28.03.2023
THE MOST IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS FOR FEBRUARY IN THE NORTHWEST ARE TAILORS AND IRONERS
A smooth increase in the number of people who started work in February is reported by the administrative statistics of the "Regional Employment Service" Directorate of Montana. In the second month of the year, their number was 1175 - 187 more than in January 2023. 49 pensioners, students and employed persons also found work through the employment offices. The largest share of those who started work is in the public administration sector - 31.1%, in processing industry - 12.5%, followed by those in trade - 10.7%, human health care - 9.6%, hotels and restaurants - 4.3%, construction - 3.5%, agriculture, forestry and fishing - 3.2% and others.
In February, 325 unemployed people from the risk groups were appointed to subsidized jobs - 8 under employment programs and measures and 317 - under schemes of the Operational Program "Development of Human Resources". One unemployed person is involved in training to acquire a new profession and key competence, and 1 person completed the training started in previous months, having acquired a new profession.
In the month of February, the "Regional Employment Service" Directorate of Montana reports 16,301 registered unemployed, which is 353 persons or 2.1% less than in January. With this figure, the level of registered unemployment in February was 12.0%, which is 0.9 points lower than in February 2022.
The number of newly registered unemployed in February also decreased by 282 compared to January 2023. According to the reported data, they are 1477 persons, which is a decrease of 121 persons on an annual basis. Another 55 people from the groups of jobseekers employed, students and pensioners also registered with the employment offices during the month. In February, the labor mediators - Roma and youth mediators - managed to activate a little over 170 inactive persons for registration at the labor offices.
During the month, 692 vacancies on the primary market were declared in the labor offices, which is an increase of 22.3 percent compared to February 2022. The most vacancies in the real economy were declared in the state administration (30.6%), processing industry (28.5%), followed by trade (6.6%), agriculture and forestry (6.4%), education (6.4%), construction (5.5%), hotel and restaurant industry (4.3%).
The most sought-after professions for the month are: tailors and ironers; installers; nurses; sales consultants; doctors; laboratory workers; accountants; machine operators; social workers; laborers; drivers; personal assistants; packers, etc.
27.03.2023
UNEMPLOYMENT IN FEBRUARY WITH A SLIGHT DECREASE
A smooth increase in the number of people who started work in February reports the administrative statistics of the Employment Agency.
In the second month of the year, their number was 13,196 – 1,159 more than in January 2023. 320 pensioners, students and employed persons also found work through the labor offices.
The largest share of those who started working in the processing industry sector is 20.8%, followed by those in trade 12.9%, public administration 12.0%, hotels and restaurants 8.9%, human health care and social work 5, 4%, agriculture, forestry and fisheries 5.0% and others.
In February, 1,653 unemployed people from the risk groups were assigned to subsidized jobs during the month, 69 of which were under employment programs and measures, and 1,584 were under schemes of the Human Resources Development Operational Program. 191 unemployed and employed are included in various trainings, and 144 people have completed the training started in previous months and acquired a new profession or key competence.
In February, the Employment Agency reported 155,528 registered unemployed, which is 2,452 persons or 1.6% less than in January. With this number, the registered unemployment rate in February was 5.5%, which is 0.15 percentage points lower than in February 2022.
The number of newly registered unemployed in February also decreased by 5,550 compared to January 2023. According to the reported data, they were 18,198 persons, which is a decrease of 1,209 persons on an annual basis. Another 587 people from the groups of jobseekers employed, students and pensioners also registered with the employment offices during the month. In February, the labor mediators - Roma and youth mediators - managed to activate just over 1,500 inactive persons for registration at the labor offices.
During the month, 11,519 vacancies were reported in the labor offices on the primary market, which is a decrease of 11.9% compared to February 2022.
The largest number of vacancies in the real economy are reported in the manufacturing industry (27.2%), followed by the hotel and restaurant industry (14.7%), public administration (13.1%), trade (10.1%), agriculture, forestry and fisheries (6.2%) and administrative and auxiliary activities (5.8%).
The most sought-after occupations by businesses in February are: personnel employed in the field of personal services; staff caring for people; machine operators of stationary machinery and equipment; drivers of motor vehicles and mobile equipment; skilled workers in the production of food, clothing, wood products and related; sellers; workers in the mining and processing industries, construction and transport; metallurgists, machine builders and related workers and artisans; waste collection and related workers; installers, etc.
