Mill, about 1870 (London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)
When English philosopher John Stuart Mill experienced a nervous breakdown in 1826, the core thought that led to his mental state was that achieving all his life's goals would not make him happy, writes Adam Etinson. "I hope, and suspect, that Mill is right about this: that we all have the ability to find some durable joy in quietude, normalcy and contemplation," Etinson writes. The New York Times (free-article access for SmartBrief readers) (10/2)
Making the Connection
Use office chat properly with these tips When chatting with coworkers using platforms such as Slack, remember that your conversations aren't private and it's better to save important discussions for face-to-face talks. Also, don't bother coworkers with messages outside of work hours, writes Jane Burnett. Ladders (10/3)
The Landscape
When telecommuting does -- and doesn't -- work IBM's reversal of its work-from-home policy was a shock to some, but the company might have a legitimate reason. Some research suggests productivity is highest when people choose where they work, but other studies indicate a team is most efficient when all members are at a single location. The Atlantic online (10/3)
Your Next Challenge
Don't be shy about negotiating your salary There's no reason to be afraid of negotiating your starting salary before you accept a new position, writes Alison Green. Ask the hiring manager if there's flexibility on the salary and be ready to provide an amount that fits your role and experience level. U.S. News & World Report (10/2)
Balancing Yourself
Small amounts of exercise can help prevent depression An hour of exercise per week can help prevent depression, according to a new study. Researchers found that adults who didn't exercise had a 44% greater chance of becoming depressed than adults who exercise at least an hour per week. Fortune (10/3)
I watched a small man with thick calluses on both hands work 15 and 16 hours a day. I saw him once literally bleed from the bottoms of his feet, a man who came here uneducated, alone, unable to speak the language, who taught me all I needed to know about faith and hard work by the simple eloquence of his example.
