Author: msveenagupta

Why Resolutions Fail

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2023 is moving at a fast pace. Since the new year, we all partied like there was no tomorrow and gorged on sumptuous food and delicacies. It was all feast & fun, booze & banter, love & laughter everywhere. Full On PARTY!! And like all good things come to an end, the party fever also faded gradually, and we are back to our jobs/chores/businesses. But, wait, we forgot something very inherent to New Year’s… 

The Resolutions!

We all make them, and we are guilty of breaking them too. OOPS! Yup. It’s that time of the year. Half our resolutions are already forgotten a week post-New Year’s Eve. But, like all other years, we make them and try to keep up with them, sometimes sincerely, and then break them just as systematically. 

The Resolutions are an exciting thing. We make these promises to turn a new leaf with the New Year. It promises to change something undesired, start something new we wish to incorporate into our lives or accomplish a personal or professional goal. While this can be done any time of the year, the start of a New Year feels like the perfect opportunity to say to yourself, ‘New Year, New ME.’

Let’s take a look at some most common New Year’s Resolutions that are made around the world (and broken around the world)

As good-intentioned as they are, we do our best to keep them going till at least the next DAY. But then the dreaded reality of daily routine strikes us, and our so-called ‘benevolent’ plans fail. OUCH!

Yes, it does. And it is more common than you think. If statistics are to be believed, most new year’s resolutions don’t live beyond the first month. A whopping 57% quit after the first month!

A good 1/5th of the resolutioners (i.e., my kind of people) will quit in the first week itself!! And only 1/10th of all will keep it running for the entire year. SIGH.

So, what goes wrong here? We had all the good intentions. Yes, we did try to keep it accurate. We kept up with it. So why do most resolutions fail?

REASONS MOST RESOLUTIONS FAIL

1. Hopping on the Bandwagon

Most of us aren’t even serious while making these resolutions. We may have all the intentions hoping it does, somehow, go well. But the fact is that we made new year’s resolutions because ‘It is New Year’ and because ‘it is the thing to do.’

The fact that we made it just out of the blue makes it lack the seriousness to follow it through, and hence the inevitable happens.

2. TIMING

If we have genuine plans to follow a resolution, then any day is a good day. It need not be a ‘New Year’s Eve’ to resolve. It is just deciding for your plans to materialize ‘One day’ or that day is ‘Day One’ on your plan execution. 

Maybe new year’s morning is not a day you are entirely ready to take on the bet.

3. Motivation

The biggest culprit of all. We lose motivation as we follow the goal. We got inspired initially, made a resolution, and had the motivation steam going strong to see the resolution launch. But somewhere in due course, we lose steam, and slowly the motivation begins to die, causing resolutions to fall apart.

4. LIFE

Yes, Life Happens. And life does take over. You may call it by different names like ‘getting busy,’ ‘prioritizing other things,’ ‘shift in focus, ’ blah blah… but yes, life does take over, and it gets difficult to break the vicious pattern of daily routine that causes plans to fall through.

So, is it the End of the Road? 
Well, not yet…If we understand what causes the fall, we may be on the road to understanding how to keep it going.

HOW TO MAKE
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS WORK ?

1. Get your WHY right:

First and foremost, Understand and agree in principle WHY you are resolving. Once you know your reason behind the resolution, and you can look at it daily, you will be able to follow it through.

Yes, it will still take effort but at least not in reminding yourself of the goal each day!

2. Make smaller goals:

Yes, this may sound contrary to popular notion, but think about it…if your goals are more extensive than what you have done so far, you are challenging yourself out of your comfort zone, which is challenging in itself. On the contrary, making smaller goals help your confidence in knowing you can achieve them. If higher goals motivate you, there is nothing like it. Go for it by all means.

But if you doubt being able to follow your dream, it is better not to badger your already shaky commitment. Better to begin small, build confidence and then challenge yourself out of your comfort zone. So instead of making a goal to ‘LOSE WEIGHT’ or ‘SLIM DOWN,’ make a goal to ‘Drink eight glasses of water each day.’ This looks smaller, achievable, and worth a try. And although small, it does contribute to the bigger goal of losing weight!

3. Get CONSISTENT

Motivation is a big word. I wouldn’t go for it. But if you are a self-motivated individual – You are already blessed! You do not need a new year’s excuse to resolve to achieve your goal. 

But if you are the timid kind, motivation is something you struggle with already. So, instead of looking for motivation, look for consistency. Look for how you can be consistent with doing what you have planned. It should become a part of your existing routine and, therefore, manageable. So, instead of planning a big makeover overnight, strive for something you can keep up with daily.

4. One Step at a Time

Yes, there is a lot to achieve, and we must change all that overnight, but that will not happen. Point BLANK. 

So, if you want to achieve something, make only one resolution at a time, follow it through, and then go for the next month. It looks stingy and small to aim so low, but if it works, it is not tiny!

So, my lovelies, even if you are one of my kind who cannot keep your resolutions beyond Week one, don’t lose heart. Lose your self-badgering and start ‘SMALL and STAY CONSISTENT’!!

Veena Gupta, a homemaker, doting mother, and a loving wife, who takes pride in a long-standing career in Banking and Finance. While her life took shape and as she was pursuing all this, something kept tugging her creativity. This pull lead her to decide to express her thoughts through writing. True to her name, her words flow from her pen to resonate with the reader’s mind like the soothing music that the musical instrument Veena creates! For someone who likes to experiment in life through adventure sports, trekking, and other varied interests, Veena likes to bring her experience, background and perspective to her readers through her simple yet effective writing to push the fact home!

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Anxiety The Silent Killer

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It’s a cold winter evening, and I am working on my laptop, constantly worried about something (that’s just me). My little one is watching her favorite animation series, The Lion Guard. I am half-focused on my writing and half on the surrounding sounds, including the cacophony of the various characters and their emotional exclamations of the serial. Suddenly the zebras on the screen scream – Panic and Run! Panic and Run! Panic and Run!

All my alarm bells go ringing! WHY?… because this sounds familiar – in fact – THIS IS ME… the ever-present and constant feeling I experience every second of my waking life – ‘PANIC AND RUN!’

This is the most dreaded yet familiar bane of urban modern-day city life – ANXIETY.

Anxiety: What does it feel like on a regular day?

It feels like the fear of the unknown. The feeling of being confused and not knowing what to do next, yet feeling like you forget to do something urgently. The feeling of being unable to figure out what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what will happen next?

Sometimes you may wake up middle of the night with a deep feeling of sadness, loss, or uncertainty. You feel like a lump in your throat and a pit in your stomach. You experience irrational fear of losing control, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, unexplained and shifting aches and pains, and overbearing thoughts and beliefs that are difficult to control.

Feeling worried constantly but don’t know why? When you sometimes panic and feel anxious but do not know the reason? That is ANXIETY.

Common Triggers

Anxiety is triggered by stress, confusion, trauma, and many more… You feel anxious: – 

When things go Wrong:

When things don’t work out as planned, that triggers Anxiety. You start to think about what went wrong or what you could have done differently to make things right. 

When things go Right

Sometimes you feel anxious even when things go exactly as planned! Surprised, huh! 

Yes, you heard that right. When you do something which happens precisely as you planned, that also causes Anxiety because you didn’t expect it would work so smoothly, and when it did, you start doubting whether you followed the right path.

