners now have time to bond and train the new family member – a ray of light during this pandemic.

    But, as appealing as adopting a puppy may seem during this pandemic, it’s not always a good idea.

    Dogs bring a breath of fresh air and are a great excuse to get away from home. At the start of the pandemic, we had a good laugh with the stories of desperate people walking stuffed dogs, fake dogs and even their spouses on a leash. And now, borrowed or even rented dogs are raging.

    Unfortunately, the majority of these new puppies will not get enough walks, and some dog behavior problems can lead to frustration and even abandonment of the animal by their owners.

    Having a dog is a huge responsibility
    Since I know a little bit about dogs, I tend to spot problems quickly and it stresses me out. Sometimes I can’t help but approach strangers to tell them that their unvaccinated dog shouldn’t be around other animals. I scowl at the sight of exasperated owners pulling on their pet’s choke collar, punishing them or using old-fashioned training techniques while their dogs beg to run and play.

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  • What Day of the Dead tells us about the Aztec philosophy of happiness

    For the Aztecs, Day of the Dead rituals helped people find balance in their personal lives and social ties.
    Eyepix/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Lynn Sebastian Purcell, State University of New York College at Cortland

    Growing up in the United States, I remember on Halloween my mother used to say, “Honey, this is not just a day for costumes and candy. You must also remember your relatives. Know their names.” She would show me pictures of great-aunts, uncles and other deceased relatives.

    Meanwhile, my family members in Mexico observed Day of the Dead, a national holiday that is celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. They would build small altars at home to honor their loved ones, and put food, drinks, photos and other personal items on them. They similarly decorated their ancestors’ graves.

    These days, I am part of a small group of researchers who are working to recover Aztec philosophy. My focus is on Aztec ethics, which the Aztecs thought of as the art of living well, but we call the pursuit of happiness.

    I’ve learned that Day of the Dead rituals, which date back to Mexico’s pre-Columbian peoples and are observed all over the Americas, are deeply rooted in Aztec ethics.

    A brief introduction to Aztec philosophy

    Shortly after Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean in 1492, Spanish people
    colonized the region. In 1521 the Aztec empire fell in a two-year war led by the Spaniard Hernán Cortés.

    Afterwards, Spanish priests wanted to understand the native population in order to convert them to Christianity. They painstakingly detailed the Aztecs’ beliefs in volumes of material written in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. The most important of these sources is the “Florentine Codex,” written between 1547 and 1577.

    The basic problem of life for the Aztecs, according to these sources, is that humans aren’t perfect – they make mistakes. “The earth is slippery, slick,” the Aztecs would say. And to avoid falling into error, people need to live a balanced life on three different levels: in their psyches, their bodies and their society.

    The top individual goal in Aztec ethics, then, is for people to balance their psyche. It is done by aligning the heart, or yollotl, and face, or ixtli. By “heart,” the Aztecs meant thoughts and desires. By “face,” they meant the rational organization of those desires.

    Where Day of the Dead fits in

    For the Aztecs, then, a happy life is achieved through balance. Individually, this means balancing one’s “face” and “heart,” but socially this involves friends, family and ancestors. Day of the Dead rituals help with this social balance.

    It’s important to note that the “heart” is a metaphor for all of the body’s desires. Also, the Aztecs did not distinguish minds from bodies. They believed each region of the body had its own “mind.” For example, our eyes think one way, our ears another, and our skin another way still. As the scholar Alfredo Lopéz Austin argues, the Aztecs thought of consciousness as the result of this ecosystem of minds, with each mind competing for attention and expressing its own desires.

    Within this ecosystem of minds, the Aztecs believed that three regions held the highest concentration of the cosmic forces that make humans living, moving beings: the heart (the physical heart, in this case), the head and the liver.

    The heart houses the “yolia,” which expresses one’s conscious and remembered personality. The head houses the “tonalli,” which expresses the strength of one’s character and destiny. And the liver houses the “ihiyotl,” which is responsible for our breathing and health.

    When we die, the Aztecs believed these three powers separate from our bodies. The ihiyotl, or breath, immediately rejoins nature. The tonalli, or vital strength, returns as energy to be called on in need. One’s yolia. or personality, however, travels to the land of the dead, called Mictlán. There, it endures a series of trials, including hunger and cold winds.

    To help in the journey, each person’s yolia is accompanied by a little yellow dog and whatever offerings one’s loved ones make. That’s why on various days of the year – not only during Day of the Dead – family members are supposed to help the yolia of recently deceased relatives by offering them food, drink and other gifts at their home shrines.

    [Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.]

    But after four years, the yolia finishes its journey and rejoins the fundamental energy of the universe – “ometeotl,” or god. All that remains of the deceased, then, is their force of personality as tonalli, which, the Aztecs believed, could be called on by remembering their name.

