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I want to present you with two narratives about AI. Both of them are about using this technology to automate computer programming, but they point toward two very different conclusions. The first narrative notes that Large Language Models (LLMs) are exceptionally well-suited for coding because source code, at its core, is just very well-structured text, which is exactly what these models excel at generating. Because of this tight match between need and capability, the programming industry is serving as an economic sacrificial lamb, the first major sector to suffer a major AI-driven upheaval. There has been no shortage of evidence to support these claims. Here are some examples, all from the last two months: Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of the AI company Perplexity, ​claims​ AI tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot cut task completion time for his engineers from “three or four days to one hour.” He now mandates every employee in his company to use them: “The speed at which you can fix bugs and ship to production is scary.” ​An article in Inc​. confidently declared: “In the world of software engineering, AI has indeed changed everything.” Not surprisingly, these immense new capabilities are being blamed for dire disruptions. ​One article​ from an investment site featured an alarming headline: “Tech Sector Sees 64,000 Job Cuts This Year Due to AI Advancement.” No one is safe from such cuts. “Major companies like Microsoft have been at the forefront of these layoffs,” the article explains, “citing AI advancements as a primary factor.” My world of academic computer science hasn’t been spared either. A ​splashy Atlantic piece​ opens with a distressing claim: “The Computer Science-Bubble is Bursting,” which it largely blames on AI, a technology it describes as “ideally suited to replace the very type of person who built it.” Given the confidence of these claims, you’d assume that computer programmers are rapidly going the way of the telegraph operator. But, if you read a different set of articles and quotes from this same period, a very different narrative emerges: The AI evaluation company METR ​recently released the results​ of a randomized control trial in which a group of experienced open-source software developers were sorted into two groups, one of which would use AI coding tools to complete a collection of tasks, and one of which would not. As the report summarizes: “Surprisingly, we find that when developers use AI tools, they take 19% longer than without—AI makes them slower.” Meanwhile, other experienced engineers are beginning to push back on extreme claims about how AI will impact their industry. “Quitting programming as a career right now because of LLMs would be like quitting carpentry as a career thanks to the invention of the table saw,” ​quipped the developer Simon Willison​. Tech CEO Nick Khami ​reacted to the claim​ that AI tools will drastically reduce the number of employees required to build a software product as follows: “I feel like I’m being gaslit every time I read this, and I worry it makes folks early in their software development journey feel like it’s a bad time investment.” But what about Microsoft replacing all those employees with AI tools? A closer look ​reveals​ that this is not what happened. The company’s actual announcement clarified that cuts were spread across divisions (like gaming) to free up more funds to invest in AI initiatives—not because AI was replacing workers.. What about the poor CS majors? Later in that same Atlantic article, an alternative explanation is floated. The tech sector has been contracting recently to correct for exuberant spending during the pandemic years. This soft market makes a difference: “enrollment in the computer-science major has historically fluctuated with the job market…[and] prior declines have always rebounded to enrollment levels higher than where they started.” (Personal history note: when I was studying computer science as an undergraduate in the early 2000s, I remember that there was consternation about the plummeting numbers of majors in the wake of the original dot-com bust.) Here we can find two completely different takes on the same AI issue, depending on what articles you read and what experts you listen to. What should we take away from this confusion? When it comes to AI’s impacts, we don’t yet know anything for sure. But this isn’t stopping everyone from pretending like we do. My advice, for the moment: Tune out both the most heated and the most dismissive rhetoric. Focus on tangible changes in areas that you care about that really do seem connected to AI—read widely and ask people you trust about what they’re seeing. Beyond that, however, follow AI news with a large grain of salt. All of this is too new for anyone to really understand what they’re saying. AI is important. But we don’t yet fully know why. The post No One Knows Anything About AI appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe Here on Work Life, we kinda live and breathe the practices and strategies that make teams happier and more productive. And music, in its various iterations, has long been known as a key instrument, if you will, of that coveted flow state we’re all after. We pored over the research on which sounds are best for productivity, busting some myths and adding tracks to our playlists in several genres. So plug in your headphones we have a feeling you’re about to find your next favorite productivity playlist. Research and productivity playlists by genre 1. Classical Maybe you’ve seen the countless “Mozart for babies” CDs claiming to make your newborn a genius. What’s with that? It’s known as the “Mozart effect,” a term that took off during the ’90s thanks to a single study published in the Nature journal in 1993. In the research paper “Music and spatial task performance,” Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw, and Catherine Ky reported modest findings from their experiment with 39 college students: After listening to a Mozart sonata (K.448) for 10 minutes, the students scored significantly higher on spatial tests (they were asked to look at folded-up pieces of paper and guess how they’d look when unfolded). The effect—which the study authors did not call the “Mozart effect”—lasted 10 to 15 minutes. These findings triggered a slew of inflated claims about Mozart’s music’s ability to increase intelligence. And while that’s a bit of a stretch, subsequent related studies do appear to show some promise. For instance, a 2001 review of the literature found supporting evidence that listening to music by Mozart can improve short-term spatial-temporal reasoning, but not general intelligence. The researchers concluded that “an enhancement of spatial-temporal reasoning performance after listening to Mozart’s music for 10 minutes has been reported by several, but not all, researchers.” Further, patients with epilepsy have been shown to benefit from listening to Mozart’s K.448. Mozart may not make you a genius, but it’s worth trying his genre of music next time you want to boost brainpower: Mozart – Sonata for Two Pianos in D, K. 448:The sonata that started it all. This is the exact piece played to participants in the original “Mozart effect” study. Mozart for Productivity: If you tire of K.448, this playlist broadens it to even more sonatas by Mozart. Classical for Productivity: Why limit yourself to Mozart? This Spotify playlist includes more of the greats, from Vivaldi to Beethoven to Bach. 2. Coffee shop sounds If classical music isn’t your jam, tap into the power of the coffee shop effect. While the visual novelty that cafe-hopping provides can boost productivity, some research suggests the gains also have to do with sound. How? Through a process known as stochastic resonance, a certain level of background noise can enhance performance—but at too loud of a level, it can decrease it. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that a medium-level of ambient noise from a roadside restaurant improved creativity, but low or high levels of it decreased it. The study authors note: “Our findings imply that instead of burying oneself in a quiet room trying to figure out a solution, walking out of one’s comfort zone and getting into a relatively noisy environment (such as a cafe) may trigger the brain to think abstractly, and thus generate creative ideas.” The right levels and types of sound vary widely depending on the person, but it could be the reason you find that background hum of chatter and clanging cups at a cafe so enticing. Ready to find your happy medium? Give each of these coffee shop playlists a shot! 8 Hours of Rainy Night Coffee Shop Ambience: Light rain, smooth jazz, and an aesthetically pleasing scene combine to make this one of my favorites to listen to (and watch!). Coffee Shop Sounds for Study and Concentration: If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, this eight-hour track of real audio recorded from coffee shops is for you. Listen closely, and you might just catch humorous gems—like the guy at 4:29:50 who orders a “cold brew with nothing in it but 18 shots of espresso.” Coffee Shop Ambience Cozy Rainy Day: Soft chatter, raindrops falling, and the occasional clattering of cups make this one-hour audio enjoyable without being overwhelming. 3. Ambient music The relaxing beats and soothing tones of instrumental ambient music make it a favorite pick for people who need to focus. In a 2021 Spotify survey of 4,000 adults in the U.S. and UK, 69% of respondents chose ambient music as the best for studying, with 67% saying that the key ingredient is the slower beats. At the time of writing, these are the three most popular ambient music playlists in the Spotify Focus Hub: Deep Focus: “Ambient and post-rock music” to help you block out distractions and concentrate. Lofi Beats: Moderate beats that are both relaxing and engaging with few words (if any). Chill Lofi Study Beats: The name says it all. Instrumental easy-listening to keep your brain focused on deep work. 4. Upbeat tracks Much of the research on the benefits of upbeat music centers around exercise. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that listening to high-tempo music (170-190 bpm) made exercise feel easier, and therefore, boosted performance. Additionally, a 2003 study presented at an annual meeting of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation found that listening to upbeat music while pedaling on a stationary bike boosted participants’ exercise intensity; the faster the music, the faster they pedaled. Could these findings from the exercise realm transfer over to desk-related tasks? Only one way to find out! 180BPM Instrumental: If you need high-powered music to boost productivity, this user-curated Spotify playlist brings the heat with a variety of instrumental tracks. Damo Running 180BPM (Instrumental): Want to feel like the hero running into battle at the climax of a movie? This might be the playlist for you. It consists mostly of Spotify’s “Epic” songs that are fast-paced, intense, and grand—but no distracting lyrics! 190BPM for Runners: And if you really want to step up the tempo, this playlist has lyric-free songs, all at 190 beats per minute to keep you pumped up without distractions. 5. Nature sounds Few of us are able to go forest-bathing in the middle of our workday. But thankfully, merely listening to recordings of birds chirping and leaves rustling might be enough to soothe frayed nerves so we can dive into deep work. A 2015 study by the Acoustical Society of America found that the sound of a flowing mountain stream boosted mood and productivity in workers in an open-plan office. The sample size was small, however, with only 12 participants. Further, a 2017 study by the University of Sussex found that nature sounds can help you relax if you’re highly stressed. Interestingly, for participants who were already relaxed, listening to nature sounds actually increased their stress levels. So maybe skip these playlists if you already feel calm! Spring Morning Ambience with Lakeshore Water Sounds: A lake laps against the shore, and birds sing in the background in this relaxing eight-hour audio. Bluebell Woods – English Forest – Birds Singing – Relaxing Nature Video & Sounds: This three-hour track features plenty of birdsong and leaves rustling in the wind. Nature Sounds playlist by Spotify: This playlist has a variety of tracks with sounds from birds, rainfall, and rivers. 6. Pink and white noise Noise colors refer to the power spectrum in a sound. White noise, for instance, plays all the frequencies at once at equal power, and it can sound more high-pitched than pink noise. Both noise colors may be beneficial for memory. In a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports, participants who listened to white noise while learning new words had better recall than those who had learned the new words in silence. The researchers concluded that white noise might enhance the ability to acquire new words. Pink noise has been shown to have memory-enhancing benefits, too. In a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, older adults who listened to pink noise while sleeping showed better word recall in post-testing. According to psychiatrist Dr. Suruchi Chandra, administering pink noise via transcranial brain stimulation has shown promising results for her patients. “Many of our patients have experienced improvements in several areas, including mood, motivation, focus, sleep, and brain fog,” Dr. Chandra writes on her blog. “Patients have often described a lifting of their mood and feeling happier and lighter, generally after the first 4-5 sessions of pink noise brain stimulation.” Keep in mind that the pink noise Dr. Chandra writes about was delivered via electrodes placed on a person’s head. While you may not have access to that specific kind of therapy, giving pink noise a listen on Spotify can’t hurt! White Noise for ADHD, Focus, and Concentration: This Spotify playlist features more than just white noise. It also has brown noise (which has a deeper, rumbling quality) and airplane cabin noise (for those of us who miss travel!). Pink Noise Spotify Playlist: Pure and simple: Just 10 straight hours of pink noise to help you work (or sleep!) What Deep Work author Cal Newport says about listening to music while you work Since the term “deep work” was made popular by Cal Newport’s best-selling book of the same name, let’s find out his take on music’s effect on concentration. “What I’ve learned is you have to train or habituate yourself to whatever the music type is,” Newport said in an interview with Author Hour. As an example, Newport spoke of an author who wrote a million words in one year while listening to Metallica. “I’ve found this again and again,” Newport continued, “people habituate the different types of music, and then the actual content of the music doesn’t really matter. It’s the ritual they built up.” In the same vein, music (especially a specific song, playlist, or genre) can serve as a cue that triggers a habit. As described by James Clear, a habit loop consists of: Cue Craving Response Reward Like Pavlov’s dogs, we can train ourselves to react in a desired way to a specific cue (in Pavlov’s dog’s case, the mere sound of a bell was enough to make them salivate in expectation of food). So, in the same way that a dinging sound prompts you to check your iPhone or lying down in bed makes you feel sleepy, a song or playlist that you consistently work to may prompt you to “get in the zone” and be productive. Productivity music: It’s in the ear of the beholder Sorry, but there’s no magic playlist that’ll turn you into a productivity machine. Regardless, surveys show that people, by and large, enjoy listening to music while working. An Accountemps survey found that 71% of professionals believe they’re more productive when music is playing at the office, and in the Spotify survey mentioned earlier, respondents named audio as the number one productivity booster. So while scientific research is rife with conflicting studies about productivity-boosting audio, one thing is clear: Whether it’s Mozart, Metallica, or some mix of your own making – if it works for you, play it! Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post Science-backed productivity playlists to help you dive into deep work appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

In today's dynamic work environments, acronyms like BYOD and BYOM are frequently used, especially when discussing video conferencing and meeting room technology. Understanding the distinction between these two approaches is crucial for organizations looking to optimize their collaborative spaces. This article will explain what does BYOD stand for and what does BYOM stand for, highlight the devices and scenarios best suited for each, and explore their implications for modern businesses. View the full article

The Old City (Kota Lama), Surabaya Chinatown, and Jalan Tunjungan (one of the coolest streets in Indonesia). Surabaya is a port city in the northeastern corner of Java island. The city is the capital of East Java province and the second-largest city in Indonesia. I visited Surabaya in May 2024 as part of my rail trip across Java. This was my second trip to Surabaya, and I happened to be there while the city was undergoing a renovation of its old city streets. This old town renaissance might finally put Surabaya of the map of great city getaways in Southeast Asia. On this trip I visited the Old City (Kota Lama), Surabaya Chinatown, and Jalan Tunjungan (one of the coolest streets in Indonesia). Kota Lama (Old City) Kota Lama (Old City) is the old town area of Surabaya. It’s also shown on maps as Kota Tua (Old Town). The Kota of Surabaya has some similarities of Kota in Jakarta. Both areas have a collection of historical colonial-era buildings that are in varying states of decrepitude. Both Jakarta and Surabaya have finally realised the worth of these historic areas, and both cities have been restoring some of the buildings and fixing the streets. The old city area was undergoing a big revitalization when I was there. The streets were being dug up and new sidewalks were being built. It was unfortunate timing, but I was glad to see that this area was finally being renovated. [Streets under renovation at Gedung Cerutu (the cigar building).] Rajawali is one of the main streets of the old city, and it includes the Gedung Internatio building. [International Credit and Trade Association “Rotterdam” – Gedung Internatio.] Next to the Kali Mas River on Jl. Jembatan Merah is a row of florist shops that are under a stylish covered concrete shelter. On this street is the Twin Lion Statue Building (Tweeling Leeuw Standbeeld Gebouw), which is one of the most distinctive buildings in the old town. After I visited this building, I saw a link posted by Stuart from Travelfish about the Lion Building. There is not much information about the old town, so a Surabaya walking tour would help bring this area to life. I probably wouldn’t stay in the old city as there still aren’t convenient amenities, especially at night. The Arcadia Hotel is on Rajawali and is the best located hotel in the Old City. [Horison Arcadia Heritage Rajawali Surabaya.] Surabaya Chinatown Chinatown is part of the old town area, though it is demarcated as Chinatown on Google Maps. The Roode Brug (Red Bridge) marks the entrance to the Chinatown area. Kembang Jepun is the main street of Surabaya Chinatown, and there is a Chinatown archway at each end. As with the rest of the old town area, Chinatown was undergoing a major street renovation while I was there. I think the Chinatown will become a groovy area once the streets are fixed up and some of the old buildings are restored. Jalan Karet under renovation. The side streets of the Chinatown area are an interesting place for urban exploration. There are some smaller temples hidden away in these side streets. In the Chinatown area is the Kokoon Hotel, which is a modern 3-star hotel that looks like it’s betting on the area becoming a hipster area. I would like to revisit Surabaya Chinatown when the construction equipment is gone from the streets. Maybe one day the Chinatown will be as famous as the Chinatown’s of Singapore and Bangkok. Tunjungan Street The coolest street in Surabaya is Jalan Tunjungan and the surrounding area. There are some historic buildings along this street, but the most pleasing aspect is the wide sidewalks. Building pleasant cities is not rocket science. Build some tree-lined streets with wide footpaths and watch the area flourish. I ended up staying near the main train station (Surabaya Gubeng), mainly because I was researching trains and getting photos. If I was to pick an area to stay in Surabaya I would stay near Tunjungan Street for my next visit. And if I wanted to stay in style, I would stay at the Hotel Majapahit. This hotel was built in 1910 by Lucas Martin Sarkies, the son of one of the fabled Sarkies brothers who founded a chain of luxury hotels throughout Southeast Asia. [Hotel Majapahit Surabaya.] Another notable hotel on Jl. Tunjungan is the Varna Hotel. [Varna Culture Hotel Tunjungan Surabaya.] Train travel Like Jakarta, there is a Kota Station in Surabaya. And like Jakarta, Kota isn’t the main station. “City station” sounds like it would be the central station, but the main station is Surabaya Gubeng. There is a historic station that looked like it would have been the central station of Surabaya, but the current building is a grim concrete block. I hope that the continual improvements of the Kota area leads to the restoration of the old Kota Station. [Old Kota Station.] Surabaya is a useful hub for train travel around East Java. I got the train from Surabaya to Ketapang, where I then got the ferry to Bali. I have already been to Mt Bromo, so you should visit if you haven’t already been. View the full article