When you feel performance pressure

When you are under performance pressure or taking a test, you start to get nervous and feel anxious about meeting people’s expectations or whether you will pass the test with flying colors. 

Even when you have achieved your target:

In many instances, you have finished doing something you planned or achieved a target and are hopeful this will end well. But that’s when Anxiety kicks in!!!

Why? Because now you don’t know what to do next!! You haven’t planned what is to be done next, and that’s what creates panic. 

It is normal to feel anxious in stressful situations. Still, sometimes when it reaches a level beyond your control, it is an indicator of something serious that’s difficult to deal with. This is when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily living. It disturbs your ability to function normally – This is when it could be a more severe issue, i.e., an ANXIETY DISORDER.

What do Anxiety Disorders look like in everyday life?

Contrary to popular belief, it could look like a standard but nagging issue. Sometimes it is accorded to a general ‘temperamental’ problem. It seems like and relates to something very mundane – like insisting on keeping the TV remote in a particular place; or urging to do a specific task only in a certain fashion. Like feeling nervous before an Interview, like feeling sad about something happening/not happening.

These things are daily and do not warrant that you suffer from Disorders. It is only when they go to an excessive level of becoming unhealthy Obsessions and Phobias that it starts getting murkier. Anxiety Disorders can take various forms. Let’s take a look: – 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Stage Fear, Introversion, Being Shy, or Being Asocial are all common forms of hesitation. But they don’t necessarily qualify as a Disorder. This is considered a disorder when you get excessively concerned about facing people. When the fear of meeting people gets serious to the extent of ‘Situational Paralysis,.’ You freeze on stage and in social situations and hope you disappear from the face of the earth! This is when you should consider it serious.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The most common form and yet the most difficult to recognize. This is because it is generally branded as a personal trait. Statements like ‘Oh, He is a cleanliness freak,’ ‘She is a slave of the Clock,’ or ‘He is very particular about certain things’ – all could be red flags of the person suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Preferring things in a certain way is normal, but insisting on it and going bonkers if they don’t go as per charter, is a qualifier for OCD.

Panic Disorder

Panic at its worst. You don’t just panic and experience symptoms similar to a Heart Attack! 

Yes, you read it right. Your presumed midnight heart attack could well be a Panic attack instead. Shortness of breath, Heart Palpitations, chest pain, abdominal pain, sweaty palms, and hot flushes are the physical manifestations of a Panic attack. In addition, you suddenly feel numb, lost, and disoriented. This is panic in its worst form.

GAD or General Anxiety Disorder

Your Anxiety with excessive and unhealthy intensity is GAD. It is unrealistic and exaggerates worry and tension for very little or no reason.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE
If you or anyone you know needs help and support please reach out to a crisis resources center near your area.
Seeking help is human and it is the first step to recovery.

Phobias 

Most phobias are nothing but your excessive fear of a particular thing. Fear, in general, is experienced by everyone, but when it’s crippling enough to stop you from general functioning, it’s worth a review.

Okay then, we now know it is terrible. And what makes it worse is our Minds and thoughts. So, what do you do to get your life back?

What can be done to control Anxiety?

It is hard to unlearn what we have trained our minds to believe and behave. So, it is going to be hard work to rewire your brain. But let me also tell you, the rewards are worth the labor. Although Anxiety cannot be eliminated, and sometimes it is good for you, you can take steps to control it to a large extent.

Practice Grounding

Grounding or earthing is typically used in the context of electrical circuits, but it is just as relevant in the human-nature relationship too. Connecting to the electrical charges of the earth has a calming effect on your body.

Walking barefoot, lying on the ground or grass, and wading in shallow waters are simple yet effective ways of grounding.

Life Style Changes

All our emotions are by-products of chemical reactions in our brains. And the good news is you can control it mainly by keeping a balanced diet and life. Make time for walks, recreation, friends, exercise, healthy eating, and sleeping. Avoid too many stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, etc.

Stress Management

Managing stress helps you get in charge of your emotions. Mindfulness & Meditation can help to calm your mind and control anxiety levels. Yoga is terrific for a restless mind. 

When to reach out for help?

ANYTIME. 

Reach out for help anytime you feel your symptoms are bogging you down or are getting intense, so much so that it’s crippling your sanity. Shying away from social stigma or overthinking the consequences is only going to make it worse. 

So, reach out even if it may feel like a false alarm. It’s okay to be wrong in your diagnosis. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The point is DO REACH OUT BEFORE IT GETS TOO LATE.

Try reaching out for help while you still can!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE
If you or anyone you know needs help and support please reach out to a crisis resources center near your area.
Seeking help is human and it is the first step to recovery.
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Who Is Unhappier

/ msveenagupta / Leave a comment


Ah! THE MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION!!!! Ideally, only some want to ask a married couple. Who is happier!!!

For the simple reason that some of us don’t want to admit that it is indeed an ‘Unhappy’ marriage. Somehow when it comes to a marriage, we want to be the quintessential Ostrich burying our heads underground and pretending IT’S NOT HAPPENING; or at least not to Us. Even if it means ignoring the elephant in the room, we don’t want to acknowledge or even suggest to the couple the ‘unhappiness’ in the union.

Nevertheless, not all marriages are fairy-tale, and no matter how much we want to pretend that all is well in our paradise, we know it is not. What makes it worse is when one partner reports being unhappy while the other is happily oblivious to anything going wrong in the relationship. Then, the dreaded question pops back: ‘Who is unhappier – The Wife or the Husband?

Many personal and individual factors, expectations, and aspirations drive the satiety you may report from a relationship. Your gender, too, plays a significant role in your expectations of a relationship. So let’s check that out in the marital context.

‘Wife’ Protests:

• “He does not help with the chores.”

• “His family dominates every decision”

• “Eats unhealthy/not mindful of health/drinks too much.”

• “Spends too much money/time with his friends.”

• “Has become insecure/changed after marriage.”

• “It’s either sex or nothing at all when it comes to ‘love’”

‘Husband’ Protests:

• “She keeps complaining all the time.”

• “Isn’t always ready for/happy with sex.”

• “Does not give space/me time.”

• “Is always suspicious/dominating/micro-managing.”

• “Doesn’t dress up/parties as she used to before marriage.”

• “She has changed a lot/isn’t as cool as she was before.”

So, what looked like a ‘perfect partnership,’ ‘a divine union,’ ‘the perfect match, and ‘the happily ever after relationship suddenly turned into a disappointing, lustreless, rote, and mechanical arrangement that hardly excites anyone. What goes wrong here?

Let’s look at what are the everyday stressors that force this question:

1. Libido Mismatch

As much as we want to push this topic under the carpet, this is the most common factor of Marital discord. Of course, no two individuals will have the same appetite for sex, at least not at the same time. Still, the most significant driving factor is the inability to acknowledge and address this carnal desire. While the man is commonly believed to have a higher libido than his spouse, the converse may also be accurate and a reason for the partner with the higher drive to report unhappiness.

2. Finances

The Second most significant problem is mismanaged finances. It is not earning more or less, blowing whatever you make as a household. Again, the wife and the husband may have different ideas on what issues need priority status. If a consensus is not reached early in marriage, it can be a significant cause of reported unhappiness.

