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Man Writes a LinkedIn Post After His 59-Year-Old Dad Lost His Cashier Job - And the Response Was Shocking
Uplifting News

Man Writes a LinkedIn Post After His 59-Year-Old Dad Lost His Cashier Job - And the Response Was Shocking

Losing a job is never easy. The financial strain, uncertainty, and stress that come with it can be overwhelming. Not to mention the fear and anxiety of not knowing what comes next. So when Peter Judge, 59, found himself caught up in the recent wave of layoffs sweeping across the country he was understandably "heartbroken" and scared.Peter, who has spent his lifetime in the service industry, had been working as a cashier at a WinCo Foods in Phoenix, Arizona for the past four years. He loved his job, and he was good at it. But suddenly, it was gone. RELATED: Man Saves a Life After He Notices a Person Recklessly Driving a Car – Instead of Being Rewarded, He Is Fired From His JobSingle and living paycheck to paycheck, it was a devastating blow.To compound the stress of losing his job, the world has changed a lot in the last few years when it comes to finding a job. It's a world Peter knows very little about.That's where his son, 30-year-old Patrick McCarthy comes in.When Patrick heard his dad's news, he could definitely relate. Having lost his own job as a marketing manager for Coursera just a month prior, he understood the crushing weight of uncertainty and loss. He wanted to do something to help.So, he decided to bring his dad into the digital age. The LinkedIn Post That Made Magic HappenPeter Judge/@LinkedInPatrick turned to the online networking platform LinkedIn. He hoped to find some support for his dad and maybe a job lead or two. What he ended up finding was magic.He shared a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, explaining how his father had lost his job and how much he loves working with people, dedicating most of his career to serving others.“This is Pete. He’s my dad,” the post began. “He’s been in the service industry for most of his professional career. Walgreens, Fry’s, Winco. He loves his customers. He loves being the reason people come back. He loves seeing customers seek out his lane for check-ins and updates. He said to me, 'I’m good at this stuff.'"“Most of his professional stints have lasted 10+ years. As anyone would be, he’s shocked. Overwhelmed. Scared. Emotional,” the post continued. “His network is not like mine. He doesn’t even really know how to make his next move. But I know whoever is reading this and this LinkedIn community can make magic happen.”Magic. Made. The Response to the LinkedIn Post Was IncredibleTo Patrick's surprise, the post received an overwhelming response. In just over a week it garnered nearly 20K reactions, 800 comments, and 600 shares. Turns out a lot of people could relate to Peter's situation and wanted to help.Commenters came out in droves to offer support, encouragement, and even employment opportunities, including executives with Southwest Airlines and Tyson Foods.RELATED: Single Dad Commutes 16 Miles Every Day on Foot Working Two Minimum Wage Jobs – So Strangers Gift Him a CarOthers offered pro bono help with career coaching, interview prep, and résumé and cover letter reviews.Even LinkedIn stopped by to show its support, commenting "Pete sounds like a top-tier employee! ???? Keep us posted as he progresses on his journey, as well as any tips or insights either of you learn along the way - it may help those in a similar situation."Peter couldn't believe it. “I never saw any of this coming,” he told the Washington Post. “This has raised my spirits like you don’t even know.”He said it even went so far as to restore his faith in humanity.The Power of CommunityWith the help of his son, Peter created his own LinkedIn profile and is currently sorting through his options, taking time to find the perfect fit.He also expressed his gratitude for all of the support he's received. "I would like to thank all of you for the overwhelming support, suggestions and offers," he wrote on LinkedIn. "My son Patrick is guiding me on this journey. I'm still learning the ropes of LinkedIn, so bear with me." While he may still be learning how to use LinkedIn, one thing he does know for sure is the power of community and family in helping you get through difficult times. Just knowing that he has so many people supporting him has given Peter a much-needed boost of confidence: “People do believe in people. It makes you want to go on and get out there.”Social media can often bring out the worst in people, but it also has the power to bring out the best.When someone needed it most, an online community stepped up and came together in heartwarming solidarity. It just goes to prove that when used for good, social media can do what it was initially meant to do: connect people and create positive change.