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, the traditional 9-to-5 office model is quickly becoming a relic of the past. As businesses navigate the complexities of a hybrid work world, one truth stands out: flexibility remains essential. Smart, adaptable workplace technology is not just a trend; it's a strategic imperative for organizations aiming to improve employee well-being, boost engagement, and make more effective use of their valuable office space. View the full article

Hello folks, Remote work is still full of experiments—and this summer, we’re embracing the chaos (and the charm). From plotting your next digital nomad move to distracting your cat during meetings, and laughing at comics that feel suspiciously accurate—because let’s be honest, remote never means boring. Enjoy the reads. :) -Maja Our Favorite Articles 💯Photo by Amine Mayoufi/PexelsYour cat’s new favorite coworker (6AM City)Let’s be honest: we all enjoy a little attention from our purring friends — but sometimes, we need to get us off the hook. 👉 ​Find out how​. Hammam Fuad/UnsplashCommunity is Motivation on Tap (Alan Wu)The communities we belong to quietly shape how we work, stay motivated, and show up every day. 👉 ​Read on​. Relatable and funny: Irina Blok’s WFH comics (Bored Panda)The one about Monday coffee needs especially resonates with me. 👉 ​See the comics​. Hanin Abouzeid/UnsplashYour Best Digital Nomad Visa Option (Travel off Path)Compare digital nomad visas, living costs, and perks in one handy tool—because your next office might come with a beach. 👉 ​Check it out​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Too many emails? Declutter your inbox with Meco, your home for reading newsletters. Try it for free ​Remotive​ Jobs 💼Let's get you hired! These teams are hiring now: 💻 Engineering 👉 ​Senior Shopify Developer at Proxify ​(CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Next.js Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 👉 ​Senior Data Scientist at BaxEnergy​ (European Timezones) 👉 ​Senior Site Reliability Engineer at BaxEnergy​ (European Timezones) 👉​ iOS Developer at nooro​ (USA only) 👉 ​Software Engineer - Customer Projects at Discourse​ (Americas) Free Guides & Tools​Public Job Board​We curate 2,000 remote jobs so you don't have to! ​Find your remote job →​ ​Exclusive Webinar​3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking For A Remote Startup Job (And What To Do Instead) ​Register for free →​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely ​Check it out →​ Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to create an aligned freedom business with Liz Cirelli, who has transformed her parents' dream property in southern Italy into a conscious co-living community focused on permaculture principles. Liz shares her journey from internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer to community builder, including the challenges of business partnerships, finding the right audience, and recognizing when you're truly in alignment with your purpose. This conversation explores how freedom is both an inner journey and an outer lifestyle, and why true freedom comes from alignment with your vision. Support the show 💛 💛 💛 RECOURSES & LINKS 💛 💛 💛 🥰 REVIEW THE PODCAST 🥰 and get instant access to Nienke Nina's Aligned Freedom Business: GROWTH BOOSTER FRAMEWORK for free! (VALUE €1347) 🔗 visit www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/review Loving our Freedom Lifestyle content? 🥹 Get the Freedom Lifestyle Booster Unfiltered Newsletter (100% free)! Enjoy support, freedom strategies & tactics, special tips to build your aligned freedom business & real talk ✅ 🔗 Get our newsletter via www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to create an aligned freedom business with Liz Cirelli, who has transformed her parents' dream property in southern Italy into a conscious co-living community focused on permaculture principles. Liz shares her journey from internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer to community builder, including the challenges of business partnerships, finding the right audience, and recognizing when you're truly in alignment with your purpose. This conversation explores how freedom is both an inner journey and an outer lifestyle, and why true freedom comes from alignment with your vision. Support the show 💛 💛 💛 RECOURSES & LINKS 💛 💛 💛 🥰 REVIEW THE PODCAST 🥰 and get instant access to Nienke Nina's Aligned Freedom Business: GROWTH BOOSTER FRAMEWORK for free! (VALUE €1347) 🔗 visit www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/review Loving our Freedom Lifestyle content? 🥹 Get the Freedom Lifestyle Booster Unfiltered Newsletter (100% free)! Enjoy support, freedom strategies & tactics, special tips to build your aligned freedom business & real talk ✅ 🔗 Get our newsletter via www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/newsletter

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to create an aligned freedom business with Liz Cirelli, who has transformed her parents' dream property in southern Italy into a conscious co-living community focused on permaculture principles. Liz shares her journey from internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer to community builder, including the challenges of business partnerships, finding the right audience, and recognizing when you're truly in alignment with your purpose. This conversation explores how freedom is both an inner journey and an outer lifestyle, and why true freedom comes from alignment with your vision. Support the show 💛 💛 💛 RECOURSES & LINKS 💛 💛 💛 🥰 REVIEW THE PODCAST 🥰 and get instant access to Nienke Nina's Aligned Freedom Business: GROWTH BOOSTER FRAMEWORK for free! (VALUE €1347) 🔗 visit www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/review Loving our Freedom Lifestyle content? 🥹 Get the Freedom Lifestyle Booster Unfiltered Newsletter (100% free)! Enjoy support, freedom strategies & tactics, special tips to build your aligned freedom business & real talk ✅ 🔗 Get our newsletter via www.digitalnomadsdaily.com/newsletter

How to get the public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. Da Nang and Hoi An are about 27 km apart, but getting the public bus isn’t as straightforward as you would expect. There used to be a public bus between Da Nang and Hoi An (Bus 1) but that was cancelled during the pandemic. [The old Bus Number 1 (Da Nang to Hoi An).] After a few years with no service, there is now a proper direct bus service operated by FUTA . This bus is a useful way to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An without resorting to getting a Grab taxi, though the service could use some slight improvements. Bus LK-02: Da Nang to Hoi An Bus details Bus LK-02 operates from BX Trung Tam (the bus station in Da Nang) to Cua Dai Hoi An (a beach area in Hoi An). The front of the bus also says “Hoi An Ancient Town” on the destination board. Bus Number: LK-02 Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes Ticket: 31,000 VND Travel time: 1 hour Operator: FUTA Website: danangbus.vn Bus LK-02 bus map [Map of LK-02 bus between Da Nang and Hoi An.] I have marked some random bus stops along the way to give an overview of the route. Bus from Da Nang to Hoi An The bus departs from the city area of Da Nang and it doesn’t go to the beach area. The bus travels along Tran Phu Street in Da Nang. The most useful bus stop is in front of the Da Nang Cathedral (the Pink Church). The bus stops are not well kept or updated. The sign at the bus stop shows Route 2 to DH Viet Han (Vietnam – Korea University). Someone who is unfamiliar with the bus system wouldn’t know that this goes to Hoi An. At least the sign shows that Bus 1 is cancelled. [Bus routes on Tran Phu Street, Da Nang.] The bus goes via the inland route, so you can’t use this bus to travel along the coastal route. At about the halfway mark the bus stops at the Tran Dai Nghia Tran Hung Dao Bus Station. This station is next to the Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (represented on some bus maps as DH Viet Han). [Bus at Tran Dai Nghia Tran Hung Dao Bus Station.] The Vietnam – Korea University was on the border of Da Nang City and Quang Nam Province, so the bus station served as an interchange for buses. The provinces of Vietnam were merged on the 1st of July 2025, and Quang Nam Province was merged into Da Nang. This Google screenshot shows the old boundary near the bus stop. [Tran Dai Nghia Tran Hung Dao Bus Station near the Da Nang-Quang Nam border.] Da Nang Bus 2 bus used to stop here, and you had to change to another bus for Hoi An. The buses are subsidised by the city, so there was the complication of travelling into a different province. The good news is that you no longer need to change buses, but the signs and maps have not been updated to reflect this. There is a route map inside the bus that shows the two lines: [Route 2] BX Trung Tam – Dai Hoc Viet Han [Route LK-02] Dai Hoc Viet Han – Cua Dai Hoi An The front of the bus shows the number LK-02, so don’t worry if the bus stop only shows Line 2. The other confusing part of this trip is