3. Work/ Career Pressures

Marital discord is inevitable in a modern-day society where both partners want to pursue their respective careers and do not want to slow down or settle down for domestic demands on one’s time. No matter how much you want to believe ‘you can have it all,’ it is a myth. The more high-pressure your job is, the more unhappiness you and your partner are designed to report.

4. Household Chores’ Division

Well, this needs no introduction. An unfair division of chores is bound to result in rifts and discord, especially if it’s combined with balancing a career and home!

5. Sharing Rearing Children

Having and bringing up children puts a lot of demands and pressure on a relationship mentally and financially. Suppose there are unreal expectations, unclear work division, or unwillingness to accept the changes. In that case, this can have disastrous effects on a marriage, thereby reporting more stress and unhappiness in the union.

6. Family Interference

Believe it or not, the support you have (or don’t have) from your family is instrumental in your happiness experience quotient. Marriage requires a lot of effort, and a little bit of support goes a long way in restoring the wear and tear of the relationship: the more support, the more happiness.

7. Peer pressure And Society pleasing

The demands on a relationship are abundant, and if any of you happens to be a people-pleaser, then peer pressure can bog you down. The more you give into this pressure of ‘looking picture perfect family, the more discontent you will report.

According to research by Population Reference Bureau, and Harvard Health Publishing, statistics suggest that married men report better health, life longevity, and happiness than their unmarried counterparts. In contrast, married women report worse health, inadequate mental health, and depression from unhappy marriages. They also form a significant chunk in writing a marriage as ‘Unhappy.’ So, if you believe statistics (not me), the ‘Wife’ wins the argument of being the ‘Unhappier’ one in a marriage!

And why does the wifey seem unhappier, you ask? It is pretty interesting to explore…What is common in both the Man and the Wife’s complaints is that ‘the other person is not what they thought/promised to be!’ 

The Man

Before Marriage, sees a girl who loves partying just like he does. But she doesn’t bother about the nitty-gritty, loves to dress up, gives freedom, and lives life like there’s no tomorrow! 


He thinks this is what he gets, and
SHE WILL NEVER EVER CHANGE!

The Woman

Before Marriage, sees a man who wants to protect her, chase her, care about her, follow her, lets her be who she is, compliments her, isn’t insecure, and loves her individuality. He isn’t the perfect Man yet, but he promises to be her brighter-than-sunshine Tomorrow!

She thinks he is not quite there but has the potential, and HE WILL CHANGE AFTER MARRIAGE.

Then Marriage happens ……

Everything around the woman changes – her surroundings, place, family, people, friends, and expectations of her…. And to keep up with the new reality, SHE CHANGES!!!

Everything around the Man does NOT change – same surroundings, same place, same family, same friends, expectations of him… And with no requirement to change, HE DOES NOT CHANGE!!!

Now that’s a perfect recipe for disaster called ‘MARRIAGE.’

Recently, I came across a social media post where a couple wished each other ‘Happy 2nd Marriage Unnecessary’ (Anniversary)!! …Well, I think they may be blessed with the divine knowledge of the Cosmos! 

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Green Light To Moonlight

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Moonlight is proof that there will always be light in the twilight. Whoever said it may have never meant it the way it is used in the neoteric sense in contemporary times! 

As we use it today, Moonlighting means having secondary employment to augment and supplement your primary income. It is like working a regular full-time job and getting paid for the work – which is your primary source of income and then having another work arrangement that pays you a little bit extra. It could be a freelancing arrangement, another full-time obligation, a contractual agreement, a hobby that pays you, or just some seasonal assignments you may undertake for some extra money. Extra money never hurt anyone, and for something you can do with your knowledge and experience and get paid for it, well… why not! But, as said, it’s not that simple.

Why the Name?


In the everyday context, you would be working a day job, say 9 am to 5 pm. And any employment you would take up additionally, post your usual working hours, will have to be done post sunset, i.e., under the moonlight; hence the name. It means ‘secret’ employment due to the notion that it is carried out while everyone else sleeps…but more commonly, it is used in the context of having a second job.

Especially in the last couple of years, when the pandemic struck, everything went haywire and normal life came to a screeching halt. For some, it was the end of the road, while for a few others, it was a complete re-router. What affected people most commonly was a hit in their incomes!!!

That gave rise to the Moon or, instead, ‘Moonlighting.’ But, just as moonlight lightens up a night, a moonlighting job lightens up dark clouds on your finances!

Moonlighting is not new; it has been around for ages. It has just been circumstantially put back in the limelight in the last couple of years. Almost every professional has had some side hustle running for them, especially when working on contractual terms. As it is usually called, a side business or a side gig has always been a favourite means of supplementing income…

An actor may always have some money-churning endorsements paying him an extra wage. Likewise, a doctor can earn additional fees through a home or online consultations, and a teacher may always be able to make an extra buck with personal coaching to students…but if a normal office-goer does this with his skill…….Oh Yes…it can be problematic for them. Why is it an Eye-Sore, and why are many worrying about it?

First, most feel it is ‘Cheating.’ They consider it an injustice to the employment terms offered to the employees for full-time work. Most believe there may be less attention to work, devotion, and focus when a second job is undertaken while employed under different organisation. Secondary employment possibly can put an organization at a data leak or breach risk. At the same time, some argue that the employee’s time during the work belongs to the company and anything outside of it is deception and disloyalty. Is it so?

Let me make some refreshing arguments…

Argument No. 1: 

To start with the basics, a company employs you after 18 for a skill they feel you possess that may help the company achieve its objective. This company was nowhere in the picture while you attained adulthood and acquired that skill set you can use. It is important to note that they did not hire just anyone and then teach them the skill. They hired you for your 'existing' talent. But as soon as they 'hire' you, You become their property! This is somehow unjust. The employee worked hard to educate himself, earn a degree, acquire a skill worth some earnings, and now his time, life, ideas, and experience all belong to a company that just happened some time ago; how does that work?
Argument No. 2: 

When the pandemic struck, everyone was affected in one manner or another. There were job losses; people had pay cuts ranging from 20-80%. Some just retrenched employees, citing zero business. Some fantastic companies did look after their employees well – hat's off to them for this, but there were many more which didn't or couldn't…What happened to company ethics and promises? Suddenly institutions were 'practical' and did 'what they had to run their businesses. FAIR… but then the employee is somehow a 'Cheat' when they get practical about earning an extra buck to support their income! 
Argument No. 3:  

Organizations have clauses stating that the ideas that an employee gets and those implemented while in employment are the company's property, and the employee shall not replicate or call them his own – FAIR!! But then, once the employee had clocked his time out, you cannot claim to own any part of his life. This is only asking to be fair on both sides. Whatever an employee does outside work is none of the company's business!
Argument No. 4: 

Companies feel okay with laying off employees to keep up with rising costs, prices, inflation, etc. They must do what they have to to keep afloat … so why not the employee? If the employee, too, is thinking about ways to stay afloat and keep their head above rising costs and inflation, why is it wrong?
Argument No. 5: 

Employment is a contract where the employer and the candidate come together and agree on specific terms for a mutually-beneficial working arrangement. The employee is paid for the work he does. Suppose somehow the employee's situation changes…. say. In that case, e.g., an earning family member expires, and suddenly the number of dependants on their salary increases, the employer will not double his wages to cover the additional dependants, right? They only continue to pay according to the terms agreed upon earlier, so if he joins/starts a second employment, it should, too, not ruffle any feathers.

