Category: Business

The most important business news, explained in a young, easy to understand way. News that affects young career professionals.

  • Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Introverts who grapple with anxiety often seek job opportunities that minimise social interaction and reduce stress. In today’s digital age, there’s a vast array of high-paying online careers available worldwide that cater to introverts’ inclinations.

    By thoughtfully examining job descriptions and selecting roles that align with personal needs, introverts can discover fulfilling and lucrative career options. 

    Here are 10 career options introverts dealing with anxiety or depression can consider:

    1. Copywriter 

    Description: If you possess creativity and a way with words, pursuing a career as a copywriter might be the ideal choice for you. 

    Responsibilities: Writing for blogs, creating eBooks, and crafting marketing materials. 

    Skills required: Strong written language skills and knowledge of basic digital marketing. 

    Average salary: $36 (PKR 10,670) per hour 

    2. Web developer 

    Description: Web developers design and construct websites, making them a perfect fit for introverts who prefer working independently. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. 

    Average salary: $70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    3. Data scientist 

    Description: Data scientists analyze large data sets, providing valuable insights and actionable plans for organisations. 

    Skills required: Strong mathematical, analytical, and organisational skills. 

    Average salary: $50,000 (PKR 14.82 million)-$70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    4. Transcriptionist 

    Description: Transcriptionists listen to audio and convert it into text, offering flexibility and good earning potential. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in written and spoken English and fast typing. 

    Average salary: $18 (PKR 5,335) per hour 

    5. Photographer 

    Description: The demand for stock photos provides introverted photographers with opportunities to work with minimal interaction. 

    Skills required: Photography and photo editing. 

    Average salary: $15 (PKR 4,446)-$40 (PKR 11,856) per hour 

    6. Bookkeeping 

    Description: Detail-oriented introverts can excel as bookkeepers, managing financial records for individuals or businesses. 

    Skills required: Strong math skills and proficiency in spreadsheets. 

    Average salary: $40,000 (PKR 11.8 million) per year 

    7. Virtual assistant 

    Description: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to individuals or businesses, often on a flexible schedule. 

    Skills required: Time management, IT skills, and effective communication. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    8. Graphic designer 

    Description: Introverts with design skills can create visually appealing graphics for various purposes. 

    Skills required: Graphic design expertise and knowledge of Adobe Photoshop/InDesign or similar tools. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    9. Dropshipping 

    Description: Dropshipping allows introverts to select and market products while others handle fulfillment. 

    Skills required: Organization and trend-spotting abilities. 

    Average salary: $45,000 (PKR 13.3 million) per year 

    10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialist 

    Description: SEO specialists optimize websites for search engine visibility, offering a flexible and fulfilling career. 

    Skills required: Knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, and basic HTML/CSS (for technical SEO). 

    Average salary: $55,000 (PKR 16.3 million) per year 

    Introverts dealing with anxiety can discover rewarding and well-paying online careers tailored to their preferences for minimal social interaction. By methodically assessing their skills and interests, introverts can embark on a successful and fulfilling career path in the digital landscape. 

    How to choose?

    Introverts can find and get online jobs through a variety of channels, including: 

    • Job boards: General job boards like Indeed and Monster often have a wide range of online jobs listed, including many that are well-suited for introverts. There are also specialized job boards that focus on remote work and freelance jobs, such as FlexJobs and Remote.co. 
    • Freelance marketplaces: Freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr allow freelancers to create profiles and bid on projects from clients all over the world. This is a great way for introverts to find online jobs that match their skills and interests, and to set their own hours and work independently. 
    • Company websites: Many companies now have dedicated career pages on their websites where they list their open positions. Some companies even have specific sections for remote jobs. 
    • Social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be a good place to find online jobs. Many companies use social media to announce job openings and recruit new employees. You can also follow relevant hashtags and keywords to stay up-to-date on the latest job postings. 
    • Networking: Networking is another great way to find online jobs. Talk to your friends, family, and former colleagues to see if they know of any online job openings. You can also attend virtual networking events and join online communities for professionals in your field. 

    Once you’ve found some online jobs that you’re interested in, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and explain why you’re a good fit for the company. 

    Here are some additional tips for introverts who are looking for online jobs: 

    • Focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of your skills and interests, and then use that list to identify online jobs that would be a good fit for you. 
    • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. When you’re applying for online jobs, it’s important to market yourself and your skills effectively. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and explain how you can add value to the company. 
    • Be patient. It may take some time to find the right online job for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Keep applying and networking, and eventually you’ll find the perfect job for you. 