that there isn’t a proper bus stop for Hoi An. The bus stops at 187 Ly Thuong Kiet, in front of Emm Hotel Hoi An. This is near the intersection of Hai Ba Trung, which is one of the main roads leading into the old town area. The bus driver clearly indicated that this was the stop for Hoi An. I asked the driver where to get the return bus, and he pointed to across the road. [Bus stop at 187 Ly Thuong Kiet, in front of Emm Hotel Hoi An.] Buses are not allowed into the old city area, so this stop is as close as the bus is allowed to go. Some guides are showing that the bus stops at Nguyen Tat Thanh Hoi An Bus Station, but that station is closed. The current drop-off point is the most convenient place to walk to the old town. Bus LK-02 continues along the road to Cua Dai Beach and the Cua Dai Inland Waterway Terminal Parking Lot. Bus from Hoi An to Da Nang On the return journey I waited in front of Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa (326 Ly Thuong Kiet), which is opposite where I was dropped off. There is also no bus stop here, but I had noticed on the bus to Hoi An that the driver was picking up passengers that weren’t waiting at bus stops. The bus follows the same road on the way back, including a short break at the DH Viet Han bus station. The bus stops Le Van Hien Street, just before turning onto Tien Son Bridge to go into the city area. This is the closest the bus gets to the beach area. The bus driver let me know this was the beach stop. The bus follows the same route in the city area, but it goes along Bach Dang along the riverfront instead of Tran Phu. This will bring you back the the middle of the city at the Han Market. [Bus LK02 on Bach Dang Road, Da Nang.] Tickets Another confusing aspect of this trip is that two tickets are issued (for Route 2 and Route LK-02), even though the route is operated by the same private company. This is a hangover of the bus routes being subsidised by the city. Tickets are sold by the driver. I paid cash, and I saw another passenger pay by QR code (no credit card tapping). Updates Now that Quang Nam Province has been merged with Da Nang City, that means that Hoi An is now part of Da Nang. This should mean that the public bus services of Da Nang and Hoi An will be merged into a single body, so there should only be the need for one ticket. The tickets and the bus number may change with the merger, so if it has changed since this post has been published, let me know. View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe Burnout at work is nothing new, but it has gotten more attention since the height of Covid-19). There’s no shortage of advice on how individuals can beat burnout, but there’s a growing understanding that burnout prevention also has a lot to do with systemic factors – like workplace culture – and not just individual coping mechanisms. Plus, some aspects of burnout overlap with symptoms of depression, which can have implications for how we treat it. “We always focus on the professionals themselves. That is a very narrow-minded view,” says Yi-lang Tang, a clinical psychiatrist and associate professor at Emory University. While we could all benefit from a good-old-fashioned stress-relief routine, a more impactful balm for burnout might come from higher up the ladder, from solutions that make working conditions more sustainable in the first place, and address the deeper causes of burnout. Defining burnout at work Related Article 6 ways to bounce back from burnout By Tracy Middleton In Productivity Many mental health problems have clear diagnostic criteria. Something like depression, for example, has a standardized definition that makes diagnosis rather straightforward. Diagnosing burnout is not as simple. One popular tool for assessing burnout is the Maslach Burnout Inventory. According to researchers Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter, burnout has three main components: Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job Reduced professional efficacy While the Maslach Burnout Inventory has gained prominence in the field, academics still use a wide variety of criteria to measure burnout. A research analysis published in 2018 found that while most burnout studies “used a version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory,” there were “142 unique definitions” of burnout criteria. Irvin Sam Schonfeld, a professor emeritus at CUNY, and colleague Renzo Bianchi argue for a slightly different understanding of burnout. Their research shows that the emotional exhaustion component of burnout in particular has a high correlation with symptoms of depression. “That’s the core of burnout,” says Schonfeld, who is the co-author with Bianchi of “Breaking Point: Job Stress, Occupational Depression, and the Myth of Burnout.” This is not to say that burnout and depression are one and the same, but rather that there is significant overlap. As Schonfeld sees it, the correlation between the two is too high to ignore, which has implications for how we might prevent and treat it in the workplace. A bigger picture of burnout When we think about addressing burnout, we often think about individual workers learning to set boundaries or create a meditation practice, but ignore larger systemic factors. Tang says a lot of early research into burnout had this bias, focusing only on the individual and their personal coping mechanisms. “That’s not enough,” he says, noting that research should also consider institutional issues. Schonfeld echoes this point: The bigger picture of burnout shows that it’s often a product of the same toxic working conditions that can bring on depressive symptoms in the first place. As Tang wrote in an editorial summarizing recent burnout research, “addressing systemic issues such as excessive workloads, lack of resources, and misaligned organizational values can significantly alleviate occupational stress.” Take the example of a company where workers are given shifts that are too long or too frequent, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. An individual could cope by eating healthy meals and getting quality rest when they’re off the clock. But the deeper solution here is at the level of management: Bosses who want to prevent burnout can change the workplace schedule that’s causing it in the first place. The systemic issues can go even deeper than managing shifts. A 2024 study of burnout in healthcare workers illuminated the role of moral injury, which happens when individuals are forced into situations or actions that run contrary to their own values. The study showed that experiencing moral injury at work contributed to burnout among workers. Sometimes moral injury can result from circumstances beyond the control of any one company. One example from the healthcare study was: “Politicization/misinformation about medical care by elected leaders.” On that level, global issues and political conflicts can also contribute to the stress and overwhelm of burnout. One study of Ukrainian academic staff found, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the war in that country has led to an increase in burnout. How to integrate big and small solutions to burnout While the acute stress of the pandemic might be behind us, there’s plenty of burnout lingering in American workplaces. A 2024 report from the American Psychological Association said that a whopping 67% of those surveyed “reported experiencing, in the last month, at least one outcome often associated with workplace burnout, such as lack of interest, motivation, or low energy, feeling lonely or isolated, and a lack of effort at work.” That means a lot of our colleagues could benefit from a more nuanced and effective understanding of burnout. Considering the systemic factors that play a role in burnout can round out the solutions to preventing or addressing it. Tang argues for a “holistic solution” that includes institutional support and individual behaviors. On the institutional side, for example, managers and employers can consider flexible scheduling that allows people to work a sustainable number of hours. For employees, it can help to fully disconnect from work when they’re at home or on vacation, giving their mind a real break. Managers can support this kind of rejuvenation by reducing excessive workloads and supporting paid time off. Workplace leaders can also align workplace policies and practices with personal values to prevent moral injury. In the health care industry, for example, one source of moral injury might come from being “assigned too many patients to be able to provide adequate care.” Company leadership could solve that issue – and remove a contributing factor to burnout – by hiring additional staff to handle patient loads. While big, systemic changes to prevent burnout might be a long-term goal, there are other ways that managers and employers can improve working conditions to reduce the risk of burnout. “We want to help [people] before their health gets compromised,” Schonfeld says. This is where the more conventional advice can apply: Institutions can support individual coping skills by funding stress management training or workshops on relaxation techniques to help individuals cope with conditions at work that might be less than ideal. Tang says these types of individual skills can help workers build resilience to get through stressful situations. psychotherapy and burnout When a vacation or a relaxation technique isn’t enough, talk therapy might be a good tool for people who are already in the grips of intense burnout. Schonfeld says that traditional psychotherapy (from a professional outside of your office) can be a great tool to help workers who are affected. Especially when you remember that burnout shares some characteristics with depression, cognitive behavioral therapy is a tried-and-true method that can help individuals get out of a slump. Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post Burnout isn’t just a “you” problem appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