My take is as long as the secondary employment does not hinder the primary employment’s discharge terms, it should not be a bone of contention for any organisations. Thats me.

Moonlighting Laws around the Biggest Economies

US: Moonlighting is legally permissible and quite common in the States. Self-employment, proxy employment, side hustles, dual employment, etc., are all common and rampant. 

UK: Similar to the US, no bar on holding secondary or third employments and side gigs for as long as they do not interfere with your primary duties.

Germany: Government categorically allows secondary employment for as long as it does not affect your primary employment obligations. However, taxation may be a little harsher on the secondary income. Furthermore, the second job must be outside the main job’s working hours.

China: Teachers and scientific researchers are allowed to moonlight openly – as they assumedly get paid low wages. Also, to spread knowledge and consultation are entitled. 

India: No separate laws prohibiting moonlighting. However, Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act 1872 does prohibit competing with the employer by starting a similar business or competitor’s offer. Usually, a prohibitive clause in the employment contract disallows dual employment. Most institutions in India forbid the practice of moonlighting and rigidly cap employees from taking a second job.

Most other countries, there are no particular laws prohibiting moonlighting, but generally not acceptable.

The Opinion

Changes in every sphere of our personal and professional lives and how we work and expect work are also undergoing fundamental changes. This should not just be accepted but also anticipated in advance. A secondary source of income has become a necessary evil in the modern world. It is no longer safe to bet your life on just one source of income. It’s similar to putting all your eggs in different baskets. It acts as a safety cushion or an airbag functionality in case of a ‘job-loss’ misfortune.

Just as you would ‘Diversify’ your investment portfolio, Moonlighting is just an attempt to diversify your INCOME portfolio! That shouldn’t be wrong, what do you think? Is it time yet! Time to show green light to moonlight!!! 

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Bosses By Zodiac

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Some people are born leaders, and some discover Leadership along the way. Few others equate Leadership with being Bossy. It is a massive misconception if you ask me. Leaders are interested in the progress of everyone connected to them, while a boss is interested in only their own advancement. A leader inspires, while a boss may merely manipulate. 

There may be some who possess both traits and might be successful as well as popular. Some of these qualities may be inborn and some acquired. While the Zodiac may dictate some, you are born under!

So, if you are not your own boss and are required to work under someone to earn your livelihood, a little help from Astrology to understand your boss may not hurt!

Here are some traits that bosses under various Zodiac possess

Leo 

Traits as a Boss: Appreciate and reward loyalty, Fair, Egotistical at times, Open and Approachable, Commanding.

Dominant by nature, they are natural bosses. They like to give orders but are also respectful and appreciative. Loyalty is one trait that will woo Leo boss. They are creative leaders and know to keep themselves in the limelight. Yet, they always strive for quality work-wise. Trustworthy and suave. Style and Leadership are what you can learn from them.

Aries 

Traits as a boss: Unpredictable, Relentless, Dynamic, Self-absorbed, and Blunt at times Aries is fearless and fiery and doesn’t think twice before starting a new venture or trying a new idea.

Impatience and adventure are their second name. They are natural leaders and dynamic, sometimes oblivious to what’s happening around them. As bosses, they are full of energy, direction, and vision and expect the same zealousness from all of their employees – which may look a little harsh on them. But, if you believe in hard work and have an Aries boss, you are going PLACES!

Sagittarius 

Traits as a Boss: Individualistic, Inspiring, fiery, Dynamic, Nonconformist, sometimes Arrogant, but usually Approachable.

They are always appreciative of innovative ideas. Always on the lookout for creative and experimental thinking. They are fun to work with and can keep you engaged with their fun quotient and energy. Sometimes you may feel you don’t have a boss as they are doing their own thing, utterly oblivious to consensus. Very optimistic and therefore liked by employees. 

Scorpio 

Traits as a Boss: Dominating, Meticulous, Focused, Unforgiving, Cunning, and Shrewd.

They believe they were made to lead. And as they say, ‘You are what you think.’ So, they will lead irrespective of being given the authority or not. They assume control and lead. It also means taking ownership and leading when no one else is doing it – that’s called Initiative. They are intuitive and determined to achieve success but can be inflexible and unforgiving to whoever dares to express dissent with their ways.

Capricorn 

Traits as a Boss: Demanding, Determined, Hardworking, Practical, Serious, Well dressed, and Suave.

The most practical of all, they are rooted in reality. Extremely hardworking and expect the utmost seriousness from their employees. They can easily handle crises without breaking down and tide through the worst. So, if you work for a Capricorn boss, know that your bread and butter is safe with them. Care only never to show them down, question their authority, or outshine them in any manner. They can get punitive and insensitive if rubbed the wrong way.

Aquarius 

Traits as a Boss: Clever, Innovative, Impatient, Unpredictable, and Non-conformist.

Quick-thinking and quick-acting is their mantra. They will need help understanding what took you so long to execute a great idea. This may sometimes push them to act and achieve an idea/project without giving you any consideration… because they cannot wait to see the results! It takes extreme emotional maturity and endurance to keep up with the forever unpredictable and elusive Aquarius boss.

Cancer 

Traits as a Boss: Emotional, Empathetic, Ostensibly easy-going, Intuitive, and a Time-keeper.

Cancerian bosses will understand and sympathise with you when your child is sick, or your mother is unwell. But remember not to take them for granted. They work with intuition and will instantly know when you are lying. They look for seriousness and sincerity in your work. Armed with a sharp memory, they can easily recollect all your achievements and failures – you cannot take them for a ride. They value time and expect you to follow work timelines sincerely.

Taurus 

Traits as a Boss: Focused, Determined, Stubborn, Rigid, Reliable, Stable, and Righteous. A Taurus boss will never let you down.

If you work as per their expectations, they will ensure you find your livelihood and stability, thrive, and grow in your position. They are hardworking themselves and expect the same from their subordinates. They can be non-bossy but like to keep things honest, grounded, practical, and pragmatic. Hates melodramas and can easily see through them. Do your work as he wants it, and you are never a sore for them. Extremely patient, and it takes a lot to rile them up, and if you do, be prepared for ALL HELL BREAKING LOOSE.

Virgo 

Traits as a Boss: Perfectionist, Stylish, Suave, Emotional, sometimes Cold, Sticklers for detailing, Value time and organization.

Virgo bosses are practical, realistic, and empathetic; however, they can get cold, rude, and unresponsive if they don’t like you. They strive for perfection in everything they do, which is what they look for in their employees. They appreciate beauty and style – so, as an employee, they consistently report to work well-dressed. Sticklers for organization, tidiness, timeliness, and detailing – they can reward you handsomely if you love these too.

Pisces 

Traits as a Boss: Empathetic, Relaxed, Emotional, Fluid, and Easy-going.

It is rare to find a Pisces boss because they cannot boss people around. They may get too empathetic and swayed away by their emotions to make any concrete decision. If you somehow work under a Piscean boss, you have the finest working conditions, an excellent work-life balance, and a non-manipulative boss. The problem, however, is business continuity and growth. They are too involved in people’s welfare to care about money, growth, and the future! Easily stressed and influenced, manipulators can destroy them and lose sight of the future.

