While setting goals and resolutions are great ways to start, some tips can help you have a great year. In this article, we’ll explore six tips that may surprise you. We asked for the help of Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk:

Tip #1: Spend More Money on High-Quality Products
When it comes to shopping, many of us are guilty of trying to save money by opting for cheaper products. However, according to Tom, investing in high-quality products can save us money in the long run. “By buying quality, you buy less,” says Tom. “You save money because you don’t need to replace items as often. Plus, the quality of the product is often higher, so it’s more enjoyable to use.” So, if you’re in the market for a new appliance, consider spending more on a high-quality option that will last you years rather than a cheaper one that may break down sooner.

Tip #2: Take More Breaks
Another tip for having a great year is to take more breaks. It may seem like working non-stop is the key to success, but taking regular breaks can help boost productivity and creativity. “Studies have shown that taking breaks can improve concentration, prevent burnout, and boost creativity,” says Tom. “So, if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, take a break and return to work later.” Whether taking a walk outside, practising mindfulness, or simply getting up from your desk for a few minutes, incorporating regular breaks into your day can help you feel more refreshed and productive.

Tip #3: Make Time for Creativity
When considering having a great year, we often focus on achieving specific goals or milestones. However, according to Tom, making time for creativity can also be a key factor in feeling fulfilled and happy. “Creativity is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being,” says Tom. “It can help reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and increase happiness.” Whether taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or simply setting aside time to explore your creative side, making time for creativity can help you feel more balanced and satisfied in all areas of your life.

Tip #4: Embrace Minimalism
Minimalism has become a popular trend in recent years and for good reason. According to Tom, living a minimalist lifestyle can bring many benefits, including increased clarity, reduced stress, and better finances. “By decluttering and simplifying our lives, we can focus on what’s truly important,” says Tom. “We can save money, reduce waste, and free up mental and physical space for things that matter.” If you’re interested in embracing minimalism, start by decluttering your home and letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose. Focus on quality over quantity and aim to live a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle.

Tip #5: Give Back to Others
While self-care is important, giving back to others can also be crucial to having a great year. According to Tom, volunteering or helping others in some way can bring a sense of purpose and fulfilment to our lives.” Helping others can give us a sense of meaning and make us feel more connected to our communities,” says Tom. “It can also improve our mental health and well-being by reducing stress and increasing feelings of gratitude and compassion.”

Whether volunteering at a local charity or doing something kind for a friend or family member, incorporating acts of kindness and generosity into your life can help you feel more fulfilled and connected.

Tip #6: Practice Gratitude
Finally, practising gratitude is another tip to help you have a great year. According to Tom, taking time to appreciate the good things in our lives can help us feel happier, more content, and more resilient. “Gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing happiness and well-being,” says Tom. “It can help us focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.” To practise gratitude, try keeping a daily gratitude journal, taking time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, or expressing gratitude to others through acts of kindness or appreciation.

Conclusion
As we enter the second half of 2023, some tips for making the most of the months ahead are worth considering. Whether investing in quality products, taking more breaks, embracing minimalism, giving back to others, making time for creativity, or practising gratitude, there are many ways to improve our lives and have a great year. So, as you set your goals and resolutions for the coming months, remember these tips and see how they can help you live your best life.

There are few experiences more life-changing than moving homes. As anyone who’s navigated this process knows, the thrill of change is frequently accompanied by the weight of countless boxes. Now, amplify this by the hustle and bustle of New York City, and the experience becomes an adventure unto itself. Here we explore the critical question faced by many – when does it make sense to hire a professional moving company?

Exploring the Advantages of Professional Movers
Engaging the services of movers in NYC can be likened to having an expert guide when embarking on a challenging hike. Their knowledge and experience help navigate the journey more smoothly, reducing the potential pitfalls of a daunting endeavor.

Professional movers are adept at managing the ins and outs of packing, ensuring that every square inch of the box and the moving truck is utilized efficiently. When it comes to handling heavy or fragile items, their expertise shines through, significantly lowering the risk of damage during transportation. Moreover, knowing that your items are insured brings a sense of security that is priceless in the middle of a move.

The aspect that’s most attractive, though, is how much time and energy professional movers can save you. In the city that never sleeps, every second counts, and the time saved can be devoted to exploring your new neighborhood or simply catching your breath amid the whirlwind of change.

Recognizing When to Call in the Professionals
While some might view professional movers as an indulgence, there are several instances where their involvement is not just beneficial but critical.

A long-distance move is an evident scenario. The logistical complexities of such a move are enough to warrant the assistance of seasoned movers. If your home houses items like a vintage armoire, a grand piano, or delicate works of art, you would want these valuable items to be in the hands of professionals.

Timing is another critical factor. If you’re making a move within a tight schedule, the convenience of movers in NYC can’t be overstated. Also, if you find yourself managing a move with limited helping hands, hiring professional movers quickly shifts from an option to a necessity.

Selecting the Right Movers for Your NYC Move

Once you decide to engage professional movers, the next crucial step is to find the right fit for your specific needs.

Reputation and reliability should be at the forefront of your considerations. Scour through customer reviews, check ratings, and seek recommendations.

