#online chat jobs remote

[wbmttinc]

We are hiring! If you want to work from home and get paid for your effort, this is the job for you! To apply you must have a quiet place to work, basic computer skills and be an open-minded creative thinker. Ask me for more info!

[digitalworldwithsara]

Live Chat Jobs Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Chat Support Careers

As remote work becomes a more common career option, live chat jobs have gained significant attention as a viable way to earn money from home. In this in-depth review, we will explore the nature of live chat jobs, the types of companies that hire for these positions, the benefits and challenges, salary expectations, and the legitimacy of this online job market. This guide will also provide practical advice for finding genuine opportunities, avoiding scams, and succeeding in the live chat job industry.

Understanding Live Chat Jobs

A. Nature of Work

Live chat jobs involve providing customer service or support through a company’s online chat system. In contrast to phone support, chat support focuses on written communication to resolve issues, answer queries, or assist with technical support. Agents manage multiple conversations at once, often with the goal of resolving issues quickly and efficiently.

Live chat jobs can be found in a range of industries, from e-commerce and retail to healthcare and technology. Remote accessibility allows agents to work from home, providing flexibility in work schedules and the comfort of working from a familiar environment.

B. Key Skills Required

To succeed as a live chat agent, several essential skills are needed:

Communication Skills: Clear, concise, and effective written communication is the cornerstone of live chat jobs.

Problem-Solving Skills: Live chat agents are expected to resolve customer issues quickly, often under time pressure.

Technical Proficiency: Agents must be comfortable using chat software, navigating systems, and assisting with technical issues.

Customer Service Skills: Empathy, patience, and professionalism are vital when dealing with various customer concerns.

Top Companies for Live Chat Jobs

A. Industry Leaders

LiveChatA popular customer support software provider, LiveChat offers chat jobs where agents assist clients across industries. Employees benefit from flexible hours and competitive pay, making this a great platform for those starting in the field.

Smith.aiSmith.ai hires virtual assistants to handle both live chat and phone support for businesses in a range of industries, such as law firms, healthcare providers, and e-commerce. They offer training and flexible remote work schedules.

HubSpotHubSpot, known for its CRM platform, hires live chat agents to provide tech and customer support globally. In addition to flexible schedules, HubSpot offers health benefits and paid time off.

These companies are leaders in the remote support industry, providing employees with ample training, competitive wages, and a supportive work environment.

Job Market Insights

A. Salary Expectations

The average salary for live chat agents can vary widely depending on several factors:

Entry-Level: Entry-level agents typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour.

Experience-Based Pay: Experienced agents may earn up to $30 per hour or more, especially in specialized industries like tech support or healthcare.

Performance-Based Pay: Some companies offer bonuses or performance-based incentives, adding to the potential earnings.

B. Job Growth Prospects

Live chat jobs are on the rise due to the increased demand for online customer support. The shift towards e-commerce and digital services has accelerated the need for chat support agents. Growth is particularly strong in industries like:

Retail: Assisting customers with product information and purchases.

Healthcare: Helping patients navigate online portals or troubleshoot medical devices.

Tech Support: Guiding users through troubleshooting software and hardware issues.

As companies increasingly shift toward digital communication, the demand for live chat agents will likely continue to grow, providing opportunities for career progression into areas like sales, marketing, and technical support.

Employee Experiences

A. Positive Reviews

From employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, live chat jobs receive positive feedback for several reasons:

Flexibility: Employees enjoy the ability to work from home and manage their schedules.

Work-Life Balance: Remote chat jobs often allow workers to balance their professional and personal lives better.

Professional Growth: Many agents report gaining valuable communication and customer service skills that enhance their career development.

B. Challenges

Despite the benefits, live chat agents face certain challenges:

High Workload: Handling multiple chats at once can be overwhelming, especially during peak times.

Dealing with Difficult Customers: Some interactions can be stressful, requiring patience and emotional control.

Pros and Cons of Live Chat Jobs

Pros:

Flexible work hours.

No need for phone communication.

Ability to work remotely.

Opportunity to gain valuable customer service skills.

Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Cons:

May face high workloads during peak periods.

Dealing with difficult customers.

Requires self-discipline and time management.

Variable pay depending on experience and employer.

Legitimacy and Scams in Online Chat Jobs

A. Evaluating Legitimacy

Given the popularity of live chat jobs, many job seekers wonder if these positions are legitimate. To evaluate the legitimacy of a job opportunity:

Research the Company: Check the company’s reputation online. Reputable companies will have a well-established presence, clear contact information, and active customer service channels.

