#salary negotiation example

[tchaikovskym]

My coworker: I've heard different opinions about the barbie movie

Me: oh yeah bad and good?

My coworker: yeah, some say it's a really good movie and the others say it's such a feminist movie

And that's how I came out as a feminist at my work

[mentorshelly]

Scripts to Use for Salary Negotiations (Even If You're Nervous)

Let’s be real for a second: the idea of talking about money in an interview can make you feel like your brain just unplugged itself and walked away.But guess what? If you don’t negotiate your salary, you’re basically telling your future paycheck, “Eh, surprise me.” We don’t do surprises when rent is due, student loans are real, and your iced coffee habit isn’t going anywhere. So if you’re a Gen…

[liketolaugh-writes]

Justice League Pay Scale

Base pay is calculated based on the following factors: rank, frequency of incidents, caliber of incidents, and specialized skills. Pay is reassessed yearly as a fixed salary distributed biweekly.

Bonus pay is distributed on a per incident basis, equally to every involved hero (including non-certified ones) and is typically somewhere between $15,000 (for successfully averted crises) to $50,000 (for absolute out-of-control battles for the world)

Rank: Interplanetary ($200,000) | Planetary ($100,000) | National ($75,000) | Local ($50,000)

- This is about responsibilities within the Justice League (administration, treaty negotiation, reports and monitor duty, etc) and is not about status

Frequency of incidents: Daily (500) | Multiple times a week (250) | Weekly (100) | Multiple times a month (50) | Monthly (20) | Times last year

Caliber of incidents: Street-level crime ($100) | Metahuman crime ($250) | Organized crime ($500) | City district attacks ($2000) | City-wide attacks ($4000) | International incidents ($10,000) | Attempted worldwide attacks ($20,000)

City-wide attacks, international incidents, and attempted worldwide attacks have to be reported on an individual basis

Specialized (requiring skills or abilities that are extremely rare): x1.5

Mentor: x1.25

Formula: Rank + (Street-level x Frequency) + (Metahuman crime x Frequency) + (Organized crime x Frequency) + (City district x Frequency) + (City-wide x Frequency) + (International incidents x Frequency) + (Attempted worldwide x Frequency) x Specialized bonus x Mentorship bonus

Examples:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Interplanetary | $200,000 + (Street-level | $100 x Daily | 500) + (Metahuman crime | $250 x Monthly | 20) + (Organized crime | $500 x Multiple times a month | 50) + (City district attacks | $2000 x 4 times last year) x Specialized | 1.5 x Mentor | 1.25 = $540,000

Clark Kent/Superman: Interplanetary | $200,000 + (Street-level | $100 x Daily | 500) + (City district attacks | $2000 x Monthly | 20) + (City-wide attacks | $4000 x 4 last year) + (International incidents | $10,000 x 6 last year) + (Attempted worldwide | $20,000 x 3 last year) x Mentorship | 1.25 = $532,500

Raven: Planetary | $100,000 + (Metahuman crime | $250 x Multiple times a month | 50) + (Attempted worldwide attacks | $20,000 x 8 times last year) x Specialized | 1.5 = $408,750

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Vividness Bias

Vividness Bias - the inclination to make decisions based on distinguished characteristics rather than the situation as a whole.

Overweighting factors that appear prestigious causes individuals to overlook other elements that are equally important.

A common example of vividness bias is choosing a job solely based on the starting salary without considering other key components, such as the commute or company culture.

How to Identify Vividness Bias

To identify the vividness effect, follow the below steps.

Assess the situation. Review the decision or problem you’re trying to solve, focusing on how the situation impacts all stakeholders. Outline the main objectives of the circumstances along with the necessary steps you need to take to understand the different factors. Evaluating the situation with fresh eyes will help you determine whether you’re approaching the position with a balanced or skewed perspective.

Reflect on the factors influencing you. If you employ vividness bias to analyze a situation, you overemphasize flashy pieces of information. Consider the factors most influencing your decision-making, and identify whether those factors are prestigious stimuli. This type of psychological review will help you sift through vivid information and prevent you from discounting pallid factors as an incentive.

Recognize your bias. After highlighting the factors you’re most drawn to, ask yourself why you’re focusing on those influences. With this form of reflection, you can determine your vividness bias and avoid making additional mental shortcuts that hinder you from reaching a sound decision. Using this type of reflection will also help limit your cognitive bias, which is another thought process that can hinder your decision-making.

How to Combat Vividness Bias

Understanding cognitive psychology can help you keep your confirmation bias in check, helping you make informed decisions that avoid the vividness effect.

Outline your priorities. Identify what you value most, so you can avoid becoming enticed by vivid factors. For example, if you’re completing a job questionnaire, reflect on each element of the position and organize them in order of importance. While the salary negotiations may appear to be the most important factor, the job location may be another component your vividness bias leads you to overlook. Outlining your priorities and focusing on your values will help you combat vividness bias.

Review the situation from different perspectives. It’s a common human behavior to rely on availability bias to draw information and make decisions. However, using the most accessible information to make a decision can cause you to give in to the vividness effect. Instead, evaluate the situation from multiple perspectives, so you can determine different trade-offs that may be beneficial to you. Considering a situation from multiple perspectives is also an effective strategy for developing an open mind.

Avoid unrealistic comparisons. Vividness bias can lead you to make unrealistic comparisons. These types of contrasts, known as salience bias, can hinder your decision-making and lower your self-esteem. If you catch yourself comparing your situation to another circumstance, take a moment to stop and reflect. Limiting your daily comparisons will help you focus on the present situation, allowing you to use rational thinking to approach a solution.

Make an informed decision. After considering each factor, you can reach a conclusion that best fits your needs and values. Focusing on your main priorities and avoiding comparison will help you combat the effects of vividness bias.

Vividness bias can shield rational thinking during important decision-making or problem-solving situations.

When negotiating a deal, vividness bias causes decision makers to neglect important aspects of the circumstances.

From a collaboration standpoint, team members tend to emphasize their strengths and miscalculate their weaknesses, which can result in conflict escalation.

Developing an awareness when it comes to vividness bias can help you cooperate more effectively in a team environment and make informed decisions.