    By remembering our ancestors, Aztecs thought, we help balance our lives while we’re here on Earth and also support our loves ones in their afterlife. This, in essence, is the purpose of the Day of the Dead that many observe today.The Conversation

    Lynn Sebastian Purcell, Associate Professor of Philosophy, State University of New York College at Cortland

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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  • Top 10 Best Products for People Who Work At Home

    It is common for people to think that working at home is simply a matter of using a laptop or desktop computer, a high speed internet, and a mobile smartphone. There’s need for work-at-home employees to be aware of best products that can make them highly productive while working at home.

    The fact that some employees who work from home are now complaining about several health issues explain why it is good to know about the top 10 best products that makes it easy for those working from home.

    Some of these tools are not 100 percent indispensable. You could actually do without them. Even at that, you must know that if the thought of having upgrades occur to you constantly, you need to seriously consider these 10 items.

    More than that, upgrades are necessary for improving your health, happiness, and productivity. Get a better state of mind that will help you to embark on the job and get the chores done without a craving for the bed inside your bedroom.

    I have selected the best 10 out of many tools you need in order to enrich your work from home experience. You may view them as essential upgrades if you have not embarked on using them just yet.

    From the proper eye glasses, electronic cleaning brush, to the perfect desk mat, you have nothing to lose as you consider these products that can help you to achieve more as you work remotely.

    10. Privacy sign (Do Not Disturb)

    People don’t care if you’re busy or not, as they could barge in at any time while you’re busy working in a house where there are family and friends. Closing the door may not be enough, as there could be constant knocks on the door.

    When you put up a Do Not Disturb sign, they won’t bother to knock, and you can work for hours without any distraction. Those who have used the sign know what they have achieved by putting it up. It helps people to know that you’re not available at the time that they think you are.

    When choosing a dial sign, make sure that it is one that will not easily shift when pull the door shut. That could display a feature that doesn’t apply to your work ethics or time.

    9. Foam Chair Cushion with non-slip rubber bottom

    You’re not working from the office but you want to be comfortable sitting on your chair for as long as you can. For some of those who work from home, sitting for longer periods of time is inevitable.

    You need to be able to feel comfortable in your home office chair. Imagine how hard it is for people who sit for up to 10 hours per day in front of their computers, having to cope with sciatica pain that often do occur down the legs.

    A memory foam chair is made with materials intended to ease the pain off. In fact, the pain could go away in less than 24 hours, after a person starts to sit in the chair.


    8. Hanging Window Desk

    Think of this as a standing desk, as you don’t need to sit all day at your desk. The hanging window desk is also lovely for not taking too much space in your room. If you teach remotely, this desk makes it all the more easy for you.

    The hanging window desk is simple, beautiful, sleek, and well-made, so you don’t have to worry about constant damage. You may attach, and detach it as often as you want.

    7. Adjustable Foam Footrest

    From the name, you know that this productivity tool is designed for ease. You can actually sit at your desk for eight hours and still be comfortable, for the reason that the footrest brings the floor closer to you.

    Using it means that you will lessen constant pressure in your hips and legs. It is an upgrade that many home office workers have found invaluable. The primary feeling you would have at the first time you put your legs on the footrest is never to take them off.

    This is one productivity tool that can help you relieve tensions in your back, hips, knees, and feet. It has been found that this adjustable foam rest can soothe your aches better than an ergonomics chair.

    6. Colorful Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

    If you’re the type that cherishes color in your life, you’re welcome to add some to your work setup. Apart from the beauty it radiates from the keyboard, your hands can also be relieved from feeling cramped as this laptop keyboard comes with soft touch features.

    Not that the keyboard is actually something you must change. However, if you feel that you need something different, go for the colorful wireless keyboard and mouse. You won’t regret having them among your work-at-home productivity tools.

    5. Soundproofing Strip

    Working at home is more difficult when others around don’t understand that you need complete concentration to get some things done. Apart from noise from other rooms, there could be noise from a nearby traffic or a barking dog, and you could do nothing about those.

    The other side of the advantage is that you too could engage in conversations that others at the other side won’t hear. Working from and doing conference calls at the same time is easier thanks to the soundproofing strip.

    Don’t worry about installing it. It is easy for just one person to set it up and it sure makes a big difference when properly installed. In addition to the soundproofing benefit, your air conditioning will not escape the room easily.

    4. Sunlamp

    Working at night can make you a little sleepy once you look out the window and see that darkness has begun. For this reason, you may want to prolong the effect of sunlight in order to improve your mood.

    This tool is essential for those who work off hours, or those that spend all day inside a dimly lit room. It is possible for some workers not to see the light of day during winter, so this productivity too makes a lot of sense of mimicking sun experience.

    Caution is needed though because the sunlamp can mean that your body overworks itself each day, so you need to know when to stop in order to preserve your health.

    3. Double-sided Electronics Cleaning Brush

    Cleaning your work tools can be a little bit harder if you don’t have the right gears. Your computer needs a deep clean as there are holes that are difficult for your hands to penetrate.