Verify Job Descriptions: Legitimate job listings provide clear details on job responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation.

No Upfront Fees: Be wary of any company that asks for upfront fees for training or materials.

B. Tips to Avoid Chat Job Scams

Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Verify Credentials: Check the company’s credentials and reviews from past employees.

Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to reputable job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or FlexJobs to avoid falling for scams.

Stay Informed: Regularly check for scam warnings on forums and online job communities.

Earnings Potential in Live Chat Jobs

A. Factors Influencing Earnings

Several factors influence how much you can earn as a live chat agent:

Experience and Expertise: More experienced agents or those with specialized skills often earn higher pay.

Employer and Industry: Some industries, like tech support, offer higher wages than others.

Performance-Based Pay: Bonuses or commissions are common in sales-oriented roles.

Work Schedule Impact: Full-time workers tend to earn more than part-time agents.

Geographic Location: Pay rates can vary depending on the country or region where you’re working.

Volume of Work: More interactions often lead to higher earnings, especially if compensated per chat.

B. Real-World Examples

Entry-Level Agents: Typically, new agents earn between $10 and $15 per hour.

Opportunities for Growth: Experienced agents or those in specialized roles may earn $20 to $30 per hour or more, with additional bonuses for hitting performance targets.

How to Find Live Chat Jobs

A. Utilizing Job Search Platforms

Indeed: Offers numerous listings for remote live chat jobs.

LinkedIn: Great for networking and finding verified live chat job opportunities.

Glassdoor: Provides insights into company culture and salary expectations.

B. Exploring Company Websites

Many companies, like Apple and Amazon, regularly list live chat roles directly on their careers pages.

C. Leveraging Remote Work Websites

FlexJobs, Remote.co, and We Work Remotely are excellent resources for finding verified live chat positions.

D. Tapping into Online Freelance Platforms

Upwork and Freelancer offer contract-based live chat roles for those interested in short-term or freelance opportunities.

E. Networking for Job Opportunities

Use social media and online forums to connect with others in the industry. Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities often post job openings.

F. Researching Companies

Inquire directly about live chat opportunities with companies like Zendesk, Intercom, or LiveChat. These companies often have open positions and clear career paths for remote chat agents.

Live Chat Jobs Review – My Verdict

After thoroughly reviewing the world of live chat jobs, it is clear that this career path offers many advantages for those seeking flexibility, the ability to work from home, and growth opportunities. With the right skill set and discipline, live chat jobs can be a rewarding option for individuals in various fields, from customer service to tech support.

Summary of Key Points:

Flexibility: Remote work and flexible hours make live chat jobs appealing.

Earnings: With experience and performance-based incentives, chat agents can earn a decent income.

Challenges: Handling high workloads and difficult customers can be stressful but manageable with the right mindset.

For those seeking a remote career with growth potential, live chat jobs offer a great way to enter the remote workforce. By following the tips outlined in this review and conducting thorough research, you can find legitimate opportunities that match your skills and aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some remote job opportunities in live chat?

Answer: Live chat jobs are available in industries like retail, tech support, and healthcare, with companies like LiveChat and Smith.ai frequently hiring.

2. What is the salary range for a live chat agent?

Answer: Entry-level agents typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with experienced agents earning up to $30 per hour or more.

3. How do I become a live chat agent?

Answer: Start by researching companies that hire for live chat positions, create a strong resume highlighting your communication skills, and apply on job boards like Indeed and FlexJobs.

4. Are there any legitimate live chat job opportunities?

Answer: Yes, platforms like FlexJobs, LinkedIn, and Remote.co list verified live chat jobs. Avoid offers requiring upfront fees or vague job descriptions.

5. How can I find live chat agent jobs near me?

Answer: Search on job boards like Indeed or directly on company websites. Many companies offer fully remote roles that allow you to work from anywhere.

6. Can you make a decent income as a live chat agent?

Answer: Yes, depending on experience and industry, live chat agents can make a competitive income, especially with performance-based bonuses and incentives.

Related Resources:

Live Chat Jobs Review-Navigating the Future of Remote Work [Updated]

[livechatjobs788]

Live Chat Jobs - You have to try this one!

Looking for a flexible and rewarding work-from-home opportunity? Look no further than Live Chat Jobs! "Live Chat Jobs - You have to try this one!" isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a genuine recommendation.

Live Chat Jobs offer a dynamic work environment where you connect with customers in real-time, using your communication skills to answer questions and provide support. The best part? You can often set your own hours and work from the comfort of your home!