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[novy2sirius]

how to find your house lords in your chart

explanation of house lords: house lords give us deeper insight than the sign itself in each house. there are 12 different house lords just like there’s 12 different houses. house lords are different than just the houses signs though

how to find them: in order to find a house lord you must first locate the sign of the specific house you want more insight on then locate the planet that rules that sign

planetary rulers for each sign: leo is ruled by the sun, cancer is ruled by the moon, virgo/gemini are ruled by mercury, libra/taurus are ruled by venus, aries/scorpio are ruled by mars, sagittarius/pisces are ruled by jupiter, capricorn/aquarius are ruled by saturn, aquarius is ruled by uranus as well in western astrology, pisces is ruled by neptune as well in western astrology, and scorpio is ruled by pluto as well in western astrology

examples: if your 7th house sign is aries then your 7th house ruler is mars, if your 5th house sign is sagittarius then your 5th house ruler is jupiter, if your 10th house sign is libra then your 10th house ruler is venus, etc

what each lord can tell you

༊*·˚ the 1h lord/chart ruler · can tell about the main themes in your life, physical appearance, identity, confidence, individuality, beauty, mannerisms, masculinity, fitness, etc

༊*·˚ the 2h lord · can tell about your finances, what you spend money on, values in life, self worth, possessions, stability, work ethic, singing voice, etc

༊*·˚ the 3h lord · can tell about your communication style, speaking voice, siblings, social media presence, perceptions, early school life, short journeys/trips, cars and transportation, conscious mind, neighbors, etc

༊*·˚ the 4h lord · can tell about your family, heritage, traditions, inner child, femininity, emotions, childhood, houses/homes, mother, etc

༊*·˚ the 5h lord · can tell about your children, fertility, talents, hobbies, pleasures (all, not just sexual), puppy love, short term relationships/flings, drama, creativity, self expression, joy, attention, etc

༊*·˚ the 6h lord · can tell about your daily routine/tasks, health, consistency, self improvement, analyzation skills, co-workers, pets, etc

༊*·˚ the 7h lord · can tell about your future spouses traits, where you’ll meet your future spouse, long term relationships, business partners, enemies, love affairs, negotiating skills, best friends, etc

༊*·˚ the 8h lord · can tell about your death, intimate life (sexual and general), major transformations, joint finances, investments, inheritance, taxes, trauma, secrets, reproduction, close connections, etc

༊*·˚ the 9h lord · can tell about your knowledge/wisdom, school life in college, traveling life, experiences with the law, viewpoints, languages, foreign environments, learning style, experiences with television and media, in-laws, etc

༊*·˚ the 10h lord · can tell about your career, public image, status, legacy, goals, responsibilities, fame, father, achievements, etc

༊*·˚ the 11h lord · can tell about your desires in life, friends, your salary, wealth, technological interests, uniqueness, influence, fans, internet followers, social networking, manifestations, humanitarianism, etc

༊*·˚ the 12h lord · can tell about your spirituality, healing, karma, experiences in old age, mental health problems, isolation, dreams/nightmares, bed pleasures, hidden desires and things, secret enemies, subconscious mind, fears, losses, etc

[grantmentis]

The following quote is machine translated and may have errors

The same cannot be said for the reserve players that each club keeps as a safety net in case of injury, but who cannot play a match unless they sign a minimum 10-day contract. At the start of the season, there are generally three of them per team. Their salary is set at US$15,450 (approximately CAN$22,000), without insurance, pension plan, or housing allowance. For information purposes, the Institute for Socioeconomic Research and Information (IRIS) estimated in April 2024 that a "viable" income for a single person living in Montreal was $38,479.

Although they have to train with the team on an almost daily basis, the reserves have no choice but to have another job to make ends meet…

…Little known to the public, the working conditions of reserve players are giving rise to more and more discussions within the league.

"It's clear that things need to change," emphasizes agent Karell Émard. "The cost of living is very high, and many things have changed in recent years. The disparity between contracts is obviously not unique to women's hockey. However, it inevitably resonates differently compared to the NHL, for example, where the minimum salary is US$775,000.

Major changes could, however, be held back by the players' collective bargaining agreement with the league, which runs until July 2031, or for six more full seasons. Addenda can be negotiated on a piecemeal basis, but reopening the labor contract would require "a willingness from both sides," Underwood said .

[v6quewrlds]

can u explain really quick what it means that they tagged tee? im not sure i understand why its a bad thing

tldr: so the tag by itself isn't the worst thing in the world. the issue is that the tag creates uncertainty because it's not an extension or a contract. it gives the team some more time to negotiate a contract with the player but it's not a guarantee that the player will agree to the terms the team offers them.

longer explanation under the cut.

in tee's case, he & the bengals have until july 15th to make a decision:

if it's an exclusive tag: he can negotiate a long-term deal or remain on the tag, like he did the past season.

if they don't reach a deal, he won't receive a new long-term contract from the bengals. instead, he'll be paid a salary for one year ($26.2 million for wide receivers this upcoming season).

2. if it's a non-exclusive tag: tee can negotiate with other teams.

the bengals can decide to match any offers tee receives from those teams in order to reach a deal for a new contract.

3. if it's a non-exclusive tag: tee can decide to sign a contract with another team through a trade.

the bengals will receive 2 first-round draft picks.

one of the major drawbacks of the tag besides the uncertainty is that teams can only tag a player up to three times. additionally, the value of the tag increases every time the player is tagged. for example, last season tee was paid $20.6 million, if he stays on the tag he would be paid over $5 million more.

read more: cbs, espn, nfl link one & two

[didalexiabreakupwitholgaisback]

what’s happening with jana’s renewal, i’m confused by the deadline next week. why can’t they renew after that as we have a long time in the season still

so remember i spoke about contracts being highly negotiated documents that are not one size fits all? well, this is an example of that.

jana's contract has a clause in it that says that barça can unilaterally exercise a one year contract extension on it that extends the term of her contract without the player having to agree to it now (the consent is that the clause exists in the contract in the first place). the caveat is that they need to exercise this option by 15 february. so even if jana wanted to leave at the end of the season, by exercising the option by this date, we keep her around for another year.

now it seems like mundo deportivo is filling in a lot of details because we don't really know for sure what is in jana's contract. but if the mundo deportivo report is to be believed, the clause has a feature that says if barça exercises the option, then jana would get a substantial salary increase in return. this makes sense because it is not advantageous to have this type of clause in a player contract unless the player gets something in return.