Understanding The Importance Of Occupational Wellness
Self-Development

Understanding The Importance Of Occupational Wellness

It’s almost impossible to overstate the importance of a work life balance, and so much of that balance requires you being able to separate yourself from your professional life. Of course, there are always a few emails to be answered, reports or proposals to be finished, projects worked on, and calls to be made when you’re not physically in the office (or remote but off the proverbial clock) and it’s OK to occasionally work during non-official work hours. For the most part, leaving work at work and fully focusing on the other aspects of your life is key to happiness and satisfaction. This balance between work and life promotes health and wellness of the mind, and when you are in a healthy state of mind in general, your overall success will improve when you are working. Also, you’ll be happier, and you can’t put a price on health, wellness, or happiness.But that needed separation noted, being fulfilled and satisfied with your professional life also requires personal satisfaction while you are working. Thus the importance of occupational wellness.What Does Occupational Wellness Mean?(Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash)First, to be clear, occupational wellness does not mean you are hitting career goals, doing work that’s financially rewarding, and getting along well with coworkers. Those things are all important, to be sure, but occupational wellness is not about what you are achieving but about how you are feeling. Only when you achieve occupational wellness can you truly gain personal satisfaction in your career while also being successful in your work.Occupational wellness means you feel a sense of commitment to your job, you feel your work has a crucial influence on the success of your organization, and you feel empowered when working independently as well as when working with a colleague or a team. It means you have only a manageable amount of workplace stress with which you can effectively deal. And occupational wellness you feel seen, heard, and respected at work. There are many things that can help you achieve occupational wellness: engaging in work that you enjoy, create connections with your coworkers, working in such a way that suits your personal learning style, communicating and working together with colleagues. Overall, you want to balance work and leisure plans. If you're happy about the work you've accomplished, improving occupational wellness will be easier.RELATED: Intrusive Thoughts: Why They Happen and How to Stop ThemIn most cases, you can improve your sense of occupational wellness by doing your best work, standing up for yourself and supporting your peers (because nothing makes us feel better about ourselves than helping others) and rising to challenges. But because the achievement of occupational wellness necessitates doing work that has you feeling inspired and those feelings of respect and appreciation, in some work places, it simply might not be possible to realize.If your current job just can’t provide that environment for you, that inspiration, respect, and conviviality, it may well be time to move on. Don’t stick with a job where you’re stuck doing work no one appreciates, where you are disrespected, or where you’re just not happy.Why Is Occupational Wellness Important?Photo by Priscilla du Preez on UnsplashSimply put, occupational wellness is important because you are important. If you don’t feel a sense of satisfaction and validation at work, the thing that likely occupies more hours than any other aspect of your life (with sleeping being the one possible exception, depending on how much rest you need for your own optimal sleep), then you are going to feel less overall happiness in life. And that just won’t do – your happiness matters deeply, and not only to you, but also to the others in your life. The better you feel personally, the more you will have to offer your family, friends, and neighbors. Do what’s called shadow work, taking that deep dive into self-reflection and a frank assessment of how your work affects your life, and make sure your intellectual wellness is not a victim of your career. RELATED: Overconfidence: What Does It Mean – And Why Is It So Dangerous?So too does occupational wellness matter in terms of your occupation. The better you feel about your work, the better the work you do will be. It’s not about simply working until you can escape to leisure time, in other words, it’s about feeling engaged and even happy while you work. You will get more done and the work you do will be better when you feel good about your job. And you’ll be a better colleague, also, in terms of the work you do in concert with others and simply in terms of being a person with whom it’s a pleasure to associate.Tips On Improving Occupational Wellness(Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash)As noted, there may well come a time when the only way to achieve occupational wellness is to make a career move. Before quitting a job, take a hard, honest look at your financial situation, your potential next moves, and also carefully consider whether the workplace is the issue or if it may be the work itself – people often find themselves sticking with a career that will never be all that rewarding and in which they may never thrive simply because it’s comfortable albeit unsatisfying. If you feel stuck in your work, consider talking to a career counselor before you quit, as these professionals can help guide your next move or, potentially, help redirect you within your current work situation.If you do see the potential for better occupational wellness within your current job, so much the better. You have already taken a step toward improving your job satisfaction just by realizing you need more of it.RELATED: The Socratic Method: What It Is and How to Use It in Your Everyday LifeThe next step to take to improve your sense of occupational wellness is to seek out more training, experience, and the wisdom of others so you can be sure you possess all the tools and information needed to do your best work, because the better you are at your job, the better you will feel about your job. And as you work to better yourself at work, know that your personal learning style will play a role: you may want to shadow someone with more experience, to read up or watch training videos, or to expand your professional network to include more people who can be an asset.It’s also critical that you relate well to your colleagues. Unless you are self-employed, occupational wellness is almost impossible if you don’t get along well with the people with whom you work. Improving coworker relationships can involve spending more time communicating with people at work as well as spending the occasional time with coworkers away from work. You don’t have to be friends with your coworkers, per say, but you must be friendly with them. Fortunately, they surely want the same thing.And finally, take the time to be reflective. Thinking about your work, both in terms of long-term career goals and in terms of what you do to make each day better, is a much better approach them simply getting through each day. If it helps, you can even write out goals and action steps that will help make your wants, needs, and hopes more concrete.KEEP READING:10 Signs You’re Suffering from a Victim Mentality

Man Goes From Janitor To Principal Of The School He Cleaned For 27 Years
Motivation