24.03.2023
WITH A NATIONAL INFORMATION CAMPAIGN "TO WORK (IS) GREAT!" AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY ADDRESSES THOSE INACTIVE ON THE LABOR MARKET
With a series of events united under the slogan "TO WORK (IS) GREAT!", the Employment Agency launched a national information campaign to popularize the possibilities of the project "Starting a job" - Component 1 "Activation", financed under the Program "Development of Human Resources" 2021-2027.
The meetings organized throughout the country will aim to motivate economically inactive persons, regardless of their age, for active behavior in the labor market.
Within the project activities, the Agency's experts will look for non-standard approaches to reach potential participants. The events will be aimed at stimulating job search activity and at informing about the various opportunities for support for employment. Thus, people who are not working and not in training will be able to familiarize themselves with the current job positions in their regions, as well as with the opportunities for vocational training or the acquisition of key skills. On the threshold of starting spring-summer seasonal activities in tourism, construction, agriculture, etc., they will be informed how to engage in short-term or seasonal work. In addition, the project participants will be provided with information about the services offered by the Employment Agency to promote mobility when looking for and starting a job, stimulating entrepreneurship and many others.
The organizers of the campaign will seek contact with employers offering vacant positions and also with representatives of local communities who have public authority and can be motivators for their fellow citizens.
Thus, the national information campaign "TO WORK (IS) GREAT!" continues the actions of the Employment Agency, aimed both at economically inactive persons in the country and at businesses looking for new personnel.
As part of the initiative, all labor offices in the country will hold meetings in March. The schedule of events can be found here, and if interested, additional information will be provided on the spot - in the territorial divisions of the Employment Agency.
23.03.2023
5,000 CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE VOUCHERS FOR HEALTHY FOOD UNDER THE PROJECT OF THE SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY
The Social Assistance Agency, in its capacity as the Managing Authority of the Program for Food and Basic Material Assistance, approved the project proposal for providing vouchers for children's kitchen. 53 municipalities and regions of municipalities have expressed interest in partnership under the "Children's Kitchen" procedure. The planned budget is BGN 7.15 million.
The aim of the measure is to ensure healthy and wholesome nutrition for children from 10 months to 3 years, supplemented with specific accompanying support for social inclusion and overcoming the consequences of poverty. It is expected that by November 30, 2025, thanks to the children's kitchen vouchers provided, at least 5,000 children from 10 months to 3 years will receive a varied and healthy meal that their families could not provide them due to their difficult situation are located. Vouchers will be provided for the children, against which they will receive a lunch meal including soup, main course and dessert.
In order to minimize the risk of children being abandoned and to provide conditions for adequate early childhood development of the supported, it is planned that their parents will be covered by accompanying measures. They are aimed at increasing their parental capacity, providing additional social and health services according to the individual needs of children and families, as well as for a permanent exit from poverty through inclusion in employment, training and qualification.
23.03.2023
OVERDRAFT, REVOLVING LOAN OR LINE OF CREDIT
The overdraft as well as the revolving credit are intended to provide revolving financing to the business. For both types of loans, a limit is approved up to which the borrower can use amounts. Both loans are short-term and are used within one year, after which they must be reviewed and the term extended.
In practice, the revolving credit has many of the characteristics of another type of credit - a line of credit. It represents the maximum amount of credit that a customer can withdraw within a certain period of time, and the borrower can repeatedly withdraw funds and repay them within the contract period.
What is an overdraft?
An overdraft is a credit limit on a current account, suitable for meeting short-term business needs. The amount of the overdraft is determined in relation to the bank turnover of the company. The used amount of the overdraft increases as payments are made from the company account to suppliers and decreases automatically as cash flows to the same account.
The main difference between an overdraft and a revolving credit comes from the need to request amounts to draw on the revolving credit. With the overdraft, amounts are withdrawn automatically, without the need to make a withdrawal request. The overdraft is granted as a limit on the account on which you receive your income. When amounts are received on this card account, the amounts used by the overdraft are automatically repaid.
You can have a revolving credit on another account, which will only be for the purpose of drawing and repaying the credit. Revolving credit works on the principle of a credit card - the bank sets a fixed credit limit for you, and you can not spend the entire amount, but only a part of it according to your needs. Each month, you pay installments that include the portion of the loan you used, as well as the interest on that portion.