but all this doesn't mean barça needs to renew her by 15 february. what can happen is that barça can let this date lapse, and jana can shop around other teams for offers. she's not locked into renewing with barça. but that does not prevent barça from still offering her another contract renewal but later in the year.

either way, we should not be in the position by which we send talented players like jana away. these are the types of players who will make fantastic captains and we need them to stay with this team! 🙏

[theposhsworld]

If you are not financially stable on your own you can’t marry rich. You can’t tell him you have trouble with a resume or car tires. You do need money to go to galas and conferences and be dressed in quality fabric and not Shein. You don’t have to be rich to be in the circle of the rich because it’s boring for them to only have rich people. You do have to add value, have a long term orientation and fit in for example like being an artist or a jazz singer. I agree looking pretty but not being able to hold a conversation is called an escort. Femininity helps your marriage stay together and for him not to get a mistress but without being able to be an asset to elite circles no one will marry you. Being pretty and feminine is not enough.

Aliya has an excellent point that leveling up the biggest reward is becoming the best person you can be and that creates dividends in your life. For example my ladies had a month of financial literacy and budgeting. We had an introduction to dialectical behavioural therapy. My ladies said the stoicism massively changed their lives and they started winning everywhere from their work and negotiating their salaries to dating.

Being a doormat or cunning dark feminine and wearing a pink dress will not get you a successful husband. You have to work on yourself to be able to be a successful person in your field that doesn’t compete with your spouse and be financially stable (not a beggar).

The scam coaches don’t teach adding value and reciprocity to fit in the elite social class so that you are an asset in the class but have a get rich quick scam that tell you to act and dress girly and find a rich fool at the internet or bar. If he can’t relate to you, you are only for the bedroom.

As someone flown to conferences as a guest speaker who now has to network for my spouse I do teach the art of networking. The problem is social ascension is very hard and girls cry at what they have to sacrifice. And it’s hard to look the other way at injustice you can’t change. You can’t be yourself and expect to be anywhere else but be where you are at. To get ahead you have to sacrifice who you are today to who you will become. You have to forget where you came from for example and many ladies find this too hard and prefer a bubble gum femininity scam coach who lies that all you need is some superficial changes.

Brokeys have the opinions of friends while successful people hire coaches

Credit Maria Al Massani

[mariacallous]

At some point during our new Gilded Age, as the United States and the world have become more unequal, did Prince Charming die? His cohort of have-yachts have made themselves newly and counterproductively available to our imaginations, posting on social media, sometimes using their own platforms, their glamor dissipating with every bid for laughs or likes. A woman in want of blue-chip fantasy fodder can take her pick from a sickly crop of tech tycoons—Elon Musk, for example, might solicit her to bear one of his “legion” of children via I.V.F. Or perhaps she’d prefer to sign up for membership in the train wreck of the British Royal Family?

A spate of television and books scrutinizing the one per cent attests to the difficulty of romanticizing the pursuit of wealth, especially when it is coupled with the pursuit of love. In the first season of “The White Lotus,” a journalist who marries a Master of the Universe type is promptly labelled a trophy wife. None of the Roys’ intimate relationships in “Succession” beat the charges of opportunism. (Indeed, the purest and most passionate liaison on that show develops between Tom and Greg.) Morally compromised marriages of convenience are even a plot point in the Star Wars spinoff “Andor”: in order to secure funds for her revolutionary organizing, Senator Mon Mothma must pair off her daughter with the son of a scheming magnate.

“Materialists,” a new film by Celine Song, is the latest instance of this trend. The film unfolds in the world of high-end dating services and weddings that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a matchmaker for a boutique company called Adore, where she fields demands from absurdly choosy and unrealistic clients, who are not seeking a connection with another person so much as they are a designer accessory. Their relationship specifications are ludicrously precise: a man in his forties wants a mature twenty-seven-year-old; another man’s definition of “fit” is “nothing over twenty B.M.I.” and a woman’s least negotiable criterion is a high-six-figure salary at minimum.

Song’s demystification of what passes for love in a typical rom-com is bracing. The genre often drapes its characters’ Wharton-esque sharp elbows in gauzy layers of hetero-optimism. But dating, in “Materialists,” is a gauntlet of “risk and pain,” and weddings are even worse. (One of the film’s quiet delights is its unsentimental portrayal of the indignities of this ritual: the Stepford bridesmaids, the dreadful live bands, the tulle, the sweat.) When one of Lucy’s clients admits, with mascara streaming down her cheeks, that the only reason she accepted her soon-to-be husband’s proposal was to make her sister jealous, Lucy nods understandingly—“he makes you feel valuable,” she affirms. Three-quarters of the way through the movie, she yells, cathartically, “we are a SCAM!”

The movie’s world of endlessly customizable options provokes a desperate perfectionism in Lucy’s clients. Lucy, however, prides herself on her lack of illusions about love—until “Materialists” pushes Prince Charming into her path, at a ball (a wedding that Lucy facilitated). His name is Harry (Pedro Pascal), and he must be a mythical creature, straight out of a storybook: he’s practically made of paper. Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns. When Lucy protests to Harry that he’s out of her league, he suavely enumerates her material and her intangible assets; then he twirls her around his twelve-million-dollar Tribeca penthouse.

At the same event at which Lucy meets Harry, she also reconnects with an old boyfriend, John (Chris Evans), an appealingly scruffy actor and cater waiter whom Lucy dumped on account of his financial struggles. Where Harry and Lucy engage in sparkling bouts of banter, John and Lucy communicate preverbally, through ardent stares. Song appears to be recreating a dynamic from her début film, “Past Lives,” in which a woman was caught between her husband (the comfortable choice) and her childhood sweetheart (the heart-meltingly romantic but deeply impractical choice). In that movie, the heroine stayed with her spouse, but “Materialists” dreamily rewrites the script: in a development that feels, alas, rushed and emotionally unconvincing, Lucy decides to be with John. Harry incarnates a stressful perfection, the kind that always threatens to crumble or to reveal its counterfeit nature; John’s pitch to Lucy is that he loves her, always has loved her, and always will love her. He can’t help it. His love is like a Netflix feed: it’s frictionless, it’s dependable, and it fits her exactly. In the end, the resolution of the love triangle doesn’t evoke a triumph of wild passion over hard-nosed calculation. Rather, Lucy’s choice of John feels sneakily practical in its way—a reprieve from the hustle, the quest for materially remunerative love that only ever feels like work. Although a cosmically fated romance may well be transcendent, what it really has going for it turns out to be no-fuss dependability.

