How I Finally Got Rid of the Badges of Annoyance

Hey there, my non-existent readers! It's me, your introverted blogger, back to ramble about something that's been quietly driving me up the wall: app notification badges.

Image Source: CleverTap

I don't know about you, but there's something about those little red circles with numbers that make my inner grump cringe with irritation. I can't stand them. Every time I see one, I feel like my phone has turned into that person who won't stop nudging you, asking, "Did you see this yet? Did you respond? Did you?" And let's be real here, if my phone was an actual person, I might have considered telling it to take a step back and respect my personal space fuck off. 😅

Picture this: I'm tucked into my usual introvert haven, a book, a warm drink, maybe some music in the background. Everything is peaceful. Then, out of nowhere, my phone lights up with notifications. I try to ignore it, but there it is, glaring at me with its red badges, practically yelling, "Look at me! Look at me! I have important information you must consume immediately or risk the impending doom of FOMO!" Spoiler: it's never actually important.

And what's worse? It's not just one badge. Oh no, that would be too kind. They show up in groups, like they've planned a coordinated attack. E-mail, social media, news, weather, and even apps you didn't even know you had installed. It's as if your phone is conspiring to turn you into a notification junkie who's always craving that dopamine hit that comes from swiping those badges away. Because that's what I am. Whenever I see those annoying red badges, I can't help but clear them out.

I get that notifications are supposed to be helpful. They remind us of things and keep us connected. But does the world really end if I don't immediately know that juicy gossip on X, that someone liked my latest Facebook or Instagram post, or that there's a flash sale on that Skintific Mugwort Anti Pores & Acne Clay Stick (or Mask) I've been eyeing for months on TikTok? Spoiler again: it doesn't!

I miss when phones were simpler. They waited for you to use them, instead of demanding constant attention. Now, they feel like the clingiest friend you never asked for.

So, I decided to do something about it. I found a setting on my iPhone 7 Plus that lets you hide notification badges. It's buried in the "Home Screen" section of the settings. A few quick taps, and suddenly, all those pesky red circles were gone. My phone felt quieter, calmer, like it had finally learned some manners.

It's a small change, but it's made a big difference for me. Now, I can check my apps when I want to, not when my phone decides I should. It's a tiny victory in the never-ending battle against modern life's noise.

If you're tired of your phone yelling at you too, I highly recommend giving it a try. You might just find yourself breathing a little easier.

Data, Insights, and Exhaustion: A Work-From-Home Insights Analyst's Tale

What my work station used to look like

Today, I'm here to vent a little and share my current update as an Insights Analyst working from the cozy disheveled corners of my small office/home office. 😝 Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love my job and the flexibility it offers. But these past couple of weeks have been like a whirlwind of data, reports, and gruelling analysis sessions. I'm feeling the fatigue creeping in, and I know I'm not alone in this rollercoaster ride!

As an Insights Analyst, my days are all about diving deep into data, crunching numbers, and deciphering patterns to help our clients (or potential clients) make informed decisions. It's thrilling and intellectually stimulating, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. And lately, those challenges have been coming at me like a meteor shower!

The days seem to blur into one another, and the lines between work and personal time have become so hazy, I sometimes forget what day it is. I wake up, and the first thing I see is my laptop, calling me to start my day. There's no physical commute to an office, but mentally, the commute never ends, and I find myself checking e-mails in bed before I even brush my teeth (oops).

The never-ending cycle of projects and deadlines keeps me on my toes. I love being challenged and having a sense of purpose in my work, but lately, I've been juggling multiple projects, and it feels like I'm trying to catch falling stars. Just when I think I've got a handle on things, more requests come flying in, and my to-do list grows longer than a giraffe's neck!

Let's talk about the glorious world of data. While it's fascinating to uncover insights that can drive business decisions, it's no secret that data can be a fickle beast. Cleaning and organising datasets can be a real chore, and when I finally get to the analysis part, my eyes start to feel like they're glued to the screen. I swear, I've developed a permanent squint from staring at those spreadsheets.

I'm grateful for my supportive team, though. We're all in this together, and having colleagues who understand the struggles of remote work and data analysis helps me stay sane. We share tips on how to make things easier or simpler, exchange jokes, and remind each other that we're doing an awesome job despite the challenges.

But you know what? Even amidst the exhaustion, there's a silver lining. Every time I crack a tough data puzzle or deliver insights that have a real impact, it's like an adrenaline rush. The satisfaction of helping my team keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

So, here's to all the fellow Insights Analysts and remote workers out there, we may be tired, but we're also resilient, adaptable, and oh-so-dedicated! Let's take a deep breath, stretch those fingers, and keep crunching those numbers. And when it all gets overwhelming, let's remember that it's okay to take a break, recharge, and come back stronger.

Till then, my data-savvy comrades, may your internet connections stay stable, your spreadsheets behave, and your insights shine brighter than a supernova! Cheers to making data-driven magic happen! 💪💪