Blogs by tag - Wellness · Half The Sky

How to end your week on a positive note

If you're like us, you're always looking forward to the weekend as a time to relax and unwind from the stress of the work week. However, it's important to leave that stress behind and start the weekend on a positive note. Doing so can not only set the tone for the week ahead, but also help you enjoy your weekend even more. Here are a few tips to help you end your week on a high note:Reflect on your accomplishmentsTake a few minutes to think about what you've achieved during the week. This can help you feel proud of your progress and motivated to keep going!Plan for the weekendHaving something to look forward to can help boost your mood. Plan a fun activity or outing for the weekend, or make plans to spend time with friends or family. Laying in bed eating ice cream can sound like the perfect treat, but it’s important to have those days where you move around and get out of the house! Wrap up loose endsBefore the week ends, make it a habit to complete all your important tasks and projects. This will help you feel more in control and less stressed about the Monday to come. Practice gratitudeSomething that many of us forget! Take a moment to think about the things in your life that you're grateful for. There’s no set schedule for being grateful, and incorporating this practice into your work week can help shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Disconnect from workThis one’s for you workaholics! You need to have a healthy work-life balance and keep those weekends sacred. Try to disconnect from work-related thoughts and activities as much as possible during the weekend. You will thank yourself for that much needed relaxation period once next week comes. By following these 5 simple tips, you’re sure to end your week on a positive note and start the next one feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Which of these tips are you already practicing in your weekly routine?

Making a genuine human impact through mentally healthy workplaces

As the global pandemic rages on and many Australians experience extended lockdowns, we’re seeing a heightened awareness around the state of our mental health and well-being.The sad truth is we’re not alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed, tired, insecure, worried, lonely and isolated as a result of everything we’ve experienced in the last 18 months or so. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics – one in five Australians are reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress linked to the pandemic, with young people, women and those living with a disability the most affected by poor mental health.As we celebrated World Mental Health Day earlier this month on Oct. 10, there was, thankfully, some cause for optimism. According to the World Health Organization, governments around the world have recognized the importance and need to scale quality mental health services. Similarly, a recent report by the Black Dog Institute found that organizations in Australia are taking concrete steps to create more mentally healthy workplaces. The same report, however, also indicated that some of these policies don’t necessarily cater to the changing needs of Australian workers as well as to how work and the workplace have dramatically evolved in the last two decades.That said, there is a silver lining in every cloud. The last 18 months have taught us to embrace changes, learn and adapt – and in this instance, create new mental health policies that are flexible and practical for all employees.For example, at Avanade, we introduced the Alternative Work Week program to empower employees to space out their time in a way that works best for them. Employees who choose to participate in the program may opt to work their designated hours over four or four-and-half days in a condensed and focused fashion, providing them time to balance their work and life commitments. Other initiatives and benefits we’ve introduced to support our employees’ mental health and well-being include personal days off to disconnect and recharge, No Meeting Fridays, and professional counselling services. Additionally, to recognize Mental Health Month in Australia, we provided our employees an additional paid day off in October to focus on their mental health and well-being.As part of our commitment to better support our people, we’ve also become a member of the Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia (CMHAA) to raise awareness about the importance of mentally healthy workplaces, as well as provide more tools and resources to support our employees.This October is Mental Health Month. As individuals, let’s take this time to show that we care for one another. For organizations in the public and private sectors – this is an opportunity for us to really examine the issues around mental health, take action, and make resources more accessible so together we can make a genuine human impact on the quality of life and well-being of Australians.The original article was published here.

41% of Women Don’t Have an Emergency Fund — Here’s Why That’s a Huge Issue

Some of us who may be new to the workforce will not be familiar with the term ‘emergency fund or in some cases, a “rainy day account”’.Just like how the name suggests, it is an individual’s fund that is kept aside for emergency purposes such as replacing a much-needed electronic appliance, paying a medical bill or losing a job.So the emergency fund’s purpose is for the individual to be able to fork out a large amount of money due to an unforeseen circumstance WITHOUT being in debt.According to a recent survey done by Betterment, an investment company, 41% of women do not have money saved up for an emergency.By not having this rainy-day account, many would incur debt and suffer from its consequences. So, let’s imagine that person A has been let off from a job and they were unable to secure another job fast enough, how will they be able to pay for their rent without getting a loan, borrowing from close ones or using the high-interest rate credit card?This is exactly a setback that we do not need in life. Now that you know of its importance, it’s imperative that you start an emergency fund as soon as possible.In order to do so, you should record all your expenditure for a month and at the end of it, sit down to sift through it. Segment it into parts such as your rent, your groceries, etc and weed out some of the unnecessary expenditure to be put into your rainy-day account. An important thing to note about this is that an emergency fund is a separate fund from your savings!Ideally, your goal is to have 3-6 months of expenditure in that account and once you have arrived at that goal, don’t stop saving!With that, you don’t have to tremble in fear due to an unforeseen incident and you can face it head-on with only a little dent in your finances.

The Great Resignation Is Hurting Employers Too & We Need To Talk About It

The phrase “it takes two to tango” is quite versatile in the sense that it is not only applicable to romantic relationships but also to the relationship between an employee and employer.Due to the pandemic, the professional relationship between employees and employers have been strained as many are not used to working from home and the blurred lines that come with it.Sure, it seemed all fun in the beginning but as lockdowns drag on, so does work. With there being problems in communication and work that seemed never-ending, many employees burned out quickly and had little to no work-life balance. This has been a contributing factor in what we call The Great Resignation which is an event that is observed worldwide.In this phenomenon, the employees’ narratives were given the spotlight as many of us can relate to it. But on the other hand, organisations are suffering as well as this is also a completely new experience to them.Let’s think about it, the last time your employers asked you to work remotely (pre-pandemic) was probably during your office’s renovation and there is a big chance that it lasted only a few days.But as we know, the pandemic dragged on and on and companies were left in a lurch as they needed to find equilibrium between the organisations’ work and their employees’ wellbeing. Some companies took the liberty in giving more mental health-based support such as mental wellness days and incentives while others had programs that focused on health.Be it as it may, it seems like it may not be enough as 23% of Singaporean respondents in Ceridian’s survey feel like “their employers aren’t doing anything to support health and wellness.” Globally, 19% of the respondents feel the same way.So there is really no one at fault here as these are all valid struggles that need to be addressed. However, we do believe that between employee and employer, there should be a discussion and a compromise on both parties. Like we said, it takes two to tango so what is an employer without and employee and vice versa?

Let’s talk about kindness at work

When we talk about the workplace, kindness isn’t something that we instantly associate it with. As a matter of fact, kindness usually gets ignored when we talk about work, and this is because of cutthroat workplace cultures that forge unhealthy practices such as unethical behavior, backstabbing and high-stress and frequently reward such behavior with the misguided belief that it is the best way to get results. Instead acts of kindness and empathy are frowned upon as signs of weakness. We’ve all heard the saying “nice guys finish last”, and in popular culture whether it be on TV or in the Movies the depiction of a cutthroat business leader or manager is so prevalent that it’s a cliché in our society. To get ahead you have to be tough, ruthless and single minded.When applied to the workplace. It gives off the impression that kindness won’t help you be successful but that isn’t the case at all. A little kindness goes a long way, and it should be extended beyond your friends and family, in whatever you do and wherever you are which includes the workplace. There’s a song that goes, “it takes guts to be gentle and kind,” but really, how hard can it be when even one act of kindness can be enough to spur positive change in someone, in a group of people, and in the workplace.Kindness is powerBeing kind at work can bring forward positive outcomes for everyone. It can help maintain wellness in a space that can usually cause mental and physical strain. Through acts of kindness, whether small or big, the workplace can be a better place for you to be more productive, and of course, enrich yourself in your chosen career.Acts of kindness in the workplace can help you deal with workplace stress and anxiety. If you feel that your workplace has the sense of kindness that welcomes everyone’s concerns, then you would not be afraid of sharing any issues or problems that may affect the way you work. With kindness, you can be more comfortable at work and self-confident which can of course make you even better at your job.Kindness in leadershipKindness has the capacity to create a significant positive ripple in the workplace. A gesture of kindness from one person can easily spread and influence the entire workplace. And this is why leaders should know the value of kindness in the workplace, for without it, it will be hard to foster a culture of kindness for the benefit of everyone.To be a kind leader is to also promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. A leader who is mindful of kindness is aware that each idea and opinion from each and everyone in the workplace matters and as this mindset is presented in the workplace, it will be easy for everyone else to follow suit.Make room for kindnessBy being kind, you are letting yourself be more empathetic—you are opening yourself to the idea that even in the workplace, it’s valuable to build genuine connections with the people around you. Your coworkers also share the same goal as you as you are all part of one organization that works toward a common aim. By being kind and having empathy, you can have a deeper understanding of your career goals, both in the individual and collective sense.Fostering a culture of kindness in the workplace takes work but once it is put in place, it becomes easier to work for everyone. It can boost productivity for it also enhances collaboration. As people in the workplace put in the effort to be kind to each other, the workplace becomes a better space for decision-making, problem solving and innovation.Now that the ways in which we worked has drastically changed, we can easily assume that kindness in the workplace took a turn too but that’s not really the case. More than ever, now’s the time to be more kind, to be more appreciative to those around us, to be more understanding about people’s situations—to be kind whenever possible, and I want to assure you, it’s always possible. Always take the initiative to be kind for it would always be worth it.A culture of kindness in the workplace is linked to a positive company culture. With kindness, it can easily be expected for a workforce to be more satisfied and happier. This is because they are in a space where they can feel nurtured and encouraged to better themselves in their career.