Song isn’t alone in her desire to educate a would-be Cinderella out of her bourgeois striving. In Sean Baker’s “Anora,” which won five Oscars at the 2025 Academy Awards, a stripper named Ani falls for Ivan, a Russian failson with billionaire parents. After a whirlwind romance, the couple elopes, holing up in sumptuous style at Ivan’s familial manse in Brooklyn. When Ani’s best friend compares her to Cinderella, she laughs giddily, flush with the spoils of a consumerist American Dream. Soon afterward, Ivan’s parents force him to annul the marriage, and it’s as if Ani’s sable fur and Hervé Léger bandage gown have been turned to rags: He betrays his bride, who is punished with a series of humiliations and abuses before she accepts a meagre payout in return for disappearing from his life. The movie ends with Ani and one of the enforcers, the gentlemanly Igor (Yura Borisov), sharing an embrace, although their future together seems achingly tenuous.

Both “Materialists” and “Anora” seek to uncouple love from materialism, but they go about it differently. In Song’s film, Lucy achieves the romantic happy ending without the money—once she discards her fixation on personal finance, she’s able to appreciate her cater waiter’s heart of gold. Ani, though, must learn a harder lesson. She hasn’t transgressed in wanting nice things or in negotiating an economic arrangement with Ivan, but in falling for the fairy tale. The metaphor of stripping is never far from our minds: Ani is exposed; she has let down her guard. When Ivan takes her shopping, she spins unself-consciously in front of a full-length mirror, eager to see herself as valuable. She’s foolish and starry-eyed enough to quit her job, and, later, to believe that a marriage contract could protect her against the whims of the super-rich. If Lucy is censured for her coolly transactional approach to love, Ani is chastened for her innocence—for not being cynical enough.

It’s a sign of our unsettled times that neither of these films can replace Cinderella with a compelling alternative. “Materialist” ’s treatment of its male leads renders Lucy’s decision internally incoherent. Because the movie doesn’t convincingly disavow materialism (at least as embodied by Pascal), the main character’s choice to do so feels didactic and contrived. The suggestion is that Harry, who himself represents the apotheosis of box-ticking, operates in a commercial mode even when he’s crooning about Lucy’s “intangible” selling points. In order to be a true disciple of love, Lucy needs to reject his superficial charms for John’s steady presence. But the film doesn’t effectively convey the mystical quality of Lucy’s bond to John, nor does it get across what, exactly, is so lightweight and inadequate about her relationship with Harry.

“Anora,” in contrast, decisively punctures the Disney fantasy, but in a way that feels fatalistic and cruel. Everywhere in the movie, money’s pull is stronger than that of love, friendship, private ethics, or social justice. And although this could be intended as Marxist critique, it feels more like artistic convenience—the film derives much of its emotional power from its so-called capitalist realism, its claim to see the world through an utterly disenchanted lens. Instead of wishing away material reality, “Anora” seems designed to force its heroine to accept a cartoonishly blunt and brutal version of it. The movie can abide mobster violence and the exploitation and acquisitiveness of its characters; what it can’t abide is Ani’s idealism. Tellingly, Baker predicates her moment of personal growth—when she finally connects to Igor—on her resigning herself to her socioeconomic place.

And, although Song eschews Baker’s pessimism—she wrote a rom-com, after all—she seals her movie with a similar gesture, conditioning Lucy’s storybook ending on the character setting aside her hopes for social mobility and taking up with John. A princess choosing a cash-strapped but virtuous suitor over a prince needn’t feel didactic. But “Materialists” and “Anora” are very much in the business of desire didacticism. You can tell because the two films struggle to imagine how desire might move when it is free. Both works are so consumed in the symbolic attributes of their male leads that they fail to capitalize on their gravitational pull: no character played by Evans or Borisov should require the affirmative action of class solidarity to appear as a convincing romantic object. Nor should any red-blooded heroine be expected to drop as alluring a presence as Pascal. Love, in these movies, emerges as a virtuous vegetable. But the best romances, whether comedy or drama, make a whole meal of it.

[kiefbowl]

hi! do you have any advice for negotiating a higher salary? i think the job i was hired to do a few months ago deserves a better pay but idk how to go about asking for it

This is so spooky I was literally thinking about making a post about asking for more money this morning. you must have been listening to my thoughts lol

Yeah, I have some advice, but keep in mind that different companies and industries might have little quirks I'm not aware of, take these points as very broad advice you might want to adapt for your own personal situation:

If you company does any kind of raise schedule (as an example: every year on your anniversary you are entitled to a 1-3% raise based on performance) - if you're about 8-12 weeks until that time, try to hold out until after you get that raise. I only suggest this because almost all companies will tell you the raise you negotiated takes over as your new raise schedule, so this is really just to get more money in the long run. The 8-12 weeks benchmark is just a suggestion to try to keep your request to negotiate and your scheduled raise in different financial quarters, which might help.

Have a clear goal of what you're asking for. Clear doesn't mean "super specific" but it can. At minimum, have the number you're going to be asking for. What's probably better though is to have the number you're going to be asking for if nothing else changes, and what more you'd be willing to do for even more money than that.

Only answer questions that are asked, only provide information as needed. You can start the conversation by saying "I'm coming to you requesting a raise" and let them respond to that. You can say things like "My duties have expanded including xyz" and you can say things like "I think my skillset is valuable" and "I think I provide x value to the company because of y reasons," but don't just launch into a spiel about what you think you deserve without seeing how they react first.

Talk in numbers. Just get straight to the point when they ask how much. Have a number for the amount per year if salary/amount per hour if hourly, plus convert that number into the percentage raise it would be. Asking for 20% more is a big ask, you know what I'm saying? Even if it's fair on the market for you industry, if they're paying that low from the market it means it's built into their business plan and you might want to consider a different company. and if they set a precedent with giving you 20%, they don't have much to stand on when you go tell all your buddies and they start asking for 20%. And if that's the situation at your company, at that point, you might wanna consider just unionizing instead lol.