Employee engagement is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s the difference between a team that’s just surviving and one that’s thriving. And yet, right now, so many managers are struggling to keep energy, ownership and motivation alive. Quiet quitting, burnout, and disengagement aren’t just buzzwords; they’re showing up in your one-to-ones, your missed deadlines, and that low-key dread before every meeting. So, what actually helps? Watch: Cracking the Engagement Puzzle In this 45-minute webinar, coach and facilitator David Papa explores what really drives engagement, and how to respond when your team’s spark is fading. In the session, you’ll learn: Why traditional engagement strategies fall flat in today’s workplace The subtle signals of disengagement (and how to catch them early) A powerful mindset shift to help you re-engage your team with empathy and impact Practical tools you can use immediately to create more trust, connection and ownership Who it’s for: This session is especially useful for HR leaders, L&D professionals and people managers responsible for team wellbeing, motivation and performance. Whether you’re facing high turnover, low morale or want to lead with more clarity and connection, this is for you. Don’t just patch the symptoms. Get to the root. Watch the recording now and start transforming how your team feels about work. If you’re ready to go deeper into this challenge as a team, check out our “Cracking the Engagement Puzzle” inhouse workshop or connect with us below to explore the options for your people. The post Cracking the Engagement Puzzle: How to Rebuild Team Energy and Trust appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article

There’s a quote that’s been floating around the Internet for years now. Every time it’s shared, it’s quickly reposted, re-shared, and liked over and over again. I’ve even posted it myself. The viral quote is simple and goes like this: “6 luxuries in life: 1. time 2. health 3. a quiet mind 4. slow mornings 5. meaningful work 6. a house full of love.” It’s not hard to see why the quote resonates. It speaks of things universally understood to be important and meaningful, but not necessarily enjoyed by everyone. If luxury is defined as “a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort,” these six things describe it well. But there is something about that list I think about every time I see it. None of those six items are for sale. And they never have been. And yet, we live in a world that tries to convince us the luxuries of life are something to be purchased. It seems almost every day of our lives, we’re flooded with messages designed to sell us a counterfeit version of “luxury.” A nicer house, a newer phone, an extravagant vacation, a limited-edition sneaker, a fragrance that promises to make the opposite sex swoon. The messaging is so good and so ubiquitous, the items they sell slowly, over time, become our definition of luxury. They’re shiny, exciting, gratifying (at least for a moment), and desired by so many, that they begin to feel like the greatest expression of a life of abundance. But as we know from experience, that feeling is quick to fade—always leaving us wanting more. And I don’t know about you, but if there is a version of luxury that doesn’t fade, that is what I would like to devote my life pursuing! Based on the viral nature of the list above, I am confident I’m not alone. Of course, one of the reasons a counterfeit version of luxury is purchased by so many is because it appears easier to attain than the truer, longer-lasting luxury. These luxuries—quiet minds, slow mornings, meaningful work—are not easy to find. They require time, attention, self-examination. They require intention, hard decisions, and sometimes even hard conversations. They also require us to live differently than the culture around us. It’s easy to fill a shopping cart. It’s harder to ask: What do I really want from this one life I’ve been given? And what changes do I need to make to discover it? The world offers us counterfeits because they’re easier to manufacture, easier to market and sell, easier to accept, and easier to profit from. A scented candle in a jar is easier than fostering peace in a chaotic household. A perfectly staged brunch is easier than carving out an hour of meaningful connection. A bigger paycheck is easier than the hard work of finding work that matters. And it is easier to buy a trip to Disneyland than it is to build a life of habits that supports long-lasting health. Still, while these deeper luxuries may not be easy to attain, they are not entirely outside our reach either. Time, health, a quiet mind, slow mornings, meaningful work, and a home full of love—these things may not be guaranteed, and they may not come quickly. But they are not as far outside our control as we sometimes assume. And just like everything else, the first step to making these truths a reality is believing they are possible: We gain more time by choosing what matters and letting go of what doesn’t. We protect our health with small, consistent steps in the right direction. We quiet our minds by limiting noise, both external and internal. We enjoy slower mornings when we stop overpacking our days (and maybe waking up a bit earlier). We move toward meaningful work by paying attention to our gifts and values and appreciating the value of it. We foster love in our homes not with perfection, but with presence. Of course, not every life circumstance is within our control. Life brings hardship, and some seasons are harder than others. But more often than we realize, our lives reflect the things we choose to pursue. And while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can always control how we respond. So let’s choose well. Let’s define luxury differently than the world around us. Let’s stop chasing what’s temporary and start pursuing what lasts. Let’s live a life rich in meaning, not rich in things. Because the greatest luxuries in life cannot be bought at a store. But they can be built. One thoughtful, intentional decision at a time. The post The Greatest Luxuries in Life Can’t Be Bought at a Store appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

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Too many L&D professionals and people managers are drowning in email, with no time left for the strategic work that really matters. In this video, Deane and Lee share clear, practical tools to help you take back control. Whether you’re dealing with constant interruptions, overloaded inboxes, or the pressure to respond instantly, watching this video could shift your whole approach. No jargon. No “just try harder” advice. Just simple ideas that work. What you’ll learn: Why email overload happens (and what to do about it) The “One Touch Rule” for managing messages efficiently Practical ways to set boundaries and reduce decision fatigue Try this right now Once you’ve watched the video, put the One Touch Rule into action right away. It’s a simple decision tree that helps you clear email fast and avoid the mental mafia of mess in your inbox: Here’s how it works: Do it – quick enough to finish in two minutes? Just do it now Delegate it – forward it to someone better placed to act Defer it – if it needs more time, schedule it immediately and tag it in your system Delete it – if it doesn’t serve you or your team Want more than a quick win? Our focused 3‑hour Getting Your Inbox to Zero workshop is ideal for people leaders like you: L&D, Talent, Ops professionals who need real time and headspace back. The post How to Take Control of Your Inbox: Productivity Tips for L&D and People Leaders appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article

In today's hybrid work environment, Zoom meetings are an essential tool for seamless collaboration, whether you're working with your immediate team or external partners. This guide will cover everything you need to know about scheduling, joining, starting, running, and recording Zoom meetings to help your remote and hybrid teams work together effectively. View the full article

We live in a world filled with empty consumeristic promises. To get the girl, buy this cologne. To be the life of the party, get this television. To impress your friends, buy this watch. To turn heads, drive this car. To raise a better family, buy this bigger house. These promises bombard our senses incessantly—even within the comforts of our home. And more than we realize, these messages begin to shape our conscious and subconscious thoughts. As a result, too often, we buy stuff we don’t need. Our closets become crowded, our drawers overfill, our garages can’t fit our cars, and our homes fill with countless products we thought were a good idea at the time; but in reality, rarely get used. Our lives soon become buried under everything we own. To counter these empty promises, I want to offer a simple, life-transforming question—five simple words to ask before making any purchase. The question is this: But what if I don’t? Whenever you feel the pull of consumerism, simply ask yourself the shortened version of this thought, “What might I be able to do if I didn’t make this purchase?” Every purchase contains an opportunity cost. The question, “But what if I don’t?”, forces us to recognize and articulate it. For example: If you don’t buy that large screen television, how much debt could you pay off? If you don’t buy the bigger house, how much more money would you have to travel? If you don’t go clothes-shopping today, how could you build up an emergency fund? If you don’t make this purchase on Amazon, what good could you accomplish in the world with the money instead? You know what you’ve been promised if you buy… but what if you don’t? How would your life improve if you said ‘no?’ With every purchase we make, we sacrifice a small amount of freedom. This one, simple question helps us recognize exactly what it is. The post One Question to Ask Before Any Purchase appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

