The blog post discusses Zohran Mamdani's unconventional journey to becoming mayor-elect of New York City, highlighting his past as a rapper under the alias Mr. Cardamom. It argues that his creative experiences, often seen as liabi...
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Carmen Van Kerckhove writes about identity and ambition, exploring life's transitions and authenticity. Based in NYC, she has a diverse background in writing, blogging, and travel content.
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The author reflects on nostalgia, particularly the longing for youth and the feeling of unlimited potential that comes with it. She critiques the current trend of AI-generated nostalgic content that promotes the idea that the best...
The blog post critiques the motivations behind the college admissions scandal, questioning why wealthy families, who already possess power, influence, and access, would resort to bribery for elite college admissions. The author re...
The author reflects on the strategic value of accepting unpaid work, using personal experiences and the story of Amy Herman to illustrate how such opportunities can lead to significant career advancements. The narrative emphasizes...
In a disorienting job market, individuals must detach their identity from their careers and adapt to new realities for long-term success.
The traditional career ladder is no longer a reliable path to success in today's job market, which has been fundamentally altered by AI and economic changes. The author argues that instead of climbing a rigid ladder, individuals s...
The author critiques the behavior of individuals who exploit cities for personal gain without genuine engagement or commitment, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the example of a Manhattan mom influencer ...
The post critiques the rising costs and declining quality of higher education, comparing it to the luxury brand Chanel, which has also seen a drop in product quality despite increased prices. The author discusses the concept of 'e...
The author questions the value of a traditional college education in light of the rapidly changing job market, where many degrees lead to underemployment. They argue that the skills learned in college may become obsolete and sugge...
Carmen Van Kerckhove discusses the impact of AI and gig work on workplace friendships, highlighting how automation and competition are eroding human connections in professional settings. She reflects on the importance of informal ...
The article discusses the trend of gig-ification in white-collar jobs, highlighting how CEOs are openly discussing the potential for AI to replace many traditional roles. It explores the psychological implications of this shift, q...
The author reflects on the themes of identity and self-perception as influenced by societal roles, drawing parallels between the show 'Severance' and real-life experiences of fragmentation in personal and professional identities. ...
The author reflects on the contrasting experiences of belonging to a city one is born in versus one that is chosen. Through the lens of their love for New York City, the author explores themes of discovery, urgency, and the comple...
The author reflects on their recent reluctance to engage online despite a successful career in building platforms and audiences. They attribute this to personal circumstances, including repeated home damage, and a deeper understan...
The article discusses the concept of 'nepo babies'—individuals who benefit from familial connections and financial support in their careers. It argues that while these advantages are often criticized, the real benefit lies in the ...
The author reflects on their journey from an office manager to a cultural commentator, emphasizing the importance of having a safety net when considering career changes. They argue that the traditional 'leap of faith' approach to ...
The author reflects on stepping back from a successful business to protect her children and how it led to writing a book. She introduces the concept of the Slingshot Effect, where stepping back creates momentum for future success....
The text discusses the changing nature of work and the need to reconsider traditional ideas of success and prestige. It highlights the importance of emotional flexibility and the ability to make unconventional career moves in the ...
The text discusses the impact of AI on the job market, highlighting the increasing value of skilled trades and the diminishing demand for knowledge workers. It draws parallels to the economic shift caused by the Black Death in the...
The text discusses the pressure to have unique, transformative, and authentic travel experiences, and the unspoken hierarchy in the travel world. The author shares personal experiences and reflections on how travel styles evolve o...
The text discusses the inevitability of job loss due to AI and the importance of building an identity beyond one's job. It emphasizes that companies prioritize the appearance of innovation over actual evolution, and urges individu...
The text discusses the impact of AI and automation on knowledge workers, emphasizing that the jobs most vulnerable to displacement are the ones that were considered prestigious. It advises people to build an identity separate from...
The text discusses the importance of knowing when to quit and how it can be a powerful skill. It uses the metaphor of mountain climbing to illustrate the concept, and the author shares personal experiences of quitting and the posi...
The text discusses the phenomenon of tourists trying to differentiate themselves from 'regular tourists' and the impact of this mindset on travel experiences. It highlights the performance aspect of travel culture and the need for...