Libra 

Traits as a Boss: Charismatic, Charming, Polite and Gentle, Logical, Persuasive, Great Mediator, and fair.

Suave, intelligent, knowledgeable, and excellent at persuasion – that’s everything a boss must get his dissenting employees to agree with him. Never caught on the wrong foot, they weigh their options carefully in everything – what they speak, what they do, what they choose. Extremely calculative, you cannot take them for a ride – although they secretly wish to be admired and appreciated. So if you are an employee of a Libra boss, do your work sincerely, bring your arguments with proof, and drop in a compliment for your boss once in a while.

Gemini 

Traits as a Boss: Adaptable, Approachable, Lively, Fun and Charming, Logical, and Team-player.

Gemini is going to be the most fun boss around. Lively and adventure-seeking. This also means they can get unstable and lost, which could cost the business dearly. They can quickly jump ship to keep up with their need to be free. As an employee, you may struggle with the unpredictability of the Gemini boss. They don’t like to boss anyone and are generally laid-back and relaxed. It is suitable for an employee, especially with business stability, except when things get serious.

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What In The Name Of LOVE

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It’s a different morning today – colder than usual. I like it. It is a welcome change from how the climate has been playing for a while, and a little drop in temperatures has been something I have been looking forward to.

I peek out the window and am delighted to see a tiny film of haze clouding my view, and a few dew drops roll down my window pane. I feel elated. I can see the light hazy mist far in the open. I sigh with relief and am ready to start my day with a spring in my step. I am happy the day will not sap me of all my hydration due to excessive heat, as was the case for a few weeks.

I help myself to a cup of tea and sit beside my window to enjoy my cup and the morning newspaper. This is the time of the day I love the most. I am an early riser; everyone is still in bed, and the house is quiet, allowing me to tune into the sounds of nature, the birds chirping, and the swish-swoosh of the leaves swaying to the wind like a dance that is free of Care!

I look at the newspaper, go through a few pages, and stop at one. My heart starts to beat faster, and my eyes are consuming every piece written in this part. My ears have suddenly stopped listening to the sounds I love most, and I am somehow recreating the scene in my head that is described in this news piece. I am suddenly beginning to feel rage. Not anger, but RAGE!

I am looking at the news of one Shraddha Walker – a 26-year-old woman killed by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawalla. This is not a typical case of murder. It is gruesome, heartless, and devoid of any humanity. Yet, ultimately, this Man, who is all of 28 years old, has the guts, audacity, and bestiality to kill his partner, chop her body into pieces, keep it refrigerated in the same house for over four months, look at it every day and meticulously dispose of her parts little by little each day in the dead of the night! 

What is more enraging is that this woman had fought with her entire family, leaving her home and parents behind to be with this Man. She fought for her love and a future she thought was her ‘happily ever after.’ She fought with her family, who disapproved of her relationship and walked away, saying, ‘You may think your daughter is dead.’ And all this while she was already suffering abuse at his hands and writing to her boss that she was too bruised and beaten up to report to work. She was already writing to the cops that she suspected he would kill her one day and chop her off to pieces!

The guy kills his live-in and in-love partner because she wants to marry him, and he had probably fallen out of love and was already looking for his new dose of adrenalin rush. He was high on drugs, drinking, dating, and cheating. Let alone being remorseful or guilt-ridden for his barbaric act, he prides himself in being inspired by the OTT series ‘DEXTER.’

The dew drops rolling down the window pane till some time ago are now rolling down my cheeks…

I am wondering – WHAT, in the name of LOVE? 

She probably only wanted marriage and commitment—a social validation for her bold choice of HIM over everything else. To fulfill his promises while pursuing her promises to be faithful and loyal in good times and bad, in sickness and health – till death did them apart!

That did not happen. But what was she thinking? She did have rough episodes where she woke up from her dreams to a harsh and rude reality. She knew something was coming. Something was not as ‘fairy-tale as she would have loved to believe. Then WHY DIDN’T SHE LEAVE?

Love makes you blind, they say – I agree – Been there, done that. It makes your world go round, puts you head over heels, turns you into a Selenophile, blah blah… yes, but why didn’t she realize when the love ended, when things went downhill? Why did an independent woman like her continue an abusive relationship even though she wasn’t married, had no kids, and had no strings attached? And not just her… So many women are subjected to so much lovelessness, carelessness, violence, and brutality, yet we hold onto it. Women are Killed for Wanting to Marry; Not wanting to Marry; Killed over an Argument; Killed for wanting to move on; Killed because there was too much salt in the food! 

And it does not matter if you are dependent, illiterate, or challenging physical condition, independent women, highly educated and successful women, accomplished celebrities, and financially independent, It happens to all.

The question is, What are we doing wrong? Why are we doing this to ourselves? Why are we loving ourselves so little and looking for so much validation from people who have let us down? Why are so many women becoming Shraddha and Ankita and Vaishali Thakkar… What, in the name of love, are we accepting? 

Yes, love still makes the world go round, but I guess…we need to choose differently. Choose the right person to love. Choose ‘Yourself’ to love. “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” — Lucille Ball

Promise to love yourself First.

Rest In Peace, Shraddha!

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Having Difficult Conversations

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Life has never been easy on anyone. On the contrary, anyone who even seems like they had it easy – has had it extremely difficult. Trust me on that. Life is not a smooth ride for any rider, and it has always been a bumpy ride riddled with potholes, sharp turns, flat tyres, bad roads, and No roads at times!

But as Paulo Coelho puts it, ‘Straight roads do not make skilful drivers,’ similarly, easy life never made happy people! All the happy people you see out there; who look like they have everything under control; have had to overcome some of the most challenging tests until now, i.e., Having Difficult Conversations.

Whether you are in a relationship and feel the need to move past it, communicating this to the other half, who is still invested in the relationship, is a difficult conversation. Or, it would help if you told an employee that they need to resign…is a difficult conversation. Or you must deny a request to lend your money to a friend…is a difficult conversation. Or demanding your rightful share in a property or reasonable dues at the workplace, especially when people are not being fair…is going to be a difficult conversation. Or sometimes something as trivial as asking your friends and relatives to pay for your professional services, which they feel you offered to them as goodwill, is also a difficult conversation.

These are those times when life puts you at a crossroads, and you must choose one road to advance. What makes it more complicated is that you must choose the road without full knowledge of what lies ahead, of what that path brings you. It is sometimes a blind choice, a leap of faith, or even a gamble. But it would help if you still made that decision. 

Why is it Difficult!!!

These conversations may feel normal for some but extremely difficult for others. What makes it difficult is the realisation of ‘What is at stake!’ What may be at stake is what makes it challenging to make such a decision and what makes it difficult to communicate this to the other person. 

It’s probably a considerable amount of money involved or probably something more inestimable – Emotions, feelings, self-worth, hurt, and pain!

You probably know what the other person may go through post what will be said. You also know how much s/he may have invested personally, monetarily, and emotionally all this while. Therefore you understand that the amount of hurt and pain it will cause them is unfathomable. Probably for the same reason you have waited on the sidelines and endured what has been going on for a while. Probably you have chosen to keep quiet about it and brush it under the carpet for a long time now, ‘just to keep the peace.’ It might be little things that have added up or bigger let-downs that happened over time. Or it is probably what will follow after the rude surprise that will be too emotionally heavy that you cannot deal with, so you have continued to bear that in silence.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure – it is getting heavier by the day, getting increasingly difficult to keep up with the chagrin. 