It's good to consider the other guy on the other side of the table when you're negotiating. People give you things you want if you're considerate of the things they want. Some things to keep in mind that might be on your boss's plate: annual budgets, quarterly budgets, hiring quotas, hiring freezes, established pay structures decided by powers that be way above them that they have no control over, the fact that they will have to take your request to their boss and/or HR to get approval...like speak intelligently to these concerns as best you can. And be in a quid pro quo mindset. The argument is either "I already do this incredibly valuable thing you don't want to lose so give me more money or I will stop doing this by going elsewhere" or "I will do even more incredible value you don't want to lose if you give me more money, or I will do nothing by going elsewhere." Focus on what do they get and what do they lose if you don't get what you want. Except in professional parlance :)

Have confidence that you have every right to just ask. You are not some shit covered indentured peasant speaking to your god appointed king. You are a human person who is allowed to have adult conversations with other adults. If you can keep that confidence of "I'm just an adult having a normal conversation" it'll keep you on track and not get swayed into whatever tangets your boss my hem and haw on. Short, sweet, and to the point as best as possible.

Your boss is probably not fantastic at negotiating because almost no one is. So don't even sweat it. Ambush them a little, be polite, lay it on the table, then ask them what's next. If they seem to be hesitant, weird, put off...you could read malicious evil intent into it, but they're probably just woefully under-prepared and might flail a bit as some distraction. Just be like "Well, we can table this and I'll follow up with you on Friday" if it really seems like they can't get nail down an answer, or if you know they have to talk to their higher up anyway.

You might just get it. It might be the easiest thing you've ever done. I've countered and gotten exactly what I've wanting in 0.005 seconds flat. That's always a bit bittersweet because you just know you could have asked for more lol. Your boss might already have numbers at the ready for when people ask for raises, they just need people to ask. If you're company is doing well and pulling in good revenue, you will probably have a very easy conversation. So go get 'em.

Most importantly, show them your switchblade have fun and just be yourself!!!

[boxboxblog]

F1 Politics: The Driver Market

Hello, Thought I would dive into more info about the driver market/ silly season. It's a very fascinating public yet private aspect of F1, and the decisions made during this time can be highly controversial. Enjoy! Also, some info about why certain drivers are chosen over others can be found in my post about Junior Academies or my post about The Path to F1.

What is The Driver Market?

So when I talk about the driver market what I am referring to is the continuous process of recruitment, hiring, and endless contracts that surround F1 racing. Many people think that silly season (time of the year when most contracts are finalized/negotiated) is the only time when it is a big deal, but the driver market rotates and shifts constantly. Throughout the entire season contracts are rebuilt, new drivers are added to the interest list, reserve drivers shift around, and much more. There are phases of the driver market however,

Pre-Season: the most stable time of the year, usually contracts are fully formed and settles on by then. They often are not looking at any changes this close to the beginning of the season, but curve balls have been thrown in there before. For example, Haas in 2022 had to quickly look for a new driver after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine meant they had to axe their major Russian sponsor and driver.

Mid-Season: This can be from right after the first couple races to the summer break. It is the time when driver performances are reviewed and the rumor mill starts swirling. Often what teams gather in this time, if negative, could turn into a mid-season driver change. We saw an example of this with Nyck de Vries in 2023, who already had discussions about being swapped out whispered in Monaco.

Silly Season: This very comically named part of the season is usually during the Summer break, when a lot of announcements are made in regards to contracts. This is also often when a new driver comes in for a mid-season swap, when teams let the public know the next year's line up, and any extensions. For example Williams, Alpine, and Aston Martin all announced their finalized lineups for the 2025 season during this time.

Latter Half: This part of the season is usually when lower series drivers test for F1 teams. We see a lot of F2 or F3 drivers doing FP sessions, which can indicate a teams interest in them for the future. Well not really a part of contracting, it leads to a lot of speculation about future drivers. It can also sometimes have major decisions and announcements. For example, Sauber just confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 season, a very late announcement.

Post Season: This is when moves and lineups are officially officially finalized and announced. There can often be major surprises during this time, like last minute contract terminations or very unexpected signings. For example, most people now expect VCARB to make their decisions for next years lineup right after the season ends pending Liam Lawson's performance.

Typical Contracts

So, most F1 contracts vary wildly depending on the driver or the team. For example the length of the contracts differs a lot (although teams lean toward 1 year for rookies, 2 years for newish drivers, and multi year for established and skilled drivers). While things like that may differ, they often all at least provide clarification and insurance on the same topics.

Base Salary: Teams must guarantee drivers a certain amount. This varies a lot, especially depending on results and time in F1. For example, Max Verstappen reportedly made an annual base salary of $45M in 2023, while a rookie like Oscar Piastri reportedly made $2M.

Performance Bonuses: Most teams have additional income based on number of points, podiums, wins, or if they get the championship or not.

Expectations: This can be anything from media requirements, performance requirements, hours of work, etc. There can be expectations from both sides. Sometimes teams will have a clause that they can release a driver with no pushback if they have not achieved a certain level in the standings. Sometimes a driver can have a clause that says if the team does not deliver a decent car, then they can do the same. Usually it is the championship winners like Hamilton or Verstappen that can do that, though.

Status: Some teams or drivers have very specific requirements about the assigned roles. Teams may require a designated 1st and 2nd driver, and have it in contract that someone must be the 2nd driver. Other times a driver will have it in the contract that they can't be the 2nd driver, or that team orders are not allowed.

Technical Input: Drivers can negotiate how involved they are allowed/ need to be in car development

Termination Clauses: Much like the expectations section, this is all about what can cause a contract to be legally void. You see, in F1 you need to stick to the contract and can receive massive financial demerits if you do not. These clauses allow both driver and team to protect themselves from unmet expectations or poor treatment.

Exclusivity: This is set to prevent drivers from participating in other series without permission. There have been cases in the past where drivers have signed two contracts in two different series, and there was legal disputes over which one to follow when the clashed. Teams do not like this kind of conflict, so they almost always make drivers sign an exclusivity aspect. This is true for sponsorships as well.

Obviously that is not everything, but these are the major aspects to a typical F1 contract.

