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I want to lose 30 pounds and improve my heart health. A dietitian said to eat more, including at breakfast.

A skillet with scrambled eggs, toast and roasted tomatoes on the vine
Toast, tomatoes, and eggs is a nutritious and satiating breakfast.

istetiana/Getty Images

  • A 44-year-old woman who is sedentary and wants to lose weight shared her diet with Business Insider.
  • A dietitian reviewed it and recommended she eat more to boost her energy and metabolism.
  • Fill out this form to have your diet reviewed by an expert.

Amanda Bonesteel, a full-time student who has a sedentary lifestyle, told Business Insider that she wants to lose weight and improve her cardiovascular health.

The 44-year-old, who is based in Michigan, said her goal is to lose 30 pounds. She occasionally goes to the gym but spends most of her time sitting.

She submitted an average day of eating to BI's Nutrition Clinic, where registered nutritionists and dietitians look over readers' diets and offer suggestions based on their goals.

Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a dietitian and the author of "How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed," told BI that Bonesteel is doing some things well, but she could improve her diet in certain areas, such as eating breakfast for more energy.

Eating a balanced dinner

Bonesteel starts the day with a coffee with cream and sugar at about 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. For lunch, she has something small like a turkey sandwich, banana, or a bowl of soup.

A turkey sandwich with chips
Amanda Bonesteel sometimes has a turkey sandwich for lunch.

Amanda Bonesteel

Her dinners vary but usually consist of a vegetable (such as green beans, cauliflower, or carrots), protein (chicken or lean beef), and carb (whole grains or potatoes).

Ludlam-Raine said that Bonesteel's dinner sounds balanced and nutrient-dense.

"Including a protein source alongside a starchy carbohydrate and a generous portion of vegetables is a great foundation for supporting both cardiovascular health and weight loss," she said. "This kind of plate structure offers fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein β€” all of which contribute to satiety, blood sugar regulation, and overall health."

Eating less can be counterproductive for weight loss

Ludlam-Raine said Bonesteel doesn't appear to eat enough overall, which could be counterproductive by reducing her energy levels and metabolism.

"Starting the day with only coffee that includes cream and sugar means she's going for several hours after waking without any real nourishment," Ludlam-Raine said. "This can contribute to low energy and poor concentration, and can sometimes lead to overeating later in the day due to increased hunger or cravings."

Bonesteel's lunch is also very light and may not sustain her for long, especially with her mentally demanding studies.

"If she's not getting enough protein, fiber, or healthy fats earlier in the day, her body may compensate later, potentially leading to larger portion sizes at dinner or snacking in the evening β€” something that's very common and often overlooked," Ludlam-Raine said.

She added: "Importantly, under-eating can slow down metabolic rate over time, making weight loss harder, not easier. So, ironically, Amanda might not be losing weight at her desired rate because she's not eating enough during the day."

If Bonesteel struggles to fit in formal exercise, squeezing in short but regular walk breaks or quick home workouts could be an easier way to boost her movement levels, Ludlam-Raine said.

Vegetables and rice
Bonesteel eats a balanced dinner.

Amanda Bonesteel

Focus on healthy fats and eat regularly

With heart health in mind, Ludlam-Raine recommended Bonesteel spread meals out more evenly throughout the day, and include heart-healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil alongside more fiber-rich foods such as oats, legumes, and whole grains.

"Replacing added sugars in her morning coffee with a sugar-free alternative or reducing the amount slightly could also benefit her cardiovascular risk profile," she added.

Ludlam-Raine recommended Bonesteel try starting her days with a small balanced breakfast like overnight oats, Greek yogurt with berries, or eggs on wholegrain toast with tomatoes to feel more energized and make progress with her goals.

Lunches should also contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats β€” a more structured meal pattern could help stabilize Bonesteel's appetite and keep her energy levels stable throughout the day, Ludlam-Raine said.

"In short, Amanda has a strong foundation at dinner, but she may be unintentionally undereating earlier in the day, which could be stalling her weight loss and making her feel more tired or sluggish," Ludlam-Raine said. "A few simple tweaks could make a big difference to both how she feels and how her body responds."

Read the original article on Business Insider

I stopped watching movies and TV shows and only use social media for work. Now I stress less and sleep better.