The reality of modern work is that we’re navigating communication challenges that we didn’t have a generation ago, or even a decade ago. COVID-19 flipped “normal” on its head and forced us to find new ways to keep in touch with our colleagues from hundreds of miles away. There’s no shortage of digital tools and The post Poor communication derails progress— detailed reporting can help appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Note: This is a guest post from Joe Darago, Executive Director of The Hope Effect, and a friend of mine for over 30 years. I come from a big family—five sisters and me—filling every corner of our modest home in Northeast Ohio with laughter, noise, and life. There was never a dull moment. My dad’s side looked a little different. He was the only son of Joseph and Teresa, raised alongside two sisters who never had children of their own. But what they may have lacked in children, they made up for in presence. Aunt Marilyn and Aunt Liz were constants in our lives. They attended every holiday, came to many sporting events, and had a saved seat at our six graduations. They took turns investing in us—quietly and consistently. Even when I left home for college and eventually moved out of state, the rhythm of connection continued. Birthday cards arrived on time. Calls were never forgotten. Milestone moments always brought a message or a visit. Their love was steady—minimal in flash, but immense in weight. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been so passionate about family—a value that has shaped so many of my life choices. About a decade ago, both Aunt Marilyn and Aunt Liz began facing health challenges. In a beautiful act of mutual care, they moved into the same home to help one another recover and reduce expenses. One thing they didn’t reduce, however, was their belongings. Our family has never been great at letting things go. Boxes in the sunroom held documents from our great-grandfather. Furniture from Grandma’s house crowded every corner of the living room. And the musty basement was packed with remnants from the old family store—items long unused but still quietly taking up space. This past weekend, I traveled back to Ohio to say goodbye to Aunt Liz. As the family pastor, I had the honor of overseeing the funeral for the last of my two aunts. The service was deeply meaningful. Friends and family came to pay their respects, share stories, and support one another through our grief. As I stood there, listening and leading, I was reminded—once again—of what truly matters in life. No one mentioned her possessions. Not once. But everyone spoke of how she made them feel. How present she was. How faithfully she encouraged others, even in quiet ways. Of course, while no one mentioned her possessions during the service, she and my other aunt left behind plenty of material things to sort through. My sisters and I have been tasked with handling these in a way that honors both our family and her wishes. Thankfully, Aunt Liz sensed the end was near about a year before she passed. And in that final stretch of time, she made some intentional choices—quiet but impactful—that have made all the difference. Here are a few things she did that were incredibly helpful, and I share them in hopes they might serve others walking a similar road: 3 Things My Aunt Did That Made Saying Goodbye a Little Easier 1. She Set Up a Trust Aunt Liz owned two homes, held several retirement accounts from past jobs, had a life insurance policy, and was a dedicated coin collector. Knowing how complicated this could become, she worked with a professional to establish a trust, appoint an executor, and clearly document who would receive what. This one step saved my sister—who served as the executor—countless hours and headaches. More importantly, it helped us avoid confusion or conflict about finances. Money has a way of straining even the closest families. Because Liz planned ahead, we were free to grieve without tension. 2. She Simplified Where She Could My aunt was the keeper of our family’s history and secrets. She took great pride in our heritage, always sharing stories of the past—names, places, and moments most of us would have forgotten if not for her. In many ways, she was our family cloud. Because of that, her home was crowded with the artifacts of generations—photos, furniture, letters, and keepsakes she couldn’t bear to part with. And yet, in her final year, something shifted. While her home still held plenty, it was clear she had begun to simplify. Closets were partially cleared. Papers were filed and labeled. Some items were gently set aside for donation. These small acts of preparation made a significant difference. They lifted a burden from our shoulders—and served as a quiet reminder that even a little intentionality can have a lasting impact. 3. She Talked About What Matters Perhaps the most meaningful gift Aunt Liz gave us was her willingness to talk about death—openly, honestly, and with peace. She had personal conversations with each of us, asking us to consider taking on specific responsibilities after she was gone. One of us would care for her aging pets. Another would carry on the family Christmas tradition she had lovingly kept for years. And someone, she said, would need to pick up the mantle of family historian. I gladly accepted that role—and in the months that followed, she began setting aside items for me as she came across them. Old photographs. Handwritten letters. Notes explaining why something mattered. None of us enjoyed those conversations. But all of us are grateful we had them. They spared us the pain of guessing what was important to her and brought clarity to the difficult process of sorting through what was left behind. I know I’m not alone in this experience. Many of us have aging parents, relatives, or lifelong friends who will one day leave behind more than just memories. Along with grief, they may leave behind decisions—about possessions, finances, pets, traditions, and legacies. And it will fall to us to sort through what remains. The question is: how can we prepare now for what we know is coming? 3 Simple, Loving Steps We Can All Take 1. Initiate the conversation. It might feel awkward at first, but starting the conversation is a gift to everyone involved. Begin gently. Ask thoughtful questions: Is there a will? A power of attorney in case of health challenges? What are their hopes if the unexpected happens? These are not easy topics, so approach them with compassion. The goal isn’t control—it’s understanding what matters most and honoring it. 2. Listen to the stories. Behind every item is a memory. Often, the story is more important than the object itself. Ask why something matters. Don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions that invite storytelling. Questions like: What’s the story behind this? Who gave it to you? Why did you keep it all these years? can unlock important family history. For photos: Where was this taken? Who are these people? What happened that day? For letters or heirlooms: Did this belong to someone else in the family? What does it remind you of? Listening patiently, without rushing, honors the person and gives meaning to the objects left behind. Pro tip: write names on the backs of photos. Aunt Liz didn’t do that, and now I’m piecing together clues from extended family members. 3. Don’t wait to share your feelings at the funeral. At my aunt’s service, I invited others to speak. The room filled with beautiful memories and heartfelt words. But as I listened, I couldn’t help but wonder—had Liz heard these things while she was still alive? Don’t wait. Tell your loved ones what they mean to you now. Say the words. Let them hear your gratitude, your admiration, and your love while they’re still here to receive it. Minimalism isn’t just about letting go of stuff. It’s about living with purpose and preparing with love. The intentional steps Aunt Liz took in her final year didn’t just ease our burden—they reminded us of what really matters. May we all be brave enough to start the conversation, kind enough to preserve the stories, and wise enough to speak our love while there’s still time. *** Joe Darago has served as the Executive Director of The Hope Effect since its founding in 2015. He and his Christie live in Edmond OK where they enjoy parenting their four adult children and grandparenting two + one on the way. He is passionate about changing the way the world cares for orphans… because every child deserves a family. The post 3 Things My Aunt Did That Made Saying Goodbye a Little Easier appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Hello folks, As remote work matures, so do the rules that shape it—from flexible visas to café laptop bans. While Slovenia rolls out the welcome mat for digital nomads, a Sydney café makes headlines for saying "no" to multi-hour laptop camping. The future of WFH isn’t just about where you can log on, but how shared spaces and social norms are redefining the borders of one’s flexibility. -Maja Our Favorite Articles 💯Brett Bennett/PexelsSlovenia Launches Digital Nomad Visa (TTW)Slovenia opens the doors to its charming towns and beautiful nature with a new visa, launching in November 2025. 👉 ​Learn more​. Boost Focus with the 3-3-3 Method (Lifehacker)A simple framework to organize your workday and get more done. 👉 ​Check it out​. ​Eak K.​/​Pixabay​2025 State of Devs Report (Devographics)After State of JS, State of CSS, and State of HTML, Devographics is back with a deep dive into everything that's NOT code. 👉 ​Read the report​. Sydney Café Bans Laptops (news.com.au)Sipping coffee at my favorite café, I can’t help but wonder: Is this an isolated case or the start of a new rule for remote work? 👉 ​See what happened​. This Week's Sponsor 🙌Land Remote Jobs Faster with AI Interview CoachingInterviewPal is your all-in-one interview prep tool. Access 20,000+ real interview questions by role and industry, or generate custom ones from your resume or job description. Practice with AI, get instant feedback, and walk into your next remote interview fully prepared. Start interview prep for free Remotive Jobs 💼 Let's get you hired! These teams are hiring now:💻 Engineering 👉 ​Senior Ruby on Rails Developer at Proxify​ (CET +/- 3 HOURS) 🎨 Design 👉 ​Design Engineer - Customer Solutions at Discourse​ (Americas, USA timezones) Free Guides & Tools​Public Job Board​We curate 2,000 remote jobs so you don't have to! ​Find your remote job →​ ​Exclusive Webinar​3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking For A Remote Startup Job (And What To Do Instead) ​Register for free →​ ​Job Search Tips​Looking for a remote job? Here are our tips to help you work remotely ​Check it out → Join the Remotive newsletter Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email address Subscribe Powered by ConvertKit View the full article