Historical Contracts

Michael Schumacher 1996 : This Ferrari contract reportedly made Schumacher the highest-paid driver of all time during this period, and many saw it as a massive shift in how contracts worked for drivers. It included extensive control over car development and team strategy.

Kimi Raikkonen 2012: This Lotus contract was incredibly lucrative for Raikkonen and almost bankrupted Lotus. He agreed too a low base salary and a huge bonus for points scored. Apparently Lotus did not expect Raikkonen to get that many points, but he scored 208 points in 2012 and 183 in 2013, earning himself many millions of dollars.

Charles Leclerc 2020: This Ferrari contract was major because of the length and youth of the driver. At the end of 2019, Leclerc's first year with Ferrari, they signed him to a five-year deal, the longest is Ferrari's history.

Max Verstappen 2023: The highest base salary in F1 history, Verstappen earned a base of $45M in 2023, not including his performance bonuses ($25M). Astounding, especially compared to what other drivers make.

Alright so that is a little overview of the driver market and contracts. i hope this was informative.

Cheers,

-B

[buffster]

Dear Boy (ATS 2.05)

This is part of my ongoing Buffyverse Project, where I write notes/meta for every episode in an attempt to better understand the characters and themes of the shows. You can find the BTVS list here and the ATS list here. Gifs are not mine.

Cordelia: It's like living with the world's oldest teenager - he can't be having a growth spurt at two hundred and forty-eight, can he? Angel: Hey, I'm only two hundred and forty-seven.

Dear Boy opens with Angel's sleep issues getting worse and worse. He even falls asleep and sees Darla for a split second in the middle of his conversation with Wesley and Cordelia. Darla says he's unraveling, and he is. She's all he thinks about. He even pets Cordelia's hair and seems not to know who she is for a second.

It seems like it's taking a toll on the business as well. Cordelia says they're barely able to pay their essentials (the mortgage and her salary. Wesley's doesn't make the list). Angel is completely impatient when a paying client with a cheating wife comes in.

We get a very interesting (disturbing) bit of character info this episode when Angel knows an unsettling amount of information about Cordelia's vision because it takes place in a convent, which he still has a "thing" for. We flashback to what ignited this obsession: London, 1860. He met a human Drusilla. We see how he hunted her family and fellow nuns down and then had sex with Darla on top of their bodies while she watched. Then he turned her. Her being able to see what would happen before it did was an extra kink for him. We also get dialogue that shows he had an obsession with virgins before this, but I guess nuns became the ultimate virgins. Angel has some serious demons.

Darla, for her part, gets angry and kills a man attempting to negotiate with a streetwalker. Then she kills the streetwalker too. She was a prostitute in her human life so this is another example of past trauma being acted out during vampirism. It's difficult to know where the blame on the individual person begins. Was human Liam a little virgin-kinky but ultimately harmless? Or was he secretly really dark and turning just removed the guilt?

Angel begins to see Darla while awake. He finally confronts her but she's pretending to be a random human. Since the gang has never seen Darla they're not convinced he isn't having a breakdown.

Wolfram & Hart is now taking advantage of Kate Lockley's Angel obsession. Lindsey sends her the info that he moved to the Hyperion. When is Kate going to wake up to the fact that she's on Team Evil? I think it would have been a better use of her character to have her come in and highlight Angel's (valid) danger. Have her there at the times his mind gets taken over and he's dangerous and represent the idea that he's a loaded gun pointed at the populace. She reminds us that he's dangerous and dark and we can't get comfortable with him being the hero. As used, she's just annoying.

Wesley: Angel, you can't just sniff a person and know-- Angel: You had sex last night with a bleach blonde.

The scent keeps Angel from doubting himself. He goes to The Host to get some guidance, but he won't say anything except that Angel is headed for disaster. Ominous.

When Angel kidnaps Darla she finally gives up the game.

Darla: I'm back, dear boy. Angel: I'm not your boy anymore. And when we were together? It was all right but it didn't hold a candle to Buffy, it never could and it never will.

Character Notes:

Charles Gunn: He has a record. Starting in his teens and going up to the past two weeks.

Darla: She can "feel" Angel's presence.

[1533-secrets-from-history]

10 most Influential women in the Ottoman Empire (plus five non- sultans)

I must say in advance, this is purely my opinion and it doesn't include legal power,but general influence. For example if one woman had more legal power but still was limited to some actions, that another woman could get away with, I will rank her higher. Let's start with non sultans.

Part I: Non-Sultans

Number 5: Çevri kalfa

Çevri kalfa was a woman of Georgian origin and previously loyal servant to Nakşidili Sultan (also Georgian). She became mistress head treasurer( Baş hazindar usta) after accession of Mahmud II, who she saved from executioners by throwing them hot coals and sneaking the prince out. After becoming Head treasurer, she attained so much wealth that she could afford expensive clothes not even sultans wore. A girls school, built in her name, is one of the first schools for girls and the biggest primary school in Istanbul. She remained in her office until her death and was Sultan's trusted and favoured advisor.

Number 4: Meleki Kalfa

Meleki kalfa was a servant of Kösem and Ibrahim, however following the deposition of the sultan, she secretly switched sides as an agent of Turhan. Meleki played an important role in Turhan's rebellion by giving her information about Kösem's plan to dethrone Mehmed. After Kösem's death and Turhan's accession, she became an important person in Valide Sultan's court, was freed and married to Şaban Khalife. The couple built a residence in Istanbul, where Meleki not only conditioned her line of information to Turhan, but also acted as a negotiator in the palace on behalf of people. The political influence of her and her husband grew so much and they were murdered in 1656 for abuse of power.

Number 3: Gulfem Hatun

I have spoken about her in my previous posts

Number 2: Mahidevran Hatun

I have thought a lot about where to put her. People would expect her to be Number 1,mostly because they are used to her being sultan. That is what I first thought,for other reasons,but here we are. She has several significant influences that not many other women had:

1. She was popular with janissaries and people

2. Had a spy network, allowing her to hear major events happening in the capital.

3. She had strong allies. Ibrahim Paşa supported her and Mustafa later in his life, Hatice and her husband were supporting her openly or indirectly.

4. She was a considerable rival to the first and one of the most powerful women in the ottoman empire.

5. She had powerful characteristics: Was an intelligent, educated woman. Could mask her resentment towards Hürrem and act calmly around him.