Woman drinking tea and reading a book in bed with a nightstand lamp on before sleeping.
The author (not pictured) stopped using screens for entertainment and now sleeps better.

AnVr/Getty Images

  • I noticed my sleep was affected by my nighttime screen use and started logging off earlier.
  • Over time, I created more boundaries for myself about how I use social media.
  • Now, I only use social media for work and don't use screens for entertainment at all.

I used to spend every evening glued to a screen until I noticed it was wrecking my sleep. Years before I began training medical and mental healthcare professionals in resilience-building, I didn't give much thought to rest. Like most people, I would end my days scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows, convinced it was the only way to unwind. But over time, I noticed that my sleep wasn't the only thing that took a hit. I had unknowingly developed a habit of constantly checking my phone and disappearing into screens throughout the day.

Now, in every session I lead, I see the same struggle. When I ask participants if they're getting enough rest, only a few raise their hands. And each year, that number keeps shrinking. The reasons vary: new parents, chronic pain, menopause, and the toll of working in a high-stress profession. But more often than not, it seems screen addiction is the biggest culprit that exacerbates their exhaustion.

I wanted to see what breaking my attachment to my screen would feel like

Determined to break the cycle for myself, I started small. Seven years ago, I began logging off an hour before bed. I still used social media for work but set an app timer to prevent mindless scrolling that could disrupt my day. The impact was immediate. My mind felt less scattered, my energy improved, and my focus sharpened.

Encouraged by the results, I began taking weeklong social media fasts every quarter. Then, I introduced device-free Sunday, a habit that initially felt like a challenge but quickly became a weekly gift.

Being self-employed, I was accustomed to working every day, and I worried that taking a dedicated day of rest would make work pile up or that I'd miss something β€” that didn't happen. Instead, I gained something far more valuable: the joy of being fully rested, a stronger, more resilient body, and deeper reserves to face challenges. Now, I do this on Fridays, too.

I realized I wasn't enjoying social media or television as entertainment

Even with these screen boundaries, late last year, I realized I no longer wanted to consume social media, movies, or shows for entertainment at all. The content felt stale and even shows that once sparked my interest failed to hold my attention. I was consuming out of habit, not enjoyment. So, I decided to give my eyes a break in the evenings, when I typically looked to screens for relaxation, and take a one-week pause from watching shows and scrolling for fun. I loved it so much that I haven't gone back.

Over time, I've noticed that my sleep quality and overall health have again improved dramatically. I get more done in the evenings. In my work, I often meet with refugees and underserved populations who've been subjected to immense trauma and injustice. To serve these communities, I need to recover from vicarious trauma and avoid burnout.

I feel better with the boundaries I've put in place

Ever since I stopped my nightly streaming habit, I have recovered faster and feel more equipped to handle each day's unpredictability with grace. Part of the work I do with my clients revolves around harnessing the power of joy as sustainable fuel; this shift in my life has become a natural extension of that.

I now look forward to every evening as a time for cultivating joy β€” unwinding with a mini spa session, savoring a cup of tea, playing board games, and exchanging massages with my husband, which has deepened our connection. I'm not a purist β€” I still listen to music and audiobooks when it strikes my fancy but I do so with my eyes closed or while exercising or doing chores. And yes, occasional moments of doomscrolling still happen, and sometimes, I do need to use screens for work in the evenings. But overall, these boundaries have made rest more restorative and free time more meaningful.

Four months into my latest conscious uncoupling from devices, I have no desire to return to my old habits of using social media or watching shows and movies for entertainment. Maybe one day I'll get a hankering to watch a show again, and when I do, I'd most likely treat it like dessert β€” an occasional indulgence, not a nightly staple.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Apple just won a bid to stop its UK privacy case from being held completely in secret

Apple CEO Tim Cook holding an iPhone
Apple is embroiled in a legal battle with the UK government over its iPhone privacy feature.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

  • Apple has overcome a request from UK government to keep its legal battle over iPhone data secret.
  • The UK government wants to be able to access data stored on the iPhone's Advanced Data Protection system.
  • Apple rolled back ADP from iPhones in the UK in February in response.