Intrigued? Live Chat Jobs might be the perfect fit for you. Keep reading to explore the exciting world of live chat customer service!

[makemoneyonlinerightnowpost]

Ready for a chat? You could make up to $6 an on top of bonuses doing simple tasks from home.🏡💼Join today! https://bit.ly/41OpGUH

[hancoxinc]

Job Offer: Live Chat Assistant

Are you looking for a job that you can do online, from home? Do you have a laptop, tablet, or phone with a reliable internet connection? If so, this live chat assistant job could be for you. We are hiring people from all countries right now for these positions. Full training is provided and we are looking for people who can start work right away. Read here to complete your application if you are interested.

Click Here To Learn More!

[moneyxmentor04]

We are hiring,

Live Chat Agents are required - Get paid up to $35/hr by Answering Simple Questions. Click here to apply now.

[hyaffiliate]

[smartvirtuals]

Are you looking for a job that you can do online, from home? Do you have a laptop, tablet, or phone with a reliable internet connection? If so, this live chat assistant job could be for you. We are hiring people from all countries right now for these positions. Full training is provided and we are looking for people who can start work right away. Read here to complete your application if you are interested https://bit.ly/3JKkjOF.

[moneymaker250]

Earn $175-575 a day from the comfort of your home as a Live Chat Agent. Click The Link Below To Apply Now.

[viktheviking1]

The scariest people are never the ones who immediately creep you out. They are the ones who are expert at seeming trustworthy. You may already know someone like this, and not realize it yet.

Be it on the Internet or in real life, it is important to be cautious around anyone who starts suggesting things you aren't comfortable with or asking for information that is none of their business.

Things no one taught you about the Internet!

Starting with minors (17 and under in the US)

DON'T POST YOUR AGE! Or age rage. Or birth year. Do not write 'minor' in your bio. This is probably the most common and most dangerous mistake! You will be actively targeted.

Don't pretend you're an adult!!! If a creep sees that you wrote 18 or older but act like a minor, they will do all the same tricks to become your friend, and know they have a legal loophole because they can always claim they didn't know! This is almost more dangerous than just saying "I'm a kid, come hurt me"

Instead just don't say anything! Don't post it anywhere, and don't add it to your bio. If someone asks you for your age, just block them.

Don't share your name or nickname! Even if you don't share your last name, they can pick up enough details about you over time that even a first name is enough to find you.

Instead, use a totally different name! Something like Eli_Bloodsucker is way more fun, just don't use it if your real name or even a real life nickname is Eli, Eliza, Ellie, or anything else even remotely similar!

Don't talk to anyone directly! Be it in comments or asks or in direct messages, they're all dangerous. It doesn't matter if they say they are a minor or an adult. If you can't see their face, don't talk to them. If you find a real life friend you didn't know had an account, don't talk to them. That might not be your friend. You can text your friend directly or talk to them in real life about it later.

Instead, just spread positivity purely form likes and reblogs. Pretend the comment and chat buttons are lava or acid or something. Don't touch them.

Don't share ANYTHING about where you live. Not even country. Don't tell someone about how it's always humid where you live or that there's a storm where you are.

Instead, you can share about weather vaguely later. For example, "a few months ago it snowed and I slipped on ice."

Don't, talk about an activity that would even hint that you are a minor. Don't talk about school, don't talk about piano lessons, don't talk about martial arts class, or football practice. Don't mention growing out of your clothes. Don't mention how your mom grounded you. Don't talk about your little brother barging into your room.

Instead, before posting any stories from your real life, ask yourself if this could also easily apply to someone in their 20s living with roommates instead of family members and working a full-time job. If the answer is yes, then post it, if not, don't. (Good example: I burnt my eggs but I didn't want to waste it so I still ate it. Bad example: My dad made me eggs this morning even though I hate them, and made me eat them.)

Don't post or share pictures or videos of yourself online. Someone can either use it to find you or steal them to lure your friends or other people your age into trusting them.

Instead, find a picture of a duck with a mustache online, and make that you're profile picture. Find a map of Australia and post that as your "outfit check". Way more fun.

Do not trust the person who reblogged this. Do not trust the original poster. Creeps will sometimes post about Internet safety as part of their plan to make you trust them.

So how can you tell who to trust, and who not to? You can't! That's the Internet. Better to play it safe than to risk your actual life over a post or a trend

Adult Internet safety:

Idk, it's your life. You know the consequences you might face. Make your own damn decisions. If your dad can't tell you what to do, then I sure can't.