    If you work long hours at home on your computer, it is possible that food crumbs would hide in vital parts of your laptop. Sometimes, food particles that hide under the keyboard buttons make it harder for you to type fast.

    This electronics cleaning brush has soft bristles that can sweep away unwanted stuffs and dust from the hidden areas on your laptop or desktop computer. With this brush, you will sweep out dirt from in between keys.

    2. Reversible Waterproof Desk Mat

    The possibility of spilling tea on your desk, and by extension on your laptop, is a daily thing. No matter how much alert you are, unless you stop drinking tea while you work, you will spill the tea at times.

    You can protect your desk from all sorts of liquid while you work. It is usually thin, so it won’t be bulky for you as it lies on your desk. Simply wipe off the liquid and continue your work.

    You may also go for a reversible waterproof desk mat that’s beautiful in color. Choose a color that suits you all the time.

    1. Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

    We are exposed to multiple screens inside our homes every day. The average worker stares at computer screen, smartphone screen, and TV screen every day. These put strains on the eyes. The glasses are designed to help you ease the strain you get from spending hours staring at screens.

    Avoid headaches, eye pain, and blurry vision by using blue-light-blocking glasses. You can reduce dry eyes and sleep better in the night if you constantly use these glasses. People have reported amazing improvement after just a week of using these types of glasses.

    If you need to make a choice, go for the lighter specs that are not too tight as this could increase the headache you were feeling.

    Conclusion

    It is hardly possible that as a full-time worker doing your chores at home you will not have any challenges. Once you notice challenges, do your best to upgrade your home corporate lifestyle.

    There are many advantages of working from home. These include increased productivity, and relief from stress that often occurs due to daily commutes. Once you have a big challenge when working from, don’t conclude that it is bad to work from home.

    Learn to make the needed changes as soon as they are required, and be in line for possible promotion that leads to higher pay.

    Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/abbykass/work-from-home-office-products?origin=hppin

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  • Build Wealth: 8 Money Mindset Tricks That Will Help You in 2024

    Being able to think wisely about money doesn’t come easy to everyone. In fact, finances is one of the most stressful topics out there.

    Check Out: 10 best ways people make money from crypto (2024)

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    Luckily, experts say there are certain mindset tricks we can use to help us save money and build wealth.

    “The journey to building wealth is as much about mindset as it is about money,” said Jeff Mains, founder of Champion Leadership Group.

    Below are some transformative mental strategies that can redefine how you approach personal finance.

    Earning passive income doesn’t need to be difficult. You can start this week.

    Think in Percentages, Not Absolutes

    “Instead of viewing financial decisions in absolute dollar terms, I consider them in percentages relative to my income and wealth,” Mains said.

    This tactic helps put expenses into perspective and guides more sustainable financial choices.

    “For instance, investing in a course that is 1% of your annual income but could increase your earning potential by 5% is a valuable growth opportunity rather than an expense.”

    Utilize ‘Contrarian Thinking’ for Investments

    While mainstream advice often leads to conventional choices, Mains has found wealth is built by wisely going against the grain.

    “By analyzing trends and often doing the opposite of the general market sentiment — after thorough research — I’ve made some of my best investment decisions that have significantly paid off.”

    Think of Wealth as a Part of Your Well-Being, Not Just Assets

    “I view wealth not just as financial accumulation but as holistic well-being,” Mains said.

    This includes investing in health, relationships and personal growth, which he said are just as crucial for long-term wealth as financial assets.

    “True wealth means a balanced life that these investments support, not just a number in a bank account.”

    View Every Purchase in Terms of Hours Worked

    According to Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at GoSummer and finance professor at City University of New York, one of the most powerful mindset shifts is to start viewing every purchase in terms of the hours worked to afford it.

    This simple calculation often leads to a more conscious spending pattern.

    “For example, if you earn $20 an hour and you’re considering buying a $200 gadget, ask yourself if it’s worth the 10 hours of work it represents.”

    He said this approach not only makes the cost more tangible but also forces you to weigh whether the purchase truly aligns with your values and long-term goals.

    Flip the Script on Sales

    Another effective strategy Shirshikov recommended is to flip the traditional way of thinking about sales.

    “Instead of focusing on the money ‘saved’ during a sale, consider how much you’re still spending.”

    This subtle shift helps combat the impulse to buy just because something is discounted.

    Categorize Your Income Into ‘Opportunity Buckets’

    A third mindset trick, according to Shirshikov, is to mentally categorize your income into “opportunity buckets.”

    “Every dollar you earn has the potential to grow if invested wisely, so when you spend, you’re not just losing that dollar — you’re also giving up the future growth it could have generated.”

    For example, spending $100 today could mean forfeiting several hundred dollars in future investment gains over the years.