The Dress for Success Debate: What Does it Mean in a WFH World

With the world of work shifting to the remote work setup, there are so many changes happening to the way we work. This includes the way we dress up for work. Now that we don’t need to report to a physical office, is there still a standard that we should follow when it comes to the way we dress for work? Would it be okay to opt for sweats or pajamas and be as comfortable as possible as we work in the comfort of our own homes?Before the pandemic and before the significant transition to work-from-home, dressing up for work was part of working in itself. People in the workplace valued you based on the way you dress because of the idea that the way you dress to work reflects your competence and skills. If you don’t dress to impress, people would perceive you as someone who does not put in any effort into your job whereas if you dress to impress, you are seen as someone who takes work seriously. This is because how you dress at work is the way you present yourself to others. The new normal of remote work, has presented many challenges to the status quo of work and the question of how dressing for success is measured is certainly one of them? With virtual meetings only showing the upper half of your body, would anybody really care if you’re only wearing pajamas?It is often argued that putting a significant amount of effort in the way we dress even if we are working remotely may improve our working routine. However, some may say that working from home is an opportunity to feel as homey as possible, which can somehow ease the burden of work.Dressing for work as we work from homeRemote work can suggest the idea that you may be more relaxed as you work which can imply that it’s alright to opt for loungewear while you accomplish your daily work tasks. This can be tempting especially because adaptability and comfort have become a must in the remote work setup. Also, employers wouldn’t have a way to check up on you on how you dress as you work from home, neither will they give it too much thought, especially because they wouldn’t actually see you in person. As long as you deliver your tasks, that would be enough for them.If you used to work in an office that has a strict dress code, then it’s obvious that it suddenly changed when you started working remotely. However, the idea of having a work-from-home dress code shouldn’t be something you put aside. There are some people who still prefer to dress up for work even in a work-from-home setup. For them, this is a way to have a sense of normalcy, a way to separate their work routine from the rest of their daily routine. By starting the workday through dressing up, it can help one prepare for the day better.Many studies show that the way you dress up is correlated with your productivity levels. In terms of work, it can be said that your choice of clothes may affect the way you go through your day. This is why even in the work-from-home setup, it is still important to be mindful of how you present yourself, especially on days you still need to be at virtual meetings. While of course, you will not be present physically and not even your entire body will be seen, it’s good to make sure you look pleasant and presentable.Younger workers may take the current remote work setup as an opportunity to explore the ways that they can expand their wardrobe by having pieces of clothing specifically for this setup. It’s good to remember that you can still stay fashionable while being relaxed as you work from home. This can even be a way for you to reinvent the meaning of dressing for work in your own terms as you find ways to combine comfort and professionalism in your work fashion.While the priority right now seems to be your comfort as you adjust to a new way of working, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice professionalism. You can opt to dress as comfortably as possible, as far away from what you’ve been used to when you still worked in the office while still making sure that in instances you need to present yourself virtually, you would still look like the professional you truly are.What does dressing for work mean in a WFH worldWith remote work being something that’s here to stay, it can be seen how people adjust differently with this kind of setup. Dressing for success while working from home definitely takes effort especially because of the idea that you would simply stay at home. However, taking the time to include this into your routine would definitely help in boosting your productivity. Dressing for success in the context of working from home does not have to mean dressing up the way you did when you still had to go to the office, it can mean simply wearing clothes similar to what you used to wear--clothes that provide you the feeling that you’re on work mode.In the context of remote work, it is safe to say that the idea of dressing for success becomes subjective. As you and the rest of the world adjust with the demands of remote work, the dress for success debate depends on the various ways people come to terms with working from home. As such, different people can have different perspectives on how to dress for success in a work-from-home setup. Some may opt for simply being in homewear as they work, some may choose to dress closer to the way they did before working remotely. As long as you dress the way in which you will find yourself more productive, following an efficient work routine, then that’s enough indication that you still give value to the idea of dressing for success, even when working remotely.Since remote work dress codes are still technically uncharted territory, among employees and employers alike, just keep in mind that the best move is to have a work-from-home wardrobe that puts you in the right headspace to work. Go ahead and be fashionable while working from home in whatever way you want. It is up to you to define what dressing for success means in the work-from-home world, as long as it works for you and as long as you remain the professional that you are.

Latest Update on the Future of Work at Citi

I vividly remember March 6 last year. It was a Friday. I left the office and walked down to the grocery store to stock up and there was not one vegetable—fresh or frozen—left on any of the shelves. That was when it really hit me that life had changed. Over the course of this past year writing my notes to everyone, I often wondered when it would make sense to write this particular note, laying out how we are thinking about the future of work at Citi when we head back into the office post-vaccines. While we're not at the end of the road yet, I think the time is now right to begin planning for what that looks like.Hitting ResetFirst, however, I want to address a more immediate issue—the need for a reset now. I know from your feedback and my own experience, the blurring of lines between home and work and the relentlessness of the pandemic workday have taken a toll on our well-being. It's simply not sustainable. Since a return to any kind of new normal is still a few months away for many of us, we need to reset some of our working practices if we are to stay true to one of the principles we set to manage through the pandemic: "Make the most of now."So around the world we are going to take three actions:First, we are launching Zoom-Free Fridays and are designating Fridays as a day free of video calls—at least internally. After listening to colleagues around the world, it became apparent we need to combat the "Zoom fatigue" that many of us feel, so I overcame my initial resistance to this idea. There still will be client and regulator meetings that need to happen via Zoom, but any internal meetings occurring on Fridays (or an equivalent day in the Middle East) should happen as audio-only calls.Second, is setting healthy work boundaries. We are busier than ever, but please try to limit scheduling calls outside of what had been traditional working hours pre-pandemic and on weekends (remember those?) We are of course a global company that operates across time zones, but when our work regularly spills over into nights, very early mornings and weekends, it can prevent us from recharging fully, and that isn't good for you nor, ultimately, for Citi.Third, take your vacations. I'm taking a few days off at the end of the month, knowing I will come back with a fresher brain. In that spirit, we are announcing a Citi Reset Day, a firm-wide holiday on Friday, May 28. This is something we did last year, and this year we are giving plenty of notice so you can plan a day where we are all off and your emails and phones are quiet. If you need to work on May 28, or if Friday is part of the weekend in your country, please work with your manager to find another day in the two weeks after May 28.I believe it greatly benefits our firm if we make these adjustments. We welcome ideas on what else we can do to help us manage the strain. If you feel you need additional support, you can receive help through our Be Well program, even if you are not enrolled in a Citi medical program. And please…speak up and talk to your manager if you need more time for a reset. It's not a sign of weakness; we are all feeling the weariness.We Succeed Together—Better Together"One size does not fit all" was another principle we set at the beginning of the pandemic in recognition that the varying impacts of the disease around the world would require a flexible response. The same is true for the timing of our return to the office. Of course, the question on everyone's mind is, "What will working at Citi look like once the pandemic eases and we have been vaccinated?" Let me share how we are thinking about this…While the pandemic has shown us how versatile our colleagues can be, for many of our roles, we strongly believe there are several material advantages to being physically together:Belonging: We want our people to feel an attachment to our firm, a sense of pride about serving our clients and a duty to protect the financial system. That only happens when we are together—and as we have all experienced, loneliness is not a great feeling.Collaboration: Working together creates a shared purpose and energy. Collaboration is much more dynamic when you can pop over to the next desk or brainstorm in a room together, bouncing ideas and feeding off each other.Apprenticeship and Learning: Banking is an apprenticeship business and this can happen over Zoom, but only up to a point. Feedback from an impromptu conversation after a meeting or coaching from your manager walking by your desk after watching you in action—we all miss out on this learning as part of the daily rhythms of being together.Competitiveness and Performance: Being together drives collaboration, coordination and helps break down silos. These are attributes we need to embrace to improve our competitiveness and performance. And we can see from the data that many roles are more productive over the long run if we are in the office together.So as we look forward to the new normal, these attributes are a big driver of why you will be expected in the office or on site. That said, we also recognize that our people have benefitted from aspects of working remotely, and we intend to create additional flexibility going forward. While some roles require the sharing of information in real time, many others have proven to be equally and, in some cases, more productive from home. Therefore, we will have three new models of working once it becomes safe for us to be together again: Hybrid, Resident and Remote.The majority of roles globally will be designated as Hybrid. These colleagues will work in the office at least three days per week and from home up to two days per week. This is not just a scheduling exercise; we will be thoughtful about when we ask colleagues to be in the office together, using the four principles above.Resident applies to roles that cannot be performed offsite. These could include branch-based colleagues or those who work at data centers.Remote roles will allow colleagues to perform their functions from outside a Citi location. Apart from roles that were remote before the pandemic, such as those supporting our contact centers, new Remote roles will be somewhat rare.The Executive Management Team is working with Human Resources to assess which job functions fall into which category. But regardless of the role, we will expect everyone to be onsite at certain times as part of our ongoing efforts to increase connectivity and collaboration. As more of us return, we will continually check in with managers so we can evolve our approach as needed.I am also mindful there will be a raft of new challenges when more of us return. For instance, how do we make sure that those who continue to be fully remote have equal opportunities to develop their careers? How do we balance conversations in which some participants are in person and others are on Zoom? How do we ensure that the 35,000 colleagues who have joined us since the start of the pandemic feel they belong to the team and to the firm and that we invest the time and provide the experiences for them to feel like Citibankers?These are questions we need to answer, and I have no doubt we will. The pandemic has stretched our capacity for innovative thinking, for solving problems. It has opened doors to new ways of working and shown that we are able to adapt to and even flourish amid adversity. Nothing should stop us from building a bank that wins, a bank that champions excellence and a bank with a soul.The original article was published here.

