AI & your job. $240 Trillion?

Because TL;DR is Life

• Startup founders are facing a brutal environment. VC $ is scarce, valuations are down, exit options are dwindling, and shutdowns, fire sales, and hard pivots are happening everywhere.

• American workers are clamoring for remote jobs right now, but the number of available positions is in short supply.

• AI disruption - 62k entertainment jobs in California & 204k nationwide are on the cutting block

• About 90% of HR leaders - say ½ of the workforce will need to be reskilled in 5 years or less. Wow!

• Cover Letter: Must-Have or Has-Been? The cover letter’s significance appears to be waning.

Mood Swings & Unicorn Dreams

Breathable Homes: The New Wave of Eco-Architecture Promoting Healthier Living

Some positive news on housing and climate change. In response, innovative solutions are emerging, particularly relevant to digital nomads who prioritize sustainability. Partanna, co-founded by former NBA star Rick Fox, is revolutionizing the building industry with a new material that combines steel waste and brine, significantly cutting CO2 emissions. This breakthrough is especially pertinent for the cement industry, one of the highest CO2 emitters, now positioned to be a net-zero pioneer. Partanna’s technology not only addresses emission challenges but also enhances coastal housing resilience against extreme weather, a crucial factor for digital nomads seeking sustainable and safe habitats. Moreover, the world’s first carbon-negative housing project in The Bahamas, announced at the COP27 climate summit, demonstrates a scalable model for eco-friendly living. This development aligns with the ethos of digital nomads who are often at the forefront of adopting environmentally responsible practices and technologies.

Fresh Out of Silicon Valley (or Someone’s Garage)

Get ready to embrace the future - literally!

Engineers at the City University of Hong Kong have cooked up something that might just change the way we say 'I miss you.' Introducing the wireless soft e-skin: a high-tech way to send hugs through the internet! Really??

They've created this thing called 'wireless soft e-skin.' It's pretty wild and, dare I say, a bit out there. So, imagine you slap on this special suit with flexible bits called actuators that can feel how you move. Think of it like wearing your emotions on your sleeve, but those emotions are turned into electrical signals.

Now, here's where it gets really cool. You do something like give a hug or a high-five, and this suit captures that movement. It sends these signals over Bluetooth to someone else's e-skin suit. They can actually feel your hug or high-five. It's like you're right there with them!

I’m not so sure about this, but the scientists behind this are saying it could be a game-changer for how friends and family connect when they're far apart. Imagine being able to send a pat on the back to a buddy on another continent, or your grandma squeezing you tight from halfway across the world. It's like taking 'I'm there in spirit' to a whole new, literal level.

So yeah, the future of keeping in touch might just be... well, touch! It's kind of wild to think about, right? Sending hugs over the internet - WTF is next?

Ramen to Riches

Let’s make a DEEL.

DEEL, founded in 2018, is a fintech company that seemingly looked at the complex world of global payroll and compliance, chuckled, and said, "Hold my coffee." In just a few years, DEEL has skyrocketed to a whopping $12 billion valuation, "Wow, that's a big DEEL!"

The founders, Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, must have realized that navigating the labyrinth of international employment laws was insane. So, they set out to untangle this Gordian knot with a platform that handles everything from hiring to paying international employees and contractors. Think of DEEL as the Swiss Army knife for global employment, but instead of a tiny scissors and nail file, it's equipped with legal compliance tools and currency converters.

It caters to businesses hiring in over 150 countries, which is like trying to cook a dish that satisfies every palate from every culture – ambitious, but DEEL makes it look easy.

And let's not forget the $15 billion valuation. In startup years, that's like aging with the grace of a fine wine, except in DEEL's case, it's more like aging at the speed of light. This unicorn status is the corporate equivalent of going from playing bongos in your garage to headlining at Coachella in record time.

So, DEEL is not just a company; it's a reminder that with the right blend of technology, humor, and a dash of daring, the sky's (or maybe the international space station's) the limit.

Because Lost Luggage is a Mood

Below is an overview of Digital Nomad Statistics 2024

In the ever-evolving world of work and travel, digital nomads are leading a revolution, one WiFi connection at a time! Here are some interesting facts going into 2024. These globe-trotting professionals, who swelled in numbers by 50% post-COVID-19, are a unique breed, blending work with wanderlust. With over 35 million digital nomads around the globe, including a whopping 17.3% from the United States, these adventurous souls are redefining the traditional workspace. Interestingly, 90% of them are educated, with a significant chunk (46%) choosing the path of self-employment over traditional corporate roles. While they might not always match their corporate earnings, with 46% earning less than before, their lifestyle screams adventure and freedom.

When it comes to destinations, Europe and the Americas are the hot spots, with visas galore for these regions. The top three cities gracing their itineraries? London, Bangkok, and New York, offering a blend of culture, business, and leisure. But it's not all about exotic locales; personal safety and balancing work with travel are their top concerns. This lifestyle seems to be more than a passing phase, with a staggering 98% planning to work remotely indefinitely. So, with an average yearly spend of $787 billion, digital nomads aren't just exploring the world; they're reshaping the future of work and travel, one exotic destination at a time!

Ctrl+Alt+LOL

A case of actions speak louder than words.

It’s Not a Trap, Just a Poll

Pretend to Listen (But Do)

Shift to a knowledge-based economy

It's all about people and their smarts. Did you know the knowledge in the U.S. workforce is worth a whopping $240 trillion? That's way more than physical assets or land. But here's the thing: we're running short on people to fill all these jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are about 0.7 unemployed people for each job opening, and that's not even considering future needs. The types of skills needed are changing fast, especially with digital tech like AI taking center stage.

As for skills, we're in the middle of a big shift, like when we moved from farms to factories. Digital transformation is the name of the game now, requiring new skills all the time. The CHIPS & Science Act is pushing for more high-tech manufacturing jobs that need advanced skills. So, in 2024, expect a lot of focus on training and upskilling.

All this points to a challenging year for businesses in 2024. They'll face higher costs, tighter profit margins, and a need to adapt to the changing skill landscape. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Companies that invest in training their people could really stand out, and for individuals, keeping your skills sharp could lead to better jobs and pay. As the knowledge economy grows, those who grow with it could reap the rewards.

From Keeping It Hot to Tech Overthought: The Evolution of the Coffee Mug

VIP (Very Impulsive Purchases)

Remember the good old days when a travel mug's sole purpose was to keep your coffee hot? In a world where even your toothbrush feels lonely without Bluetooth, the Ember smart travel mug is a game-changer. It's not just a mug; it's your new coffee consultant. With just a tap on your iPhone, you can set your coffee to a scalding 200 degrees or a lukewarm 95 - because who doesn't enjoy micromanaging their coffee?

For about 150 beans, you can own a mug that costs almost as much as your monthly Starbucks budget. It's the perfect accessory for those who like their coffee with a side of extravagance.

Most reviewers seem to like the products but if you have a problem? The company doesn’t have a phone number listed, so you’re relegated to email. Ever sent your your resume to a recruiter? Expect to have 3 birthdays before you get a response. You'll be reminiscing about that old ceramic cup with the chip (no, not silicon) in the rim, with fond nostalgia.

End of the day - Why settle for a regular travel mug when you can have a smart cup? It's not just a cup; it's a lifestyle choice for those who believe no price is too high for the perfect sip of coffee. Who needs savings when you have precision-engineered sipping at your fingertips?"

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