Apple has won its bid to stop a high-stakes legal battle with the UK government over its privacy-enhancing iPhone feature from being held in total secret.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal rejected a request on Monday from the UK government to keep all the details of Apple's legal challenge private.

The iPhone maker has been battling demands from the UK's Home Office to create a back door to its cloud systems that hold private user data.

The ruling from the independent judicial body strikes a blow to the UK government, which first issued Apple with a "technical capability notice" in January. It cited the Investigatory Powers Act introduced in 2016 to justify access to encrypted user data.

The UK government fought to keep the battle with Apple behind closed doors, citing concerns that "it would be damaging to national security" if details around Apple's case were published, the ruling published on Monday by tribunal judges said.

The judges, however, rejected a request from the UK's Home Office for the case's "bare details" to be kept secret, citing "open justice" as a fundamental principle after several media organizations called for transparency.

"We do not accept the revelation of the bare details of the case would be damaging to the public interest or prejudicial to national security," the court said.

The ruling raises the stakes in a tense standoff between the world's most valuable company and the UK government.

Apple said in February it could no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) β€” its most sophisticated security system β€” to customers in the UK after receiving the request.

"We do not comment on legal proceedings," a Home Office spokesperson told Business Insider. "Nor do we comment on operational matters, including confirming or denying the existence of individual notices."

Apple did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Rebecca Vincent, the interim director of Big Brother Watch, a British civil liberties and privacy campaigning organization, welcomed the tribunal's decision.

"The Home Office's order to break encryption represents a massive attack on the privacy rights of millions of British Apple users, which is a matter of significant public interest and must not be considered behind closed doors," Vincent said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Jamie Dimon didn't use a politically charged word in his annual letter. Last year, he used it 5 times.

Jamie Dimon headshot
Jamie Dimon did not use the word "diversity" in his annual letter to shareholders.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

  • Jamie Dimon's annual letter to JPMorgan shareholders does not include the word "diversity."
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have faced setbacks since Donald Trump's presidency.
  • JPMorgan renamed its DEI program to Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion last month.

There was a certain word missing from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's annual letter to shareholders: diversity.

His yearly missive, which is closely watched in the world of finance and investments, dropped Monday and was largely focused on the uncertainty facing the world in 2025.

What it didn't discuss directly, however, was diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Last year, Dimon's letter mentioned "diversity" five times, but this year it didn't appear once. Neither did "inclusion."

DEI initiatives have been under fire in recent months. Since President Donald Trump took office, more companies have rolled back their DEI programs.

In January, Dimon voiced his continued support for the bank's DEI work, defending it against anti-diversity activists who appeared to be targeting it. Two months later, JPMorgan renamed its program to "Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion (DOI)," according to an internal memo seen by Business Insider.

In Dimon's Monday letter to shareholders, he used the phrase "equal opportunity" numerous times and cited one of America's founding ideals, that it is a nation "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. "

"Our values transcend any political stance β€” libertarian, conservative, progressive, Democrat or Republican. We need to believe in ourselves and get back to work (in the office!), not tear each other down," he wrote.

Changes from 2024's letter

In addition to frequent mentions of diversity, 2024's letter featured a subheading that read "our extensive community outreach efforts, including diversity, equity and inclusion" under an "update on specific issues facing our company" chapter.

"We believe β€” and we are unashamed about this β€” that it is our obligation to help lift up the communities and countries in which we do business," Dimon wrote last year.

Dimon then listed 12 initiatives led by JPMorgan to reach that goal, including "Women on the Move," an organization that empowers women in their careers; "Advancing Black Pathways," a program that supports Black Americans; and "Entrepreneurs of Color," a lending program for small business owners.

None of these programs were specifically mentioned in 2025's letter, and just one paragraph directly mentioned Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities.

"We expanded our $5,000 Chase Homebuyer Grant program to include more than 15,000 majority Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities (where the grant is available to all)," it said.

The letter added that Chase operates 19 community centers and branches that are "often located in areas with larger Black, Hispanic or Latino populations" as part of the bank's localized investments initiative.

Asked for comment, JPMorgan directed BI to a letter to clients from COO Jennifer Piepszak in which she emphasized the bank's "belief in the power of a diverse workforce."

Read the original article on Business Insider

I fixed everything for my oldest daughter and it backfired. I'm raising my youngest to be independent.

