Business

These Are The U.S. States Working To Attract Remote Workers on August 4, 2023 at 12:26 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

1 year ago

August 4, 2023

For all its stress, the pandemic gave some people a chance to reflect on what their ideal work-life balance would be. Maybe it would be great to work remotely from a state that offers more green space and chances to get outdoors, or to become part of a new community.

As offices have started to reach a new normal, some companies have begun putting a squeeze on workers wanting to work remotely, most notably big tech companies like Amazon and Meta. But it’s not the case with all workplaces. In some states there are even schemes––with substantial grants––set up to encourage remote workers to move to new locations.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Tulsa Remote programme has already welcomed 2,500 people to the city since 2018. It provides a $10,000 grant, broken down into helping with relocation expenses, a monthly stipend and the rest given when your first year is finished. It also gives newcomers access to a space at the coworking community 36 Degrees North, and helps with information on housing.

Vox found that what kept the remote workers living in Tulsa was its community, with the software platform Slack being a key part of helping newcomers settle in. Over three-quarters of the members who joined since 2019 have stayed in the city.

That sort of flexibility would fit alongside a job like Senior Program Manager, Disaster Health Services at the American Red Cross, a role which is currently hiring. This is a fully remote role which would involve leading and managing the Red Cross’s Disaster Health Services programme, including providing support and guidance to volunteers and staff, and serving as a disaster health subject matter expert within the charity.

Financial incentives

Tulsa is a great spot for those who like the buzz of city life. But if you prefer a more outdoor lifestyle, there’s West Virginia. Its Ascend programme offers $12,000 to the selected remote workers: $10,000 is paid over the first year, and the remainder is given to help with the second year.

This is the type of location that will appeal to those dreaming of an outdoor life, with paddleboarding and hiking at the weekend. Ascend will even help with a year of free activities and access to free outdoor gear rentals.

Trips to Chicago will be on the list for people who move to Michigan under its remote working programme, which offers plenty to those seeking a new lakeside lifestyle.

To incentivize the change, Move to Michigan is offering workers up to $15,000 toward a new home, and a choice of over $5,000 in additional perks across that first year. After-work trips to food trucks, distilleries, wineries and even cideries await newcomers to this location.

One remote job that would suit a newcomer to Michigan is Deputy Project Manager of Communications at Tribal Tech LLC, which is a Native American, woman-centered business. In this role, the Deputy Project Manager will work to address the most pressing health and wellness needs in Native American communities, overseeing the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP) website, webinars, and events.

If life in a university town appeals, over at Greater Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is building a remote working community right on campus.

Under the Work From Purdue scheme, the selected candidates who move to the area will get a $5,000 stipend, three months at a coworking space, discounts on new housing development and access to networking events and professional development programming.

This is the sort of location that people who don’t like the extremes of other states will enjoy: it has mild weather all-year around, except for its coldest month in February, and offers hiking and biking trails and golf courses for after-work relaxation.

Roles that we might typically think of as desk-bound are beginning to be available to remote workers. For example, at Prudential, they’re hiring for a Senior Actuarial Associate – and are open to the person working in a remote or virtual location outside of Newark. This role would involve joining an agile team, and is aimed at a driven, intellectually curious leader.

Remote schemes make sense

These new schemes aimed at remote workers make sense for the worker and city or state. They can tempt people to try a new way of life in a place that would benefit from the injection of new community members.

For workers, it’s also a way of finding out what parts of the country might be even more enjoyable than they anticipated, while providing a chance to discover their ideal work-life balance.

Things have settled down slightly on the remote working front since 2020. But WFH Research, which undertakes a monthly online survey to examine how many Americans are still working remotely, reported in its latest survey that the pandemic permanently increased the number of Americans working from home.

A total of 12% of full time employees are fully remote, 59% are full time on site and 29% are in a hybrid arrangement, it found.

In addition, another WFH survey of job ads from January 2019-January 2023 showed that the percentage of them offering remote or hybrid roles has risen dramatically since 2019. It might not be for everyone, but remote working isn’t going away––and with schemes like these, remote work can become quite the adventure.

For more roles, remote and otherwise all across the United States, browse The Hill Job Board today

Lobbying, Business For all its stress, the pandemic gave some people a chance to reflect on what their ideal work-life balance would be. Maybe it would be great to work remotely from a state that offers more green space and chances to get outdoors, or to become part of a new community. As offices have started to…

Business

When TikTok and CapCut Vanished from America

Published

6 days ago

January 19, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a shocking turn of events, TikTok and CapCut, two of America’s most popular social media and video editing apps, vanished from U.S. app stores and became inaccessible to users on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025. This unprecedented digital blackout affected approximately 170 million American users, leaving them stunned and searching for alternatives.

