“Contextually educated, multi-racial, methodically creative, socially aware, culturally blended, and technologically proficient”: Jason Mayden shares his vision for the creators of the future.

“The first step isn’t to dodge obstacles or let outside circumstances steer you. The first step is to figure out where you want to go.” Advice from Andrea Badgley on sailing (and life).

“If you think we’re putting academic work on social media to please our university or to appear enthusiastic, then you need to pull your head out of a cave.” Terry McGlynn responds to a “serious academic” who says academics shouldn’t share their work on social media.

Freelance journalist Lorena Rios explores the dwindling Greek Orthodox community in Turkey’s largest city by telling the story of two veteran pork butchers who persevere in a politically-charged climate.

Australian blogger Helen Hayward reflects on the difficulty of balancing domestic duties — those never-ending to-do lists — with our longing for creating a peaceful, private space to cultivate our inner selves.

At Fortune, Dan Lyons shares an excerpt from his upcoming book on working as a middle-aged man at HubSpot, a youthful startup he calls “a cross between a kindergarten and a frat house.”

“As I am wont to say, there’s nothing wrong with exposure for writers. It can be useful, provided it is on your terms. But also realize that hikers die from exposure, and writers can die from it, too.” Chuck Wendig has choice words for the Huffington Post.

At Life&Thyme, a journal of culinary storytelling, leading food stylist Lisa Homa and photographer Shirley Cai take us behind the scenes of glossy food photoshoots.

Justin, an arts student in Singapore, imagines a conversation with an uncle at a Chinese New Year family gathering. “Enjoying what you do is the one thing you should fight for in this life. Start believing that, then perhaps they can begin to understand why you chose to pursue the arts.”

“When I picture myself in a comfortable, tenure-track job, I feel no excitement or joy or anticipation or comfort. I don’t daydream about what a nice life that would be.” Susan Zakaib, a PhD candidate in history, explains why she’s done with academia.

“Pitches and favors are different animals and should be approached differently.” Concrete tips from writer Alana Massey on asking favors from writers and editors.

“It’s time to speak bluntly about the age prejudice, especially in software. It’s stupid.” Michael O. Church writes an incisive critique of ageism — and its effects on the old and young — in the tech industry (and beyond).

“Women are expected to work around their bodies, and the children that are often treated as an extension of their bodies in a way they are not for fathers.” A few months after her daughter is born, Rachel Moss reflects on work and motherhood.

“‘Real’ is not something outside of you. It’s not something you can buy or earn. ‘Real’ is not what you do or how you do it. It’s who you are.” At Live to Write — Write to Live, Suddenly Jamie dissects the definition of real.

“I’m not sure if I’ll live abroad forever, or if these four priorities will be my same priorities in the future. But for now, the US will have to try a lot harder to convince me it’s worth going ‘home.'” At Quartz, Amanda Machado explains why she’s settled in South Africa.