7 powerful reasons to bet on yourself

Would you ever bet on yourself when it comes to finding success in life? Even when you believe that you're the last person you should bet on, give yourself a chance! Here are 7 powerful reasons why you should invest in your own power.You want to know the one person who will be there for you no matter what? Take a good, long look in the mirror. Yes, that person is you! You may have loyal friends and family, but there will be several instances where you will have to rely on your own wits and abilities to get you through.You possess the capability to reach your dreams and more, despite what your self-doubt may have to say. It can be difficult to ignore the negative voices in your head, but you deserve the chance to bet on yourself. Here are seven powerful reasons why you should:1. You learn to take calculated risksMost people prefer guaranteed returns and minimal risk when making decisions in life. But not only is that unrealistic, it also means they are holding back on living out their dreams and attaining what they truly want. Yet when you bet on yourself, your mindset starts to change and every opportunity transforms into a challenge that must be overcome. You stop playing it safe, and you learn to calculate the risks against the reward. You begin believing that attaining the best result is possible.2. You hold yourself to higher standardsBetting on yourself can also elevate your own standards. It is often said that we are our own worst critic, and this critical voice can be our tool to measure ourselves against a higher benchmark. You're understanding how to respect your own time and effort, so you won't waste these precious resources on things that won't help your career grow anymore.3. You create more opportunitiesOpportunities often stem from the help of others, but you can also make your own opportunities no need. Betting on yourself means you are not limited to waiting for the right opportunity to come by. Instead, you can create your own because you know your limits and capabilities enough to choose and discern the right opportunities as they pass by.4. You allow yourself to reach for your dreamsSometimes we ignore our dreams in exchange for pursuing a career that can provide for us and our loved ones. It's a sacrifice we're all familiar with, but in reality we don't have to live like this forever. Once you learn to bet on yourself, you begin to set course for a better job and for a more uplifting career that considers both your wants and needs.5. You become irreplaceable at workYour best investment is yourself; that's why whenever you choose to study a new skill or learn from a class, you are increasing your value, making yourself a very employable worker in the eyes of recruiters. Your position will be more secure than ever because you invested in expanding your skills and elevating your potential.6. You attain better focusAs you start to assess how you can become a better professional, sibling, or parent, this inward focus makes you more adept in spotting your weaknesses and strengths. You know where you currently are and you also know where you want to be. All that is left for you to do is to draw a straight path between these two points, and then follow it.7. You have a clearer vision of your futureWhen you make a bet on something, you don't do it blindly. You find out your chances of winning and any possible losses before you make a decision. And betting on yourself would mean that you have ensured a clear vision of your ultimate goal. With this, no distractions can lead you astray from your career path.For most people, betting on ourselves tends to be the last resort. Some are forced to bet on themselves because there is no other choice, but we shouldn't rest on our natural tendency to underestimate and undersell ourselves. We urge you to make yourself the next one you bet on today. One's faith can make you strong, especially when it is derived from within.

How to find your ikigai at work

In a post pandemic world many of us find ourselves prioritizing “a reason for being” over career and work. If you're feeling lost with no direction in your career? What you need is to find your "ikigai," popularly defined as "your reason to wake up each day." Let's take a closer look at what ikigai means and how it can help you find your true purpose.The global pandemic and the adjustment to a new normal has led to many people taking a moment to self-reflect and question one's own purpose. Before the crisis if you’d ask someone what gives them a sense of fulfilment, it would more often than not refer back to career goals or building a healthy financial nest for retirement.The uncertainty of the global pandemic has led to many questioning their relationship with work and family, or their sense of belonging and value in the workplace. People have realized that there is more to life than being the most productive at work or punching in long work hours. As we all struggle to adjust to the current reality of the new normal, some of us may find it difficult to gain the motivation to keep going on the career treadmill.More of us want to feel fulfilled; we want to have a purpose and a greater understanding of what our reason for being is. Our motivation is linked to our sense of purpose, and in these circumstances, the reason why we struggle so much can be easily lost in the haze of constant working. If you find yourself feeling directionless and completely unmotivated, try going on a journey to find what the Japanese call your "ikigai."Ikigai: A DefinitionYou may have heard—or seen—whatikigaiis. It is represented by those flower-like venn diagrams that have been gaining popularity online.Ikigaiis a combination of the Japanese words “iki” (生き), meaning “life,” and “gai” (甲斐), which describes value or worth. In short, ikigai is your "reason to wake up in the morning."Those who have studied the phenomenon believe that finding your own ikigai is linked to a longer life. According to Tokyo-based neuroscientist, broadcaster, and writer Ken Mogi, "when you can find pleasure and satisfaction in what you do and you’re good at it, you've found your ikigai."However, this concept is not centered merely on the personal aspect of goals. Ikigai also describes a purpose that is rooted in serving the community. It highlights the importance and the happiness we gain from helping others and not just serving ourselves.So if you feel like you're nowhere close to even having an idea of your ikigai, author Hector Garcia of "Ikigai: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life" suggests this method on how to find your ikigai:Put together a list of the top 10 things you have spent your time on this week. Then, ask yourself whether they add purpose to your life. Then categorize them by asking:Is it something that I love doing?Is it something the world needs?Is it something I’m good at?Is it something I can get paid for?Then, think of what purpose lies at the intersection of each question. That is where you can find your ikigai. If you can't think of anything concrete, that's perfectly fine. Finding your ikigai is meant to be done regularly, and thoughts and tastes change over time, so your ikigai will too.Ikigai and Your Career: A Perfect Match?Pursuing your ikigai, however, is not easy for everyone. Ikigai and job hunting won't always go together: many people have passions they love but they may not be good at them, nor can all passions sustain a family or household. It's one of the main reasons why many don't pursue their passions as a career.There is a healthy debate over the interpretation of ikigai itself. Some say that one’s ikigai "does not have to involve something the world needs, or that you can get paid for, or that is a talent." Rather, it is "…embracing the joy of little things, being in the here and now, reflecting on past happy memories, and having a frame of mind that one can build a happy and active life." (Ikigai Tribe, 2019)Now, we have a better idea of what our ikigai is. Then what? Author Dan Buettner tells readers that ikigai is "purpose in action." It is not enough to simply know what your ikigai is; you have to put it into action to truly see its benefits as the key to unlocking career happiness.When you actively pursue your ikigai, you'll often find yourself in the company of others who are also following their ikigai. Being in the company of these individuals will create a good influence on you and nourish your own motivations at high levels.Moreover, you learn to refine your understanding of your ikigai as you constantly reflect on career goals. By doing so, you gain better clarity of what you truly want to do and you are less likely to be constantly changing your mind or doubting the direction of your career path.Also, since you are alert in finding your ikigai, you are more discerning of the choices you make. You may end up following many different career paths, but you will realize that they connect and form your ikigai journey. You'll think that your time searching has not gone to waste because it has led you to finding your career happiness.There is no doubt that our careers are an important source of our happiness. But having high pay or working at an attractive location is not always enough to ensure our job satisfaction. Ikigai urges us to take a deeper look into the meaning behind our work, and how it really factors in our overall happiness.