If desired, the bank can issue you a bank card attached to the loan to facilitate you as much as possible. It's called a revolving credit card. Unlike other types of credit, where you withdraw a certain fixed amount, with the withdrawal of a revolving credit, you can use a very small part of the allocated funds and repay them quickly. This type of loan gives you more freedom.
Revolving credit fees vary by credit institution. In addition to the borrowed amount, your monthly payments also include the interest and fees due on the current obligation. For this reason, payments can often vary from month to month, as the calculations are based on how much of the credit limit you've used.
Pros and cons of revolving credit
A major plus of revolving credit is time savings for your business, as you don't need to apply constantly, and whenever you need money, you can use part of the credit.
Another convenience is the bank card, which provides constant access to the money that you can withdraw from an ATM, even when the bank is not working. With a revolving credit, the bank gives the user the opportunity to plan repayment without tying him to fixed monthly installments.
In addition to the positive sides, it also has negative sides. For example, the higher interest rate compared to traditional loans, the calculation of bank fees, late penalty interest and others make it not as attractive as it seems at first glance.
If you don't pay the minimum monthly payment on time, you may be subject to penalties. You should also keep in mind that revolving credit usually charges higher interest rates than consumer credit. Another downside is that even if you decide not to withdraw a penny from the loan, you will have to pay a commitment fee and other fees described in your contract.
In case of non-payment, the creditor has the right to block your account if you do not make your payments regularly or meet the minimum installments described in the contract. If this happens, you will no longer be able to use the money on the loan. What's more, you may have to pay penalty fees, even if they are not clearly mentioned in the contract. Some banks cleverly disguise them in the bank's "Terms and Conditions" section.
If you choose to pay only the monthly minimum, your interest rate can increase significantly. In such a case, it would be more profitable to focus on another loan than to remain on a revolving credit.
If the contract you sign with the bank or creditor does not have all possible details filled out, including the revolving period and the amount, you should not sign it. If you sign such a document, you can become a victim of an unscrupulous creditor and then not be able to prove your rights in court.
Features of the credit line
A line of credit is suitable for financing all current activities of your business, without the need to repeatedly apply for credit during the year. After limit approval, funds are disbursed by request from the client. The amount used from the line is repaid with a request submitted by the customer after his current account is funded.
With this type of credit, the creditor sets a limit for an amount that is permanently available to the recipient. The money from the credit line within the specified limit can be withdrawn and repaid at any time, with the debtor paying interest only on the used amount of the limit. After repayment of the utilized amount from the credit line under the terms of the contract, the person can apply for a new credit line.
A line of credit is a contractual agreement between a financial institution (most often a bank) and a borrower that specifies the amount of money (the limit) that the customer can withdraw. The bank may require the borrower to make minimum repayment installments when using a credit line.
The main difference with revolving credit is that a line of credit is a one-time arrangement and once it is paid off, the account is closed and can no longer be used. If you wish to open a new credit line, apply again.
In the case of the revolving or "open" line of credit, there is the possibility of re-granting the entire loan without drawing up a new contract.
Like most loans, revolving credit and lines of credit may be available with or without collateral. This largely depends on the desired credit limit and the conditions of the lending bank.
With both loans, users must have an open current account with the creditor bank. On this account, they receive and repay the loan funds, having a predetermined withdrawal limit. Interest rates are determined by the prime rate and are floating. They are repaid only on the used assets that the customer has already withdrawn from his working capital account.
The limit on the overdraft or credit line that the consumer can take advantage of depends on his monthly income and the degree of credit security. Some lenders have a requirement when applying for an overdraft that the entire amount of the monthly remuneration be transferred to the account. Often, the overdraft is granted for a short period of up to 12 months, but its extension is automatic and the credit line revolves (it is renewed after its repayment).
Although the credit line is most often used by businesses (business credit line) – companies and legal entities that regularly need liquid funds, it can also be used by individuals to cover various needs.
22.03.2023
IN WHICH CASES AM I ENTITLED TO UNION PROTECTION WHEN I AM FIRED?