Oh, and don't interact with people you know, or think, are kids. There is help available for those who are tempted to do this. Don't go down that path. There are resources, there are other ways. Having thoughts isn't a crime, acting on them is. PLEASE talk to a licensed professional.

[hancoxinc]

Customer Support Chat Job: $25/hr

This is a job application, open for applicants from all countries, for online customer support workers doing live chat support. This means you will be handling the live chat messages for a business on their website and social media accounts. Full training is provided and we have jobs available to start work on right away. You are able to set your own hours as long as you work a minimum of 10 hours a week. Read more details here…

Click Here To Learn More!

[moneyxmentor04]

Live Chat Agents are Required - Get Paid up to $35/hr by Answering Simple Questions. Click the Link Below to Apply Now,

[wooahaeruby]

Chapter 7: New Beginnings Bring New Fascinations

Chapter Word Count: 3,355

Anything in Bold Italics are Korean/Another language.

Master List | Prev | Next

The excited uproar when you called Mimi and Papa was the tip of the iceberg. For the sake of privacy until any documentation was signed, you kept Jihoon’s name out of it, but that didn’t fully stop you from answering any questions. You were lucky to have taken some painkillers and a half hour nap before starting the adventures of the morning. 

“Oh tell me about it! How did it happen? Where were you??” Mimi sighed dramatically, hearing a chuckle from Papa in the background. 

You settled back on the bed, a smile on your features as you rolled your eyes. “It was so dumb. I told you two of my coworkers and I went to a concert in Jersey – it was amazing by the way, the best concert of my life. We went out to a diner in the city once we got back and we pretty much..ran into each other, literally.” Thinking back, the entire situation only got funnier. “Ji- He was there with his friends and we basically sat and hung out for hours. Some other things happened that I can’t discuss, but someone is going to email you guys an NDA for you to sign. It’s a kinda complicated time so I can’t talk too much about it.” 

With confirmation they would read it over and sign whatever was needed by the end of the day, you bid both a farewell after promising to somehow have them meet either over video chat or in person. 

Calling your supervisor was relatively easy. Once the formalities were out of the way, you explained that your soulmate was someone that travels the world frequently based on Seoul and with your job mainly being online, you figured it would be a better request for a transfer and move to remote. After a while on hold, a conference call with a few supervisors and the head of the Korean relations department, it was approved. You expected the conversation about a pay cut, it wasn’t as bad. It accommodated the change in costs of living. 

Contacting Jamie and Kazuki was…chaotic to say the least. A text turned into a phone called…which turned into a video call and a tour of the room you were staying in. They gave no hesitation in agreeing to sign the NDA as long as you give them ‘all the tea’ and send them any extra merch you possibly could. Talking to them made you feel light, while the bond between Jihoon and yourself brought you warmth and destiny, the platonic bond you held between the three of you brought comfortability and familiarity.

“Wait, shit, what's gonna happen to your stuff? How was all that gonna be handled?” Jamie frowned. “You’re gonna be leaving this week, right?” 

“Ah…yeah about that. I’ll pay for whatever you guys need, but I was kinda hoping you could go through everything since I don’t have a lot, pack it, and send it out with whatever company Pledis is going to use.” 

“Can I call dibs on anything you don’t take with you?” The question from Kazu had you groaning, shaking your head and giggling.

“As long as you don’t keep some weird shit, yeah. Between now and whenever we leave, I’m going to need to head back home to gather everything I can in a few suitcases. I think when the manager was taking us back he was saying something about switching flights and needing my passport, which I don’t have with me.” 

You shifted from your spot at the desk, turning your head towards the door. There was that pull again deep down, goosebumps once again raised on your arms. 

“Babes? Are you good?” 

The knock at the door interrupted Jamie, you already knew who it was. You gave a call of one sec!. 

“ Quick question, do you know when Kazuki is going to come home if he goes out or feel him once he is close?” 

“ Feel him? Like a sixth sense? Not really. I’ve read that some bonds can manifest that, but typically it’s the feeling of serenity when together and the shared emotions.” 

“Hm, interesting. Okay, well Jihoon is waiting outside the door. Bye.” 

“Don’t just hang-” 

And you hung up on him, standing and stretching your limbs before answering the door. Jihoon didn’t change, but at least his hair was brushed and he might have slept a bit more. 

You could feel the slightest hint of nerves build in your chest. Before you were able to open your mouth, Jihoon was already talking. 