Out of Office: 10 things you can do to really recharge whilst on leave

Work burnout is real, and sometimes you need to take a few days off work to give yourself time to rest. Here are a few ways you can recharge while you're on leave!The longer the pandemic drags on, the more acquainted we become with work burnout. With work hours and resting hours blurring together due to working from home, it’s become entirely too easy for us to forget to take time off for ourselves.Take a few minutes to check in with yourself, and if you’re starting to feel the symptoms of work burnout, you might want to take a few days off work. Here’s a list of a couple things you can do to recharge:1. Get some exercise doneWith all the work we have to do 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, we often forget to take care of our bodies. We find ourselves snacking on chips and junk food while sitting in a chair for hours on end everyday, and it’s not exactly the healthiest habit to form in the long run.Balance out the snacks and immobility with even just 30 minutes of moving around with any form of exercise you enjoy-- it can be walking, a quick HIIT exercise, or even join in on the trend and join a spinning class or get yourself your own bike. After all, taking care of yourself means taking care of the body you live in, too.2. Develop your hobbiesHobbies often have to take a backseat because of the busyness of our work life. When was the last time you just sat back and caught up on your favorite series, or read a captivating book instead of an Excel sheet? Take the opportunity to revisit the hobbies that make you feel happy, whatever they may be.3. Take up new hobbiesAside from the hobbies you already have, you might also want to take the opportunity to look into new hobbies to get into. There might be a couple things you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for, such as learning how to cook yourself a proper home cooked meal or attending an online class for something you’re eager to learn about. You can even follow a few local adventurous influencers such as Xenia (@hotcheekylace) and Zhin (@zxynpot) to check out new and exciting activities.This leave from work might just be the perfect time to finally discover new hobbies to fall in love with, and to fill life with new enriching experiences.4. Do some journalingWriting might not be for everyone, but it’s one of the best ways to get a little introspection done, so maybe you can try it out in your free time. Don’t think of full-fledged essay writing-- think of journaling as reflecting on your life by taking some time to sit down, think about everything you’ve got going on, and write down your reflections. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself and to realign with your goals.5. Disconnect to reconnectWorking from home requires us to spend a lot of time on the internet, almost physically attached to our laptops and phones. While being online helps you reach other people, it often comes at the cost of not knowing when to stop receiving messages and taking calls even when you’re off work.Give yourself a breather from the Zoom fatigue and work stress by staying away from your gadgets, even for just a few hours. Not only will your eyes thank you for the respite, but your brain will also be glad for the peace and quiet.6. Plan out your vacationsWith the pandemic still ongoing, we can’t exactly go back to the way of pre-pandemic vacations just yet. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any places you can go for a safe little vacation.You can search up resorts or hotels in areas that aren’t laden with COVID-19 cases, and check yourself in for a little staycation. You might even want to go on a solo hike or beach trip. Just don’t forget to follow the proper COVID-19 protocols: wear your mask, bring along some disinfectant spray, and keep your distance from other people.You can also plan out your post-pandemic vacations just so you’re ready for when we can finally travel overseas again. A few popular destinations you might want to consider include Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Greece, which are the top destinations Singaporeans look forward to traveling to.7. Change your sceneryThe four walls of your home can only be comforting for so long-- sometimes we need to step outside and enjoy a little change of scenery. Being cooped up with your laptop and work might make you forget the world that’s outside your desk, so on your day off take a walk in your nearby park, breathe in some fresh air, and absorb some sunlight. Your mental wellness will thank you for it!8. Check chores off your to-do listWe all have a to-do list that has piled up with tasks we’ve had to put off due to the lack of time to do them. These tasks can be as simple as washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or folding the laundry. You can take this time to catch up on all the chores you have to do. It may not be as relaxing or rejuvenating as some of the other options on this list, but getting these things done will definitely put your mind at peace instead of nagging at you to fix up your space.9. Spend time with peopleWorking from home has some perks, such as not having to commute or getting up just in time for work instead of hours ahead, but it also means having to draw yourself a line from spending time with your family to get work done. While you’re on your break, don’t forget to shower the people at home with undivided love and attention! And you might want to hop on a quick video call with your friends just to check on each other, too.10. Spend time aloneAs important as it is to reconnect with people and get your fill of social interaction in, it is also important to take some time for yourself just to do whatever you want. Maybe you want to catch up on some sleep, or just lie in bed all day-- that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes spending time alone is just what you need.Whatever it is you need to do to feel recharged and ready to take on a new day at work, take your time to do it! Not only will it help you refocus on being productive when you get back to work, but it will also help you stay happy and grounded.

Women and Credit 2021: How the Pandemic Affected Women’s Lives—and Finances

Credit Trends in 2020: Credit Card Debt Down, Scores UpWomen’s Finances in 2020: Opportunities and ChallengesWhat Women Are Saying About Money in 2020In the world of credit, women have come a long way in a short time. Not until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was signed in 1974 did women gain full access to the financial marketplace, including being able to take out a loan in their own name without a male cosigner.But the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the many ways in which the road to equality is long and fraught. Before the pandemic hit, 46% of working women were employed in low-wage jobs, compared with 37% of working men, according to an analysis of federal data by the Brookings Institution. Partly because many low-wage jobs couldn't be done from home when states issued stay-at-home orders last year, women faced steeper job losses than men.In 2020, the unemployment rate among women aged 20 and older shot up from 3.1% in February to 15.5% in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's compared with a jump from 3.2% in February to 13.1% in April among men in the same age group.While women faced many financial challenges in 2020, government relief and changes in spending habits brought on by the pandemic may have also afforded some greater flexibility to reduce expenses and pay down debt. Using Experian credit data and the results of an exclusive survey conducted by Experian in February 2021, here's a look back at how the pandemic has affected women's finances and credit during this unprecedented year.Credit Trends in 2020: Credit Card Debt Down, Scores UpThe COVID-19 pandemic brought with it swift and startling economic distress. According to the Federal Reserve, employment shrank by 20 million jobs between February and May 2020. Meanwhile, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP, or the value of goods and services the country produces in a year) fell 10% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 alone, the biggest decrease ever recorded.Despite the grim global economic picture, and the difficulties many consumers faced due to lost jobs and income, Experian data shows that on average, debt dropped and credit scores grew in 2020. Credit card debt fell 14% from Q3 2019 to Q3 2020, and average credit utilization—the amount of debt individuals carry compared with their credit limit—fell 12%. Consumers also improved their payment habits: The average portion of credit accounts that were 90 to 180 days past due dropped by 53% from Q3 2019 to Q3 2020.Source: ExperianPayment history and credit utilization are the two main factors in a consumer's credit score. Less debt and more on-time payments led credit scores to increase on average in 2020. The average FICO® Score rose from 703 to 710 between 2019 and 2020, a much larger increase than the average one point per year gain over the past 10 years.Women's Finances in 2020: Opportunities and ChallengesThe pandemic has affected consumers in markedly different ways. While some lost jobs and paychecks, others benefited from slashed expenses amid steady income. The economic fallout from the pandemic has resulted in a split experience among consumers: About half of adults report that their financial situation is about the same as it was at the start of the pandemic, compared with 21% that say it's worse, according to a March 2021 Pew Research Center survey. Yet half of adults not in retirement say they will have more difficulty achieving their long-term financial goals as a result of the pandemic, according to the same survey.This division in experience is true of both consumers in general and of women in particular, as we found in a February 2021 Experian survey of 347 adult women in the U.S. In our survey, 43% of women said their income stayed roughly the same between March 2020 and February 2021, and 21% said it increased. Additionally, 37% of women said their expenses stayed the same, and 1 in 5 said their expenses went down during the pandemic.But women also experienced many challenges. Among survey respondents, 24% said they have less savings, 18% said they were unable to earn as much money because their industry was affected by the pandemic, and 17% said they have more debt. Of those who said their expenses rose during the pandemic, the most common categories of increased spending were groceries (35%), takeout and restaurant meals (34%) entertainment like movies and streaming services (21%) and utilities (21%).Source: ExperianWomen have also dealt with specific concerns during the pandemic as a result of the caregiving and domestic work they are still more likely to take on than men. More women than men have left the workforce completely: 2.7 million women between March and September 2020, compared with 1.7 million men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Women may decide to quit working entirely to care for sick or aging parents, oversee remote schooling for their children, look after small children unable to go to daycare or manage the household. As a result, female participation in the workforce has not been this low since 1988, according to one NPR analysis.What Women Are Saying About Money in 2020But even among women who lost jobs, some have taken the chance to pursue paths they might not have otherwise.Margo Gabriel, 34, was laid off from her job as a finance assistant at MIT in Boston in February 2020. She had worked there for about five years, and her first step upon learning of her layoff was to seek work in other departments at the university—only to find, when the pandemic hit weeks later, that those positions were suddenly much harder to come by."When I lost my job, I was so embarrassed," she says. "I had to really come to terms with separating my identity from my job."Gabriel had planned to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, in December 2020, but after losing her job, she decided to take a leap and move to Lisbon in the fall instead. She now makes a living as a writer and editor for U.S. publications in Lisbon, continuing work she had done on the side while working for MIT.Across the world, outside Atlantic City, New Jersey, Rachel Kramer Bussel, 45, also made some changes as a result of the pandemic. In 2020, knowing her expenses would be far reduced due to canceled travel plans, Bussel cut her nonessential expenses drastically. As a result, she paid off the remaining $35,000 of a total $80,000 in tax debt she had accrued and was slowly eliminating via a monthly payment plan."If there wasn't the pandemic and I had done all my weddings and travel that I was going to throughout the year, I wouldn't have been able to pay it off plus do all those things," Bussel says. "And I know I wouldn't have canceled them just to save money."There's no single story that illustrates how COVID-19 has affected women in the U.S., and the many consequences of the pandemic will take more time to unravel. But as vaccines become commonplace and travel begins again, there is hope that more women will have the chance to pursue their goals, financial and otherwise, with the pandemic behind them.The original article was published here.