The Sudden Shutdown

As the clock struck 10:50 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, both TikTok and CapCut disappeared from Apple and Google app stores. Users attempting to access the apps were greeted with a stark message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”.

The ban wasn’t limited to just TikTok and CapCut. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, Hypic, and Gauth, also became unavailable to U.S. users. This sweeping action effectively cut off access to a suite of popular digital tools that millions had come to rely on for entertainment, content creation, and even business purposes.

The Legal Battle

The shutdown came after a tumultuous legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court decision upholding a federal law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok and CapCut, to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, passed in April 2024, cited national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence.

Impact on Users and Creators

The sudden disappearance of TikTok and CapCut has left content creators and everyday users in a state of digital limbo. Many relied on these platforms not just for entertainment, but as essential tools for their livelihoods and creative expression. The ban has disrupted a thriving ecosystem of digital content creation, leaving millions to scramble for alternative platforms and editing tools.

Political Implications and Future Uncertainties

As the dust settles, all eyes are on the incoming administration. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has hinted at a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok. This development has injected a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex situation.

What’s Next?

While the apps remain inaccessible, ByteDance and TikTok officials continue to work towards a resolution. TikTok’s message to users ends on a hopeful note, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned”.

As America grapples with this digital void, questions about data privacy, national security, and the future of social media regulation loom large. The TikTok and CapCut ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies in the United States, with far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the tech industry as a whole.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

Business

TikTok Ban Drives 216% Rise in U.S. Users Learning Chinese on Duolingo

Published

1 week ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Duolingo has reported a remarkable 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarin Chinese, coinciding with the impending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This surge is attributed to many TikTok users migrating to a new Chinese social media platform called RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), which defaults to Mandarin as its primary language. As TikTok users seek alternatives amidst concerns over data privacy and app availability, they are turning to RedNote, prompting a cultural exchange that has driven interest in learning Chinese.

The spike in Mandarin learners began around mid-January, aligning with the growing popularity of RedNote among former TikTok users. Duolingo’s marketing team has actively engaged with this trend on social media, humorously acknowledging the phenomenon with posts like “Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone”.

Additionally, Duolingo has seen a 36% increase in downloads in the U.S., reflecting heightened consumer demand for language learning resources as users adapt to the new social media landscape.

The transition from TikTok to RedNote has not been without challenges, as some users have encountered technical issues during registration and account suspensions.

Nevertheless, this shift underscores a significant demand for social networking experiences that resonate with American users while navigating the complexities of Chinese platforms.

Business

TikTok’s Final Countdown: The Sunday Shutdown

Published

1 week ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

As the clock ticks down to January 19, 2025, TikTok users in the United States are bracing for a significant disruption. The app, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the country, faces a potential ban that could render it non-functional by this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the impending ban and its implications.

Key Details of the Ban

The anticipated ban comes amid ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Government officials have raised alarms about the possibility of sensitive user data being accessed by Chinese authorities. As a result, the app is expected to be removed from digital app stores, effectively cutting off new downloads and updates.

What Will Happen?

Removal from App Stores: On January 19, TikTok will likely be taken down from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Existing Users Affected: Current users may find that their app becomes non-functional, losing access to new content creation and updates.
Data Preservation Challenges: Users may face difficulties in preserving their data and content as the deadline approaches.

Recommendations for Users

In light of the impending ban, TikTok users should take proactive steps to safeguard their content and data:

Download Personal Data: Users can access their TikTok settings to download their data before it’s too late.
Export Saved Videos: Save any cherished videos or content that you wish to keep.
Backup Content: Consider backing up your videos on alternative platforms.
Explore Alternatives: As TikTok faces its potential shutdown, consider migrating to other platforms such as:

Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
Lemon8
Triller

Potential Scenarios

While the ban is set for this Sunday, there are several scenarios that could unfold in the coming days:

Last-Minute Legal Intervention: There remains a possibility of a legal challenge that could delay or halt the ban.
Temporary Injunction: Courts may issue a temporary injunction allowing TikTok to operate while legal proceedings continue.
Complete Shutdown: If no intervention occurs, users will face a complete shutdown of the platform in the U.S. market.

Emotional Impact on Users

The potential ban is not just a technical disruption; it carries significant emotional weight for many users. Content creators who have built their brands on TikTok may experience economic repercussions as they lose a primary platform for engagement. Additionally, the shift could lead to broader changes in the social media landscape as users seek new avenues for expression and connection.

Conclusion

As we approach this critical deadline, TikTok users should remain vigilant and prepared for possible changes. Whether through legal maneuvers or a complete shutdown, the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as we navigate this evolving situation together.