    Be Grateful for the Lifestyle You Can Now Afford

    “The money mindset an individual operates in is crucial because your perception of money determines how you use and save money,” said Mafe Aclado, general manager at Coupon Snake.

    A positive money mindset, she explained, is the kind of money mindset that guarantees that your thoughts and habits align with your financial goals.

    “And it is through this mindset that individuals are empowered and encouraged to delay self-gratification.”

    What makes this mindset a good money-saving trick, according to Aclado, is the fact that it helps you become content.

    This way, you are less inclined to sacrifice long-term satisfaction for short-term benefits, making it much easier to grow wealth faster.

    “Being able to save money and build wealth would involve making conscious decisions, and this is why it’s important to cultivate a mindset that is more concerned over long-term financial successes, satisfaction and fulfillment over short-term happiness.”

    Avoid Comparison

    Finally, one last mindset trick Aclado said will help you save money and build wealth faster is avoiding comparison.

    “Because when you compare yourself with others, you lose sight of your personal financial goals and instead of using your money to pursue long-term financial stability, keeping up with the Joneses then becomes more important to you.”

    Source: Yahoo!

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  • Wizkid Sends Cryptic Message As Davido’s Crypto Currency Tanks

    Popular Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, also known as Wizkid has presumably taunted fellow singer David Adeleke, Davido over the deflation of Davido’s recently launched cryptocurrency coin, $Davido.

    Davido partnered with Phantom and Solana to bring $DAVIDO whose market value surged past $10, and ranking number one on the DEX screener as of Wednesday night to fruition.

    In a recent twist of the event, over 80% of that value has been wiped out with the coin’s market capitalization dropping to $2.1 million amidst a massive selloff by Davido’s piled-up social media followers.

    Dailycoin, a crypto data outlet, has shown that Davido himself extracted a sum of whooping $474,000 from the token before cutting ties.

    Prominent voices in the cryptocurrency space have taken to social media to assert that $Davido was a “Crypto Scam” from the very start.

    Justin Gallum, a cryptocurrency analyst did not mince words in stating that Davido should be put in jail.

    “If you bought the $DAVIDO meme coin expecting to cash out profits, in here to tell you that you were outright scammed by Davido himself. This is textbook behaviour for a crypto rug pull scam,” said Rume, an Analyst on Channel TV and other media platforms.

    Wizkid also took to his X handle to post “Work smart make you no go dey hustle like fool,” he said presumably sending a message to his colleague.

    While fans who cashed out from $Davido have expressed their happiness through social media posts, some others have also expressed their losses in like manner.

    Davido has not officially responded to “scam” tweets making rounds, however, the singer took to X on Thursday night to thank everyone who patronised $Davido.

    “I want to thank everyone that joined the $DAVIDO community last night!” he said.

    The value of the coin was still fluctuating as at the time of this report.

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  • Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is predicted to provide a £997m1 boost to the UK economy

    New data from Barclays reveals that Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour is predicted to provide a £997m1 boost to the UK economy, with Swifties forking out £848 on average to see their idol at one of the 15 UK tour dates.

    The Swiftonomics report shows that spending by The Lucky Ones attending a tour date is expected to be more than 12 times the average cost of a UK night out (£67)2, more than twice the amount spent attending UK-based weddings (£398)3, and even higher than the cost of a UK-based stag or hen do (£779)4

    Brits never go out of Style

    After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation (£121), with other notable costs including travel (£111) and clothing for the big event (£56), with almost a fifth (18 per cent) buying a new outfit especially for the concert.

    Meanwhile, £79 is expected to be spent on official merchandise at the tour stops in London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff, as well as £59 on a pre-concert meal, boosting sales at restaurants near the tour’s venues.

    Adding up the total spending for Brits on the UK leg alone – that’s 1.2 million tickets over 15 nights and four stadiums at capacity, with merchandise, outfits, food, accommodation, travel and more – the Eras Tour is expected to bring in almost £1 billion (£997m) to the UK’s experience economy.

    Fans splash out on Bejeweled VIP tickets

    The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14 per cent of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

    The new figures come after Barclays Consumer Spend data revealed a surge in consumer spending during the pre-release window for the Eras Tour last July – with entertainment jumping 15.8 per cent compared to July 2022. Across the whole of 2023, the entertainment sector (up 7.5 per cent) was also boosted by the release of ticket sales for major events including the Eurovision Song Contest and Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour, with spending on live shows and concerts up 8.6 per cent year-on-year overall.

    So Long, London – UK Swifties prepared to travel far and wide

    One in four (26 per cent) Fearless fans say they had to or will have to travel to a different city in order to attend the Eras Tour, while one in five (19 per cent) intend to see Swift perform in mainland Europe instead of the UK – possibly due to ticket availability, cheaper travel and accommodation costs, or simply so that they can combine the concert with holiday or city break.

