New Year, New Moves.

Sey
Jan 17, 2024
4 min read

Happy New Year Movers! 2023 was a year full of trends and moves that kept us super busy. 2024 will probably be similar with the addition of new resolutions. Let's find #TheMove that will set your year up for success.

When people think of success often times their minds go straight to one's career or occupation. In the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first two definitions of success are the degree of succeeding and the attainment of wealth and favor. While that's important, every aspect of your life should be full not just your career. According to a study, there was only a one percent increase in job satisfaction with one's current role from 2022-2023. #TheMove to create satisfaction in the workplace are boundaries and balance. Connie Steele, a researcher who specializes in the study of business, learned 75% of workers feel that boundaries are important "with work so it doesn't interfere with their personal lives." Another 66% said they feel work should "accommodate" their desired lifestyle. What do you think?

An underlying problem is young unemployment. Socially, I've seen plenty of young college graduates struggling to break into their industries or find careers that they are passionate about. The struggle is real for a good paying job.

X user asks followers why it's so hard to get a job — Courtesy of @thecindynoire via X

Here’s #TheMove on how to combat this challenge. Again it’s not 100% guaranteed to work, but it could definitely help. Network, collaborate, and advertise. These three tips simultaneously let alone by itself should surely get an employer's attention. Reach out to your network and make connections with others interested in the same things as you when you can. You can then collaborate with these connections or others to showcase your talents and work. Last but not least, advertise! Advertise your work, accomplishments, and your hunt for a desirable job. You'd be surprised who's willing to help you. There are plenty of seasoned professionals starting over as well to find jobs that are more aligned with their personal preferences and goals.

Long time employee quits his job — Courtesy of @jpegjoshphotos via X

Speaking of consideration for self, self-love seemed to be a big trend in 2023. In a market data report 44% of people believed self love improves mental health. It was also reported that self care days were very popular especially amongst women. In 2023, we saw the emergence of the #softlife hashtag where men and women donned in the experience.

Definition of Soft Life — Courtesy of @goodintentionco via Instagram

There were plenty of videos and pictures of self dates, hygiene routines, and other ways people treat themselves. Self-love is always #TheMove and here's how you can step it up a notch. Magnify the little actions you do for yourself. Instead of treating yourself to fast food, go to your favorite restaurant and dine in! Instead of a regular bubble bath, create a vibe with candles and music. Instead of watching a podcast you like on your phone, find the biggest speaker possible and make it a whole theater experience. Find the best way to provide yourself some luxury, even if it isn't expensive.

You know what else people found this year? The courage to speak up for themselves and what is right for others. America isn't new to protesting, however, we saw three major protests that lasted several months nationally. The WGA (writer's) and SAG-AFTRA (actors's) strikes were the talk of the summer. Both strikes didn't end until the latter months of the year. This was the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA history and the second longest for WGA. They stood on business.

Protestors advocating for Palestine — Courtesy of @keerthanakr5 via X

The more current protest is to #FreePalestine. Palestine has been engaged in an intense conflict with Israel in the city of Gaza since October. Since then, there has been a national outcry on social media for a ceasefire and to aid this civilization of people that are slowly but surely dying out.

This particular effort caught the nations eye because majority of Gaza's citizens are children. It is not uncommon to see children in pieces, with gruesome cuts and wounds from bombings, and so much more if you search Palestine on any popular social media platform. Ways that American citizens are combatting this tragedy include boycotting and posting for awareness.

People are encouraging others to boycott McDonald's — Courtesy of @islamify via Instagram

Unfortunately, Palestine isn't the only civilization being massacred in front of our eyes. The people of Congo are suffering as well. There is a genocide going on in Congo mostly fueled by tech labor that is killing citizens by the hundreds. This has not been trending as much as the Palestine posts and some fear because it is an African country it won't get the same national attention. What's worse is children are the main source of labor. In 2024, still use your voice! Witnessing atrocities like this can easily make one feel helpless, but reposting actually makes a difference. It's never too late to join a noble cause.

Apple and Google serve as cause for child mining deaths in Congo — Courtesy of @fufuisonme via X

Despite the good we've celebrated, the world is clearly in shambles. This may be why some cling to God, or whatever religious deity they subscribe to, while others abandon Him. According to Pew Research in 2022, 57% of regular church goers did not attend (this includes online as well). In addition to that, they posted several charts that show a trend of nonbelievers increasing after reporting an eight percent addition of people who don't claim any religion compared to the year prior.This year it's reported that churches are seeing 85% of their pre-pandemic members at service. Not only that, but 33% of churchgoers find their church online! I'm a Christian, so of course I have some bias but facts are facts. Christianity in America is declining. Nonetheless, I'm overjoyed that the Pew Research Center reports 64% of Americans claim Christianity. In my own social following, I've seen an increase in posts talking about Jesus, scripture, and even sermon notes. I'm so excited to see how this grows in 2024. If it wasn't obvious, church is definitely #TheMove this year.

Y'all we talked about so much! Professional growth, self care, political protests, and God. Although I didn't cover all the latest trends, I hope I gave you all some keys on the best move to start 2024 off right.

Comment your favorite move!

(Mine is church)