Cost, while important, shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. What’s more crucial is to understand what you get for the price. Evaluate their insurance coverage and the extent of their services. The right movers would ideally be a perfect blend of affordability, reliability, and comprehensive service.

Customizing Your Moving Services: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Moving services are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Today, many companies offer customizable moving services that adapt to your requirements. One such option is the ‘moving help only’ service, where the company assists with loading and unloading your moving truck. This option is great for those who prefer to be behind the wheel or have a truck at their disposal but need help with the heavy lifting.

When a DIY Move Might Be the Way to Go

It’s important to note that while professional movers can be of immense help, there are instances where a DIY move could be more practical.

If you’re making a small local move, hiring a moving company might be an unnecessary expense. With fewer items to move, you might be able to manage multiple trips across a short distance. Similarly, if you’re a minimalist or moving out of a dorm room, the volume of items to move is likely manageable without professional assistance.

A DIY move might also be feasible if you have a flexible timeline. The luxury of time allows you to spread out the moving process, making it less overwhelming. You can pack a box or two per day, and gradually transport items to your new place, making the whole process more manageable.

Something to Remember
The decision to hire professional movers is a personal one, influenced by factors unique to each situation. While movers in NYC can be lifesavers during complex or large-scale moves, smaller or more laid-back moves might not warrant their services.

But no matter the size or complexity of your move, it’s essential to remember that moving is a significant life event. Whether you choose to go the DIY route or engage professional help, the ultimate goal is to transition to your new home as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

Looking for top-notch developers but can’t find them locally? Where should you look? What’s the difference between outsourcing and offshoring? And strategies to hire developers from India?

These are common challenges for organisations aiming to expand their team of talented developers rapidly. But don’t worry, we are here to delve deeper and provide expert insights and solutions!

The dawn of a new era
2022 and beyond will witness a remarkable transformation in modern organisations as they increasingly embrace a technology-centric approach in their external offerings and internal mindset.

However, let’s not forget the critical ingredient: top-tier developers. A staggering 41% of IT decision-makers identified the talent and skills gap as their biggest challenge in a 2020 survey.

In the post-Covid era, IT decision-makers explore diverse strategies to build their tech teams. They’ve realised that collaboration can transcend geographical boundaries, thanks to the effectiveness of remote work.

Yet, expanding your tech team is more than just scattering employees across different locations. It involves either a temporary expansion to address project backlogs or a long-term commitment, where engineers seamlessly integrate as full-time colleagues.

The importance of location
Certain regions like Australia, the US, Canada, and Western Europe face a significant scarcity of highly skilled engineers. It’s not that they are non-existent, but renowned tech giants dominate the talent pool, leaving limited options for others.

Countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and the Philippines boast an abundance of exceptionally talented and qualified software engineers. Tech leaders should aim to grasp the art of hiring developers in India to expand their capabilities and achieve scalable growth.

Decoding the path to hiring developers in India
To address these shortages, alternative models have emerged, enabling companies in talent-deficient regions to tap into the skills of overseas professionals. Two popular options are outsourcing and offshoring.

Outsourcing involves collaborating with an external vendor, often called a software house. This arrangement works well for short-term projects or to manage temporary fluctuations in workload. However, it’s important to note that these engineers serve multiple clients, not exclusively your organisation.

Offshoring entails building a dedicated team of engineers integrated into your existing setup. They become full-time colleagues, working in sync with your in-house developers and sharing your business’s mission and values.

Unleashing India’s potential: exploring Bangalore
With a staggering 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, India offers a vast pool of highly educated and skilled software developers ready to fuel your business growth.

In Bangalore, out of the city’s 12.5 million residents, nearly one million are software developers. The IT industry employs a massive 10 million people annually in India, with 40% of those engineers originating from Bangalore.

Aptly known as the ‘Silicon Valley of Asia,’ the city boasts a robust startup ecosystem and hosts the R&D centres of tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.

The Scalers’ 7-step process to hire developers in India
1. Talent scouting: identifying elite candidates through initial search and prescreening.

2. Logical skills testing: assessing candidates’ problem-solving abilities through various tests.

3. Technical expertise assessment: conducting a practical assessment with our technical panel to gauge understanding.

4. Mock assignment: evaluating candidates’ solution architecture skills through a three-day project.

5. HR interview: delving deeper into candidates’ personalities and individual traits.

6. Manager interview: assessing cultural fit for your business.

7. Final stage: you conduct the final interviews and select your champions from the elite group.

Partnering with The Scalers, an experienced offshore team builder, ensures access to top talent in Bangalore while maintaining oversight over the output, similar to working with local engineers. Our proven methodology guarantees highly skilled developers who align with your business values and working ethos.

Hiring developers in India: final thoughts
The race for innovation is in full swing, and organisations can’t afford to lag.

Falling behind means watching your competitors vanish into the distance. Bridging this gap requires a solid understanding of how to hire developers in India—a fool-proof solution that paves the way for a dedicated and strategic long-term team.

If you’re ready to take your organisation to the next level, an offshore team can be your best ally. To tap into Bangalore’s thriving IT ecosystem, simply reach us through our contact form. As seasoned experts in assembling top-tier engineering teams in India, we’re here to help you build your A-team!