Man Goes From Janitor To Principal Of The School He Cleaned For 27 Years

Hard work and perseverance has the power to literally to change your life. But sometimes you need a little bit of inspiration or motivation to light your fire. At times the missing factor between a person living the life of their dreams and remaining comfortable where they are is simply belief.Words of wisdomGabe Sonnier used to be the janitor at Port Barre Elementary until one day that changed the direction of his life. In 1985, then school principal Westley Jones took Gabe aside and said, “I’d rather see you grading papers than picking them up.”No one had ever expressed that much belief in Gabe Sonnier before. The principal’s words landed on Gabe who says, “I took it to heart.”Hitting the booksAt 39, Gabe began studying. “I would come to work at like 5 in the morning and leave at 7 and go to school all day and then come back and finish up my eight hours of work here and then go home and do homework.”-Gabe SonnierGabe completed a teaching degree, then in 2008 he got his first teaching job at Port Barre Elementary! After that, he graduated with a Masters from Arkansas State University. Finally, in 2013, Gabe Sonnier became the principal of the same school he had cleaned for 27 years.Gabe still cleans his own office to this day.Gabe says, “Don’t let your situation that you’re in now define what you’re going to become later.” “I always tell them it’s not where you start, it’s how you finish.”-Gabe SonnierNever underestimate yourselfNever let your current circumstances discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Where there is a will, there is a way, no matter your starting point.Do not underestimate what belief can do for yourself and for others. It can ignite your spirit and launch you on a journey walking step by step towards your best self.Dedication can take you so far that things can come full circle. Walk that journey with pride no matter what stage you are at. No goal is too far out of reach when your work ethic aligns with your intentions. Strive for your dream position and watch yourself fulfill that role with time.You can be whoever you want to be in this life, but in order to get there, you have to go for it first. Once your drive has been sparked by belief, there is no telling where you might go.More uplifting storiesThe Weeknd Never Forgot The Friends Who Were There When He Was HomelessShe Was A Teenage Runaway And Homeless Mom – Today She’s A MillionaireStudent Raises $28,600 For Homeless Man Who Offered To Pay Her Taxi HomeMillionaire Shocks Neighbors By Inviting Homeless Couple To Live In His $4M House

Boyfriend Calls Girlfriend 'Naïve Karen' For Out-Earning Him, Internet Has Best Response
Career Growth

Boyfriend Calls Girlfriend 'Naïve Karen' For Out-Earning Him, Internet Has Best Response

When one woman's boyfriend got salty over her higher pay, the internet put him in his place. Mutual $upportIt's always tough to separate matters of money from matters of the heart. However, one Redditor named 'u/No_Lingonberry_5061' tried her best to do just that. In an AITA post, she shared how, in junior college, she and Tim, her boyfriend of 10+ years, were destined to earn different salaries. After all, she studied in Liberal Arts and worked for non-profits while he pursued the high-tech and high-paying field of I.T.However, she insisted that event though "he made more [she] always insisted [they] split things evenly to avoid potential resentment down the road."Not that it would have been an issue. She says that her boyfriend Tim was "a feminist and has always been supportive of my career."Green with envyGood thing that Tim was so supportive, as his girlfriend unexpectedly parlayed her Liberal Arts and non-profit experience into a high-paying consultancy gig that out-earned him. Despite that, she kept her new earning under wraps, in an effort not to be "braggy about it."However, the cat was out of the bag when she and her boyfriend had to provide pay stubs when applying for a new place to live. That's when Tim discovered that his girlfriend earned 30% more than him. You'd think that would be reason to pop the champagne. Instead, Tim popped off at her. He accused her of "cheating the system" since "no English Lit major makes more than a cyber security professional without cheating somehow."As time went on, Tim grew even saltier. He accused her of nepotism in landing her first post-college non-profit job -- which boasted a modest $22k/year salary -- through a sorority sister. He also dismissed a scholarship she received as a promising female writer as unfair since the prize excluded men.Things came to a head when Tim accused her of "being a naïve Karen." Her storyTo the surprise of nobody, Tim's reaction angered his girlfriend, who says her only advantage was hard work."it makes me angry to listen to him 'joke' about it, especially since I grew up blue-collar and worked full-time while going to school full-time to afford my degree."- Author of Redditor postTurns out the story didn't sit well with Redditors either. They had harsh words for Tim and strong advice for the woman. Another Redditor found Tim's change of morals amusing.One Redditor says that, if anything, Tim's comments reveal more about him.Support women who thriveInstead of making salty comments, Tim might want to ask better questions. Questions like "Why do diversity programs exist in the first place?'If he did so, he would discover that in the United States, women who work full time get paid 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the American Association of University Women.He'd also be shocked to find that despite leading men in higher education, women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the United States.Maybe then would he and those like him truly support the women in their lives . A great place to start is celebrating when women advance in the workforce. More uplifting stories:Instagram Influencer’s Ridiculous Attempt At Fat-Shaming Woman Quickly BackfiresWoman Unceremoniously Dumps Toxic Boyfriend After Constant Body ShamingWoman Too Heavy For Her Scale Has Major Wake-Up Call And Loses Over 200 Lbs In 1 YearMen Get Caught Harassing McDonald’s Worker, Sparking Outrage About A Harsh Reality