    Long Live the pre-show excitement

    As eager fans wait to attend the live show, 28 per cent have watched or plan to watch the film of the Eras Tour, while nearly one in 10 (8 per cent) is either planning to host or attend a Taylor Swift-themed party before or after her show. In addition, 7 per cent have even bought Taylor Swift-themed decorations to Dress up their house in Style.

    Swifties have been swotting up by listening to Timeless classics as well as learning the lyrics to more recent hits. One in five (21 per cent) has bought the album ‘Midnights’, and one in six (15 per cent) pre-ordered the latest album ‘Tortured Poets Department’ prior to its release. A further one in six (14 per cent) is so invested in Swift’s Love Story that they have even started listening to Travis Kelce’s podcast ‘New Heights’, and the same proportion (14 per cent) admit to having streamed American Football games because Taylor was in the crowd.

    Tom Corbett, Head of Group Sponsorship for Barclays, said: “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is the UK’s Wildest Dreams come true – capturing the nation’s attention and bringing a substantial boost to our experience economy, with retail, hospitality and leisure sectors all Ready For It.

    “Fans are increasingly going all-out on experiences that resonate on a personal level, turning every concert into a potential holiday, every ticket into a cherished memory, and every event into an opportunity to splash out on new outfits, food and merchandise. The UK’s Love Story with entertainment doesn’t just involve Taylor Swift, it’s all memorable experiences.”

    Dr Peter Brooks, Chief Behavioural Scientist at Barclays, said: “Whoever came up with the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” clearly wasn’t a Swiftie. There’s growing evidence that spending on experiences boosts happiness and well-being more so than purchasing physical items, especially if that experience is shared with friends and loved ones.

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  • How to thrive at work if your older boss expects hustle culture

    For young professionals working under older bosses, navigating hustle culture can be challenging but not impossible. (Shutterstock)
    Sorin Rizeanu, University of Victoria

    Portia from the comedy-drama series The White Lotus is the epitome of Generation Z. As the assistant for a self-absorbed heiress, she embodies both the strengths and flaws of the younger generation: perpetually connected to the digital world, brimming with intelligence and full of untapped potential.

    While Portia’s sometimes obnoxious behaviour can be grating, they also render her relatable. In one scene, she ruminates on a time when the world had more to offer:

    “You take a picture and then you realize that everybody’s taken that exact same picture from that exact same spot, and you’ve just made some redundant content for stupid Instagram. And you can’t even get lost anymore because you can just find yourself on Google maps.”

    It’s a sentiment that captures Gen Z’s struggle with, and desire for, authenticity. Portia’s journey reflects the broader Gen Z experience. Initially adrift, she eventually receives a wake-up call that drives her to take control of her life.

    If you, like Portia, are also struggling to meet your boss’ expectations about work, it may help to understand how older generations have shaped management, and how you can thrive in the modern workplace.


    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:


    History’s greatest hustle devotees

    Millennials are arguably history’s greatest devotees of hustle culture. Those born between 1981 and 1996 are more likely to work multiple jobs, with many of them working two or more. One in three millennials intends to work for an app-based company like Uber or Lyft, or rent out their home to earn extra income.

    Millennials grew up alongside the internet on the heels of the 2008 recession. Faced with a precarious job market and financial instability, many turned their passions into side hustles.

    These side hustles range from online courses and coaching to podcasts and social media influencing. For Millennials, these endeavours are seen as a source of happiness, employability and skill development.

    Side hustles require them to be efficient, more disciplined and concerned with prioritization and focus. Free time often means switching from the main job to the side hustle, and open weekends are a rarity.

    However, for Gen Z and some younger Millennials, the prospect of joining the hustle culture may seem daunting and exhausting. Instead, they want to be financially stable and successful without sacrificing their mental health and well-being.

    Generational differences at work

    Every generation leaves their mark on the workplace. Millennials in particular, through their ability to process information in a much more streamlined and efficient fashion than any previous generation.

    Millennials increased workplace productivity and remodelled leadership trends. They changed the traditional workplace by wanting to matter, by wanting constant dialogue, and by wanting more opportunity and freedom.

    The younger generation is just as ambitious, but they, too, are leaving their mark on work culture. 48 per cent of Gen Z small business owners juggle multiple side jobs, while 91 per cent work unconventional hours and 81 per cent work while on vacation. Almost half hold two jobs or more.

    But not every young professional is a small business owner or interested in hustle culture — some just want more freedom and a greater sense of self meaning.

    Many people in their 20s and 30s are shaking off the typical 9-to-5 career path. For these individuals, success is not only measured in dollars, but also in overall happiness and fulfilment.

    Close up of a pair of hands resting on a desk. The index finger and thumb are touching, while the remaining three fingers are straight.
    Unlike Millennials, many Gen Zers don’t want to be caught in a ‘work to live’ or ‘live to work’ trap. (Shutterstock)

    Work-life balance

    As a young person in the workplace, you might find yourself clashing with your older boss. Somewhat hypocritically, older bosses often view candidates with multiple jobs as lacking commitment, despite having done the same thing themselves.

