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Personal finances, job security and AI are all stressing Americans out – so what can we do about it? on December 8, 2023 at 4:31 pm Business News | The Hill

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What’s stressing America? According to a new report, the top reasons for worker angst include job security and the economy, jobs being taken by AI, and money – or the lack thereof.

The survey suggests two in three of us are more stressed out than last year, with one quarter recording stress levels as “much higher”.

Almost one third cite personal finances (29 percent) as a top source of stress, followed by the economy (22 percent) and politics (17 percent).

One in four (25 percent) are at least “somewhat worried” that AI will take their job. For one in 50, that fear has already come true.

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Stress responses

Whatever the cause, workplace stress is not to be taken lightly. According to the OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), it causes 120,000 U.S. deaths a year.

While stress is something workers across all industries deal with, some jobs are more prone than others.

Research undertaken in 2021 found those in customer service, sales or entertainment were more likely than those in administration, management or desk jobs to have experienced physical fatigue, cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion at work.

That may have been impacted by the pandemic but in all industries lower-level employees were more likely to experience the negative impacts of work-related stress, with over 30 percent feeling fed up with work frequently, or more often, in the previous 30 days.

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Though incidences of stress are greater among women, men may be at greater health risk from its consequences.

Research cited by the American Heart Foundation found that men exposed to stressful working conditions, who felt they were putting in high efforts but receiving low rewards, had twice the risk of heart disease compared to men free from such psycho-social pressures.

The results on women’s heart health were inconclusive, but such work conditions are hardly conducive to anyone’s sense of wellbeing. Even if you’re not about to have a heart attack, feeling nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating – all normal reactions to stress – is simply not nice.

So what can you do about it? Lots, as it happens.

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Look after yourself

Firstly, as recommended by the CDC (and likely your mom), avoid alcohol and drugs. They may make you feel better initially but can also give rise to other issues and end up adding to your stress.

Instead, the best kind of stress busting comes from taking care of yourself, including through sleep, exercise and healthy eating, taking time to unwind and doing activities you enjoy.

Don’t suffer in silence. Whether with a friend, family member, doctor, therapist or pastor, a worry shared is a weight lifted.

Seek help at work

If your organization has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), take advantage of it. These are designed to address individual, team, and organizational problems and provide counselling and support services for all sorts of work-related issues, including stress management.

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Upskill

Move up the value chain at work by getting some new skills. MOOCS (massive open online courses) are available from a number of providers, including Coursera, Udemy and EdX, and many of these are free. Simply taking action to advance your skills, career and pay can help you feel more in control.

Negotiate better terms

Today’s tight labor market gives you a better chance of negotiating a pay rise. If that doesn’t fly, look for better terms and conditions. More time off or greater flexibility can all support a better work-life balance and might just do the trick.

Switch Jobs

If all that doesn’t help, leave. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employers are facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs. The latest data suggests there are 9.5 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.5 million unemployed workers. 

Looking to move to a better job? There are lots of great openings on The Hill Jobs.

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Director of Election Protection, Issue One, Washington DC

The Director of Election Protection leads cross-partisan political reform group Issue One’s work to strengthen US elections. In 2024, it will lead a multimillion-dollar campaign to increase trust in elections. The role carries a salary range of $110,000 to $130,000.

Manager, Digital Communications, American Gas Association, Washington DC

AGA is seeking a Digital Communications Manager to join its comms team, based in Washington, the successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of its digital and web properties, including the blog and social media platforms.

Financial Policy Writer, Office of The Chief Financial Officer, Washington DC

As Financial Policy Writer you’ll be responsible for supporting business operations and technology change initiatives by producing effective written communications. It offers a salary range of $87,344 to $129,669 and includes medical, dental, retirement and educational assistance.

Because work should be a route to success, not a cause of stress, check out The Hill Jobs for a new role for 2024

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​Lobbying, Business What’s stressing America? According to a new report, the top reasons for worker angst include job security and the economy, jobs being taken by AI, and money – or the lack thereof. The survey suggests two in three of us are more stressed out than last year, with one quarter recording stress levels as “much…  

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The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.

Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.

Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.

Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.

In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.

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Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.

These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.