There is a small nuance in language that I often find myself chiming in on when I see a need to do so. At first, the adjustment seems and sounds small. But in reality, there is a life-giving truth contained in it. And equally so, a great danger in missing it. I first noticed this years ago, during a conversation about minimalism. I was speaking with a woman who had just started simplifying her home, and she said, “It’s just really difficult for me because I’m a woman. And women like nice things.” I don’t think she meant to say it in a negative way. In fact, I’m sure she didn’t. It was just something she believed to be true. But immediately, my mind went to the dozens of women I know—both online and offline—who have exemplified for me what it looks like to live a simple life. Many women I know who aren’t captivated by “nice things,” and who have both chosen a different path and speak boldly about the freedom they’ve found because of it. So I offered back a different perspective: “Well, not all women like nice things. Just some do.” It’s a small change—just one word added to the sentence. But this is an important point. Because if all women love nice things, then yes, simplicity becomes impossible. But if it’s only some… suddenly there’s room to choose something different. Over the years, I’ve heard the same kind of reasoning show up in different forms: “Women love fashion.” “Guys are into cars.” “People who grew up poor aren’t able to get rid of stuff.” “Teachers always hold onto every resource.” “Readers never part with their books.” “Artists need clutter to be creative.” In each case, a personal experience is projected outward—assumed to be universal and by extension, unchangeable. But here’s the thing: they’re not universal truths. Some women love fashion. But not all women. Some men buy expensive toys. But not all men. Some people who grew up poor have a hard time getting rid of stuff. But not all. Some teachers keep every resource. Some people struggle to declutter because of their past. Some readers can’t get rid of books. Each of these statements is more accurate than the universal assumption we make based on our own experience. And the more we realize that, the more we can grow and expand our potential to change. Because if we are tied to our behavior because of something we cannot change, we are a prisoner to it. But once we see not everyone’s tendency is the same as ours, we are free to choose a different path. This is good news that we all need to hear. To illustrate this point, after a speaking event one evening, a woman shared her story with me. She and her sister grew up in a home of extreme hoarding. “Because of that experience,” she told me, “I became a minimalist because I wanted nothing to do with the lifestyle. But my sister became a hoarder. Same childhood, same environment—but we chose opposite paths.” I’ve never forgotten her words and the power of her example. There may be inherited tendencies in our past because of our upbringing, but we are never a prisoner to them. Our behaviors aren’t always universal. And just because something feels familiar doesn’t mean it’s required. We always have the power to break patterns that no longer serve us. The more tightly we hold onto sweeping assumptions—about ourselves or the world around us—the more we limit what’s possible. We assume, “It’s not just me. Everyone is the same way. I can’t help it.” But what if that’s not true? What if the story you’ve been telling yourself about who you are and what you need isn’t the only story that can be told? You may have grown up in a home where the women loved fashion, but that doesn’t mean every woman loves fashion. And once you see that, you can begin to overcome that temptation. You may have grown up in a family where the men loved cars, but that doesn’t mean every man loves cars. And once you see that, you can overcome that obsession. If you are an artist who believes every artist requires lots of stuff to be creative, you’ll never open yourself up to the possibility that “the enemy of art is the absence of limitation” (as Orson Welles once said). Freedom begins when we stop assigning our limitations to the world and start reclaiming the possibility of change. That is why it is so dangerous to assume our experience is universal. I do not mean this to sound harsh or aggressive. Just the opposite, I hope it will open up potential and opportunity in your life to live differently. Change is always possible. And if a change in your life would benefit you and your loved ones, I hope this truth will empower you to experience it today. The post The Danger of Assuming Your Experience Is Universal appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need. Encouragement provides us with motivation. It invites us to dream dreams of significance for our lives. And it begs us to work diligently with optimism and promise. Overcoming the pull of consumerism is a difficult challenge regardless of our stage in life. Therefore, simplicity requires encouragement. To that end, I hope you will find motivation in these articles below. Each post was intentionally chosen to inspire simplicity in your life. For maximum effect, find a quiet moment this weekend and enjoy them with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. Maybe This Summer Isn’t Meant to Be Magical | Our Little House in the Country by Ciara Winters. Maybe this is the summer where you stop trying to prove anything—and just allow yourself to be. 3 Principles For Living A Life Less Ordinary—Starting Now! | Forbes by Angela Cusack. Living a life less ordinary isn’t about escaping the life you have. It’s about inhabiting it more fully. It’s about choosing presence over performance, clarity over assumption and stillness over spinning. The Quiet Freedom of Living Below Your Means | Simple Money by Harper Bennett. Living below your means isn’t about sacrifice or going without. It’s about creating space. Guarding The Gate: How I Stay a Minimalist | No Sidebar by Justin Hall. With some proactive strategies, we can maintain and continue to reap the life-changing benefits of the minimalist life. The Big Idea: Should We Embrace Boredom? | The Guardian by Sophie McBain. Smartphones offer instant stimulation, but do they silence a deeper message? Recently Released Inspiring Videos The Minimalist Life | YouTube by Joshua Becker. My intention is to take our community to the next level, where we can connect every day and share our challenges, our wins, and motivation to keep living a minimalist life. Hope to see you there! How to Let Go of the Idea That More is Better | YouTube by Joshua Becker. We live in a world that often tells us that more is always better—more possessions, more money, more activities, more food. But when we pause to question it, we might find that the pursuit of more doesn’t always bring the satisfaction we expect. In fact, it can often lead to overwhelm and stress. — The Minimalist Life. If you’ve ever wanted more personal support applying minimalism to your home, habits, and schedule, I’ve just launched something new. The Minimalist Life is a private community with live coaching, weekly challenges, live events, and encouraging accountability. The founding member pricing ($18/month) ends June 30. The post Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Imagine saving hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars each year—just by owning less. These 20 stats show how. Most people I know want more time and money. In most cases, I can see why. We’re stretched thin—trying to meet deadlines, pay bills, care for our families, and still find space for rest, joy, purpose, and meaning. The days feel short. The expenses pile up. And it’s easy to believe that the only solution is to work harder, earn more, or somehow fit more into an already full life. But maybe there’s a better answer. What if the solution isn’t found in earning more, but in owning less? Every item we buy has a cost—and not just in dollars. Our possessions cost us time to earn, time to maintain, and time to manage. And the quickest way to get more time and money back into our lives is to pursue minimalism. And it turns out, the numbers back this up. Here are 20 statistics that show just how much minimalism can change our everyday by giving us more time and more money. Money 1. Americans waste $18,000 on “non-essential” expenses each year (source) 2. Despite owning enough clothing to form an average of 135 outfits, Americans spend an average of $1,445 yearly on clothes and shoes. (source) 3. On average, people spend $360 each year on jewelry, whether for gifting others or buying for themselves—despite already owning 34 pieces of jewelry. Men, on average, spend more on themselves than women do. (source) 4. Families spent $24 billion on toys annually. Parents spend an average of $240 on toys and games every year while grandparents spend $500. All while it’s estimated that 20-30% of toys are never played with. (source) 5. Americans spend $14.6 billion every year on home organization. (source) 6. In the United States, people throw away over $473 billion worth of food annually—38% of all the food in America. (source) 7. Nearly $10 billion in electronic devices—comprising computer equipment and devices, screens, and small electronic appliances—is thrown away every year in the US alone. (source) 8. On average, Americans spend approximately $1,100 per year on coffee from coffee shops. (source) 9. Nearly 25% of grocery shopping dollars are spent on processed foods and sweets—that amounts to $125/month for the average American household. (source) 10. In the US, consumers spend an average of $150 per month on impulse purchases. (source) 11. The average American spends over $1,000 a year on subscriptions—$200 of it on unnecessary or unused subscriptions. (source) Time 12. On average we spend two hours per day buying things and taking care of the things we already own. (source) 13. Americans spend nearly two hours a day shopping online at work. (source) 14. The average woman makes 301 trips to the store annually, spending close to 400 hours a year shopping. This amounts to 8.5 years spent shopping during a typical lifespan. (source) 15. The median size of a new American home has grown to 2,338 square feet from 983 square feet in 1950, driven partly by the need to store excess possessions, increasing housing costs. (source) 16. 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter, with managing possessions elevating stress hormone levels, particularly for mothers, costing mental health and time. (source) 17. Americans spend more than two full days online shopping per year. (source) 18. The average American now spends 2.5 days per year (60 hours) looking for lost items, costing households $2.7 billion annually to replace misplaced possessions. (source) More 19. 81% of shoppers are willing to increase their online spending purchase just to meet a retailer’s free shipping threshold. (source) 20. The national average credit card debt among cardholders with unpaid balances in 2025 averaged $7,321 (with much of it tied to unnecessary purchases), which results in an extra $120 billion in credit card interest and fees every year. (source) The data doesn’t lie: when we own less, we can save more—both time and money. And with that, we gain something even more valuable—margin to live a better, more intentional life. The post 20 Stats That Show Exactly How Much Time and Money We Can Save Through Minimalism appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