6. She was a trusted advisor to her son. Actually, she supported the idea of Mustafa revolting against Suleiman,but only after she received information about his imminent execution, through her spy network.

Number 1: Çanfeda Kalfa

Çanfeda was the woman of Circassian origin, who served as second in command of Nurbanu for 18 years and the ruler of harem for another 11, so we can say she was de-facto Valide sultan.

In her almost three decades of service, she acquired wealth, so great that it attracted negative attention of Janissaries and even the grand Vizier. Although she collected such affluence through her salary(that was extraordinarily high consisting of 200 akches a day, it was the average salary of an imperial princess) and bribery, she used it for selfless purposes. She built three mosques, fountains, hamams, two schools, irrigation systems and fixed the roads, costing her several million akches, still she remained as one of the wealthiest people in the empire. In 1595, when Safiye exiled her, she needed dozens of carriages to carry her holdings, which apparently did not consist of much of the furniture, because she bought it from Venice the next year. It's also considerable that as an exiled person, she had to give up some of her wealth to imperial treasury.

Apart from her vital involvements in harem management in which she dominated Safiye, she had considerable influence over state matters as well. Çanfeda used her connections to install her not so bright brothers as paşas and after the series of mistakes,they were imprisoned, Çanfeda not only defied Grand viziers orders and had them set free,but restored them to their offices as well. Her power, wealth and influence came to the attention of Janissaries, who demanded her dead, but she got away with this as well. Another indication of her power, was her attempt to free the second son of sultan Murad. Even though she was caught red handed, the power it would take to infiltrate the prison is still considerable.

P.S. I did not list Halime and Handan,because after becoming Valide Sultans and regents they reached a whole different level, leagues above almost every single woman in ottoman history, however their power and influence was immense even when they were Hatuns.

As there is only 10 images/Gif limit. I will speak about 10 most powerful women in second posts.

[acceptcryptopayments]

The Future of USDT Payments and Stablecoin in Global Commerce

In a global financial ecosystem where speed, transparency, and accessibility are becoming non-negotiables, stablecoins—particularly Tether (USDT)—have carved out a powerful niche. Once seen merely as trading instruments on crypto exchanges, stablecoins are now evolving into vital tools for cross-border commerce, payroll, lending, and global remittances. But what does the future of USDT payments hold in the context of expanding digital economies? This in-depth guide explores the emerging role of USDT and stablecoins in global commerce, including current trends, technological shifts, regulatory evolution, and their potential to disrupt legacy finance. The Future of USDT Payments and Stablecoin in Global Commerce Why USDT Has Become the Stablecoin of Choice Market Dominance and Liquidity As of 2025, USDT remains the most widely used and liquid stablecoin in the world, with over $90 billion in circulation. Its integration into thousands of platforms—ranging from centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols to merchant payment systems—gives it an unmatched level of acceptance and interoperability. Blockchain Interoperability USDT operates on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum (ERC-20), Tron (TRC-20), Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20), Solana (SPL), and Polygon. This cross-chain deployment enables businesses to select the protocol that best balances speed, cost, and network activity. For example: - TRC-20 USDT is popular in Asia due to low fees. - ERC-20 USDT is favored in institutional DeFi platforms. For a step-by-step breakdown on how to integrate USDT payments into your online store or digital platform, check out our in-depth guide on the best USDT payment gateway for business at XAIGATE. USDT in Real-World Payments: Current Use Cases International Payroll Companies hiring remote workers now use USDT to pay salaries globally in a matter of seconds, avoiding high bank fees and currency conversion losses. B2B Cross-Border Trade Manufacturers and wholesalers in emerging markets use USDT to settle international invoices, eliminating the delays and costs of SWIFT or traditional remittance services. Merchant Adoption Retailers in crypto-friendly jurisdictions are increasingly accepting USDT via gateways like XAIGATE. It offers customers a fast, private, and irreversible payment option without currency volatility. Technological Trends Shaping the Future of USDT Payments Layer-2 Scaling and Gas Efficiency As congestion and fees on mainnets like Ethereum persist, the rise of Layer-2 networks—such as Arbitrum, zkSync, and Optimism—presents a promising future for USDT microtransactions. Gas fees drop from dollars to cents, enabling everyday retail and online purchases. Integration With Web3 Wallets and dApps USDT is being integrated into decentralized apps and Web3 wallets like MetaMask, Phantom, and Trust Wallet, enabling users to pay or receive funds across borders without intermediaries. AI and Smart Routing in Stablecoin Payments Emerging smart contract-based payment systems can automatically route USDT across chains and protocols for the lowest fees and fastest confirmations, optimizing both B2B and retail usage. Technological Trends Shaping the Future of USDT Payments Future Projections: What Will the Next 5 Years Look Like? Widespread Retail Adoption We’re likely to see more POS systems and eCommerce platforms natively support USDT, especially in crypto-forward countries. QR code payments and one-click checkout via stablecoin wallets could rival traditional credit cards. Embedded Finance and API-Based Payment Flows As XAIGATE and other platforms improve API flexibility, businesses can build USDT payments directly into their apps, games, and services—without needing custodial gateways. Real-Time Global Settlement With blockchain interoperability, future USDT payment systems will support atomic swaps and real-time settlements between fiat and crypto. This could revolutionize supply chains, freelance platforms, and gig economies. Challenges to Address in the Future of USDT Payments Centralization and Reserve Transparency Despite Tether’s regular attestations, concerns persist over the composition and liquidity of reserves backing USDT. Increasing regulatory pressure will likely push for more frequent and detailed disclosures. On/Off Ramp Friction The success of USDT in commerce depends on efficient fiat on/off ramps. While platforms like MoonPay and Binance Pay are filling the gap, local regulations and KYC requirements still pose barriers in many countries. Volatility of Stablecoin Pegs While USDT is pegged to the USD, black swan events or market manipulations can threaten stability. Future implementations may involve algorithmic safeguards or dynamic collateralization to enhance resilience. To stay ahead in the evolving world of crypto commerce, businesses should explore robust solutions like XAIGATE. Learn how to streamline your stablecoin integration with our expert insights on the future-proof USDT gateway for global businesses:🔗 https://www.xaigate.com/usdt-payment-gateway-for-business/ Institutional Integration Will Accelerate the Future of USDT Payments Financial Giants Are Embracing Stablecoin Infrastructure Traditional finance players—including Visa, Mastercard, and major regional banks—are increasingly exploring blockchain-based payments. In this shift, USDT stands out due to its deep liquidity and global reach. Financial service providers in Asia, Europe, and Latin America are testing cross-border settlements using USDT, bypassing the SWIFT system. This momentum signals that the future of USDT payments is not just driven by crypto-native startups, but also by global institutions that recognize its potential for efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Corporate Adoption for Treasury and Payroll Large corporations are beginning to hold USDT in their treasury reserves to hedge against fiat currency instability in emerging markets. Additionally, USDT is being used for real-time international payroll in industries such as freelance tech, BPO services, and logistics—where bank transfers are costly and slow. These use cases are critical in shaping the future of USDT payments for operational finance. Compliance-Ready Stablecoin Payments: A New Era for Global Businesses Web3 Identity Layers and zk-KYC Protocols One of the most critical enablers of mainstream USDT adoption is the emergence of on-chain compliance tools. Web3-native identity solutions—like decentralized identifiers (DIDs), verifiable credentials, and zero-knowledge KYC—allow payment processors to meet local regulations without exposing sensitive customer data. As these tools integrate with crypto payment gateways like XAIGATE, businesses can comply with regulatory requirements while preserving the privacy of their users, expanding the future of USDT payments into regulated sectors such as healthcare, education, and insurance. Tiered Risk and Regulatory Models Instead of a one-size-fits-all KYC process, the next generation of USDT payment systems will offer tiered access levels: P2P payments under a certain threshold may remain KYC-optional, while enterprise-level transactions can trigger automated compliance protocols. This model not only aligns with global regulatory trends but also preserves accessibility—a crucial factor in the future of USDT payments for borderless commerce. Conclusion: From Trading Tool to Global Payment Standard The trajectory of USDT is transitioning from speculative asset to utilitarian digital dollar. As global commerce grows increasingly borderless, USDT’s stability, speed, and availability give it a unique advantage over both fiat and crypto rivals. With innovations in scalability, regulation, and user experience on the horizon, the future of USDT payments looks more like a core pillar of the new digital economy than a temporary crypto trend. Businesses that integrate USDT payments today are not only improving efficiency—they are future-proofing for a financial system in transformation. FAQs – Future of USDT Payments Q1: Is USDT legal to use in global payments?Yes, in many jurisdictions. However, legality depends on local financial regulations and whether stablecoins are recognized under digital asset laws. Q2: How does USDT avoid volatility compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum?USDT is pegged to the US Dollar and backed by reserves, maintaining a near 1:1 price ratio with minimal fluctuation. Q3: Can I use USDT for recurring payments?Yes. Some platforms offer programmable USDT-based subscriptions using smart contracts or API-based invoicing systems. Q4: Which industries benefit most from USDT payments?E-commerce, remote work platforms, SaaS, logistics, and cross-border trade benefit greatly due to instant global transfer and low fees. Q5: How do I integrate USDT payments on my website?You can use gateways like XAIGATE to integrate no-login, low-fee USDT payment plugins into your eCommerce or business website. FAQs – Future of USDT Payments We may also be found on GitHub, and X (@mxaigate)! Follow us! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your business with XAIGATE’s Future of USDT Payments and Stablecoin. The three-step process is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for all businesess. Embrace this modern payment solution to provide customers with a secure and efficient way to pay. Take the first step towards a competitive edge in the digital realm and unlock the benefits of cryptocurrency payments for online casino today. Read the full article