    Bridging the generational gap in the workplace requires open communication and mutual understanding. As a young professional, navigating hustle culture in the workplace can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some tips for success:

    1. Be conscious of your mental well-being. An older boss might relentlessly pressure you for results and greater productivity, often at your cost and their gain. If you do not pay attention, you will soon find yourself stressed, burned out and likely feeling inadequate.

    2. Define your own priorities. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life and prioritize tasks based on significance and impact, establish work hours and dedicate time for yourself, family and leisure. Don’t alienate your boss by directly refusing work, but do thoughtfully explain and gradually implement your boundaries.

    3. Be objectively productive. Remember that time spent working doesn’t always equate to productivity. Over-working on the side will negatively impact your workplace performance. You need to measure and evaluate yourself constantly to prove your commitment, be able to innovate and be productive at your main job.

    4. Recognize that not every workplace will be ideal for you. Instead of worrying about climbing the career ladder, seek out a workplace that acknowledges and nurtures the well-being of their employees. This might involve a job with a certain amount of flexibility or remote work, and a culture of collaboration, teamwork and diversity. An enforced top-down hierarchy may not be the best work environment for everyone. If your current workplace doesn’t align with your values and needs, consider exploring other opportunities or even starting your own venture.The Conversation

    Sorin Rizeanu, Assistant Professor, School of Business, University of Victoria

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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  • Why did David “fear no harm”?

    1. Why should we take a close look at Jehovah’s love?

    The Bible says Jehovah is love. There’s no better way to experience God’s love which is so warm and so powerful than for us to take a closer look at how he extends that love to us and to others.

    1. What does Jehovah’s loyal love mean to you?

    It means Jehovah does not give up on us when we do something wrong. That is so heartwarming. Back then, he expressed his unfailing love to repentant such as the word in Isa. 43:4, 5. I beleive Jehovah’s love is constant, even when I make mistakes, he won’t give up on me.

    1. Why was Jesus convinced of his Father’s love

    Nobody else knows Jehovah like Jesus did because they’ve been together for untold ages. We can confidently say Jehovah and his beloved Son forged a close bond of deep love and affection all these aeons of years. Their relationship is the oldest, deepest, and most assuring in the universe. Jehovah has also expressed his love for his son in a way that humans too can understand, especially by calling him the beloved. Because their warm relationship, Jesus on his part, was able to express Jehovah’s love for him to his disciples.

    1. Why was David sure of Jehovah’s care?

    David said he will lack nothing. David felt well cared for because Jehovah’s provisions had been constant. Yes, there were times he found himself without food, and having to hide in the bush, but David could feel Jehovah’s care in such situations. Because of what he experienced, he knew Jehovah’s tender love was more powerful than any of his worries. That was the source of deep happiness and satisfaction for David.

    1. Why did David feel refreshed? (See also picture.)

    At times, David felt distressed because of all the problems and trials he was facing. However, Jehovah’s tender love and care refreshed him. No matter what trials he faced, David recovered his strength and was able to keep going Through Jehovah’s care.​

    1. Why did David “fear no harm”?

    David said he fears no harm, because he knew Jehovah is always with him. Time and again, Jehovah delivered David from constant dangers, and from his many powerful enemies. He felt safe and protected because of Jehovah’s love and care. He knew that Jehovah was with him in every situation, and as such, Jehovah’s love was stronger than his fears.

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  • The power of non-monetary investments

    The Get Rich Slowly summer of books continues! Today’s excerpt comes from Jordan Grumet, better known in the FIRE world as Doc G, host of the Earn & Invest Podcast. When he’s not talking about money, Jordan is a real-life hospice doc. His new book, Taking Stock, offers lessons from the dying to the living.

    The following is from Taking Stock by Jordan Grumet with permission from Ulysses Press. Copyright © 2022 by Jordan Grumet. This passage has been edited to be more readable on the web.

    I used to have a patient who was an undertaker. We had many conversations about philosophy and practicality, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that one must gain profound insights from being engaged in such a unique business. As I was often fond of saying: When the undertaker speaks, you should really listen.

    Those of us who have made death and dying our business may seem unlikely investment advisers, but because both the undertaker and myself have spent extensive time in close proximity to mortality, we’ve been given unique insight into what’s really worth investing in. What investing tips could someone in my line of business have gleaned from dealing with death and dying? Believe it or not, a few quickly come to mind.

    These tips weren’t learned by accompanying the wealthy through this difficult journey — although the wealthy have much to teach. These tips weren’t siphoned off of the personal books of those who had little interest left in hiding their secret ingredients to success. These are simple, straightforward bits of knowledge gained from walking down this lonely path with those reluctant to be making the journey.

    And believe it or not, most of what I learned about investing has nothing to do with money.