“ I know it might be a lot, but everyone in the group knows now and are insisting on meeting you. I’m the first one in the group to meet their soulmate outside of Seungkwan and Vernon-” That was…yeah that one was obvious. “ They said if I didn’t come and convince you to agree, Seungkwan and Seokmin would be coming to drag you out.” 

Ah…Yeah…That. 

Why you thought you could escape the inevitable for longer was unknown. 

“ They all want to go out for lunch.” 

“Jihoon, you are making it worse.” You cringed, giving him a pleading look which only morphed into a timid smile. 

“... Sorry.” 

“I can’t really escape this, can I?”

The quick, little shake of his head gave you all the answers needed. 

That was how you found yourself in a fancy Korean BBQ place, walking into the back for a large private room. Jihoon and yourself were the last to show up since you needed to speak with his managers to give the needed information to send the additional NDAs out and hand over your own. You expressed your plans to travel home to pack as much as possible within the next few days before needing to fly out. 

You thanked the waitress who had led you to the room, face contouring in uneasiness. Beyond the door, you could hear boisterous conversation and laughter filling the room. As Jihoon went to open the door, you slowly took his free hand, rolling your shoulders back to straighten up. 

“ Finally! I thought we’d have to go back to the hotel and drag you here!” All conversation ceased as Seokmin called out, noticing you both at the door. “ Come sit! We just ordered the meat!” 

Two seats were empty between Seokmin and Soonyoung. All eyes were focused on the two of you, quietly taking in you. Jihoon pursed his lips and stepped in front of you partially to block their view, walking you towards your spots and sitting down. He automatically sat next to Soonyoung, leaving you to fend for yourself against Seokmin. Across from you was none other than Mingyu.

Personally, you didn’t know how to break the ice. Too many pairs of eyes were perceiving you. No introduction was needed from them really. 

“ Ya hyung, did you tell them we bite or something?” The first one to speak was Mingyu, the exasperation on his face and the scoff he let out made Jihoon return the scoff with his own. 

“ They are a Carat, maybe they’ve watched enough videos to know how annoying you are.” 

The comment had your lips pressed tightly together and your head falling back to hold in the laugh. You took a deep breath and shuttered it out. 

“Lord save me.” You muttered out, shaking your head and looking back at everyone the best you could. Every single one of them were so close, clean faces without a hint of makeup, comfy casual clothes, and wide eyed in curiosity.

“ I’m not annoying! Tell them I’m not annoying!” Hearing the giant of a man whine in front of you was not on your bingo board of the year.  No one came to his defense. 

“ Can you shut up and stop making a fool of yourself?” The deep rumble of Seongcheol’s voice, he sat on the other side of Seokmin between Jeonghan and Chan. 

A chorus of laughter fluttered out of each of them. Jihoon rumbled a laugh to himself, feeling a childlike joy shared with you. 

“ Can I introduce myself or are you going to continue bullying Mingyu?” The sarcasm in your tone even had Jihoon reeling to stare at you. 

With no objections, you stated your name, bowing your head to them. “ I was born in 1997 here in New York, and I speak four languages relatively fluently, and have been a Carat since 2019.” 

The waitress from earlier had pushed the door open along with another waiter, rolling in a car full of different meat platters and extras. Food was quickly arranged haphazardly around the grills and table, gratitude shared for everything provided before you once again were sitting just the fourteen of you. 

“ I have to say, you are handling this a lot better than I thought.” Jeonghan spoke up, leaning on his uninjured elbow to see you the best he could past Seokmin who was leaning over the table. 

You chuckled at that, waving a hand to brush it off. “ If I’m being honest here, I’m about two seconds away from running out the door so I don’t embarrass myself. You should have seen me last night when my friend pointed out some of the members walking into the diner.” 

Jihoon was pulling a plate of meat towards him, already starting the cooking to get everything going. “ I told Shua-hyung and Seokmin-ah that they were feeling close to imploding with embarrassment and shock.” 

Your jaw dropped and you gave a hardish hit to his shoulder. “ Hey! Try to step into my shoes!” 

“I thought you were going to pass out from just feeling that alone.” 

“Jihoon!” 

Another chorus of laughter filled the room, making you shrink down in your chair. Now you wished to crawl into a hole. 

“ What was it you said? Oh my fucking god, you have to be fucking kidding me.” He continued, stating word for word your reaction in English. 

“ Luckily you didn’t have the first words written on you, that would have been hard to hide, hyung.” Chan’s loud and innocent laugh had you laughing too. 

“ It gets better, their friend placed a bet that one of us would be their soulmate and won.” Joshua interjected smoothly, flipping the meat on the grill in front of him.