Teenage girl sharing problems with her mother in the room.
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Halfpoint/Getty Images

  • I noticed my oldest daughter was relying on me more and more.
  • She told me I had to let her swim or sink, and I knew she was right.
  • When my younger daughter started struggling too I had a hard time not stepping in to help.

It started with the anxiety. I didn't know it then, but I do now.

My oldest daughter, a once independent kid who would get up, get dressed, and get herself on the bus, slowly began to rely on me for more and more.

Middle school, a difficult time for many kids, was impossible for her. Problems were exasperating. She struggled to find her footing in a world filled with hormones and fickle friendships. I didn't know how to help her or fix things, so instead, I did things for her. I brought her meals to her. I stepped in to soothe and simplify. I coddled because I thought it would make things easier. I did more for her than I should have. If she asked, I answered, pulling time from my other kids and myself.

I was disappointed to find that this made things harder for her.

I had to step back

Lessons she should have learned were put off because I would step in and save the day. I assumed parenting meant fixing. "Eventually," my daughter told me as she began her senior year, "you are going to have to let me sink or swim." I knew she was right. I stepped back and took a deep breath as she fought her own battles and tried to gain back an independence I hadn't seen in years. It wasn't easy to watch her sometimes sink, but I understood I had to.

When her sister began to go through her own struggles with anxiety as she entered middle school, I struggled not to step in. Part of parenting is learning from mistakes. So, I had to have an honest conversation with myself. I needed to do things differently. Fixing everything hadn't helped with my oldest daughter. Instead, it made her rely on me too heavily. It created a learned helplessness.

As a teacher, my goal is to teach kids how to be independent

My day job as a special education teacher helped me understand more about teaching kids how to be independent. It is the goal of everything I do as a teacher. I teach them the skills they need to navigate the world independently. It is what I had wished I had done with my oldest daughter. It is what I knew I had to do differently for my youngest daughter.

I often told my students that we continue to learn throughout our lives. Learning is a process that never stops. This is especially true in parenthood. I reflected on how I would change the way I responded to my daughter, especially during times when she experienced extreme anxiety.

While it would have been easier in many cases to step in and take over or fix things, it wouldn't teach her anything but how to depend on me instead of depending on herself. Instead of fixing like I did with my oldest, I'm teaching. She is learning to deal with stress by first figuring out what is causing it and then finding strategies to fix it. We come up with solutions that she can either do at the moment or figure out how they worked or haven't worked for her after the fact.

I focus on problem-solving

She recently did her laundry. Instead of putting it away, she threw it on her bed. Then she threw it on the floor and wasn't careful about separating it from her dirty laundry. We figured out that the fix (throwing the laundry on her floor because she was tired) created more work for her later and caused stress. Moving forward, she either has to put the laundry away and leave herself enough time or place it in a separate basket for clean clothes. I've learned that teaching her problem-solving, task prioritization, and figuring out what works and what doesn't will help her fix things for herself.

I am also applying this to school and friendships. I do not step in and contact teachers. Instead, my daughter navigates her way through missed homework assignments and questions about tests. My daughter reaches out to teachers and asks for help or clarification. She is doing the same with friendships by attempting to work through things by communicating.

I'm proud of the skills she is learning as she heads toward high school. As a past coddler, it is sometimes hard not just to swoop in and fix everything. What stops me is knowing that I am creating more of a problem by doing this. To create and foster the independence she'll need to move from high school and college into the real world, I have to encourage and allow her to learn the skills she'll need to make hard decisions and survive disappointment.

The thing about parenting is that it isn't just about protecting and comforting; it is also about stepping back and letting kids do things for themselves. It is one of the hardest and most necessary parts of parenting.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The IPO slump is bad news for everyone

A man on the phone walks near a puddle outside the New York Stock Exchange.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Good morning. JPMorgan Chase released CEO Jamie Dimon's much-anticipated annual letter to shareholders.

In the 58-page letter, Dimon said he sees stagflation dangers slowing the economy β€” and suggested that stock market pain may not be over. Dimon, a longtime meeting-hater, also offered tips on holding better ones. Read BI's takeaways here.

In today's big story, public offerings were about to take off. Instead, they've hit the massive Trump Slump β€” and there's no end in sight.