Why must we still make those decisions!!! 

Your decision to be quiet about the issue to keep the peace is probably not working in the long run. The more you decide to ignore it, the more intensely it backfires. It has become that wet brick you have been holding for way too long that has now started to get heavier and heavier, and you know you must put it down to stop the discomfort. 

Talking about the issue is challenging, but you must do it to unload yourself. It is precisely when you feel like you don’t want to talk about it – it IS when you MUST talk about it. 

If not now, it will only get more and more difficult later and may come out at an unwarranted time over an unnecessary issue and at a needless place. Times when you feel you have no choice but to do it, but still don’t want to do it – is when it is the most important to do it!

Keep in mind

Now that you eventually muster up the courage to talk remember it will not be accessible by any means. It will not be easy for anyone and may change the order of things forever. Therefore, there may be some essential things you must realize and remember.

First and foremost, be honest about why you want this conversation and what you want out of this. If the goal of your discussion is proving yourself right and putting the other person down, you might as well drop the conversation altogether.

Next, always remember that the other person deserves as much respect and dignity as they held while things were hunky-dory between you both. Just because things are falling apart does not give you the right to strip them of their respect and dignity due to feeling wronged!

Then, be ready for a NO! This is probably something that most of us find challenging to deal with… A Rejection. A denial. A Failure. But this is where you need to remind yourself, time and again, that the other person does reserve the right to say No. And that you must respect that as much as you would respect an agreement to your terms. Be prepared to hear a ‘No’ and plan your response if the outcome is not in your favour. 

In addition, avoid any urge to get even, score over them, put them down, hurt them or resort to blaming. Remember you shared a good part of your life with them. They are there in your life for a reason, and respect that reason. Just because things may not be going the way you imagined them does not give you the right to be mean to them. 

Additionally, avoid Sarcasm, belittling, personal remarks, and manipulating the situation to make your demand look justified.

And last but not least, focus on the situation. Approach them with sensitivity and take care not to mock them. Keep it private and genuine. Be objective and fair to both of you. Remember, you are dealing with a Human whom you shared a part of your life with, and they deserve better treatment. Be empathetic and see the other person’s point of view as well – because this probably came out of nowhere for them. They weren’t even expecting this. Allow them time to come to terms with it, sink, and sulk. Allow them space to process what’s happening and have the maturity not to dictate how they ‘should’ be feeling according to your plan! 

Remember, difficult conversations will always be difficult until you make them challenging. But your job resumes after the dialogue. The person at the other end might require help coming to terms with it. So give Closure where necessary – the other person deserves it. And do check on them to see if they are OK and if they are OK with you checking. That’s it!

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The Interference

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My dear friend asked me for a Divorce Attorney’s number. Within minutes, I put all my social machinery into force to look for a number to help her. I did pass all the numbers I could find. Finally, she settled from the many and planned her visit to the lawyer. 

It wasn’t supposed to sound routine! What surprised me, though that I wasn’t surprised at her request. I almost knew it was coming! It kept me awake. It sent me pondering what the driving force behind her choice is. What forced her to make this choice at this stage! Slowly but surely?

All was not downhill with her husband and their relationship. What strained her bond then? Was it relatives, her family members, in-laws, maybe not, maybe !!?? 

YES! All of them. These were the very people who we consider the ‘support system’ of the sacred institution called ‘Marriage.’ This support system is presumed to insulate you from the daily wear and tear of the relationship and the occasional earth-shattering problems a couple faces in modern-day society. 

The problem HERE was ‘they were DOING WELL’!! 

They were doing well for themselves in terms of Finances, housing, savings, travel, and many other facts…… More than Roti, Kapda, and Makaan!!! (food, clothing, and shelter) And not just for themselves. Their hard work was helping people related to them too, aka the ‘support system.’ Then, what was the problem? 

The problem was Interference. 

Before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify. I live in a joint family and am totally in favour of it. However, a home on the verge of breaking pinches my heart as much as it pinches yours…. BUT….coming back to our situation… 

The Interference was in everything they were doing. RIGHT! Even if it meant going to a movie together as a couple, requiring some ‘us’ time, or watching a late-night movie locked up in their bedroom. Or going for a morning walk together…. Everything was laden with interference and pressure. 

Pressure to keep the ego of the ‘elders’ of the house swelling. It was almost like, ‘How dare you guys have an easy-going relationship while we are still nursing our fragile and bigger-than-the-planet EGOs’!! Similar to our corporate bosses who get wounded if a junior has an easy life. HOW DARE YOU!! 

The dictation of terms saturated every aspect of their life as a couple. Including what clothes to wear, what to cook, and every decision of the couple’s personal lives. Why would that be, you ask? Oh! That was because they were the youngest in the household. So, all the ‘bosses’ of the house could not digest that someone could achieve more than they could and sooner than they could. It is almost like… Do good in life but not better than us!

Cut to the present day; they are looking for a divorce: lousy word, but probably better life than what they currently share. What surprises me most here is that all these fiends – family members, in-laws, ‘elders’ of the house – are now Non-Existent!! They leave it to the couple to decide since ‘it is their life, you see?’ They choose to graciously step aside and let the couple do what they decide to do…. ‘Dono adults hain, apna bhala bura khud soch sakte hain, right? Hum Kaise interfere karenge?’ (Both are adults, they know what’s good and foul, who are we to interfere? )

Well, Yes!!! This stepping aside graciously was needed and required absolutely. However, it is too late for the couple. Not now. It was mandated when they had a good life and wanted that peace and privacy while building the foundation of their marriage – needed when they tried to go to a movie and, when they wanted to go for a walk, when they tried to sleep late, when they wanted to go for a drive by themselves and when they wanted a support system to help them with their kids and pets. When they wanted personal space and when they wanted PEACE! That. My friend. That is where you need to graciously tame your bruised egos and step aside and let love bloom! 

And No. It would be best if you did not step aside graciously now. Now is the time for Interference. The ‘Positive’ Interference! Now is the time you SHOULD intervene. Try and know the story from both parties, separately and jointly. Try and iron out the differences. Show them that there may be hope. Show them that love can bloom again. Show them that all is not lost! Now. 

My Friend. Now is the time to I-N-T-E-R-F-E-R-E.

Interfere, not when things are going well. Meddle, instead, when things are going awry. Reach out, enquire… How can this mess be sorted? What was supposed to be done was to let them be, leave them alone when things were hunky-dory and check when things were going wrong. Never the other way round!

Why would you have it the other way around? It sounds insane but is as insanely widely present. Almost ubiquitous. Why does this even sound so familiar? We all know this is wrong, yet we all have gone through this in some form. Why are we doing this, then?

Had the Interference been absent when things were going well, the NEED for Interference would never arise now. Just a slight change in approach would have changed so much. In a way, saved lives from pain, mental trauma, and separation. 

Some would say Interference is terrible. But I beg to differ. I am all for Interference, but at the right time and the Right Kind! The ‘Positive’ Interference.

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Care For The Caring

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“Hey, Mom, I am leaving for college… So don’t wait for Dinner, and I got extra classes after college.”