As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, his ambitious plans for mass deportations have thrust America’s urban centers into the spotlight. As the nation grapples with the potential implications of what Trump calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” cities across the country are bracing for significant changes that could reshape their economic, social, and cultural landscapes.

The stakes are particularly high for metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Miami, which host the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants. These cities, along with other major urban hubs such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, stand at the forefront of a looming transformation that could reverberate throughout the nation.

Economic Tremors

Economists warn that the proposed deportations could send shockwaves through urban economies. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, cautions that businesses would face “significant challenges” if a substantial number of immigrants were removed. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare—pillars of urban economies—could face severe labor shortages.

Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, emphasizes the potential ripple effects: “The native-born workforce cannot meet current labor demands.” This labor gap could lead to increased wages, potentially rekindling inflation—a concern that looms large over city planners and policymakers alike.

Community Fabric Under Strain

Beyond economic considerations, the social fabric of cities hangs in the balance. Elena, a Nicaraguan immigrant in Houston, voices a fear echoed in immigrant communities across the nation: “I’m scared… This is my home.” The threat of family separations, particularly in mixed-status households, casts a long shadow over urban neighborhoods.

Immigrant advocacy groups like FIEL are mobilizing, advising clients to prepare for “anything that can happen.” This atmosphere of uncertainty could lead to decreased community engagement and cooperation with local authorities, potentially impacting public safety and community cohesion.

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Cities at a Crossroads

As the debate intensifies, cities find themselves at a crossroads. Some, like New York and Los Angeles, have historically positioned themselves as “sanctuary cities,” often at odds with federal immigration enforcement. The impending clash between federal policy and local governance promises to be a defining feature of this new political landscape.

Meanwhile, the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive deportation operation remain daunting. Questions abound regarding detention facilities, transportation networks, and the sheer manpower required to carry out Trump’s vision.

Looking Ahead

As America’s urban centers brace for potential change, the full impact of Trump’s deportation plans remains to be seen. Legal challenges are all but certain, and the resilience of America’s cities will be put to the test.

What is clear is that the coming months and years will be pivotal for urban America. As Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, puts it, the plan is to “immediately reinstate” immigration policies from Trump’s first term. For America’s cities, this could mean a period of unprecedented change, challenge, and, potentially, transformation.

As the nation watches and waits, the story of America’s cities in the face of this ambitious deportation plan is just beginning to unfold. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of urban life in America for years to come.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election

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Based on the election results, Donald Trump has indeed won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s an analysis of the key statistics and implications:

Electoral College Victory

Donald Trump has secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states and flipping some key states that were previously held by Democrats. The final Electoral College tally is still being determined, but Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Battleground State Performance

Trump’s victory was largely secured by winning several critical swing states:

  • Wisconsin: Trump’s win here was pivotal in securing his path to victory.
  • Pennsylvania: This state flipped back to Republican control.
  • Georgia: Another key state that Trump managed to win back.
  • Michigan: Trump successfully flipped this traditionally Democratic stronghold.

While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:

Congressional Control

The election results extend beyond the presidency:

Media Implications

The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:

  1. Polling Discrepancies: Many pre-election polls suggested a tight race or even a slight Harris advantage in key states. Trump’s victory, particularly in battleground states, may indicate that polls underestimated his support.
  2. Narrative Shifts: Throughout the campaign, much of the mainstream media focused on Trump’s legal challenges and controversies. His victory suggests that these issues may not have resonated with voters as much as economic and policy concerns.
  3. Voter Priorities: The emphasis on issues like the economy and immigration in voter decision-making may indicate a disconnect between media focus and voter concerns.
  4. Electoral Predictions: Many mainstream outlets were cautious about predicting a Trump victory, even as results began to favor him. This hesitancy could be seen as a reflection of broader media skepticism about Trump’s chances.
  5. Underestimation of Trump’s Base: The results suggest that Trump’s core support remained strong and potentially grew, despite negative coverage in much of the mainstream media.

It’s important to note that while the election outcome may challenge some media narratives, it doesn’t necessarily invalidate all mainstream reporting. The complex factors influencing voter behavior and the challenges of accurate political forecasting remain subjects of ongoing analysis and debate.

As the dust settles on this historic election, both the media and political analysts will likely engage in extensive reflection on the factors that led to Trump’s victory and the implications for future political coverage and analysis.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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