7 tips to avoid work from home burnout

For most of us working from home, it has been almost two years of juggling sleepless nights, work, family demands, and thoughts of an uncertain future. With so much weighing on our minds, it's no surprise that everyone's anxiety levels are slowly leading to burnout.Last February, the professional feedback platform Blind conducted a study on employee burnout. Their research found that since the pandemic, 73% of the respondents said they were burning out on the job, with these as the top three reasons:26.7% – No separation between work and life20.5% – Unmanageable workload18.8% – Job security concernsMoreover, Lisa Orbé-Austin, a psychologist and executive coach in New York City, remarks that working from home adds a different dimension to burnout. With the absence of the daily commute and the increased use of our mobile devices, workers are constantly "exposed" to work. From the bed to the computer then back, we can't find the "off switch" that prevents work from spilling into our non-work hours.But that doesn't mean it's impossible to avoid burnout. These 7 work from home burnout tips can aid in preventing you from reaching breaking point:1. Spot the signs early onIt's easier to prevent burnout before it takes over. However, when most days are stressful, it can be difficult to realize that you're experiencing burnout already.The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies burnout with these signs and symptoms:Energy depletionIncreased mental distance from one’s jobFeelings of cynicism toward one's job.Reduced professional efficacyWhen these signs begin to get in the way of your work, take it seriously and see how you can reduce the symptoms of burnout early on.2. Set a schedule that works for everyoneThe first thing you can do is establish a schedule that takes into account both work and play. Having a daily routine will keep you on track while your family can steadily become more familiar with the rhythm of your work throughout the day.If you're already following a schedule, check whether it's still working for you. Remember that your old work schedule from the office won't always work in a remote arrangement. When changes are needed, you can try approaching your boss to ask if you can reestablish a more flexible schedule.3. Enforce your boundaries and limitsWith your schedule, set up clear boundaries and limits for work. Though you can be online all day, you should not have to answer calls or messages during sleep hours or during your breaks.It can be difficult to be firm about these limits. You don't want to seem like you're unwilling to help but think of it this way, taking that call will only interrupt your sleep and rest, which can affect your performance in the long run.4. Reduce distractions with designated spacesWorking at home means you're bound to be exposed to countless distractions. What's more, getting distracted tends to spill over to other members of the house and you may end up distracting them as well.The best solution is to set up a personal workspace. A designated area where no one can disturb you can do wonders in eliminating distractions. Even if it's just one desk and a chair, this can increase your productivity and keep everyone's businesses in line.5. Simulate your commuteMany are quite glad that their commute has been shortened or eliminated completely. However, the time and effort we took to walk to the office or ride a cab offered some hidden benefits. Without our daily commute, we miss out on the chance to squeeze in some exercise or de-stress by people-watching.To regain those advantages, simulate your commute by spending time on some exercise before or after you work. And to de-stress at the end of the day, chat with a friend or put on some dance music before moving on to your other responsibilities at home.6 Practice self-careTaking care of your health is an important factor in preventing burnout. Now that you're getting some exercise as you simulate your commute, couple it with wellness tips for working from home, namely adequate amounts of sleep and relaxation. You can do this by including at least one activity that you love into your work schedule and sleeping early.And if you're in the midst of a burning out? Take a vacation—the right way. Don't just spend your break doing nothing. Focus on recovery and fill the day with things that help you relax and decompress, whether it's family time, meditation, or working out.7. When all else fails, seek helpIf you feel like you've tried all the tips in this list and you're still on the path to burn out, it may be time to look for outside help. You can start with reaching out to your colleagues, friends, and family; let them know what you're going through or see if they have any insights.You can also seek a therapist. Burnout is recognized by WHO as an occupational phenomenon so don't think that it's no reason to look for professional help. It may not be something you're keen to experience, but if it finds a solution to your situation, it's all worth the effort.Burnout may seem inevitable now, but you can change your fate. So, take a break, and refresh your mind to get ready for the new day ahead!

10 inspiring female athletes from Tokyo Olympics 2020

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 has come to an end and it turned out to be an Olympics like no other. Despite the year’s delay and careful consideration of the ongoing pandemic, spectators all over the world have quickly marked the event as a successful symbol of great change, togetherness and the unwavering determination of the human spirit.Millions have watched new sports that have been added to the Olympic lineup, and rightfully so. A significant effort was made by the organizing committee to put emphasis on gender parity; not only have more mixed-gender and women's events been added to the program, but the schedules for said events have been modified to get more exposure and visibility than ever before.The committee has then deservingly branded this year's games as the most gender-equal in history. Female athletes account for up to 49% of all 11,090 participants, a slight spike from the 45% of 2016’s Rio Olympics, and a huge jump from the 2.2% of 1900’s Paris Olympics-- the first to have female athletes at all.As the Tokyo Olympics successfully closed, we recap some of the stories of several athletes have inspired women empowerment across the globe. Get to know some of these female Olympic athletes and how they inspire:1. Yu MengyuImage courtesy of @yu_mengyu.818Yu Mengyu is giving her all at what could be her last Olympic Games. The table tennis player is the first Singaporean since 2012 to make it to the semi-finals of the singles matches, and this is pushing her to be at her absolute best until the finals.Yu Mengyu has endured injury and subsequent surgery in order to make sure she secured a spot in the games, leaving no room for any regrets on her part!2. Oksana ChusovitinaImage courtesy of @oksana2016After thriving in a career that spanned almost 30 years, 46-year-old Oksana Chusovitina makes her final bow at this year’s Olympics. This year is her 8th consecutive time competing in the Olympics, defying all belief that gymnasts can only remain successful ‘til their 20s.This Uzbekistan gymnast has accumulated several awards across her long career, including a gold medal in 1992’s Barcelona Olympics during her debut, and the latest award being a gold medal in the Doha World Cup just this 2021.3. Stephanie AuImage courtesy of @stephaniehsauStephanie Au, a swimmer from Hong Kong, may not have made the semi-finals in the Tokyo Olympics, but no one can argue that she didn't have team spirit after she and her fellow swimmers willingly pulled out from the freestyle relay so that a teammate could have enough time to rest for the 100m freestyle round.Moreover, the experience ends on a good note as it causes her to reverse her initial decision to make these games the last of her career. Her new goal? To compete in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.4. Kuo Hsing-chunImage courtesy of @kuohsingchun_officialKuo Hsing-chun has become Taiwan's greatest champion after winning the first gold for her nation. She dominated the 59kg weightlifting event by setting three Olympic records. Her victory is also Kuo's first gold at the Olympics, as well as a win for diversity with Kuo deriving from the indigenous Amis tribe.5. Hidilyn DiazImage courtesy of @hidilyndiazThe Philippine’s Weightlifting Fairy Hidilyn Diaz is another star arising from the Tokyo Olympics' weightlifting games. She brought a historic win by attaining the first ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. The victory is well-deserved especially when she continued to train despite getting stranded in Malaysia while en route to a competition in Peru.6. Simone BilesImage courtesy of @simonebilesEach person should look out for their mental health above all things, and that includes Olympic athletes. American artistic gymnast Simone Biles was a shoe-in for the individual all-around finals, which is why the world was surprised when she withdrew from the competition just days before the event.It has recently been discovered that Simone had been competing with her signature smile while battling with grief over her aunt who passed away just 2 days before her final event. This caused her withdrawal from the competition, which has since reminded many viewers of the Olympics that athletes are human, too.7. Shi TingmaoImage courtesy of @_wearechina_Shi Tingmao toiled with her team for five years in daily training. Their efforts have paid off as they win China a shiny Olympic gold medal in diving. However, Shi Tingmao's path to success was never quite linear. She remembers how she initially vied to be a gymnast at age 4 but found her calling in diving 4 years later. Her story is an example of realizing that dreams can change no matter your age!8. Norwegian Women’s Beach Handball TeamImage courtesy of @norwaybeachandballwomenThe Norwegian Women’s Beach Volleyball Team has made its rounds on the internet for something women are constantly criticized for-- their clothing. After wearing elastic shorts instead of revealing bikini bottoms during their bronze medal match, the team was fined 1,500 euros for wearing “improper clothing”.However, the incident sparked conversations across the internet regarding the outfits female athletes are required to wear, most people siding with the handball team’s message of letting women wear what they want.9. Rikako IkeeImage courtesy of @ikee.rikakoJapanese swimmer Rikako Ikee narrowly misses qualifying for the freestyle relay but her fans are cheering for her triumph, especially since almost a year earlier, she had been hospitalized and diagnosed with leukemia. Her appearance at the games itself reminds her country not to lose hope in overcoming the pandemic, becoming Japan's symbol for inspiration.10. Momiji NishiyaImage courtesy of @momiji_nishiya830Momiji Nishiya is one of the youngest competitors in the inaugural skateboarding games. Her talent allowed her to beat everyone else to claim an Olympic gold for Japan at just 13 years old. An accomplished skateboarder, Nishiya proves that age is just a number when it comes to dominating the sporting stage.Here's to all the top female athletes at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. No matter the result, everyone's story is a testament to their talent and hard work toward a future with gender-equal Olympics.