How I Never, Ever Worry About My Career
Career Growth

How I Never, Ever Worry About My Career

Of course, I have moments of angst like any other professional but generally speaking, my career isn’t something that keeps me up at night. I’m one of the lucky ones who has always known exactly what she wanted to do with her life, right from a young age. I have pursued my professional aspirations — with fervor — since the moment I realized journalism and writing could be a full-time gig. From endless internships and writing for free until someone finally decided to pay me, most of the time, my work doesn’t feel like work, but rather something I enjoy and happen to be skilled at. This confidence and calm has served me well throughout my journey, and it’s also taught me a few valuable lessons. Here, a few tips from someone who doesn’t get super-anxious about work and how you can apply the principles. How to stop to stop worrying about your career:Recognize the power of your thoughtsBlame it on having a mother who is an astrologer but I believe in the power of the universe. And more so, I am always alert to what words I’m using to describe myself, my work and my attitude. Because writing is a passion, the adjectives I associate with this part of my life are positive, exciting and encouraging. I’ve never doubted my ability to string together sentences, hustle for a byline or to land a client, so I rarely think negative about my professional sphere. On the other hand, I struggled for year (read: a decade) with dating before I met my partner. He was worth the ups and downs, but it wasn’t until I started to shift my mental patterns about finding love that I was in the right head space to meet him. If you are anxious about your career or your ability to snag that dream gig, start with the way you talk to yourself. What you say you are, you are — and what you think, becomes your reality. Pay attention and shift appropriately.Don't hold onto the failuresThe road to becoming a full-time freelance travel and lifestyle journalist and owner of a content strategy company definitely hasn’t been smooth sailing from day one. In fact, a big part of my job description is remaining collected when I receive a rejection. Or an article is returned for revisions. Or, I don’t get a client I thought I had in the bag. Whatever the case, I allow myself to mourn the setback… and then I let it go. I also have learned — over many trails and errors — not to take anything personally. Perhaps an editor had a rough morning, and they took it out on their writers. Or my writing style wasn’t a fit for a particular publication. The more you hold onto your shortcomings, the more they define your overall perception of yourself as a professional. Though I may be more sensitive about my body image, when it comes to my career, I’m able to absorb in the comments, release them, and move forward.Celebrate the winsIf there’s anything my friends know about me, it’s that I love a reason to celebrate. I always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge, I have a drawer full of cards for every occasion, and I never let a birthday go by without doting on my loved ones to the extreme. I apply the same philosophy to my career: when my dream byline went live, I held an impromptu happy hour. When I managed to meet a savings goal, I treated myself (and my boyfriend) to a nice dinner. These milestones may not be much in the grand scheme of a career, but if you aren’t proud of yourself — how can you expect others to be? No matter how you take a moment to reflect on a win, that pause is non-negotiable. It will help foster your self-esteem and give you the motivation you need to push harder.Foster trust in yourselfEven though it isn’t 100 percent true, I find peace in the parts of my life that I feel like I can control. While I couldn’t magically snap my fingers and meet a wonderful guy when I was single, I could hustle hard-time and find new clients. Part of why I don’t suffer from as much anxiety from my career is because I know with diligence, ambitious and determination, I will always keep chugging along. Most importantly, I trust myself to never give up. I also trust my abilities, my judgement and my performance, which automatically sets me up for success. The more that you can remind yourself that hey, I’m worthy and I’m ready for the next big thing, the more convincing you will be to other people you meet along the way.You have to love itSure, not everyone will be head-over-heels for their profession. Not everyone has a lifelong passion. When many people struggle to figure out what to do with their careers, they will make an excuse that "I don’t really like anything that much." This isn’t true for anyone, since working doesn’t have to be the most fulfilling part of your life. In fact, you can love your job because it allows you to create the lifestyle that you want. Say, you’re in management and though it isn’t dreamy, you make six figures, have a flexible schedule and can go abroad four times a year. Instead of thinking about the aspects of your day-in and day-out that you don’t enjoy, you can shift your thinking to focus on what your gig gives you in return. Love can be defined in many ways, after all.So how can you stop worrying less about your career? And manifest the life you want? Start with one positive thought — and you’re on your way.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Get Ready to Shine in 2020
Career Growth

