Bill Gates and Warren Buffett don't have to work but they think retirement sounds awful. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
At 68, Bill Gates finds the concept of working part-time unappealing, inspired by Warren Buffett's example, who works six days a week at 94. Gates intends to remain active for the next 20 to 30 years, mainly addressing global issues through his foundation. While his approach to work has evolved from the early Microsoft days to a more balanced life, his dedication to making an impact is as strong as ever.
Whether you are just starting your career in HR, or are looking to move into a more strategic role, a SHRM certification can help you achieve your professional goals. Set yourself up for success as you advance your HR career with a SHRM Seminar.
As organizations continue to embrace AI in hiring, vulnerable job seekers face more challenges finding employment, writes Assistant Professor Hatim Rahman of Northwestern University. AI tools tend to pigeonhole opportunities for job seekers with lower wages and fewer growth potentials, mainly affecting women, immigrants and people with disabilities.
If you're having trouble with your memory, feeling moody, struggling with decision-making or making more mistakes than usual, you may not be getting enough good, deep sleep, writes executive coach Naphtali Hoff. Ensure enough shut-eye by setting a regular sleeping schedule, even on the weekends, and avoiding large meals, vigorous exercise or prolonged screen time before bed, opting instead for a warm bath, gentle movement or meditation, Hoff recommends.
The inflation-adjusted wages for new hires decreased by 1.5% in the past year, falling from $23.85 to $23.51 an hour, the largest drop in 10 years, according to the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Meanwhile, existing employees saw a 2.3% rise in their earnings.
Keep politics in the office from becoming too heated and distracting by listening more than speaking so you can help team members find common ground, directing them back to their work and being clear about policies in such areas as discrimination and professional conduct, writes Stephen Nalley, the founder & CEO of Black Briar Advisors. "Remember, the goal is not to manipulate or outmaneuver others but to create a positive and productive work environment where everyone can thrive," Nalley notes.
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SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Seems every celebrity has a book club. Oprah Winfrey's book club is still around, though, having started in 1996 when her TV show was still on the air. What was the first book featured?
My friend Carla* and I were catching up last week over dinner and I asked about her dad, Clark*. He is in his 90s. His health has slowed him down a bit, but he continues to live every day with fresh vigor. I enjoy hearing about him.
Clark recently signed up for a LinkedIn account. He put as his job title “student” and sent a “connect” message to his daughter. After accepting his invitation, Carla asked him about the job title.
“‘Student,’ Dad?” she asked, puzzled. “Why?”
“Because I’m still learning, that’s why,” he said, without hesitation.
Turns out, he had been browsing various learning and training sessions offered through LinkedIn. He was excited about several of them and was mentally planning when he would take them. Carla and I just looked at each other, nodded with appreciation and toasted him.
Learning doesn’t just sharpen the intellect; it encourages us to stay engaged in Life and meaningful work. Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates prioritizes time to pursue his intellectual interests, according to our top story today. “For Gates, this constant learning is essential to his work and personal fulfillment,” writes Kaili Killpack in the story.
I get it. Learning is like working out. It builds mental muscle and fires up our intellectual engines. It just feels good.
And it does good too. Learning is key to occupational stability, I believe. People who commit to learning are people who consistently grow and stay relevant in their field.
Do you prioritize learning? Are you a reader? Do you attend workshops (online or in person)? Let me know! I'd love to hear what you do to stay at the top of your professional game.
Do you love this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
*Names changed to preserve privacy.
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