6 Reasons A Man With A 9-5 Is Never Out Of Style
Entrepreneurship is on the rise, as more Americans are seeking the freedom of being their own boss. According to Statista, in 2019, 774,725 businesses in the US were less than a year old. Women of color account for a large number of these new business owners and are celebrated within our community for it. With all the glorification around starting a business, inadvertently a stigma has been created around having a job. Being a CEO has become the picture of success, while working for someone, despite the career level, is commonly viewed as "settling" or being less driven.
As a social media society, we can get caught up in the trendiness of certain careers, and forget that success can look many different ways.
There has specifically been chatter around men with 9-5 jobs vs. entrepreneurs, after comedian B. Simone shared the latter is a requirement in order for a man to become her boooyyfriiieeend. Recently, the Wild 'N Out star stated that she thinks "entrepreneurs should date entrepreneurs." Otherwise, the 9-5 worker would not understand her CEO lifestyle, consisting of handling business in the wee hours. The comment section went into a frenzy, with some agreeing and others taking offense to this theory.
b simone was very demeaning in this. she took to twitter to clarify what she was tryna say but I'll say this ... nothing is wrong with your person having a 9 to 5 while you're fighting to be an entrepreneur. BALANCE is key in a relationship. https://t.co/kL5NtGmjPw
— youtube/Alonzo (@alonzolerone) June 9, 2020
As we debate this on the internets, and disagree on who we should or should not consider dating, I think we all agree that an ambitious man is optimal. Besides a man owning a business, if you are open to it, there are other signs and traits that show a man can contribute to your hustle.
1.His Career
9am to 5pm are simply hours of the day. More important than whether or not your potential bae owns a company, consider what it is that he does during these hours. Is it fulfilling? Is it making a difference in the world? Is it growing him as a person? Does it make him happy? Is he making meaningful change at his company? These are all important questions. I think when we hear "9-5", we can often associate it with someone clocking in, counting down the hours, and then clocking out. However, some people have 9-5 jobs at companies they dreamed of working for and act as "intreprenuers".
2.He Takes Care Of Others
If a man shows you that he thinks beyond himself, this is a telltale sign of ambition. Does he help his parents, and have a goal to be able to fully take care of them one day? Does he have a college fund for a niece, nephew or godchild? These are things that require hard work and determination to achieve. In addition to his drive, it also shows a man's values.
3.He Invests
Investing in stocks, bonds, property or other people's businesses is a clear sign of an ambitious man with a plan. Your future man's investments can result in assets and passive income, without all of the responsibilities that come with being a CEO or founder of a company yourself.
4.He Shares Specific Goals With You
There is a difference between working a 9-5, and being satisfied with working a 9-5. It would behoove you to find out a man's goals in addition to his employment status. Perhaps he plans to start his own business, become a consultant, move up to an executive role at his current job, or even move to a bigger company in the near future -- all signs of a man who is about his business!
5.He Can Offer You Career/Financial Advice
As boss women, we think of a man who is an entrepreneur as someone who will understand our lifestyles and match our mindsets. But if you are an entrepreneur, it may also be cool to date an accountant who can help with your books, or a lawyer who can look over your contracts and offer you business advice.
6.What He Does Outside Of His Job
I personally think what a man does outside of work is more important than what a man does for work. Involvement in organizations, volunteer work, holding a seat on an executive or advisory board or being a community leader can all be promising signs of a partner who can contribute to your career and lifestyle goals.
As women, I do believe we all have the right to desire and go after whatever we want in a partner. However, it may be beneficial to be open-minded about certain things such as career paths. Success can come in many forms, so try to consider the above points before cancelling out a man with a job.
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LaPorsche "P" Jackson is a content creator with a television production background from Brooklyn, NY. While working on various Television shows she developed her passion for telling black stories, and then created her own web series entitled No Chaser. She loves hip hop music, coffee and watching reruns of Girlfriends. You can follow her on instagram - @itsp.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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