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Get Ready to Shine in 2020

Do you know what date it is? Or rather, what month? The midway mark of 2019 has already come and gone — and we’re getting closer and closer to 2020. Though it’s important to live in the moment in most situations, when it comes to your career, thinking ahead is beneficial. In fact, leadership development and career expert Elizabeth Whittaker-Walker says many professionals feel a variety of emotions as they star down the second-half of the year. “Most people find themselves shocked that so much of the year has gone by,” says Whittaker-Walker. “For some, the thought of the coming seasons and new opportunities on the horizon are exciting. Others are met with anxiety, as it may feel like there’s not enough time to get all of the things done that have not yet been accomplished.”The good news? There is still plenty of time to set yourself for success in the coming year by rolling up your sleeves and getting started ASAP.Here's what you can do to prep for 2020 now:1. Review your goals -- short and long-termThe most strategic executives are highly skilled at setting goals. Not just the ones they can meet in the immediate future, but also the ones that push them to stay focused for the long haul. Amy Cooper Hakim, Ph.D., an industrial-organizational psychology practitioner and workplace expert says it’s important to check-in with yourself on how you’re tracking. “Are your everyday activities helping you to accomplish your short-term goals? Are you making important business connections and working on meaningful projects? It is important to ensure that daily activities help you to accomplish short-term goals, and that short-term goals lead to accomplishment of broader, larger goals and objectives,” she explains.She also stresses that it’s okay to change directions and shift your deadlines. In other words: maybe what you wanted in the long-term six months ago isn’t what’s on your mind today. “Make adjustments, as needed, based on where you see yourself in one, five, and ten years. Ensure that short- and long-term goals align,” she recommends. It can be helpful to write down goals with good old fashioned pen and paper, and then hang them in a place you can see them. This helps motivate you and keep you working toward something larger than the day-to-day grind. 2. Nurture relationshipsWhen you think back on the last few months, it may seem like a blur of meetings, emails, travel and conversations. This makes pinpointing specific memories difficult, and can cause you to forget just how many people you’ve met this year. Whittaker-Walker says most professionals would be surprised by the vast amount of networking that goes unnoticed or continued. Consider this your wake-up call to check in. “If there are a few folks in your contacts list that you haven’t spoken with lately, this is a great time to reach out and check-in,” she continues. “Perhaps someone is changing jobs, launching a new role, or in need of a listening ear. Use this season to catch-up, reconnect, and nurture the relationships that help you stay grounded, inspired, motivated and sharp.” 3. Request a planning meeting with your bossWhen you think about the next year — do you see yourself staying at the same job? If so, do you want a raise? A promotion? A lateral shift — or a complete pivot? Whatever your intentions, Hakim suggests setting up a meeting with your manager now. This not only shows how much you value your job and how committed your are to the company, but it’ll give you a head start on your colleagues, who don’t think about planning their futures until it’s review season. “If you are interested in remaining with your organization in 2020, take initiative and ask your boss how you may best be of help as you wrap-up 2019,” Hakim explains. “Don’t be shy to mention some top projects you’d like to lead or a new goal you’d like to hit next quarter or next year.”If you have been browsing through job openings lately because you’ve felt less than stoked about your current gig, Whittaker-Walker suggests using this as motivation to dive into your own description. Especially if you have been at your company for many years, your roles and responsibilities may have shifted dramatically and significantly – without reward or recognition. “Does your title adequately speak to the nature of your work? Are you meeting objectives? Are there opportunities to explore untapped functions of your role? Is it still aligned to your purpose? These are great questions to ask yourself when revisiting your job description,” she explains. If you discover you’re performing above and beyond, you definitely don’t need to wait until review season to ask for the extra money or title you’ve earned. “Discuss any variances you experience with your manager. Your thoroughness could position you for a title change, promotion, or special recognition for stretch roles you’ve taken on,” she says. “It could also help you understand points of dissatisfaction in your work and give you the clarity you need to explore a change.”4. Invest in yourselfThere’s a difference between being comfortable in your position and being complacent. If you can’t remember the last time you gave any thought to your LinkedIn profile, your resume or your skill set, you now have a solid five months to invest in… yourself. Hakim suggests joining a professional organization, taking a virtual course, brushing up your personal brand and other career-oriented activities that will have you soaring ahead, instead of sitting pretty. 5. Reflect on lessons learnedRather than giving into the Sunday scaries, pour yourself a glass of something bubbly while the sunshine is still out and think about your accomplishments. Your lessons. Your achievements. With a solid hour to really dive deep into your internal wisdom and to celebrate your progresses, Whittaker-Walker says you’ll gain valuable insights. “A lot can happen in 6-months, but sometimes life moves so fast that we don’t take time to reflect on all we’ve learned,” she explains. “Maybe you learned some new ways to approach communication with a particular colleague. You may have even learned that a midweek workout can make the difference between a stressful and easy work week. Take note of your discoveries and think about ways you can apply these lessons with intention as you move into the new year.”