How to make a successful career transition in your 50s

Age is just a number, but on many occasions, workers are held back by age bias in the workplace that views your value after a certain age being diminished with each passing birthday. For women the issue is two-sided as they face discrimination due to their gender and age. Overcoming age bias and empowering workers to feel empowered to career transition regardless of age is one of the most important issues we face today.A recent survey in Singapore on age discrimination revealed that it is a significant problem affecting both younger and older workers. If you have been in the job market for a number of years, you'll often hear that age is a big factor in your employability. A study on age discrimination in the workplace has found a trend where job seekers over 45 years old are hired less than those in their 20s. Workers have also reported a lack of support on their professional growth as they reach the age of 50.It's not hard to understand why older workers can grow to become disillusioned in their jobs. You could be the most engaged employee at work but the support and attention on you declines just because you have reached a certain age.When you find yourself in a company that does not believe that older employees are just as driven and passionate about their careers as they were when they first joined, you can prove them wrong by continuing to pursue your dreams, even if it has to be elsewhere.Unfortunately, many Employers often have negative attitudes towards older workers. Age discrimination persists even though older workers are not necessarily less healthy, less educated, less skillful or productive than their younger counterparts. Older women especially face particular challenges in employment because of their sex and age.The truth is age bias deters many older workers from career transitioning into different job types or sectors. But ambition does not end on a particular birthday. Your 50s may seem like an unusual time to consider changing careers, but it's not at all. You're older and wiser than before with a wealth of experiences that can add great value to any organization. While ageism does exist and it will make things difficult, a successful career transition is possible. Let us show you how with these steps below:Before you leap: Know the stakesA career transition at any age posits a certain degree of risk. You may have a family and a household that will be affected by the move. Your current responsibilities extend beyond your job, and you have to consider whether they can stand a change in your income level, workload, and location.You also have to be prepared for the adjustment that comes with the transition. You will be experiencing a stronger pressure to perform as you start anew. It also means dealing with your own changing circumstances.This may include adopting a new identity in terms of your job; you could have been working as a sales manager for decades but soon you will become a remote IT support analyst. Not only are you adjusting but the people who have known you professionally will also adjust to your new title and position.Another important aspect is your health. We derive our motivation from how well we can deal with the demands of the job. As we age, our body is no longer the same as before. Depending on how you have taken care of your health, you could be working with more or less energy than when you started working.For women, it's about dealing with the onset of menopause. While unnoticeable at first, we may soon have to deal with issues in concentration and fatigue. This aspect of women's health is rarely brought up but we have to realize that it does affect women and their work. However, it is not a barrier to our careers, but rather a means of approaching our health and this stage of our lives in a different way. We have to consider this as a new factor in our own ideas of how well we can manage stress and avoid burnout.Moreover, as noted some hiring companies unfortunately do exhibit age bias or ageism. They discriminate against older applicants due to outdated beliefs and stereotypes. Recruiters also want to avoid representing older candidates because they believe that they stand less of a chance during the recruiting process. It's important to be aware of these issues you'll be facing. We aren't trying to discourage you with them; rather, it is vital for you to understand that the road ahead will not be a walk in the park. Take into account that you will be working just as hard, if not harder, than you did during the early years of your career.Kicking off: Tips to ease the wayNow that you have a clearer view of what's ahead, follow these tips to successfully make the change:1. Determine what you want to achieveTake the time until you have a clear view of your goals, and visualize what sort of lifestyle you want to have with this career. Money is important but it's not everything. Consider goals beyond money, such as working for a cause or increasing personal satisfaction. However, don't go overboard and ensure that you are working toward a realistic endgame. Find out which companies have a better attitude toward older employees such as offering them benefits and freely taking them as new hires.2. Prepare for the hard questionsThe issue of your age can and will come up so let recruiters see how interested you are in the job and that you plan to stay. Also, they may assume that your experience level means higher salary expectations; dissuade them by saying that you are here for the fulfillment and not just for the money. As you do your research on the requirements for the role, list down your transferable skills while ensuring that you're comfortable with working with technology in the workplace. This will impress them and increase your chances of getting in.3. Utilize your networkRemember to utilize your resources: talk to your network and find support. Your former colleagues and mentors can be a big help in looking for a good place to start. Learn to use social media as well to explore more possibilities. Jobs are not limited to the traditional job sites anymore.4. Show them your skillOne of your strengths is that you are abundant in working experience. Emphasize your achievements and specializations as you rebrand your resume for the new position. Demonstrate your expertise by letting recruiters see that you are updated and knowledgeable about the industry and the company's products and services.5. Plan out your next moveCreate a career plan that details how you will get from here to your goals. Be more open-minded about the steps you'll be taking. Consider that you will be working with a younger set of co-workers and prevent your personal ageism from creating friction with them. Focus on the fact that it will help you gain more experience as a part of your upskilling. It is also a way to test the waters on whether the role is right for you.Throughout your journey, cultivate your patience and stay positive. As a seasoned worker, you have a better idea than most about what you are getting into, so have faith in yourself and your abilities. Don't hold anything back as you put your best into paving the way for your new beginning. And remember to say it loud:” I’m not done yet and I will make it my mission to finish my career with a bang not a whimper”.

Meditation, yoga & alternative healing, the rise of workplace wellness programs

Whether you are going into work or working from home, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way you work and has disrupted the familiarity of daily life. Fear and anxiety about the virus and lockdowns have left many workers feeling overwhelmed, and suffering from workplace stress that can lead to burnout.Today’s culture and workforce are placing wellness and mental health considerations at the top of their list when choosing and staying with a job. This is why companies large and small are taking a look at their current wellness program and introducing progressive adjustments to retain and attract talent.Leading corporations like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs who have had notorious reputations as tough places to work with fast paced and cut throat environments with 95 hour work weeks. Appear to be leading a change in corporate culture on Wall Street with an emphasis on empathy and compassion for the wellness and mental health of their employees.Employers that have partaken in the shift are seeing the significance of maintaining employee health. Workers are the backbone of any company and when they are well-cared for by employers, the business gains several benefits and as a result, everyone wins.While similar initiatives have already existed even before the pandemic, companies have made improvements to accommodate higher stress levels and more diverse wellness needs. Employees have long been asking for better programs and finally, we are getting solutions.The Benefits of Employee WellnessHolistic employee wellness programs bring advantages for both employers and employees. It may have taken a while, but employers are gaining more awareness on the impact of these benefits on the workers and the business. Some of them being:Higher levels of employee productivityEmployees can work unhindered when they are healthy and alert. With less bouts of sickness, their productivity can shine more consistently.Increased holistic well-being of workersBetter well-being makes happier employees. This can encourage workers to build stronger bonds at work and energizes them to do their best.Heightened team moraleTeam morale is a sign of satisfaction at the workplace. When employees feel valued by the company, they become more enthusiastic with completing their tasks and duties.Improved employee loyaltyWellness programs can be seen as a good perk for potential hires and current employees. Companies can attract and retain top talent since many prefer companies that have well-established wellness programs.Reduced absenteeismWork no longer feels like work when employees are engaged and happy in the workplace. This drives less absences due to stress and sickness.Less workplace injuriesWhen companies support workers who want to eat healthily and build healthy habits, employees experience less injuries and medical conditions. It also adds to the benefit of making good habits easier to sustain.Decreased healthcare costs for companiesWith less injuries and sickness, companies also save on compensation. With less people calling in sick days, each work day is more productive and the workflow is not disrupted.Wellness programs vary across companies and some implement the programs better, reaping more benefits than others. These depend on which initiatives each company takes precedence in and the innovation they integrate into their proposed solutions. Some companies' programs do so well that the ideas are adopted by other companies as well.Wellness Program ExamplesAs businesses realize the significance of wellness initiatives, the topic of health and well-being takes on a bigger role in the future of work. Some popular programs that have helped employees feel more engaged and cared for include:Nap roomsWhen Asana's employees work too much overtime and lack sleep the next day, they can restore some of their energy by taking a power nap in "nap rooms." These special rooms can help staff deal with the occasional work slump. They can help in de-stressing and boosting creativity and productivity.YogaThe advent of corporate yoga has been around for some time since it has been proven to reduce workplace injuries and strengthen mental well-being. Companies like Oracle and Paypal have had yoga sessions in their wellness programs for years, making this wellness program a central pillar of their employees' overall health.ZumbaAt Paypal and DBS Bank, employees are encouraged to join group fitness sessions during casual online hangouts and video calls with co-workers. It helps them keep fit while providing a place to talk about their mutual interests and other non-work related topics. Healthy habits are better reinforced with a social element, while everyone can relax and socialize at the same time.TelehealthEmployers like VMWare are investing more on telehealth for their employees. Since the pandemic has made it difficult to visit healthcare providers, workers can receive consultations online and get the medical help they need. VMWare complements these services with counselling and treatments for more common ailments as well.Mental health programsCisco has long promoted mental health by providing wellness initiatives like "A Day for Me," where employees could take time off work to focus on themselves. The company also made sure that for those who couldn't find the time, they could reschedule their day a few months afterward. Moreover, as a tech company, Cisco also promotes employee health by allowing them to use a wellness cloud where they could upload their workout videos and digital health information from fitness devices.If there is one good thing we've realized during the COVID-19 crisis, it is the change in how companies approach mental wellness. Employers are now more sensitive to helping workers with one of their most important needs, an aspect that has been neglected for far too long.These improvements are a wonderful start; all companies need to do further is enhance program sustainability so that they can continue well beyond as a mere response to the arrival of the pandemic.