“ Can someone be on my side?” Your plea went unanswered. 

“ So, do we need to ask the question that is on everyone’s mind?” The innocent tone Seungkwan was trying to portray was laced with mischief. 

“Wait, what is supposed to be on everyone’s mind? I’m lost.” Soonyoung – bless his heart – leaned forward, looking innocently between you and Seungkwan. 

You stared daggers into Seungkwan. He was lucky he wasn’t across from you because you definitely would have kicked him under the table. “ Nothing, don’t listen to him. He is talking nonsense.” You rushed the words out, only making it even more suspicious. 

“Ya noona…it would be mean if you don’t tell everyone your bias, right?” His tone was challenging towards you, raising an eyebrow. 

You could hear the smirk on Jeonghan’s face when he spoke. “ Oh? I’m especially curious.” 

“ Seungkwanie.” You said between clenched teeth, staring him down. “ I’m asking you nicely-” 

“What? I think hyung would like to know. Right, Cheolie-hyung? You’d want to know if someone was biasing you, right?” 

If your soul could split from Jihoon and leave your body, that was how you felt. Too many voices were talking at once, playful screaming and laughter flooding your ears. Jokes were cracked at Jihoon and Seungcheol, thankfully leaving you out of the mix for now. You rued the day that the jokes would be fired at you if they grew comfortable enough for that. 

Your cheeks were bright red from what you could tell based on how hot you felt. In the back of your mind you were conjuring a plan of how to get back at him one day. 

“ Wah…and here I thought the universe would make them have a natural draw to Jihoonie.” Jeonghan heaved a breath, “ Please tell me your wrecker is him.” 

“ I will neither confirm nor deny that.” Was all you were able to say, pinching the bridge of your nose. 

Although the beginning of your meeting was…interesting to say the least, the more the conversation flowed, the more comfortable it became. Minghao and Jun were mostly quiet aside from you boasting about the Performance Unit. Wonwoo was a quiet watcher who grew curious when Mingyu asked if you played any game, which you did but you were particularly good at. You preferred the single player games that let you pass time after work, but you would rather be reading a book in bed which he could happily agree with. 

Seeing Seventeen in videos wasn’t all that different than who they were in person. They playfully bullied one another, told old stories that had you laughing so hard your sides hurt, and were unapologetically themselves. Jihoon and Joshua had brought up a new episode of an anime they were following. Soonyoung was leaning back behind your soulmate to ask you a question. Seokmin was ever so kindly giving you food when your plate was empty. Anything you didn’t finish was not so conspicuously shoveled onto Jihoon’s plate. 

Truth be told, it was similar to how you thought of them: comforting, familial, and tranquil. They had already made you feel like family even if they had just met you. You were an important person to Jihoon now, who each one of them cared about deeply, and you were going to spend the rest of your life with him. 

“ Oh god, my grandma used to call me dumpling!” Seungkwan howled, scrunching his face up into a cringe, shaking his head. 

“ Dumpling!? That is cute though!” You yelled across the table, grinning wide. “ Mimi used to call me Ruby. My birth month stone is a ruby and I loved red roses growing up. She doesn’t do it much anymore since I’m older, but it was cute. She even got me a necklace with a ruby on it.” 

A gasp came from Mingyu who gave the most puppy-like smile, wide sparkly eyes and all, quickly looking between you and Jihoon who you thought wasn’t zoned into the conversation. “ Can we call you Ruby? It’s like hyung’s song too! You are his ruby!” 

A wave of adoration that washed through you had you glancing at Jihoon. Soonyoung was talking animatedly about a topic you couldn’t really catch and the latter was listening, however he definitely was listening in on your conversation as well. 

“ I don’t see why you can’t, it’d be nice to hear it again.” You affirmed, nodding to solidify it. 

“ Ruby-ah!” Mingyu grinning, “ That is your name now. I don’t make the rules.”

By the time everyone had eaten their fill, small groups were ready to explore on their own. Members started to funnel out after Seungcheol generously paid for the meal, some making plans to meet up once more for dinner. Truth be told you had no plans besides going back to the hotel, finishing whatever paperwork was needed and simply existing. Finishing the papers meant the posting of the announcement which also led to the making or breaking of your mental health depending on how the world reacts. You knew there would be the delusional fans that would start something. You had already placed your instagram on private after the meeting. You hoped you didn’t have to private your twitter since it was mostly anonymous. 

“Noona, do you want to go out with us?” Chan broke you from your little trance, tilting his head slightly in question. Vernon and Seungkwan were already ready to head out. “We want to walk around Time Square.” 