What I Learned From Working at 65 Hotels Across 6 Continents
Career Growth

What I Learned From Working at 65 Hotels Across 6 Continents

As a travel journalist, my texts with friends almost always go like this:“Hey, want to get drinks on Thursday?”“Sorry, I can’t! I’m going to a hotel opening in Miami this weekend for work. How about next?”“Tough life, Linds!”Before you nod along with my pals here, I will preface with this: I am lucky to have a job where traveling to all parts of the globe is part of my responsibility. But also — and more importantly, in my humble opinion — I hustled hard for it. In fact, I spent 18 months traveling non-stop, where I visited and reviewed 65 hotels on six continents. In many ways, outsiders (and yes, even my dear friends) view my gig as the dream one. Who wouldn’t want to hop between one luxury hotel to another, or have the opportunity to dine at some of the most critically-acclaimed restaurants on the globe? There are so many aspects to my career that sound straight out of a movie, but the reality is much different than the glossy Instagram photos you see on your feed. Here, a few of the lesser-known hurdles — and lessons! — from being a digital nomadic writer.Lessons from freelancing:1. The job doesn’t pause for reviewsOver the next two months, I’ll travel to Turks & Caicos, Houston, Beirut, Copenhagen, and London. No matter what plane I’m boarding or what hotel I’m checking into — I’m still on deadline. In terms of writing (and many marketing gigs), a reliable income is often found in quantity, so I average 60 to 80 articles a month as a full-time freelancer. While some of these are tied to my zest for wanderlust, others are content or brand work, SEO writing, copywriting or ghostwriting. There are very few journalists — or let’s be real, professionals! — who only do one thing and have a sustainable lifestyle. To pair my travel adventures with my obligations, I have to compromise when I’m abroad. This often means skipping a sightseeing adventure to ensure I can turn in copy to my editor a few time zones away. It means declining a drink invite, or waking up at 5 a.m. for a call on another coast. It also means staying at a five-star resort under the beautiful Caribbean sun — and writing about something completely unrelated for another publication. 2. You don’t travel like most other peopleThink about when you and your family or gang of friends go away on a vacation. Your out-of-office is up, you’re ready for the drinks to free-flow ,and you will sleep in as long as your heart desires. When a travel journalist goes to a destination, it’s for work-- not for play. This means plenty of meetings, lots of experiences (dinner, classes, tours) — but they’re all on the clock. This requires professionalism, as well as self-restraint, especially when I’d prefer to have three margaritas rather than one, or want to wake up at 9 a.m., instead of 7. Truth be told? I’m more than happy to do it and consider it part of my job — but it creates that same feeling that you probably have post-work trip when you can’t wait to come back to your bed. Or when you need a day to relax and unwind before diving back into meetings, emails and duties. 3. Ethics are a constant battleIf you follow influencers, you’ll probably see #Ad or #sponsored on some of their posts. As a new requirement to stay on the right side of the law, social media superstars have to disclose when they anything for free or they’re being paid to endorse a product or place. For journalists who can’t be given a dollar amount to write specific copy, the shift in the media world has required all of us to be ethical warriors. Even if I thank a property for hosting me — which I often do — I’m under no requirement to write a word about them. This is something that has to be communicated from the get-go, as promises are never something any writer, in good faith, can make. This is where the keyword of "review" becomes essential to remember: a travel journalist accepts a visit to truly dissect a property. After all, if I wouldn’t recommend a friend to stay at a specific hotel, why would I feature the resort in a round-up of the best honeymoon destinations? Many folks see travel journalism as free travel that only requires a few sentences — but it’s the opposite. It’s forking over your time — with flights, commuting, and jet lag — to give an honest take on a place. Though I do jet set once or twice a month, I turn down many opportunities since I need time to, well, work.4. Productivity is a learned skillBefore I built my homebase in Boston, I lived in 11 countries around the world, and visited so many cities, I’ve lost count. Along the way, I would stay at various hotels for a handful of nights before retreating back to my homebase apartment. There was a stint of six weeks when I had many Mexican-themed stories and hopped across 17 different resorts across the nation. I’ve written stories on buses, trains, boats, and tuk-tuks. I’ve worked from a cabana bed, a hotel lobby, a room, the random office of a stranger — you name it. Being forced to remain on task and focused in a wide variety of circumstances and locations has made me extremely productive, no matter where I am. Most days, I write between four and six articles, all of which range from 800 to 2,000 words. Sometimes I pen these at home, other times at WeWork, and many afternoons or mornings at an airport or miles high in the air. How do I do it? Practice, mostly. But also: meditation music on Spotify, headphones, and a strategy against distractions. I close out all social media, tuck my phone away, and write until the story is finished -- no exceptions.As the digital nomadic lifestyle continues to trend in popularity, you could find yourself growing green with envy as you stalk professionals on Instagram. It’s tempting, sure, but never discount the type of discipline and hustle it takes to resist the world in lieu of a paycheck. Even if I’m living throughout the planet — my laptop is never far away. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?
Career Growth

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?