    Invest in Yourself

    Personal investment comes in many forms. Chief among these is self-forgiveness.

    Remorse is common in humans of all stripes — living and dying — and its effects can be devastating. The specifics may vary: an action taken or not taken, a relationship salvaged or destroyed, or an object bought or sold. The human capacity to blame oneself is unlimited. We spend endless amounts of time feeling bad about things we wish we had done better.

    While self-blame serves the purpose of introspection and improving future outcomes, it often leaves a path of destruction it its wake. It’s hard to look forward when you are constantly looking back. The key appears to be changing what we can change and forgiving ourselves for the rest.

    Losing his job was the least of Gerald’s regrets. Decades before being diagnosed with cirrhosis (chronic liver disease), his exit from corporate America set off a series of events that ended in alcoholism. His marriage fell apart, and he quickly became estranged from his ex-wife and his daughter, Sandy. While sobriety and eventual employment were recoverable, the damage he had done to his body was not. Neither was the estrangement with Sandy.

    A large part of the life review process was spent with the social worker exploring his feelings surrounding the loss of his daughter. Gerald eventually was able to find a modicum of peace and forgive himself. He also realized that if this self-forgiveness had been granted earlier, he might have been able to quit alcohol long before his liver became so damaged.

    What have you been unwilling to forgive yourself for?
    What damage is this unwillingness inflicting?

    Another common way we invest in ourselves is by slowing down. Often, we have big audacious goals and want to reach them immediately. Yet — as in the story of the turtle and the hare — slow incremental gain is what helps us win the race. If we can make progress toward a major goal by just one percent per month, we’ll have phenomenal annual returns over the long run. This principle applies to a skill, a relationship, or just about anything we strive toward. We mustn’t allow our limiting beliefs to hold us back.

    We also need to invest in experiences. Experience compounds over time, just as our monetary assets do. As we learn and grow, we hone skills that make us better employees as well as people. Ask anyone who has risen through the ranks to become CEO of a company. Just like Ben Franklin’s compounding investments, growth in the workplace is anything but linear; it grows exponentially.

    And if we are going to talk about investing in ourselves, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention education.

    Invest in Education

    While there’s no question that I’ve benefited from an expensive four-year college education, there are so many different ways to educate yourself nowadays — read, discuss, take online courses, debate until your face is blue and you walk out of the room disgusted. The world is full of teachers, great and small.

    Knowledge is the emergency fund in which you shield your happiness. When all other resources are exhausted, your knowledge will help you secure a job, build a shelter, or make the right decisions at the most critical moments. Don’t skimp on self-improvement, and don’t be afraid to pay for it. The money you spend on education will compound in the form of knowledge and skills.

    Say yes — even when you don’t want to. Open yourself to other people’s requests, and jump into an activity that feels foreign or uncomfortable.

    The only way to gain knowledge or discover new passions is to be willing to explore. Not only will you be exposed to exciting opportunities, but you’ll also build stronger relationships with those to whom you say yes. Always have your bags packed.

    Don’t be afraid to learn new things. I’m continuously surprised by how resistant the average person is to learn about basic finance. Most experts suggest that a few hours of reading each month will make you totally financially competent. Yet the preconceived notion that the subject is too difficult scares many away; don’t let it.

    I have watched countless patients die with a book on their nightstand or an unfinished argument circling their brain. This is not sad or trivial. Even those who are dying wake up every morning with a plan for how they will spend each day. Make sure you allow room for acquiring new knowledge. Inquisitive people tend to die as they live: happy and full of questions.

    Invest in Other People

    The one measure of a person (rich or poor, happy or sad) is in the people whom the person leaves behind. I can think of no greater indicator of success. I know instantly when I walk into the room of a dying patient whether they have invested in other people. They are surrounded by pictures, letters, cards, and friends.

    In fact, I usually know who the successful investors are before I even reach the hospital room. There are people walking in and out; noise and laughter peal through the otherwise somber hallways. Smiles and tears celebrate the bittersweet confluence of life and death.

    If you invest in people, the compound interest will multiply into a lifetime of love and happiness. Long after you’re gone, your essence will survive in the smile on the lips of those who shared in your asset allocation.

    It took me years to understand this tip. I stumbled about as a doctor looking to find my people in the midst of a community that didn’t fit me. It was only after I discovered writing and podcasting in the personal finance realm that I was able to connect with people who understand me.

    These connections have made all the difference; they have given me the courage to redefine my identity and purpose.

    Invest in Children

    Invest not only your money, but your time and love. Invest in children. Help build the blocks of their adulthood and happiness. Sprinkle them with your knowledge, humility, and kindness. Lead them with your virtuous example. In you, they will find the role model of success and freedom. Teach them about finances so they can understand what money can and can’t do for them in attainment of their life goals. Leave them with a good example of what living looks like.