“ Ah, it might not be a good idea yet.” You stood, rubbing the back of your neck. 

He raised an eyebrow, head still tilted. “ Why? Because a statement hasn’t been put out?” 

You simply nodded. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to explore and get to know your new companions, but there were a lot of what ifs that plagued your mind. 

“ Why can’t we just…live on the edge?” Seungkwan questioned, a purse to his lips. His eyes were focused more on Jihoon, hopeful he would think it was a good idea. 

Looking at him, you see the internal debate he was having. 

“ I- Well, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Maybe it would be better to wait, some fans can be a little…intrusive.”

“But what’s the fun in that?” Seungkwan’s pursed lips turn into a full pout now. 

Jihoon was looking at you now, gauging your reaction. It was no question he could feel the hope, but also the fear you were attempting to bundle down. His expression shifted before he sighed, shoulders deflating some. 

“ Fine, but if we get in trouble, you better take the blame.”

“Deal! Let’s go!” Seungkwan was taking your arm after having rounded the table, leaving the others to catch up. “ And we’ll have security with us, nothing to worry about. You and Nonnie can translate for us if needed.” 

“ Am I being used as a free translator?” You ask while being dragged along. 

Somewhere behind you, Vernon gives confirmation which causes you to laugh. 

The handful of you had a blast walking around the main attraction of the city. You had called Jamie and Kazuki to meet up with you since they took the time earlier to read and sign their lives away. Spending the day with new friends and old ones only added to the fun. Seungkwan and Jamie had clicked last night and now it showed every more as they teased you based on things the latter told him about you. Throughout the afternoon, you and Jihoon found yourselves gravitating towards one another again. Just as Kazuki and Jamie did or Seungkwan and Vernon. So he didn’t feel left out, you walked close to Chan, asking about his interests and keeping conversations flowing between you. 

Pictures were taken, plenty were littering your camera roll now; candid shots of them, selfies with a few, and a singular picture of Jihoon.

You don’t know what possessed you to take it. He was just standing in the afternoon light, reading something on his phone as he waited outside of the ice cream shop you had found with the security guard. His posture and expression was relaxed. He looked content if you had to place a word to it. After snapping the pictures, he had perked up, glancing through the window at you. You had turned away to face the front of the line, feeling the heat spread across your cheeks. Unbeknownst to you, Jihoon was laughing silently to himself, warmth filling his chest. 

Upon arrival back at the hotel, you all came to an agreement that you would go out again for pizza with your little cluster later in the evening. Mimi had texted you that the papers were signed albeit with some minor questions that an email from the management team wasn’t unable to handle. An email thread from PR, management, and the legal representative were hammering out final decisions before you got one email attachment from Hyeji. 

Jihoon was walking you back to your room, hands shoved in his pockets when you stopped. Opening the attachment led to the formal announcement draft written consecutively from Korean, English, Japanese, and Mandarin. 

“ What? Is something wrong?” 

You shook your head, eyes intently scanning over each and every word. “ They want me to approve the draft for the announcement.” 

You felt him pressed up beside you a moment later, reading the text over your shoulder. 

It was simple and to the point, nothing too frilly. You both shared a look. You were curious if he had any issues with it. With both approvals, you replied back, giving the okay and it began the wait…

[hyaffiliate]

[berniesrevolution]

IN THESE TIMES

DES MOINES, Iowa — Wearing bright yellow Crocs, carrying a backpack and holding a clipboard stacked with papers, Ahmed Musa listens intently to a student. You would be forgiven for thinking Mr. Musa was a student himself; it is ​“staff dress like a student” day during spirit week at Theodore Roosevelt High School, and Mr. Musa looks the part.

Then again, Mr. Musa, 24, was a Roosevelt student not too long ago. He graduated in 2017.

He is talking with senior Jackie in a second floor hallway. She is animated, her purple and white braids falling across her baby blue N95 mask as she explains a problem. She is the president of the K-Club and there was an incident among members. The K-Club, she says, is about all things K-pop, from Korean music to food to movies to fashion. Mr. Musa laughs — he thought it was the ​“Kulture Club.”

Jackie goes on to give a broad overview of the situation: Racist and homophobic memes were posted in the group’s online chat of several dozen members. Tempers flared and arguments spilled over from social media into the classroom. Then a shouting match erupted during a club meeting. Fortunately, it didn’t come to blows. Members contacted the club’s teacher-advisor who contacted the school’s ​“restorative practices” team.

