Mental Floss

WORK

It’s time to slow down.

The global workforce has decreed that 2025 will be a year of rest, relaxation, and plenty of PTO.

You want nothing to do with chimney sweep’s scrotum.

Today’s work-related ailments have nothing on these (mostly) historical diseases. You’ll be glad you're not suffering from Hatter’s Shakes—or worse, Chimney Sweep’s Scrotum.

The UK and the U.S. have their own go-to slang for the office setting.

“Circle back,” “dodgy,” and “bandwidth” are popular slang terms.

We’ve all been there.

Lots of people experience the “post-holiday blues” or post-vacation depression. Here’s how to identify the signs and overcome the dread of returning to work.

Pink slips have had a lot of different meanings over the years.

Getting laid off has long been associated with getting a fancy pink invitation to the unemployment line. Why?

If you love trivia, consider applying.

Now’s your chance to become part of your favorite game show.

Passwords aren’t very secure these days.

Despite advice about strong passwords, we’re still using ‘qwerty123.’

Maximize your PTO so you can catch up on your reading.

Americans get an average of only 11 vacation days per year. Use them wisely.

New Yorkers might be able to take days off to care for their sick pets.

Tired of lying to your boss when you need to take time off to bring Fluffy or Fido to the vet? A new bill could change things for you.

If you could turn back time...

The humanities aren't in first place.

Being an astronaut isn’t as glamorous as you were led to believe.

In the latest episode of The List Show, we’re tackling some fun facts—and the occasional harsh truth—about the careers you imagined for yourself as a kid.

Time for that beach blanket to hibernate.

Do you have what it takes to be a Pumpkin Spice Pundit?

Arts and crafts can be fun and beneficial for your mental health.

Don’t underestimate the power of a productive crafting session.

How many Americans celebrate the three-day weekend.

Americans celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September—which means Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, in 2024.

The “right to disconnect” law can possibly lessen stress in employees.

Australia is making changes to ensure employees are truly “off” from work during off hours.

It’s a living.

History is full of jobs that are no longer needed due to technology, cultural advances, and everything in between.

There's definitely some learning going on in there.

This ranking of America’s best community colleges considers everything from tuition rates to postgrad salaries.

Countries were ranked by the average number of hours a person worked, not how many meetings they had to attend.

Americans tend to work more and longer days than many of their industrialized counterparts, yet eight countries work harder than the U.S.

This could be you.

Of all the LEGOLAND jobs, this is probably the most hands-on.

Private chefs aren't a dime a dozen.

From wood patternmakers to pediatric surgeons, these 10 jobs are quite uncommon.

Not every state has a high median income.

Where you live definitely affects how much you can potentially make, as certain states have higher average incomes than others.

Some college degrees are better investments than others.

Unsurprisingly, engineers dominate the list.

Not a great place to keep your money.

These schools, from pharmacy institutions to Ivy League mainstays, give you the best bang for your buck.

Where you live may determine if you have enough money left over for the bank.

Thinking of making a move? This list may come in handy.