What's on deck

Markets: Finance influencers share their advice amid Trump's tariffs.

Tech: NYC's tech scene loves this cold-plunge and sauna studio.

Business: Hollywood was hoping for a comeback in 2025. Now, those dreams are fading.

But first, RIP to the IPO comeback.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.


The big story

The Great IPO Depression

The letter "O" from "IPO" falling off a cliff

Andrea Ucini for BI

It's bad news for everyone.

Just a few months ago, tech IPOs seemed primed for a comeback.

"All signs were pointing to 2025 as the year when we would finally get some IPOs," said Matt Kennedy, a senior strategist at Renaissance Capital.

But a historic stock market sell-off, precipitated by Donald Trump's tariffs, has thrown cold water on those hopes.

IPO analysts at Renaissance now estimate that as few as 150 deals could be made this year, making 2025 the fourth straight down year for IPOs.

Another possible factor: Dreams of an IPO comeback may have been unrealistic from the start.

Recent boom times led to the belief that public markets could ask for the moon β€” and get it, BI's Dakin Campbell writes.

However, as outlooks have softened, investors still expect high returns from IPOs, resulting in many companies struggling to generate the enthusiasm needed for a successful public offering.

As long as IPOs remain stagnant, average Americans have few ways to share in Silicon Valley's wealth.

A slowdown in the IPO market limits the opportunities for mom-and-pop investors to directly take stakes in high-growth companies. That means there's less chance for them to strike it big with the next Facebook or Airbnb.

The knock-on effect? Further deepening the divide between the stock market haves and have-nots.

"Yet again, we are sequestering the majority of the upside of our prosperity to the private markets that consist mostly of 0.1 percenters and institutional investors," Scott Galloway, an entrepreneur and marketing professor at New York University, observed.

So, what could spur a more robust market for IPOs? Analysts have some ideas, though it will likely involve companies lowering their valuations.


3 things in markets

Mark Cuban in an armchair speaking into a microphone.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for WIRED

1. Mark Cuban says the US could be on track for a "worse situation" than 2008. In a series of Bluesky posts, Cuban suggested the extensive tariffs, combined with cuts to the federal workforce, could result in a worse financial crisis than the Great Recession.

2. Finance influencers on navigating tariffs uncertainty. BI asked nine finance influencers their top piece of advice amid tariff-related market instability. They shared budgeting, investing, and travel tips, but the No. 1 rule was "don't panic."

3. The trade war's silver lining. The 30-year mortgage rate dropped to its lowest point since October during the trade war chaos of last week. That's a bright spot for homebuyers β€” but it may not last long.


3 things in tech

a woman pushing a hand truck in a warehouse
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009, although many states have raised their own pay.

Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

1. Tariffs chaos hits Amazon's atmosphere. President Trump's whiplash tariffs announcement is throwing the retail giant into uncertain territory. Amazon's stock was among the hardest hit on Thursday, and some employees, sellers, and vendors say the company has given them little guidance so far.

2. Building AI is about to get even more expensive. Most semiconductors are tariff-exempt, but what if the chips are inside other products? It may be time to rethink supply chains.

3. NYC techies <3 sweating and networking. The cold-plunge and sauna studio Othership is the hottest new spot for New York's tech scene, mixing wellness with socializing. It's open to more than just tech workers, though it was designed with them in mind. BI went inside.


3 things in business

TikTok logo and the Chinese flag.

TikTok; Getty Images; BI

1. TikTok's US teams are getting Chinese leaders, staffers say. A string of US executive exits left a management vacuum at TikTok, which employees say ByteDance's Chinese leaders are filling. However, this could change again if ByteDance sells TikTok to a new owner.

2. Hollywood's dashed dreams. Three months into 2025, Hollywood's hopes for a comeback are fading fast. Trump's tariffs, declining production, and more are casting a shadow on the industry's growth prospects.

3. The Chinese food "tsunami." A slew of authentic Chinese restaurant brands are coming to the US, but geopolitical tensions and anti-Asian sentiment persist. Could the cuisine bridge divides between the two countries, or is it set up to fail?