As a restoration facilitator, Mr. Musa’s job is to listen to problems and help students find solutions. Talking with Jackie that morning was the first step (a ​“prerestorative conference”) toward a formal ​“restorative circle.” Restorative circles are a group activity meant to help repair harm and restore relationships.

Jackie was one of several students I spoke with during two week-long visits to Roosevelt this year — once in the spring and once in the fall — to witness the school’s implementation of its new restorative practices program. Vanessa, a freshman struggling with the transition from remote learning during Covid, and Yonathan, a sophomore caught with drugs and weapons at school, were also among them. (Students involved in the RP program are referred to by first name to protect their privacy.)

Before the pandemic, armed officers known as ​“school resource officers,” or SROs, from the Des Moines Police Department would patrol the school hallways. But during the summer of racial justice marches and protests after the police murder of George Floyd, students, parents and community members spoke out against SROs at Des Moines School Board meetings. In the end, the police contract with the schools was terminated. After scrambling to make remote schooling work during the long, mournful slog of the pandemic, Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) were left to find a way to reimagine school safety — and fast.

The district moved quickly to implement restorative practices, an increasingly popular educational model for school safety, violence prevention and mediation.

The 2021 – 2022 school year was a huge opportunity with the highest of stakes: DMPS could become one of the only districts in the nation to succeed in concurrently removing SROs and implementing restorative practices, or the district and its students could be thrown into crisis.

Restorative practices (RP) derive from ​“restorative justice,” which is used to bring together, in mutual agreement for mediation, the victim and the perpetrator of an offense. The goal is typically restitution for harm caused while helping the perpetrator restore community ties.

In education, ​“practices” is often swapped in for ​“justice” because it involves children who aren’t in criminal proceedings. Formal conflict resolution, after a dispute or rule-breaking, does play a role, but RP is also proactive, explains Anne Gregory, a Rutgers professor and one of the nation’s leading RP experts.

One core proactive practice is ​“check and connect.” This might be as simple as having teachers and staff say hi to each student as they enter the school, or asking a student between classes how their day is going. When there’s an issue, students can then sit down with a trusted adult to build ​“their own insight into themselves and what’s driving their behavior,” Gregory says.

Gregory emphasizes that relationship building is a two-way street. These micro-interactions of ​“check and connect” also change how teachers see students. They undermine ​“overgeneralization [and] negative stereotyping” and create space for understanding, Gregory says. When a student has ​“attendance problems,” for example, the right mindset involves ​“thinking about and understanding what’s going on for the family of that student that morning in getting out the door” — which is a ​“very different approach,” Gregory adds, from ​“sending a police officer to your house the fourth time you’re truant.”

(Continue Reading)

[izicodes]

Tips for Landing Your First Entry-Level Developer Job | Resources ✨

I saw a tweet by @reactive_dude on Twitter where he talked about tips for junior developers landing their first jobs and I thought I would share them here as well, it might help someone. I think these are handy, especially the projects and open-source tips. I also read through the comments and added some of the tips from there to the list. Enjoy!

Have an active LinkedIn account

Add as many recruiters to your LinkedIn network as you can

To add recruiters on LinkedIn: introduce yourself in 1-2 sentences, and say you're open for entry-level jobs, there is no need to overthink this step

Most recruiters will accept your network request even without reading your message

Build 1-2 strong projects where you use/build CRUD APIs - For example a real-time chat app, an app with auth where you can log in and manage recipes/notes/tasks/whatever...

If you're a front-end dev, there are a lot of free APIs available, you can make use of these and build client apps

Make it easy to check your projects and code

This means open source on GitHub and one-click access to your project (without a complicated login/registration process)

Make a huge effort to make your resume as polished and professional as possible.

Build a portfolio website

Apply to as many jobs as possible, as soon as they're listed

Don't feel bad about rejections or if you're not getting any responses

Contribute to open source/build your own projects in public daily

More than building CRUD projects, you should show off your contribution to open-source. Whether it's a small package or a utility website for a framework that they use - stuff like that stands out more than another Student Management System.

Don't shoot too high, apply with local companies

Fully remote international companies usually hire only experience developers

Network with developers who can help you get hired in their company

If possible, attend local meetups/conferences/events to network with other devs

Share your progress and projects online!

>> Link to the tweet!

Other related resources I've posted...

[LINK] - Coding advice for beginners

[LINK] - Career Services for Web Development (and in more tech roles)

[LINK] - Tips and advice for job seekers in Tech

[LINK] - 20 key points on becoming a Junior Full-Stack Web Developer