Mom: Wait! Have your breakfast and carry some lunch with you… wait…listen…

BYE, MOM. 

Door SLAM SHUT!

We all have had this conversation at some point in life, in one form or another. With spouse, father, mother, friends …someone. What’s the issue here? I will tell you. Let’s first see another instance…

Doctor: Your Father has severe dementia from Alzheimer’s. He may not be able to eat or bathe by himself. And in the last stages, it may get worse. See if you want to admit him to a Nursing Facility.

Family member: Oh dear. He should feel better at home. 

The point here is ‘Care’!

From general everyday things and access to healthy food to special care during illness or recovery, care is required at every stage. It is as essential as the curative treatment itself, and sometimes more. Imagine even going for a minor surgery without anyone giving you post-operative care. Even the thought is a bit unsettling.

Care Is Important.

With the recent pandemic hitting us, everything we knew, owned, or believed was tested. Our jobs, careers, relationships, finances, life plans…everything went for a toss. It was like a ‘Surprise Test’ doled out to us out of nowhere! No one was prepared for it, had ever experienced something like this before, and no one knew what it had in store for us. No one even knew whether we would survive this and meet our beloveds at the other end. But it gave us our biggest Lesson so far – ‘We only have each other to count on!’  

The Covid pandemic taught us the importance of ‘Care’ in a big way. Not just during the illness but also something as mundane as someone asking if you are okay and if you had your meal on time – this is what each one craved during this time. Anyone who had someone to care for them emotionally, physically, or financially felt blessed. We had our houses, belongings, savings, cars, and everything intact. But we still felt empty and longing for basics like food, medicines, fresh air, and, most importantly – Connections! We craved friends and family. We longed for ‘CARE.’

Entitlement To Care!

Although Covid did teach us what is essential and what we shouldn’t take for granted, some of us never quite learn our lessons.

‘Care’ is one thing many of us take for granted. But, not just taken for granted, we think we are ‘Entitled’ to it! Whether it is our parents caring for us in different ways, our spouse, friends, roommates, or just about anyone. We do not view it as something we are ‘blessed with’ but rather as ‘entitled to!’ My mom cares for me because she is supposed to, right? But, we think they care because ‘they ought to!’ that’s their job. WRONG!

They care because we mean something to them. Because they hold us in their hearts. Because their heart aches to see us in distress. This is precious, as you cannot create or summon these feelings in anyone. Nor can you ‘try’ to care for someone you naturally don’t like. This should be held close to the heart and valued highly if someone is genuinely concerned for you. The irony, however, is that a person who cares does not get any reciprocation of love, or even if they do, it’s far less than what they deserve. This is because we need to value love and Care more. At least not until it’s lost!

Care is COSTLY.

One hypothesis on why we don’t value care and concern is that these are abstract feelings. And we always need to understand its value because we cannot measure it in actual monetary terms. If we could put a price tag on the abstract, would we ever appreciate its value? Have you ever ‘paid’ for help and care? If you had, you would have understood that care is precious and very COSTLY!

Try hiring external help – Palliative care, Hospice care, Geriatric Care, pediatric Care, or even Nursing home costs – all come for a considerable price. The care you would otherwise get from your loved ones costs you a bomb if you set out to buy it. Will you believe me if I say I can charge you $100* a day for just giving you a day off from caring for an elderly/terminally ill patient? (Respite care). Or can I charge you $193* per day if you are about to die in 2 months? (Hospice care). (*Data from Discovery Commons and debt.org)

Believe me when I say ‘Care’ comes at a Price!

Care is Concern & Love in its purest form!

Yes, concern and love in their purest form pour out in the form of care in everyday life. It may not sound like ‘I LOVE YOU’ and ‘I CARE FOR YOU’ but rather ‘did you have your lunch?’ or ‘how was your day at work?’ Remember what Piglet from Winnie the Pooh says…

Piglet: “Pooh!”

Pooh “Yes, Piglet?”

Piglet: “Nothing,” taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”

Be grateful while it lasts.

Nothing remains permanent, and nothing makes us ‘entitled’ to any care we receive. So if anyone cares for you, in whatever way, the least you can do is view it gratefully and reciprocate gracefully! 

Care for the ‘Caring’ – they are a scarce breed; be gracefully grateful while it lasts…for you!

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Professions By Zodiac

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“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” — Charles Bukowski. Remember when as kids, we were asked this question repeatedly – What will you become when you grow up? Of course, we all had different answers, vivid dreams, and aspirations about what we would like to evolve as we grow up!

Then Adulthood happened! We woke up to reality – the reality of working or running a business for survival rather than pursuing our dream. Adulthood is complex. You got to work to pursue your dream, and you cannot at times follow your dream because you got to work!

For those who are actually into their dream profession – A BIG Congratulations!!! For the lesser fortunate mortals like me who feel like Elsa singing into the unknown, “I am not where I am meant to be.” – We take fleeting respites in dreaming about the profession we would choose had we not been where we are! 

And to tell you a secret, what you would rather be, is dictated far and wide by your Zodiac! Don’t believe me? Read on to find out! These are professions your Zodiac naturally inclines toward. 

Aries

They are Born-leaders and therefore do well with ‘authority’ professions. Leading comes naturally to them, and they usually prefer to be their boss. They are assertive, strong-willed, and competitive. Because of their eternal optimism, they start many projects and get into many fortes but quickly lose track and leave them halfway. Explain why they are good bosses, as they take the initiative to begin projects and later expect their teams to carry forward.

Symbolised by the ‘RAM,’ they are also stalwarts and fighters of the Zodiac. And for this reason, they usually gravitate to occupations dealing with competition, physical stamina, or combat sports viz athletics, boxing, etc.

Preferred career choices: 
Boss, Managers, Athlete, Firefighter, Stunt-Performer, Business Owner, Political Figure, Professional Gamer

Taurus

Symbolised by the ‘Bull,’ Taurus seeks stability in everything they do. They have no qualms following a routine and make good, punctual employees. Grounded and practical, they can stick with an organization for a long time and grow to the top hierarchy. Dependable, determined, honest, and hardworking, they are also great with money and finances. Taurus, secretly, also likes food and beauty. So, they can make great chefs too.

Their love for motherland, and land in general, makes Farming their top choice as it caters to land-love, food-love, and nature-love (beauty) too!

Preferred career choices: 
Farmer, Landscaper, Designers, Bankers, Financial Advisors, Chefs, Food critics, Artists.

Gemini

They are people’s people. They like people around them and have impeccable interpersonal skills, which makes them good public speakers too. Moreover, they love the fast-paced life, just like the wind breeze. So anything that can stimulate their minds/environment that offers them lots of people interaction, variety, and the opportunity to do many different things, and play different roles simultaneously, can make it their career choice, like Project Management. Moreover, they are always mentally active and love to process many other aspects of a topic so they can do excellently as Project Managers!

Communication and people skills make them apt for careers like Teaching, Public relations, Public speaking, etc.

Preferred career choices: 
Public Relations, Public Speakers, Motivational Speakers, Teachers, Communication Consultants, Storytellers, Journalists, Publicity Consultants, and Project Managers.

Leo

They are the Zodiac’s ‘Celebrity.’ They love attention, exposure and fame. Notable entertainers in performing arts, acting, singing, dancing, drama, and much more. They also make some of the greatest Orators. Since being the center of attention also calls for excellent presentation skills, they are among the best-dressed people. Always a cut above the rest. The reason why they are also inclined to fashion designing/ consulting. 