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Seventeen years ago, I discovered minimalism. It took only a simple sentence from my neighbor to forever change my view of material possessions. This is what she said: “That’s why my daughter is a minimalist. She keeps telling me I don’t need to own all this stuff.” The statement came at the most ordinary time: I was cleaning out my garage on a Saturday afternoon. And yet, the statement also came at the most perfect time: When my heart (and mind) was ready to receive it. I had just spent the beautiful Saturday morning pulling dirty, dusty items out from my garage into the driveway. And I had done it all at the expense of my 5-year-old son, who was asking me to play catch with him in the backyard. That was the day I realized all the possessions I had collected weren’t just not making me happy, they were distracting me from the very thing that did. At first, simplifying my life was about owning less and clearing physical space. But cleared physical space quickly gave way to clearer mental space. And over time, I began to see other areas of my life where minimalist principles could be applied. Every area of life where distraction has taken us from our deepest values and passions becomes an opportunity to simplify. Believe it or not, this post today is the 2,000th article published on Becoming Minimalist. That is 2.5 articles/week for the last 17 years. Over the years, I have written much about the life lessons I have learned through minimalism. But as I reflect on my journey for this milestone article, all of the lessons lead to one truth that is perhaps the most important: Our lives are too valuable to waste chasing and accumulating material possessions. In fact, this may be the single most important truth I have learned and desire to communicate on Becoming Minimalist. I hope you will hear it today in your heart. You see, minimalism didn’t just give me a cleaner garage, it changed how I viewed the entire world—and how I viewed my potential and opportunity. Simplicity didn’t just give me my life back, it paved the pathway to live a fuller, deeper, and more purposeful life. Carrying less means we can travel further in the pursuit of our greatest dreams and ambitions. Minimalism allows us to dream bigger dreams for our life. When distractions are removed, intentionality is found, self-growth is experienced, and self-worth grows. Reflecting back, here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned and try to communicate regularly on this site. Each of them help us discover greater potential and a self-worth greater than material possessions: 1. The world will try to hijack your passion. Don’t let it. We are all born with passions and talents inside us. And deep-down, a desire to serve and love. But the world has learned how to hijack that passion and direct it toward things that benefit someone else’s bottom line. Marketers are skilled at convincing us that our energy should be spent buying what they are selling. And society sells a picture of success that mainly focuses on external indicators. But your greatest passion isn’t for things that will be discarded in a few years. Nobody says their greatest goal in life is to just own as much clutter as they can. We were designed and created for something more. Simplifying helped me see that and minimalism forced me to ask why I had accumulated so much. It is true that unhealthy motivations exist inside us and marketers are masterful at exploiting them. Don’t let them. 2. Comparison is a thief of joy and self-worth. Overcome it. So much of our consumption is fueled by comparison. We see someone else’s lifestyle, wardrobe, car, house, or vacation—and we begin to desire it for ourselves. Jealousy and envy come quick, especially when we aren’t living intentionally with the resources that we do have. But trying to live someone else’s life will always keep you from becoming the best version of yourself. It will keep you from appreciating the unique good that you can bring into this world. And it will keep you focused on the things you don’t have rather than appreciating what you do have. There’s only one person who can live your life—only one person with your story, your voice, your experience, your gifts, your passion, your abilities, and your influence. When we fill our homes and calendars trying to keep up with others, we rob the world of the one thing we can offer it: our authentic contribution. Minimalism gives us the space to stop comparing and start contributing. And when we do, we discover we have so much more to contribute than consumerism. 3. We live finite lives. Be deliberate with them. Time, energy, money, attention—these are not infinite resources. We all have differing amounts of them, but each are finite and limited. Minimalism lives and dies on this reality. If money and time were in infinite supply, it would make sense to accumulate as much as you can. But they are not infinite. Our lives are finite. So what we choose to pursue and accumulate with them is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, many of us live lives as if there are no boundaries. We spend money on things we don’t need. We spend hours organizing closets full of things we don’t use. We distract ourselves endlessly on social media and with television. We sacrifice time with our loved ones for the sake of accumulating wealth or power… and then we call it living. Life is short. And if we’re not careful, we can waste it chasing things that never mattered. As Seneca wrote (and which became the basis for my book, Things That Matter), “We are not given a short life but we make it short, and we are not ill-supplied but wasteful of it… Life is long if you know how to use it.” Simplicity taught me to see every resource as precious: my hours, my dollars, my energy, even my life. And the more we invest them in things that matter, the more fulfilled we become. 4. You are more than what you own. Believe it. Culture has a way of convincing us to believe things we know aren’t true. For example, none of us, deep-down, believe our value is tied to the things that we own. But subtly, starting in childhood, we begin to look up to those who have more. Magazine covers, movies, and television shows exalt those who live in bigger houses, have nicer clothes, own cooler toys, or earn the bigger paycheck. All lives are created equal. But for some reason, those with more get put on a pedestal—even when they don’t deserve it. But a person’s value is never tied to their possessions. In fact, sometimes it is those least worthy of our admiration who accumulate the most. And those who are most worthy of being looked up to as role models are looked over. Minimalism helped me remember again, and see through clearer eyes, that our worth is not determined by the square footage of our home, the logo on our clothing, the gadgets on our shelf, or the car in our driveway. You have value because of who you are—your heart, your soul, your ability to love, create, forgive, and make a difference. That’s the part of you that matters. And no purchase can change that. 5. Self-worth is built by doing things that give us self-worth. Not consumerism. This last point, I should admit, is not necessarily something I learned by pursuing minimalism. Instead, it was learned during the creation of The Hope Effect (which was a result of minimalism). You don’t become more confident by buying something new. You don’t develop a stronger sense of purpose by upgrading your home decor. You don’t develop greater self-esteem by consuming more and more. Self-worth grows when we align our actions with our values. When we do things that grow our self-worth, we develop self-worth. Self-esteem is not something we think ourselves into having. It is developed through our actions and our decisions—when we help others, keep our promises, do hard things, learn new skills, and show up for people. Ironically, the more time we spend caring for physical possessions, the less we are able to invest in the practices that actually build our self-esteem. It’s hard to find time to volunteer at the local non-profit, if we’re spending our days driving from store to store. Here’s the truth: we don’t need more stuff to feel better about ourselves. We need more of ourselves—freed up and fully engaged in activities that grow our self-worth. I’ve now written 2,000 articles on Becoming Minimalist. That’s tens of thousands of hours spent encouraging others to own less and live more intentionally. But underneath every word has always been this simple truth: You matter. Your life holds value. Not because of what you own, but because of who you are. The world will try to tell you otherwise. It will measure your worth in net worth, productivity, or popularity. But those measurements fall short. They fade. And they fail to account for the selfless goodness your life brings to others. Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering your stuff. It’s about clearing space and focus to see that your time, your attention, your values, and your story matter deeply. So live with fewer distractions. Spend your limited resources on things that matter. And never forget: Your life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions. Spend it on something greater. The post What Simplifying My Home Taught Me About Self-Worth appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article