In other news


What's happening today

  • BlackRock CEO Larry Fink speaks at the Economic Club of New York.
  • March Madness national championship.
  • It's National Beer Day. Crack open a cold one.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York (on parental leave). Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Nathan Rennolds, editor, in London. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I'm an American who moved to Tokyo 6 years ago. The work culture is still challenging, but the benefits outweigh any drawbacks.

The Tokyo skyline with Mount Fuji in the background.
I moved from the US to Tokyo in search of a better quality of life.

Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images

  • I'm an American who moved to Tokyo in search of a new beginning.
  • Japan's work culture can be intense, but I've been presented with amazing opportunities in Tokyo.
  • There's so much to love about the city, from the food and culture to the energy.

I was 24 when I decided to leave the US in 2014. I thought about the decision for a long time, but life at home felt like a constant hustle with no real sense of balance.

I needed a change, a reset, a place where I felt like I could breathe again.

I'd always been drawn to Asia, mostly because of the food, culture, and sense of history mixed with rapid innovation. So, I left Mississippi and headed to Taipei, Taiwan, in hopes the move could be just what I needed.

Taiwan was my home base for years as I bounced around the world until finally landing in Tokyo in 2019. At last, it felt like home.

Here's what it's like living in Tokyo as an American.

The food in Japan is truly incredible

A bowl of Ramen with an egg, pork, and greens.
The culinary scene in Tokyo is unmatched.

Marshall Gunnell

Let's start with my favorite subject: food. In Tokyo, ramen is a form of art. Every bowl is crafted to perfection.

I've lost count of how many bowls of ramen I've tried, but I'm convinced the best one is hidden in a tiny, eight-seat shop tucked away in a back alley. The chef barely speaks, but his food says it all.

The broth is rich, the noodles are firm, and the ajitama (soft-boiled marinated egg) is cooked to perfection. Even if you can't speak Japanese, you can understand the universal language of satisfied slurping and sighs.

But honestly, it's not just the ramen. The entire culinary scene here is unmatched, and I love being able to try new things constantly.

But don't just take my word for it β€” Tokyo was the only city late culinary icon Anthony Bourdain said he could live in forever. That speaks volumes.

Tokyo is a crowded city with pockets of tranquility

To me, Tokyo is a city of contradictions. It's a place that can provide both sensory overload and a sense of serene tranquility.

For example, I can be shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of strangers on the train, and then moments later find myself in a quiet garden. Sometimes, I feel like the entire world is on top of me, and then suddenly, I have the whole world to myself.

Tokyo seems to thrive on organized chaos β€” the flashing neon lights, the bustling crowds, and the hum of vending machines that dispense everything from hot coffee to canned corn soup.

It's a place that attacks my senses but somehow soothes my soul simultaneously.

The work culture is a double-edged sword

The sun sets over Tokyo skyscrapers on a cloudy day.
The work culture in Japan can be intense.

Marshall Gunnell

Before leaving the US, I felt stuck in the relentless work culture, where grinding long hours didn't necessarily lead to success.

However, I soon learned that Japan's work culture is its own beast. Hard work is deeply ingrained in the cultural DNA. Many people here dedicate themselves to their jobs, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and an almost monastic devotion to their craft.

It's inspiring to witness, but it also comes with immense pressure to conform and put in those extra hours.

At first, I wondered if I had traded one high-pressure work culture for another. However, I quickly learned that in Tokyo, balance is possible if you know where to draw the line.

Unlike the US, where hustle culture often feels like a competition, Japan's work ethic seems more about collective responsibility. The line between dedication and overwork can sometimes blur, but I've learned to focus on finding that balance.

Six years after moving to Tokyo, I couldn't be happier

After six years here, I can confidently say moving to Tokyo was the right decision.

Above all, moving here helped me achieve my dreams of starting my own video-game company. After all, Japan has one of the most passionate and established gaming cultures in the world.

Now, my company is thriving, and I'm doing what I love in a city that fuels my creativity.

Still, the city has its flaws β€” the language barrier can be difficult to navigate, the apartments are tiny, and sometimes I miss a good cheeseburger. But in my opinion, the trade-offs are worth it.

The food, culture, opportunities, and sheer, relentless energy of Tokyo are incredible. It made me realize there's a whole different way to live and experience the world. And frankly, I can't imagine going back to the way things were.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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