Hey you guys! We were today-years-old when we learned possibly why The Academy Awards is also called the Oscars. Although not entirely confirmed, legend has it that Academy librarian Margaret Herrick once stated that the award resembled her Uncle Oscar, and well alledgedly the name stuck!

Song of the day: In honor of the iconic award show this past weekend, we’re throwing it back to when Phil Collins won Best Original Song in Tarzan with “You’ll Be In My Heart.”

Need some advice? We have an answer for you here!

How to Ease Back Into a Job 

 question 
I've completed my PhD (while being unemployed for a year) and I’m soon going to be starting a new job. I've not worked a full-time job in over a year. While I'm excited, I’m a bit worried about managing working full-time again. I'm neurodivergent so my mind is already spiraling. Any advice on how to best transition? —F.

 answer 
First of all, congratulations on completing your PhD and finding a new job! Transitioning back to full-time work after some time off can be a big change, but there are ways to set yourself up for success. A few things to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible?

How To Tell Your Parents You’re Not Buying A House

 question 
I just moved into a new apartment and got a new job. While I feel like I’m doing pretty well in life, my parents won’t stop asking me when I’m going to buy a house of my own. My dad says i’m just wasting my money on rent, but I don’t see it that way. Any advice on how to communicate to them in a respectful and effective way? —T.

 answer 
We also need to remember, our parents are looking at the situation from a whole different lens. Back in their day, life was a lot different and things (including the housing market and prices) were a lot more manageable. A few things you can do to help communicate your feelings while ensuring your parents understand?

Be Honest and Clear

• If you're not ready or don't have immediate plans to buy a house, being honest is important. Explain how you’re focused on other goals right now (like settling into your new job, saving more money, and figuring out your lifestyle), and buying a house is not on the immediate horizon.

• Say something like: I know it’s something I’ll consider in the future, but right now I’m focusing on [career goals, saving, or other personal priorities]. Buying a house is something I’ll think about when the time feels right."

Acknowledge Their Concerns

• Sometimes, parents ask these questions out of concern for your stability or well-being. You can acknowledge their concern while reminding them that everyone moves at their own pace.

• Say something like: “I understand you're thinking about my future and want the best for me. I’m working on making sure I’m financially ready and in the right place for a big decision like that."

Set Boundaries If Needed

• If the questions are becoming repetitive or feel intrusive, it’s okay to set boundaries and ask for space on the topic.

• Say something like: "I know this is something you're thinking about for me, but I’d appreciate it if we could talk about it later. Right now, I don’t have plans to make that move, and I’d really like if you respect my decision.”

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…while you sip your third coffee at 10am.

Caesar salad 🤝 Taco Bell. 100% drooling over Iram Mansoor’s recipe Caesar Salad Crunch Wrap Supreme on Instagram.

Chicago friends! Wear your favorite graphic tee and throw on some slap bracelets and meet us on the dancefloor at Thalia Hall on Friday, April 4th for The Return of Top 8! Tickets are still on sale, so grab ‘em today!

Back in the day , some would say we’re just a couple of gigglemugs, and we love that for us. Check out some other victorian slang we’re going to bring back thanks to deadpoetswilde on Instagram.

Thanks so much for hanging with us! We’ll see you back here next week. TTYL! 

—Rod and Gabi