The internet has been a boon for distributed learning. First came opportunities for self-directed research, like Wikipedia and Investopedia. Soon enough, actual higher learning institutions opened up online shops, allowing students to enroll from across the globe. The latest iteration of online learning focuses on personalized instruction in specific fields, offered via outlets like MasterClass.Though the site offers classes from dozens of experts across multiple subjects, entrepreneurs will likely be most interested in former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership.What’s A MasterClass?MasterClass is a website that offers anyone access to lessons from some of the best minds in their fields. The instructors tend to be extremely high-profile: Think cooking lessons from chef Gordon Ramsay, acting lessons from Natalie Portman, or music production tips from Timbaland.MasterClass offers multiple access plans. For $180 per year, you can stream their entire catalog of classes, which as of now boasts 50+ celebrity instructors. Some (but not all) classes are offered a la carte, though that usually comes at a steep markup. In all cases, the classes are streamed in short-ish, easily digestible video segments.Who Is Howard Schultz?Howard Schultz is a world-renowned businessman, best known for his role as the CEO of Starbucks, which he held from 1986 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2017. He’s also a former owner of the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, and was heavily involved in the team’s sale and eventual move to Oklahoma City.Most of the modern touches you associate with Starbucks -- the rewards program, the mobile payments, the innovative coffee drinks -- were Schultz’s brainchildren. His second stint as CEO came at a time when the company was experiencing rapid growth, but only because they were opening so many stores; same-store sales were flagging. By closing weak stores, calling for technological upgrades, and retraining the entire company, Schultz got the company back on the path to organic growth.What Will I Learn In The Howard Schultz MasterClass?The Howard Schultz MasterClass focuses on business leadership from what feels like a high-level perspective. Here’s the course listing:Jump InValues and Profits Are Not EnemiesBe CuriousDon’t Pioneer. Disrupt.Focus and Get in the MudFind the Right InvestorsCoffee BreakOverinvest in CultureHire a Values-Based TeamDon’t Manage. Lead.Cannibalize YourselfReal Leadership: What Do You Do in Crisis?OnwardAs you can see, it’s pretty pie-in-the sky stuff, more a collection of guiding principles than specific business advice. The course is structured in such a way that entrepreneurs will find the A-Z nature useful, but people in current managerial roles should still find plenty to get out of it.All told, the 13 videos span 90 minutes. (It should be noted that chapter 7, “Coffee Break,” is literally Howard Schultz showing you how he makes his favorite French press coffee.)Howard Schultz MasterClass Pros And ConsShould you sign up for Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership? Consider the following to decide for yourself.ProsHoward Schultz is world-renowned as a successful business executiveThe course takes a holistic, high-level approach that could apply to any businessHoward provides insights at all phases of a business’s lifecycle, making it useful for both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned managers.ConsIt’s extremely high-level, not technical. If you don’t have a formal business education, a 90-minute course won’t teach you the basics of finance, accounting, and managementHoward Schultz only has one perspective. If you’re truly looking to become a business leader, you’ll probably have to supplement this course with classes and books from other business icons like Jack Welch and Carl Icahn.It’s expensive. Right now, the Howard Schultz MasterClass is only available as part of the all-access package. If his MasterClass is all that interests you, $180 is a lot of money for 90 minutes of Howard Schultz talking (and making) coffee. But if the rest of the catalog interests you, it could be a great value.If you decide it’s for you, you can sign up for the class here.

How Business Conferences Are Bringing People Together With Irreplaceable Live Experiences
Career Growth

How Business Conferences Are Bringing People Together With Irreplaceable Live Experiences