According to Art. 333, para. 3 of The Labor Code, in the cases under Art. 328, para. 1, item 2 (in the case of closing a part of the enterprise or downsizing), item 3 (in case of reduction in the volume of work), item 5 (in case of lack of qualities of the worker or employee for effective performance of the work), item 11 (when changing the requirements for the performance of the position, if the worker or employee does not meet them) and Art. 330, para. 2, item 6 of the Labor Code (disciplinary dismissal), the employer may dismiss a worker or an employee who is a member of the trade union leadership in the enterprise, of a territorial, sectoral or national leading elective trade union body, during the time he holds the relevant trade union position and until 6 months after his release, only with the prior consent of a trade union body, determined by a decision of the central leadership of the relevant trade union organization. In § 1, item 6 of the Additional Provisions of the Labor Code, it is defined that "trade union leadership" is the chairman and secretary of the relevant trade union organization.
According to Art. 333, para. 4 of the Labor Code, when this is provided for in the collective labor agreement, the employer may dismiss a worker or employee due to layoffs or a reduction in the volume of work after prior consent of the relevant trade union body in the enterprise.
In order to have protection under Art. 333, para. 4 of the Labor Code is necessary: a valid collective labor agreement, which expressly provides for this protection, and which applies to workers or employees - members of the trade union organization - a party to the contract, or those who have joined the contract in accordance with Art. 57, para. 2 of the Labor Code.
By virtue of this protection, the prior consent is given by the relevant trade union body in the enterprise. In each individual case, it is necessary that this body be explicitly mentioned in the collective labor agreement. The request for dismissal is made by the employer to the relevant trade union body, it must be in writing and refer to each worker or employee whose dismissal is undertaken. The request must be motivated, i.e. it must state the circumstances and considerations for which the dismissal of the named worker or employee is requested, as well as the grounds for requesting his dismissal. It must have been made before the dismissal.
21.03.2023
THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL: EU AGREES ON STRICTER RULES TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The European Commission welcomes the preliminary agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council to reform and strengthen the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. This agreement marks another step towards the completion of the Fit for 55 package to implement the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan. It reaffirms the EU's determination to become climate neutral by 2050.
For the first time, the energy efficiency first principle is given legal force with a clear requirement that EU countries take energy efficiency into account when making policy, planning and major investment decisions in the energy sector and beyond.
The agreement includes the EU's first ever definition of energy poverty. Member States will now have to prioritize measures to improve energy efficiency among people affected by energy poverty, vulnerable customers, low-income households and, where applicable, people living in social housing. The revised rules put a stronger emphasis on reducing energy poverty and providing more rights to consumers, including the creation of a one-stop shop for technical and financial assistance and out-of-court dispute resolution mechanisms.
The agreement sets an EU energy efficiency target of 11.7% for 2030, which exceeds the Commission's initial proposal Fit for 55. It requires EU Member States to collectively deliver further reductions in final and primary energy consumption compared to energy consumption forecasts made in 2020
Under the preliminary agreement, the obligation for annual energy savings is almost doubled to ensure continued progress. EU countries will be required to achieve new savings of an average of 1.49% of final consumption each year from 2024 to 2030, compared to the current level of 0.8%. They will gradually have to reach 1.9% by the end of 2030. This is an important tool to stimulate energy savings in end-use sectors such as buildings, industry and transport.
The revised rules also place more responsibility on the public sector to increase energy efficiency. Public authorities will have to systematically take energy efficiency requirements into account when awarding public contracts for products, services, buildings and construction works. A new annual target to reduce energy consumption by 1.9% for the public sector is introduced. The obligation of EU countries to renovate at least 3% of the total built-up area of buildings owned by the public administration every year now also covers the regional and local level.
Businesses will be encouraged to be more energy efficient under the revised directive. First, energy management systems will become a default obligation for large energy users. All businesses, including SMEs, that exceed 85 TJ of annual energy consumption will have to implement an energy management system. Otherwise, they will be subject to an energy audit (if their annual consumption exceeds 10 TJ). A scheme for reporting the energy performance of large data centers is also being introduced for the first time.
Under the agreed rules, EU countries will have to promote local heating and cooling plans in large municipalities with a population of more than 45,000. In addition, with the revised definition of efficient district heating and cooling systems, the minimum requirements will be gradually changed to ensure a fully decarbonised supply of district heating and cooling systems by 2050. Support for new high-efficiency cogeneration units using natural gas and connected to district heating systems in efficient district heating and cooling systems, will only be possible until 2030, while any other use of fossil fuels will be prohibited for new heat generation capacities in such systems.