They also love taking the lead and therefore make some of the best leaders in their fields. Teaching and Politics come naturally to them.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Fashion Designer, Actor, Singers, Artists, Stage performers, Public Speakers, Teachers, Politicians, Managers, and Business leaders.

Virgo

They are full of a mother’s love for everyone around them. They are compassionate, empathetic, and considerate and the most well-behaved people around. Always having an eye for detail, they seek perfection in everything they do. Sometimes err on the side of being over-critical. 

Virgos are good at following instructions and have a knack for good customer service, making them ideal for the Hospitality industry. They also do exceptionally well in Service and Care functions like Customer services, Handling the Front Desk, and working as Therapists.

Having an eye for detail and being a perfectionist makes them ideal for jobs requiring mass amounts of research or statistics — e.g., Data analysts, Detectives, etc. They also have a secret talent – Dancing. Most Virgos can dance incredibly well. It’s almost a pre-installed program they are born with!

Preferred Career Choices: 
Data Analysis, Researchers, Statistician, Editors, Detectives, Palliative and Geriatric caregivers, Running NGOs for lesser fortunate, Dancers, Dance directors, and Choreographers.

Cancer

Cancerians are the most traditional and nurturing sign of the Zodiac. They carry motherly instincts for all living creatures. They have an innate sense of love and responsibility towards their creator. They make great ‘Mothers’ themselves and admire their mothers too much to desert them ever. No wonder they gravitate towards protecting their motherland and choose Defence or Farming as their career choices.

Due to their motherly instincts, they are great caretakers and agony aunts, too —so any job that requires Counseling and problem solving to make everyone happy is an excellent choice for them. They make great social workers and change catalysts too. They love their food and have excellent culinary skills – talk, travel, and food that’s their forte.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Chefs, Travel and Food shows, Dieticians, Veterinaries, Social workers, Nursing, Caregivers, Motivational speakers, Human resources, Counsellors, teachers, Midwives, and Gynaecologists.

Scorpio

They are incredibly meticulous, intelligent, and competitive people. They are the masters of disguise and discretion. Rule breakers of the first order, no wonder they make great spies and clever detectives. They love all things with the ‘secret’ tag. They understand mental games like no other and, therefore, can be amid intelligence organizations, top-level secret associations, or handling confidential papers. Curious and cunning, they pursue a case until they’ve found an answer.

Extremely passionate about whatever they do, they also work well in crisis management careers. In addition, they are highly competitive and follow their dream relentlessly, making them ideal CEOs and athletes. For some working at the FBI or such detective agencies as a secret agent is a dream job for them!
Preferred Career Choices: 
Interpol, Detectives, Spy, Performers, Actors, Scientists, Researchers, Business Analysts, Investigators, Engineers, Judge, Lawmakers, Government Officials.

Libra

Libra is a sign of ‘Balance.’ They like to see balance in every aspect of life. Therefore, professions of law and judiciary come naturally to them. They are also great at social skills and are adept at bringing people together, which makes them amazing arbitrators, mediators, and negotiators.

They can easily see through people’s motives and are good at reading people and understanding their motivations, which makes Sales a natural choice. Incredibly charming and friendly, they can sweet-talk you into any deal. And for the same reason, Customer Service, Hospitality, and Diplomacy are natural fits too. They also have a knack for languages, so literature and translation careers come easy. Nursing love for the land; some Liberians are farmers too – remember ‘balance?’ – this is balance in nature for them.

Preferred Career choices: 
Diplomats, Crime/Hostage Negotiators, Judges, Lawyers, Brokers, Legal consultants, Salespersons, Language translators, Travel and hospitality industry, Realtors.

Capricorn

They are the ‘Professionals’ of the Zodiac. Their professional identity means everything to them. Extremely hardworking and serious about their work, they have a no-nonsense approach to everything they set their mind to. They are notorious workaholics, which does not mean they do not enjoy life. ‘Work Hard And Party Harder’ is their mantra for life.

Capricorns are serious, pragmatic, and organized and use their hard work, ambition, and commitment to reach the top. Managing and Administration jobs are their natural choices. Scaling corporate hierarchies is their motto. And they thrive in high-pressure environments. But, being the ‘Mountain goat,’ they can also choose mountaineering or trekking as their profession. Whatever they choose, they put in their best and work hard till they achieve their goals.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Manager, Directors, CEO, Top Corporate jobs, Government Officials, Computer programmers, Athletes, Trekkers, Mountaineers

Aquarius

They have unusual working methods and take pride as the Rule-benders. They are clever, hardworking, and always take an out-of-the-box approach to every problem. Many perceive the aquarian as a disobedient, aggressive, belligerent Antagonist because they are unconventional! Trust me; they are NOT! They are not trying to defy anyone, just attempting to show the world an unconventional way of doing mundane things. 

Due to their non-conforming attitude, they mostly gravitate towards careers of science, discoveries, research, Technology, and entrepreneurship. However, design and product development are their areas of interest – different ways of doing things. Being able to see things from a different angle also makes ‘Photography’ a quite literal choice. Their curiosity and free-spiritedness make them avid traveler’s too. Meeting new people and working on their own schedule appeals to them, making freelancing an appealing option of occupation. 

Preferred Career Choices: 
Photographers, Graphic Designers, Project Management, Entrepreneur, Freelancer or Independent Contractors, Scientists, Researchers, Inventors, and Product Designers.

Sagittarius

They are flamboyant and fun-loving. Extroverts and party-hoppers of the first order. People skills come naturally to them, and they have a knack for conversing well with others and making them suitable Public Speakers. Fun and public speaking sometimes culminate into being great Comedians too!

Motivating others and inspiring morale are their USPs, which is why they do well in Managerial and Team Leading roles. They also love to travel and yearn for a nomadic life which makes them good traveler’s and makes Tourism their favourite profession. Since they love inspiring others, they also make good teachers, youth leaders, and motivational speakers.

Preferred career Choices: 
Stand-up Comedians, Motivational Speakers, Teachers, Managers, Guides, Mentors, Public Relations, Travel Consultants, Travellers, and Tour Guides.

Pisces

They have parental tendencies. If you have a Piscean around, they will look after you like a parent looks after a child. Be it your safety, well-being, food, clothing, or shelter. They are designed for parenting you! So, they naturally gravitate towards nursing or caregiving vocations. They are intuitive and understand the emotional side of a person a little too well, which is why they make great sounding boards and agony aunts.

Careers that cater to your sensitive, healing side is what appeal to them. So, alternative healing like reiki, sound healing, and chakra healing is their go-to occupation. Piscean’s are intelligent and compassionate, making them great in areas that require healing and rejuvenation, like arts, medicine, and alternative healing. Piscean’s domain is anything to do with healthcare and caregiving – where you can restore ‘life’ in the other person. They are sea creatures and also like everything marine.

Preferred Career Choice: 
Nurse, Doctor, Therapist, psychologist, Counsellors, Tarot card readers, Reiki healers, Philanthropist, Social Activist, Social worker, Deep-sea divers, Marine biologist, Merchant navy.

While following your career, your heart is your best guide. But you could take a little help from the stars too. What say?

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