    Investing in your children will produce a lifetime of dividends. They will be the shoulder to lean on and the undertaker of your vast life dreams. Your time on this earth is short, but your progeny will carry on your spark. Like a ripple in a vast ocean, your effect will be carried with them through the generations. You will live on in the hearts and minds of those who come after you.

    Every time a colleague accidentally calls me by my father’s name, while rounding at the hospital, is proof of how we live on in our children. His legacy shaped my career and passions even decades after he has passed. He is remembered.

    I will never be able to repay my parents for what they have willingly surrendered to me. Instead, I will pay it forward to my own children. I will invest in them in much the same way as my parents have invested in me, and, thus, our goodness will continue on through the generations.

    Invest in Physical and Mental Health

    Your body and mind are interconnected. They form the framework you build upon. There’s no financial well-being without mental and physical well-being. As this book demonstrates, managing your money and future take forethought and conscientious decision-making. You can’t do this properly if you yourself are unwell.

    Invest in mental health by taking the time and energy to recover. Learn how to slow your mind and relax with activities such as meditation, exercise, and listening to classical music. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or mental health professionals. Psychological counseling is not only common but also incredibly helpful. Getting a professional’s outside perspective can make a huge difference in quieting those internal voices that disrupt your peace and calm.

    Physical health also plays an important role. Not only may it prolong the time to the end of life, but the emotional benefits are also enduring. We generally feel stronger both physically and emotionally when we are taking positive steps to take care of ourselves. This does not mean that we all have to become marathon runners. As I said before, perfect can be the enemy of good enough.

    Try to get at least thirty minutes of physical activity a day. Start with something easy like walking. Find an activity that fulfills your physical needs without being loathsome or burdensome. If you hate doing it, the habit won’t last.

    While I don’t feel strongly about alcohol or drugs, anything above recreational use often limits our health as well as our ability to see our goals clearly. If you are wondering whether it’s a problem, then it probably is. Most of the highs these substances give us are artificial and short-lived.

    Invest in the Market

    Even a collection of investing tips from a hospice doctor would be remiss without the basics. Taking Stock is a personal finance book, after all. So, don’t forget to invest in the stock market:

    Earn more than you spend.
    Save as much as you can each year (20 to 50 percent).
    Buy broad-based low-cost mutual funds.
    Max out retirement savings first, and then open a taxable brokerage account.
    Hire a financial adviser only to advise — not to invest for you.

    My hope is that this book gives you the intellectual, tactical, and practical knowledge to get the money right so that you can invest more heavily in the other things I’ve discussed. I don’t want to minimize the importance of understanding the financial basics, but I do want to remind you that they are necessary but not sufficient.

    Final Thoughts

    These are my investing tips from a hospice doctor. As you can see, only the last section deals with money. The reason, of course, is that finances are the easy part. How you invest the rest of your time and energy is likely to determine your perspective in those waning days when you deal with a doctor like me. Don’t waste your life and regret.

    Start investing now! Before it’s too late. The stronger the foundation you create, the better you’ll be able to deal with the unexpected. Because if you haven’t figured it out yet, that’s the point of investing in the first place.

    Your investing plan has to start immediately — before you are dying and the end is so clearly in sight. Building a life of meaning, purpose, and connections takes time and compounding. Investing in yourself takes energy, and investing in education requires work. Building relationships with your children and community will be a mental and physical strain. Taking care of your mind and body will be taxing. Learning about personal finance and building financial security will consume hours that you might rather have spent on something else.

    And it’s all so very, very worth it. Be as prepared for life as you would be for death.

    Invest in yourself wisely.

    Exercise: Non-Monetary Investment Inventory

    Clear your schedule for an hour for two to three separate days over the next week. During that time, make sure all electronics are turned to silent, you’re well-rested and fed, and you have found a quiet, comfortable place to concentrate.

    Take a sheet of paper, and separate it lengthwise into three separate columns. Number each from 1 to 10.

    For your first list, write down all the education you have received up to this time. You can start with high school, university, or college. Add in any graduate programs, online courses, on-site work trainings, or self-study projects. Be generous here — no need to have received a formal degree or certificate. It’s okay, especially for this section, if you don’t have ten full entries.
    For your second list, write down all your skills. These can range from professional expertise to innate talents to self-taught abilities. Don’t forget all that you’ve learned through social media. Are you a content creator? What about hobbies? Again, give yourself credit. What do people always tell you that you are good at?
    Finally, in the last column write down key relationships. This includes family, friends, work associates, and even acquaintances. List the ten people who have a big influence on your life. This is your community.

    Now peruse your three lists together; this is the sum total of your non-monetary investments. What you have created is an inventory of your non-financial wealth. Often, we get so caught up in our net worth calculation that we forget about our non-monetary assets.

    If you take your inventory of non-financial wealth and add it to your net worth calculation, you now have a true listing of all your resources. Are these enough to allow you to utilize most of your time pursuing your true purpose, identity, and connections? If so — welcome to financial independence!

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