Next steps
The provisional agreement now requires formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Once this process is complete, the new legislation will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and come into force.
21.03.2023
HOW TO AVOID A DEBT SPIRAL - WHEN THE SALARY IS NOT ENOUGH TO COVER OUR EXPENSES
We've already discussed the topic of payday loans and when (not) it's a good idea to use them. The main rule for fast loans is that they should be an exception and not become a common practice for getting out of a difficult financial situation.
But what to do if the salary is systematically not enough for you? Taking out one loan to cover another can put you in a debt spiral that will be hard to get out of. However, the same can happen with the accumulation of loans to your loved ones.
Loans from friends and relatives are also a double-edged sword. Although there is (probably) no interest with them, history knows quite a few cases in which close people ruined their relationships even for small sums. Therefore, it is good to adhere to the maxim: "Clean accounts - good friends". Here are the alternatives:
Ask for a raise
If you like your current job and the only downside is that it doesn't pay enough, then maybe it's time to ask for a raise. Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss opportunities for growth and development within the company. You need to think through your requests in advance and clearly state to your boss what you can give in return. Be open to the idea of not only a salary increase, but also a promotion to a new position.
Look for a new job
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you may not get the desired increase in your salary. If your salary is systematically falling short, it's probably time to think about looking for a new job. When applying, always highlight your experience and aim for a better salary offer. Sometimes refresher courses can help you with this. Or you can retrain to a higher paying field, but keep in mind that starting from scratch is always harder.
Look for additional income
Do you love your job because it gives you great personal fulfillment and satisfaction, even though it doesn't pay you well? Then think about how to earn extra income - whether in the form of starting a side job, starting your own business or passive investments. The advantages of additional income are that you determine when, how and how much. There is no negotiation with the boss, and there is no limitation of ideas. Let your creativity work for you and think outside the box.
Don't be afraid to ask questions
When it comes to money, people often avoid talking about it because the topic makes them feel uncomfortable. This applies to both the have-nots and the haves. But to better manage your finances, you should learn to seek advice from people who have more experience. This will help you explore different ideas and strategies for managing your finances effectively. You can even get free financial advice on managing personal funds.
Create a budget and stick to it
Any financial advisor will give you one basic piece of advice – make a budget, follow it and make adjustments until it starts working in your favor. A budget should outline the ratio between your expenses and income - so that you can plan your expenses and limit overspending. Learning to spend your money more wisely will help you get ahead financially. Once you're in control of your budget, you'll be in a better position to ensure your spending habits match your savings goals.
Set savings goals
And on that line of thought – one of the most important steps is determining your short-term and long-term savings goals. Financial goals are where you want to be with your money in the next 5, 10, and 20 years. What do you want to achieve? How long will it take? What are the implementation steps? Write down your goals and post them in a prominent place to serve as a reminder and motivation. Only when you have a clear vision will you be able to make financial restrictions for the sake of your dream.
Income - Savings = Expenses, instead of Income - Expenses = Savings
By rearranging the equation, we are actually prioritizing savings over spending. This means that the moment we draw our paycheck, we allocate the money to savings and spend whatever is left after that. This limits unnecessary spending – you have to learn to say no to things you don't need. Managing your finances requires a lot of patience and hard work, but these daily "sacrifices" will definitely pay off in the long run. If you constantly work on this, your financial situation will provide you with peace of mind and expand your options for decisions that have a great effect on the quality of your life.
Change your lifestyle
As a rule, your lifestyle expenses increase as life progresses. As your family grows and your needs change, the amount of money you need to finance your lifestyle grows. Large household purchases, children's needs, rent/mortgage and any other monthly expenses can add up, especially if you spend more than you save. If you often find yourself overspending, it might be time to consider more budget-friendly purchases – like second-hand clothes and appliances. Some classifieds sites and social media groups even have items being given away.
20.03.2023
BNB WITH INFLATION FORECAST IN OUR COUNTRY
Based on managers' expectations for sales prices, our assumptions about changes in commodity prices in international markets and labor market conditions, we forecast inflation in the first six months of 2023 to follow a gradual downward trend. This is according to the forecast of the BNB, says the publication "Economic Review".
Factors that are expected to continue to have a pro-inflationary impact are the projected substantial growth in unit labor costs and private consumption, the persistence of high inflation in industrial goods in Bulgaria's main trading partners, as well as the elimination of some of the introduced by government fiscal measures. Food inflation rose to 25% in December 2022 (compared to 8.1% at the end of 2021).