[avissapiens]

How to be a Jock Ch.7: Work

(ID:https://www.instagram.com/fitbidlan/?hl=en)

You don’t need a work-life balance when your work is your life. The Jock derives joy from performance. From success and objective measures of victory and hard fucking work.

For a jock their paycheck and the numbers they pull in for their job are as much a thrilling rush as their days crushing skulls on the court. The line just gets higher. That’s all they care about. Coming in an hour early and leaving only when they’ve given 110%. A real company man through and through. Winning promotion after promotion, award beyond measure.

They’ll smile for their “Best quarterly earner” photo, but inside it’s a different story. An almost psychotic drive. Fiery passion and bloodlust mixed with frigid calm and efficiency. Willing to do anything, step on anyone’s back to get to the top of the ladder and then kick it down after them. Because unlike most of the other worker drones, they aren’t working for someone else; not really. They might have a boss but they are basically interchangeable. Just a place filler while the Jock climbs their way to the top. Maybe a source of hatred and vitriol, or perhaps being a cause for inspiration and aspiration. But ultimately just another enemy. Another obstacle to be broken in half and left on the field.

*Subtle demonic whispers here*

Take Karan for example. A young up-and-comer in the Avis Athletics Agency. Scouted from university specifically after the recruiting agent saw him take down a guy twice his weight on the wrestling mat in a minute flat. Dude never broke a sweat, every second with that soft but piercing glare of absolute victory. Like his opponent was just an object to be manipulated for his own pleasure and purpose. He didn't let go of that Death grip until the Ref shook off his astonishment and counted the poor jobber out. A perfect fit for an internship at our illustrious corporation. 

He’s such a good team player too. Practically integrated with all of the other interns and made them into a single unit. A well-oiled regiment that followed orders and executed them with deadly efficiency. Best Copy-and-coffee squad the office has ever had. But of course, Karan was never satisfied. He plays his work like a game. Just another sport to break records with. Get the high score at one level, move on to the next, collect all of the rewards, leave destruction in your wake.

The CEO saw him wait around until his team member clocked out, only to kick his fucking teeth in in the parking lot for holding him back on his reports. It was decided that his talents would be better served at a higher level. One where that drive and deadly commitment to efficiency could make some real profit. That and the HR policies covered actual employees better than interns. So he got the job, no question. Along with a well negotiated 6 figure starting salary with stock options later down the line. Plus access to the 24 hour boxing gym on site so we could make sure we keep those interns for a little bit longer.

For Resources to help embody your Jock Journey you can check out the Jock Archetype guide for free on Patreon If you’d like to support the creation of files like the one in this story, or you’d like access to exclusive files and files earlier than the rest of the world, then please, Support me on Patreon, And go and follow me on Youtube for more files. Also be sure to Join me and my community on Discord.