5SR - July 11, 2023

Originally from Mumbai, India, Shibani lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband and two rescue dogs. When she's not at her job in finance, she spends her time reading, on her Peloton, cultivating a flower garden in her backyard, and getting ready for her next concert!

Is Unlimited Vacation Time Really Unlimited? (The Hill)

I work for a financial institution so “unlimited PTO” is NOT part of our industry but I’ve always been envious of those who do. Having spoken with friends who have this at their place of employment, turns out it’s not so great. Usually there’s an attitude of “you’re taking how much time off? And “again?!”

The Ultimate Score For Rich People? “Golden” Passports. (Vox)

The New York Times recently published a story about the increasing number of Americans retiring in Europe. Anecdotally, I know a number of Americans pursuing dual citizenship in other countries. I suspect it has a lot to do with the political climate, lack of protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, the loss of rights for women - the list goes on.

But if you can't claim birthright, can you invest your way to another passport?

Watch Out For These Three Gender Biases In Performance Reviews (Harvard Business Review)

It's mid-year performance review time, and if you're in the position to provide feedback to a colleague, are you being fair about that feedback? This piece explores unconscious gender bias that creeps its way into the feedback we give women versus men.

Monarch Butterflies’ White Spots May Help Them Fly Farther, Says Scientist (NPR)

I live a short walk from a park that is a major stop for monarch butterflies when the make their return north. In fact, last year, I had several of them stop in my own backyard to enjoy some of my late season zinnias!

But did you know that their distinctive white spots serve a purpose?

Is The Army’s New Tactical Bra Ready For Deployment? (The New Yorker)

As always, I like to end these with something fun. Today I'm wrapping up #SmartReads with one of the most interesting fashion stories I’ve ever read, and yes, the US Army is involved. Settle in with a cup of coffee or your morning beverage of choice and prepare to look at fashion a little differently.