How to explain to interviewers that you left a job due to burnout

You've probably heard of the horror stories of job burnout. Recently, news has come to light where one company in the US had junior bankers completing 95-hour work weeks filled with unrealistic deadlines and short sleep. Many of the workers warned their superiors if things did not change for the better then they would leave en masse.It makes you wonder how a 95-hour work week was even approved. It's a symptom of the modern burnout culture where it's normal to prioritize work performance over all else. Moreover, you had to work hard not just to do well, but you also had to be better than the competition.When you are in this type of toxic work environment, your declining health and social life may eventually prompt you to leave the job altogether. And when you do, you can't deny the feeling that a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, despite the loss of your income stream. In the meantime, you focus on picking up the neglected pieces of your life and let your mental and physical health recover.But once you decide you're ready to jump back into working, you realize that you'll have to field the inevitable interview questions about your career gap. You wonder how you'll explain it when you have spent your time doing the things that you have always wanted to but didn't due to work. Many workers are apprehensive to tell prospective employees that they left their job aid due to. If this is you just know you are not alone.I left my job due to burnout.You would be surprised at the number of people who will readily empathize with your plight. More and more employees are experiencing work burnout to the point that quitting seemed to be the only choice left for them. Yet, they were also able to bounce back and successfully get a new job.Still, your reluctance to say that "I quit my dream job due to burnout" is not unfounded. There are several myths that continue to surround burnout, creating a stigma that no one wants to touch upon.The biggest myth is that people who suffer from job burnout are not strong or not committed. Ironically, you may have tried to prove otherwise by continuing to work until you burn out. Why is it somehow cool to put work above your physical and mental health?The truth is, burnout can affect anyone, especially when you feel too overwhelmed by your work and your coping strategies for stress are not enough. This can happen even for those who loved their job. No matter how happy you were in your previous role, if the job stress was too much, you would have burned out nonetheless.What further worsens the situation is when you keep your worries to yourself. Everyone wants to be seen as cool and competent, so the conversations about burnout are kept to a minimum. And yet, asking for support is something that you need as you struggle with burnout. Reaching out to colleagues and opening up to your manager allows you to find solutions that you may not have tried otherwise.Burnout is not easily solved by a day away from work. Although stress levels can decrease during a short break, they can just rise back up when you get back to work. More people need to understand that job burnout does not happen overnight, and neither will it disappear over a mere day off.You are not the problem.All these myths are the manifestations of a larger issue, the toxic work culture. The main problem is not the fact that employees suffer from burnout; rather, it is the toxic workplace that allowed it to happen in the first place. When employers reward workers who burn the midnight oil, who go above and beyond, others will strive to follow suit which will lead to more incidences of burnout.What's more, burnout especially affects a certain demographic: women. One study found that female workers reported higher levels of burnout, tied to feelings of less satisfaction in the workplace. It's not surprising as women are placed in a toxic work environment that manifests the prevalent "bro culture" of overly competitive male employees who value success over respect for colleagues.Bro culture is a common facet of industries where women are underrepresented. So when women don't try to fit in with bro culture, they are pressured by others who do, placing women under a lot of stress.Eventually, the pressure is redirected inward and women start thinking that they are the problem for not fitting in. In addition, bro culture perpetuates workplace gender issues such as harassment, gender pay gap, and glass ceilings, leading women to feel frustration and experience burnout.Therefore, burnout, as we have found, is a valid reason for leaving work. And you can dispel the myths to interviewers by laying out an undeniable fact: I care enough about my mental health to treat burnout seriously, even if it meant having to quit my dream job.Defeating the stigma.Interviews are a tricky situation when it comes to explaining your previous job experiences. We don't want to cover up our actions with lies but it is in our best interests not to overshare. To do this right, we have to prepare our answers before the interview.The best response would be to emphasize three things:That your previous job did have positive aspectsThat you left because you were not prepared for the challenges that felt too overwhelmingThat now, you are applying for a job because you are ready to face themWith this, you were able to frame your situation so that your interviewer understands how you took control and made assessments of your situation and you didn't just quit right away.End your explanation by highlighting the reason you've chosen now as the right time and why you think the company, you're applying for is the best place for you to restart your career. Clearly state that your temporary break has fulfilled its purpose and that you can apply what you've learned and experienced to the new job.Work burnout is a very real issue that we should address more openly and frequently. While work is a significant aspect of our lives, we cannot neglect our mental and physical health over it. It's not a question of which is more important, but rather, work and health are equally so because one cannot function without the other.

Wellness Trends You Need To Know In 2021

The pandemic and the resulting economic instability have had profound impacts on the health and wellness of millions of workers around the world; it has negatively affected people's mental health with recent studies in Singapore showing a significant rise in the number of workers seeking help.In the U.S, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 40.9% of the 5,470 respondents reported an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, such as anxiety, depression or increased substance use.Lockdowns, the loss of family support, and familiar social routines has taken its toll. Our lifestyles have been drastically affected, with more people working from home and outdoor activities severely restricted. Even our appearance has been subjected to great change as we are now all conscious of leaving the house without wearing personal protective equipment.And so in 2021, we yearn to reclaim our wellness and mental health. In order to do that, we need to set boundaries, and say "I need my 'me time'!" as we silence our work notifications for the day. Stress is already inevitable so don't prolong your worries while you're off the clock.Check out these ten wellness trends to follow in 2021. They remind us to focus on self-care and the importance of mental wellness as we navigate a changing world.1. Wellness TechnologyThe rise of wellness technology is meant to help consumers keep track of their overall fitness as a response to increasing concerns over health during the pandemic. Notable devices include a wearable life coach that acts as a 24/7 life monitoring technology for the health-conscious.2. TelehealthHospitals all around the world are at capacity as health professionals struggle to care for coronavirus patients and other emergency patients. This has left those with less urgent medical concerns with no way to schedule an appointment with their physicians. Now, we have telehealth, the new face of digital healthcare. It provides credible consultations and healthcare with medical professionals in a convenient format through online platforms.3. Mental Wellness AppsOn the mental health front, sometimes a break is not enough when we find it difficult to control our anxiety and negative thoughts. Therapy can be difficult to acquire so several mental wellness apps act as holdovers, giving their users an accessible form of therapy. Users can listen to meditative podcasts and read articles containing tips to alleviate stress or gain better sleep.4. Fitness AppsIf you have decided to get fit in 2021 but find your commitment wavering since the local gym has closed down, there is a solution for you. You can just download an exercise app to guide you on your workout routine even without an instructor. You can access online video tutorials and, if you're really into making an investment, even purchase fitness equipment from the in-app store.5. Digital DetoxWhile our previous suggestions are all technology-focused, among the most important of wellness ideas during the pandemic is to do a digital detox. With the world growing heavily reliant on online platforms, digital fatigue is likely to settle in at some point. It's important to remain connected for work and your social life, but you also need to take a break. A digital detox can be as simple as staying away from your smartphone or computer for a set period each day.6. Super SmoothiesNext on our list are super smoothies. With wellness trending on our radars, the fruit-filled treat has become a "healthy" yet guilty pleasure of many. While smoothies have a reputation for being laden with sugar, super smoothies are made extra-healthy by the addition of antioxidant-rich superfoods like acai, or even unusual choices like coffee.7. Mindful DietingIf there's one aspect of wellness that has gained the most attention, it is food. As takeout meals serve to fill the losses of dine-in joints, the call for healthier eating has resurfaced. With less choices for cooking and ordering in, not only does food need to be healthy, it also has to be sustainable now that certain ingredients have become scarce in amount.8. Exotic yogaYoga has been on wellness lists for a long time, and it shows no signs of dying out. There are many different yoga techniques to try that range from helping us sleep better or keep fit. The latest craze in mainstream yoga in 2021 is the nauli, meant to aid in good digestion. It involves using your abdominal muscles to massage your internal organs. Keep in mind, however, that this is an advanced yoga technique so do your research to see whether you can pull this off.9. Walk in natureRemote work has made us more susceptible to becoming couch potatoes, and this fueled the movement for nature walking therapies. Nature has a healing effect on us so just taking a walk along a tree-lined street can uplift your mood and increase your focus. If walking outdoors is impossible, you can bring nature indoors by growing more plants at home and just strolling around your garden area.10. Simple Beauty CareWith everyone required to wear masks, the makeup industry has gone through tough times and observed a big shift in consumer behavior. There is now more demand for simple skin care focused on preventing mask-induced breakouts, and less on makeup in general since many choose to stay at home. Hair care has also seen an increase now that salons have closed down and people have to rely on self-care.With these trends, you can find better ways to relax and take in a quiet moment before heading back to the daily grind. As we all strive to get through the year, don't forget to prioritize your well-being so in the aftermath, you can freely enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Here’s what I #choosetochallenge & it’s not what you think.

Happy International Women’s Day 2021.ICYMI, the theme for this year’s IWD is #choosetochallenge.While the pandemic has been a wonderful wake up call to accelerate change in some areas, the research (and actions) is showing that it has had an adverse impact on women in the workplace – promotions, senior appointments, networking opportunities, being visible.This post isn’t intended to be a rant. Its aim is to raise awareness about topics that we as women discuss and think about, but perhaps don’t say out loud often enough. Because of fear. Because of judgment. Because it may compromise our careers. Because it may be expected of us to soldier on and push through. Because it’s not yet the norm.Indeed, I am grateful to all of the incredible women (and men) who have broken ceilings and removed jar lids, in order to get us to this point. However, we all know that there is so much more to challenge.So, here’s what I am choosing to challenge, out loud, and it’s not what you think.First, I’m curious to understand what your workplace is doing to support women in the following areas (which, sadly, still remain taboo, notwithstanding they affect so many):Female hormones, and the fact that women are affected by their menstrual cycle. Every. Single. MonthEgg freezingFertility issues, and IVFThe first trimester of pregnancy. Specifically, how we are told to keep this a secret when in fact it’s the most difficult and anxious part of the journey; a time when a woman may not feel optimal at all, and her mind, body and spirit are working in overdrive to perform the greatest miracle of all – creating lifeMiscarriage/sBreastfeeding and more so, the emotions that come with stopping breastfeedingMenopause.If your workplace is not addressing these issues, perhaps it’s time to ask why, and how that might look if it wanted to start?If your workplace is addressing them, that’s fantastic, and I’d encourage you to share its initiatives to inspire others.Another topic I #choosetochallenge is how we might better balance our divine feminine, individually and collectively.Stay with me for a minute as I explain what this means, if it is a concept which is unfamiliar to you.The Shiva – masculine, yang or sun energy – corresponds to the right side of our body, and the left hemisphere of the brain. The masculine represents order, thinking, individuality, logic, intellect, competition, schedules, “get it done”, boxes, rectangles, straight edges.Note, this is the energy which defines most of our society, institutions and organisations.The Shakti – feminine, yin or moon energy – corresponds to the left side of the body, and the right hemisphere of the brain. The feminine represents intuition, community, circles, curves, flow, feelings, emotions and finding ways to support and work together.According to the yogic philosophy, “balance” means a 70:30 split between the dual energies. That is, 70% feminine; 30% masculine if you are female. 70% masculine; 30% feminine if you are a male.While workplaces and society play catch up on both of these topics, please know that you are not alone.There are so many other women that have walked in your very shoes – through the struggle, the heartache and the juggle. In secret, when that didn’t serve them.Today and every day, I choose to celebrate the female existence, the Sisterhood, and the power of the divine feminine.In gratitude and support,AnnaOur guest contributor - Anna Lozynski is an executive general counsel and author. She believes that legal innovation is invigorating, change is energising and efficiency will never go out of fashion. Anna has studied law in Melbourne, Beijing, Utrecht and Boston. Starting out at a major Australian law firm, she has spent the majority of her legal career in-house working in the banking, automotive and cosmetics industries. Described as a change agent, Anna is a sought-after commentator and speaker both domestically and internationally – seeking to shift the dialogue in order to propel the profession forward.