This group had the largest positive contribution to headline inflation, which was due to both processed and unprocessed foods. In the group of unprocessed foods, a price increase of 22.3% was recorded on an annual basis in December 2022 (compared to 6.0% in December 2021), the analysis stated.
The subgroups "meat and meat products" and "fruits and vegetables" contributed the most to the increase in the price of unprocessed foods, which can be explained by the higher import prices of these products, as well as the increased costs of local production in line with with the rise in prices of products and services used for intermediate consumption in agriculture. Annual inflation in the processed food group reached 26.3% in December 2022 (at 9.2% at the end of 2021). The subgroup "milk, milk products and eggs" had the biggest positive contribution, followed by "bread and cereals" and "sugar and chocolate". The increase in the price of the listed foods was determined by the upward dynamics of import prices, as well as by the growth of producer prices in the processing industry in the conditions of a significant increase in the price of agricultural production in the country and higher costs of companies for salaries, electricity, fuels and other materials, emphasized by the BNB.
Regarding income, the bank reports that household incomes in nominal and real terms have continued to rise. “Gross household income in nominal terms rose by 21.1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2022, with the main contributor to the increase being the increase in pensions, followed by growth in wage income. A year-on-year increase in the third quarter of 2022 was also reported in household income from savings withdrawals, while the amount of loans and credits received decreased year-on-year.
In real terms, annual growth in total household income also accelerated in the third quarter of 2022 from the second quarter, reaching 5.1%.
Pension income rose by 25% year-on-year in real terms in the third quarter of 2022, while wage income in real terms fell for the second quarter in a row by 3.9% year-on-year. Stronger growth in total household income in real terms, while wage income, which has a major share of total income, fell, was due to an increase in alternative sources of income for households, such as pensions, property income, sales income and social benefits.
In line with stronger growth in total income, real household disposable income growth also accelerated to 6.7% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2022, following an annual increase of 4.3% in the second quarter of the year,” the analysis said.
The BNB expects a weakening of economic activity in the first half of 2023, which will be contributed to by both the projected decrease in stocks in the economy and the expected weaker export of goods as a result of the deteriorating global economic situation and factors specific to Bulgaria.
20.03.2023
SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: STEVE JOBS' THEORY OF HAPPINESS
Six years before he passed away, Steve Jobs gave a speech that continues to resonate to this day.
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life," was the late Apple co-founder's message to Stanford University graduates in 2005, shortly after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and learned that his between three and six months left to live.
Faced with his own mortality, he has realized the importance of living the best life one can possibly have. He was able to convey this message to the graduates and the rest of the world who listened.
Jobs' message made many people think about the things that really matter in their own lives. To this day, when we listen to that speech, we feel the need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves questions inspired by Jobs. We will all be happier if we occasionally seek answers to these three questions:
Am I living the life I want? Am I doing what I want?
After hearing the diagnosis, Jobs began to live each day as if it would be his last. The idea of the limited time each of us has on this earth is not meant to make us downcast. On the contrary, it empowers us to use this precious time in the most meaningful way possible.
Jobs called the moment he came face to face with death "the most important tool I've ever come across to help me make the big choices in life." Almost everything, he said, our fears, our failures and our pride, "disappear in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."
If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I'm about to do today?
It's a question Jobs said he asked himself every day as he literally stood in front of his mirror after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
“When the answer is no too many days in a row, I know I have to change something.” If I asked myself the same question every day at this point in my life and career, the answer would be a resounding yes!, the late co-founder shared of Apple.
We urge you to do the same. Be prepared to ask yourself the same question when you start your day. Pay attention to what is ahead of you and the feelings it makes you feel. If you're being true to yourself, it can be scary to admit that you're not living the life you want, but it's the only way to set yourself up to pursue something new—something that might just be your true calling.
Am I doing what I love?
As Jobs explained, to live someone else's life is to waste your own. Instead, he was urging you to find the role you were meant to fill.
“You have to find what you love. ... Your work will fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do," he used to say.
A study published in the Harvard Business Review concluded that to be fully engaged and happy, people need to feel that their work matters and that their contribution helps achieve something important.
When people find purpose in their work and love what they do, it will not only make them happier, but also increase their productivity.