In our increasingly digital age, there are many social networks that claim to do the job of connecting creative and entrepreneurial people, replacing real human interaction. But if the industry conferences being developed and run by the major movers in media are any indication, sharing a live experience is still one of the best ways to stimulate fresh ideas and develop new connections. The New York Times isn’t just writing for readers anymore — it’s inviting them to join reporters and sources to tackle big, burning questions about everything from what’s next in luxury to artificial intelligence. The Globe and Mail was recently looking for a bartender and a venue supervisor to staff its new conference space in Toronto. What started three decades ago as a series of secret meetings on the future of music has become the gigantic conference/festival hybrid SXSW in Austin, Texas. TED — which launched in the ’80s as a conference about technology, entertainment and design — has ballooned into a library of 2,000-plus talks in 100-plus languages. And at the eighth edition of C2 Montréal this year, May 22-24, over 7,000 creatively curious industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and other forward-thinkers will once again get together to develop the tools to take on challenges in their industries and unlock new business opportunities.So, despite fears that we’re all becoming too web- and work-obsessed in an era of swipes, clicks and snaps, getting together in real life has definitely not gone out of style.In fact, conferences are still king.From big brands to small businesses, live happenings are having a(nother) moment. Not only do conferences allow us to get away from our screens and connect on a human level, but -- from branding, networking, revenue and happiness standpoints -- they are, quite simply, good for business.Nothing beats a handshakeYou might wonder why, in 2019, when we can all just Zoom, Skype or Hangout with each other anytime, it’s still worth it for some of the world’s busiest people to hop on planes and trains to actually meet. For most of us, it’s pretty simple: at a gathering packed with diverse and engaged minds, you might hit it off with your next mentor, partner, best friend, or business soulmate. Never underestimate the places a good conversation can take you and your company.It also turns out that we’re not as good at convincing people to do things over email as we think we are. A study, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, found face-to-face requests to be 34 times more impactful than email ones.Science also says it pays off to literally reach out. Researchers at Harvard and the University of Chicago found — in four separate studies — that physically shaking hands bodes well for negotiations and is a welcome sign of cooperation to come.Don’t underestimate the power of being there in person.Experiences help us connectOur wallets have spoken: people are collectively more keen to spend money on experiences than on things, and the business community isn’t immune to this. Cornell University’s Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a professor of psychology who studies happiness, explained to Fast Company that one of the reasons we’re all attracted to experiences over things is because we can share them with each other — they help us connect.As Huffington Post founder Ariana Huffington told The New York Times, even though digital may rule the day, “the need to actually be live and connect with human beings and listen to people in the flesh” is one of the paradoxes of our age.Since most industries rely on building and maintaining relationships, in-real-life situations can effectively set you up to meaningfully meet other people. Who doesn’t love a chance encounter?It’s faster than an MBAAnother reason events are popular despite our increasingly time-strapped world is because they pack a lot of learning in. At conference events like C2 Montréal, talks, panels, workshops and, masterclasses are designed to teach participants something tangible that they can bring back to the office, and to generate those elusive “ah-ha!” moments.Walking through someone else’s creative process, prototyping or problem solving are fine ways to get synapses firing and to make important intellectual connections. It offers you a chance to skill-up without going back to school. And the takeaways are pretty great. Once a conference is over, you can take what you learned from your experience and pay it forward for the benefit of your entire team — and it’s hard to put too high a price on that.

6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write
Career Growth

6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write

One thing is for sure: if the planet’s most successful author recommends a book, you can probably rest assured it’ll be a page-turner. As the only writer to create a billion-dollar fortune -- not only as a woman but between both sexes -- JK Rowling is a legend. She penned the iconic and beloved Harry Potter series, rising from a suffering single mother to one of the planet’s more regarded wordsmiths.Many writers will credit their constant flow of inspiration to reading the work of others like them, and Rowling is no different. She reads a bit of everything but unsurprisingly, mostly fiction. If you want a glimpse into what this British author reads and adores, here are a few of her must-reads:The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Roddy Doyle Rowling calls Roddy Doyle a genius -- and her favorite living writer. Though she’s read much of his work, she a particular fan of this novel. In an interview with The Oprah Magazine, she raved: “This novel in particular -- about a woman's relationship with a violent man -- was one of the most important books in her life. "I don't think I've ever encountered such a believable, fully rounded female character from any other heterosexual male writer in any age.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMTeam of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Ever find one of those reads that you quite frankly, can’t put down? Every reader is lucky to stumble upon a book they become mesmerized with from time-to-time, and this is one for Rowling. "I lived in it the way that you do with truly great books; putting it down with glazed eyes and feeling disconcerted to find yourself in the 21st century. I met the author at a reception in the American Embassy in London last year, and I was so excited that I was bobbing up and down on the spot like a 5-year-old,” she told The New York Times.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Little White Horse by Elizabeth GoudgeEvery author reaps fodder from different sources, whether its art, other novels or daily living. For Rowling, this book particularly impacted the Harry Potter series. In fact, she told The Oprah Magazine that more than any other book, she turned to this one. “Goudge was the only one whose influence I was conscious of. She always described exactly what the children were eating, and I really liked knowing what they had in their sandwiches,” she shared.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottWhile Rowling penned characters that will last generations -- and then some -- Louisa May Alcott did the same with her legendary classic, Little Women. It struck a chord with Rowling and perhaps, influenced her decision to be a wordsmith. "My favorite literary heroine is Jo March. It is hard to overstate what she meant to a small, plain girl called Jo, who had a hot temper and a burning ambition to be a writer,” she told The New York Times. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Iliad by HomerAnother famous read that many page through in high school or college, there’s definitely a staying power that comes with Homer’s work of literature. In the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Rowling referenced this Greek household read, and even discussed her reasoning with Entertainment Weekly. “That really, really, REALLY moved me when I read that when I was 19. The idea of the desecration of a body, a very ancient idea… I was thinking of that when Harry saved Cedric's body,” she shared.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMLolita by Vladimir NabokovOne of those books that you oddly can’t put down, but you’re also uneasy reading is this provocative classic. Often raising questions and challenging ethical standards, writers digest these difficult reads and allow them to inform their next work. For Rowling, this book evokes emotion, according to what she shared in an interview with BBC Radio 4. “There are two books whose final lines make me cry without fail, irrespective of how many times I read them,” she continued. "One is 'Lolita.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:3 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Will Smith to Succeed7 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Be a Leader9 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Tom Hanks to Live His Most Purposeful Life