5 tips to managing a pandemic pay cut and your side hustle options

According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower, more than 250,000 workers have had their wages cut and, in the US, nearly 1 in 3 workers suffered a wage cut due to the pandemic with women facing the greatest economic upheaval according to a recent survey.The pandemic has caused widespread economic challenges across multiple industries resulting in many employers implementing pay cuts. Companies, both large and small, have resorted to pay cuts just to keep afloat rather than institute mass layoffs.For employees, taking a pay cut is one way to support the company to recover from the loss of revenue while still keeping themselves gainfully employed. The price of avoiding retrenchment, however, for some workers can reach as high as 40% of one's income.Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst of LendingTree, says in a CNBC article that it's likely that some workers will never recover their former earning power from the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes the gender gap in workers' pay become a more urgent issue as we slowly recover from the crisis.If you're dealing with a loss of income due to pay cuts, here are a few side hustles you can do from home to start making some extra cash on the side and achieve your financial goals.5 Tips To Manage A Pandemic Pay Cut#1 Find Out Your Eligibility for Benefits and AssistanceA pay cut may make you eligible for a partial unemployment benefit. The requirements vary from country to country but generally, you are qualified since the pay cut is brought about by external reasons outside your control. You can also try getting more financial assistance on things like your utility bills, mortgage, or loans. Do your research and ask around; sometimes help arrives only when you start to look.#2 Adjust Your BudgetYour budget is reliant on the rate of your earnings and expenses. Now that your pay is reduced, it follows that you need to adjust the allocation for your expenses. Start by listing them down and categorizing them into needs or wants. Reduce unnecessary bills and expenses to free up your cash flow.#3 Cut Down On Expenses, Stay Alert For DealsYou can further control your spending by slowly decreasing your remaining expenses. Begin with small increments and lower your spending for "wants" by around 10% - 15%. Once you're more comfortable with it, you can keep going lower if you want to save up some more.We all love a bargain when shopping, don’t we? Well now is the best time to get your bargain hunting hat on and look for the best deals, that can further help in keeping your expenses under control. If you're worried about credit card debt, you can inquire whether you're eligible for lower interest rates or deferred payment schemes.#4 Don't Pull The Plug On Retirement SavingsWhile you're focused on freeing up your cash, you shouldn't skimp on saving a bit for the future. The pandemic will be over and you should be able to slowly claw back your lost income but delaying your retirement saving plan may not be the wisest thing to do.#5 Review Your Long-Term GoalsOverall, the pandemic has had a considerable effect on many aspects of our lives. It could spur you to rethink your long-term career goals, so take the time to reflect and see whether your current goals are still aligned. If you're keen to start afresh don't be afraid to recalibrate your goals, It’s easy to go with the flow of the day-to-day, and in those moments, you may lose sight of why you’re doing what you do. 5 Types of Practical Side Hustles1. Blogging, social media and virtual assistantsCompanies are looking to increase their online presence amid the pandemic since workers are mostly asked to work from home. This has caused an increase in demand for bloggers, social media managers and virtual assistants who can work part-time or freelance.As a blog writer you can earn using your talent for writing with each SEO-optimized article you publish. You can also use your video editing skills to create interesting content and post on behalf of brands across different social media platforms. If you're more familiar with administrative work, you can try working as a virtual assistant.2. Online resellingAnother profitable side hustle is by selling online. With different delivery and courier services to help with logistics, all you need is to connect with a distributor of in-demand products and then sell them to interested parties. Here, you can utilize your familiarity with online shopping to become a seller yourself. Whether you'll choose to focus on one item or feature a wide variety, you can use your multitasking skills and intuition for up-and-coming trends to gain a profit.3. Teach An Online CourseIf you've got a specialized degree or proficiency for languages as well as a computer with decent internet connection, then you can consider teaching online as a side hustle. Many are stuck at home looking for something new to learn, or want to upgrade their skill set, creating demand for different learning materials and teaching services. You can do this by doing live teaching sessions or designing an online course that anyone can join.4. Pandemic-related ProjectsTo help with pandemic-related efforts, there's demand for jobs such as remote graphic designers to help create signages for hospitals and design information materials. If you're in the tech industry, software developers can also aid in creating apps that can track the progression of the coronavirus based on available information.5. Dog-walkingFor those looking for a chance to get out of their home office, dog-walking is a popular side hustle if you live in an area with limited exposure to others. It's a great job if you know a lot of dog owners who don't have the time to take their dogs out for a walk.As you can see, there are multiple active and passive side hustles you can consider if you are looking to make some money on the side. Do your research before diving in as its best to try something that falls within the scope of your current skills and capabilities.Make the best use of the extra time you have now, and the internet opens up unlimited possibilities for you to make some good money to supplement your income and who knows your side hustle may turn into a thriving business.

Are you ready to return to the office in 2021

As the new year takes hold, it’s hard not to reflect on the dramatic changes that have taken place in the workplace over the last year – remote work, social distancing in the office, touchless tech applications and the mandatory wearing of face masks just to name a few. So, much has changed in the last year that it’s hard to remember what normal looks like anymore.With a slowdown in the global pandemic many corporations have started to open their doors again requesting and in some instances demanding that workers return to the office, but it may prove more difficult with a significant number of workers across the globe declaring that they never wish to return to the office again.Still, working from home was meant to be a temporary measure, so workers may not have much of a choice in the matter. This begs the question, are you ready to return to the office? Lets take a look at the pros and cons.The ProsOn the side that's relieved to return to the office, they can look forward to the re-separation of their home and work life. If you don't enjoy bringing your work home, being back at the office can bring order to these two aspects of your life.It's also great news for those who miss seeing and chatting with their coworkers. Face-to-face communication with your workmates can help boost your motivation and reinforces your sense of camaraderie.Moreover, the predictability and the purpose that comes with following a routine can be a comfort that many workers want back. You have a better reason for waking up early and dressing your best when you have to commute and meet up with your superiors.The ConcernsOn the other hand, there are a whole host of reasons for being hesitant with going back to working from the office. One of the most pressing is the issue of health and safety. While there is some degree of control over the spreading of the coronavirus, other workers would rather be safe than sorry and stay in the comforts of their home.You could also find your current arrangement to be a better fit in terms of work-life balance. There's the flexibility in managing your workload and household tasks that being at the office just can't offer.Other possible concerns include feelings of anxiety which stem from the having to adjust to a tighter schedule or going back to commuting to the workplace. Some don't appreciate constantly hustling and dealing with a long, arduous commute.When you don't feel readyYou've gone over the pros and cons, but what if you don't think you're ready for the return?Some companies understand that the transition from WFH to the office takes some readjusting for some employees. So instead of choosing between WFH or office, they apply a hybrid model where workers come in the office on certain days and WFH on others. It depends on the company whether the hybrid model will be a permanent arrangement or a transitional one that serves to help workers slowly adjust before going back to the office full-time.How to tell your boss you want to WFHIf your company does not use a hybrid model, another way is to approach your manager and open a discussion where you could try to find a compromise. You should go into this discussion with a clear idea of why you want to continue working from home and what specific working arrangement you need.Focus on how letting you WFH can be mutually beneficial overall for you, your team, and your manager. It also helps to have a plan outlined to help show your manager that your WFH arrangement is working for you and your team. Give your boss some space to think about your suggestions so they have enough time to warm up to the idea and let them add their own conditions as well.Tips on making the return easierIf you're feeling anxious over the heavier workload or the riskiness of working outside, adopting your old routine can give you a sense of familiarity. However, don't overexert yourself and take things slow; start with getting back to commuting and rest up whenever you're feeling drained.If you're experiencing some friction between coworkers, understand that it's natural since everyone was affected differently by the pandemic. Some could be excited to get back to the office while others need more time. Be empathetic and sensitive about the struggles others are facing.If you're looking forward to heading to the office, retain your positive mindset and be kind to yourself in case you're faced with setbacks during your experience. Be proactive about making the change work for you.Going back to your old routine of working in an office can be both a good and a bad thing, depending on your preference. In the end, it's about sticking to which option gives the most comfort and familiarity. Nonetheless, don't forget that these times also provide the opportunity for us to grow as long as we are prepared for the change it can bring. It may not be comfortable but by the end of the experience, it can help us grow as a professional and as a person.

Wellness