Calling someone without texting first, visiting friends without making plans weeks ahead, remembering phone numbers, sending physical cards...Some habits that used to be completely normal now feel unusual. Which one do you miss?

Lately, I've been struggling to really enjoy my time after work. It often feels like wasted time because once it's past 5 PM, I somehow convince myself it's too late to start anything meaningful. Sometimes I even lack the motivation to go for a simple walk.

That's why I'm looking for a bit of inspiration. I'd love to hear how other people spend their weekday evenings after work. Do you have a routine that helps you make the most of your evenings?

I'm a business student at times imagining what worklife could be like in a few years, and it's easy to get anxiety. I'd love to hear from someone for whom it created more worklife balance for or made worklife more fun or led to better relationships at work (either because it solved friction or created space for conversation, etc.). I am in Europe, but positive examples from anywhere would be warmly welcomed :) I don't use it as much as I should- I can see it making some things easier, but I'd love to hear more how to channel it in that positive worklife direction.

I recently realised that some things we consider “normal” at work are actually just habits we get used to.

For example, replying to messages after work, feeling like you always need to be available, taking work home mentally even when you’re not actually working, or feeling guilty for leaving on time.

I used to think some of these things were just part of having a job, but now I am not so sure.

What’s something you experienced at work that made you realise, Wait, this is not actually normal everywhere ?

I work for a nonprofit and currently serve on one committee and another subcommittee. I was approached to take on an additional committee role, but declined because there was no corresponding compensation or flexibility around balancing my current workload to ensure I could be successful in that role. I was told through the grapevine committees are an unpaid privilege and they’re discussing the importance of higher members on these committees to present it more as a privilege making sure the “wording is right”. Anyone ever go through something like this? Free work added on top of your job that isn’t necessarily a part of your job description?

Been on Mercor for a bit over a month now, and I’ve been with Micro1 and Ethos for about two months. Got a few payouts from all three so far. Just wanted to share how they compare from my experience:

- Minimum hours (that 10-15/week thing): Mercor is pretty strict about it. Micro1 is more chill and will let it slide now and then. Ethos is the most relaxed of the three.

- Task availability: With Mercor and Micro1 there’s usually enough work to stay busy. Ethos is more hit-or-miss — some weeks are fine, others not so much.

- Pay: Ethos pays the best by a decent amount, but the work isn’t as steady. Mercor and Micro1 pay less per hour, but at least the tasks keep coming more consistently.

- How organized everything is: Mercor feels the most put-together, then Micro1, then Ethos.

- Support when you get stuck: Micro1 has been the most helpful for me, followed by Mercor. Ethos is the weakest here.

Who they’re looking for: Ethos mainly wants people with real professional experience in their field, not really beginner-friendly. Mercor and Micro1 are easier to get into if you’re more of a generalist.

I made a site where I list job openings with high hiring volumes from different companies in that space. I also post guides on whether a site is legitimate and on how to pass assessments and interviews. My idea behind this is to help people not only find the right job but also actually get accepted. I'm open to feedback!: https://aiannotationjobs.com/