    Remember, there are many online jobs that are well-suited for introverts. By focusing on your strengths and marketing yourself effectively, you can find an online job that allows you to work independently and succeed in your career. 

  • CAA’s timely intervention saves PIA from defaulting on IATA payments

    CAA’s timely intervention saves PIA from defaulting on IATA payments

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stepped in to rescue Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from a potential financial crisis with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

    According to ARY News, the CAA provided PIA with one billion Pakistani rupees to settle its outstanding dues with IATA. This timely payment prevented IATA from declaring PIA in default, a situation that could have led to the suspension of PIA’s global ticket sales.

    It’s important to note that PIA was facing a severe financial crisis and couldn’t meet its service charges to IATA. The Director General of CAA confirmed that, following the Ministry of Finance’s directive, one billion rupees were allocated to PIA for a week to support the national airline during these challenging times.

    In addition, it has come to light that PIA also owes a substantial amount to CAA, totaling several billion rupees.

  • Here’s why you should think twice before buying the Apple iPhone 15

    Here’s why you should think twice before buying the Apple iPhone 15

    In 2023, Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup presents consumers with a challenging decision. Despite Apple’s claims of the iPhone 15 being a “significant leap,” the improvements over the iPhone 14 are subtle, and the iPhone 14 itself closely resembled the iPhone 13. 

    With a $200 (PKR 59,300), price difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro, recommending the base iPhone 15 becomes a tough call. Here’s why:

    Display difference

    The iPhone 15 features a slightly updated display with a dynamic island cutout and improved brightness. However, the core display remains unchanged—it’s a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with the same resolution and a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. 

    This becomes a noteworthy drawback when compared to the 15 Pro’s impressive 120Hz LTPO OLED display, which also retains the exclusive Always-On Display (AOD) feature. Additionally, the 15 Pro sports slimmer bezels, enhancing its overall sleekness compared to the vanilla 15.

    Performance gap

    Under the hood, the iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 chipset, which is an evolutionary update over the A15 found in the previous two generations. It includes a 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores), a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. While it’s manufactured using a more advanced 4nm process compared to the older 5nm A15 in the iPhone 14, real-world performance gains, as seen in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro, are subtle at best.

    On the flip side, the 15 Pro introduces the groundbreaking 3nm Apple A17 Pro chip, a first in the market. It promises a 10% boost in CPU performance and a 20% improvement in GPU capabilities. Apple also aims to enhance gaming on the 15 Pro series with titles like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, benefiting from hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing.

    RAM matters

    Notably, there’s a 2GB RAM difference between the base iPhone 15 and the Pro models. The iPhone 15 is equipped with 6GB of RAM, while the 15 Pro boasts 8GB. This discrepancy should result in better long-term support and multitasking capabilities for the Pro models.

    While the iPhone 15 enjoys a 48MP main camera sensor upgrade, the best camera features are reserved for the Pro models. The 15 Pro features a larger 48MP main sensor with advanced features like pre-binned pixels, a wider aperture, and superior stabilization. It also exclusively supports ProRAW image capture, maximising the sensor’s potential with Apple’s computational photography enhancements.

    Furthermore, the 15 Pro includes a telephoto module with 3x optical zoom, a feature missing from the vanilla iPhone 15. The Pro also offers versatile digital zoom modes for portrait shots, with the option to choose a default focal length. Selfies on the 15 Pro benefit from OIS on the 12 MP front-facing camera.

    Advanced capabilities

    The new A17 chip equips the 15 Pro models to capture impressive 4K 60fps video in ProRes RAW, along with support for the ACES colour profile and 3D spatial videos, enhancing compatibility with the Vision Pro headset.

    USB-C speed disparity

    Both models embrace USB-C, but the base iPhone 15 disappointingly retains USB 2.0 speeds, offering a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. In contrast, the 15 Pro features a USB Type-C 3.0 connector, delivering speeds of up to 10 Gbps, more than 20 times faster. 

    This becomes particularly significant for transferring large video files and shooting 4K 60 fps ProRes videos directly onto an external SSD, a valuable addition for videographers. However, it’s worth noting that Apple supplies USB 2.0 Type-C cables with all new iPhone 15 models.

    If price plays a pivotal role in your decision, you can still opt for the iPhone 13, available from Apple at a reduced starting price of $599.

  • Rangers seize sugar worth Rs1 billion in crackdown against hoarders 

    Rangers seize sugar worth Rs1 billion in crackdown against hoarders 

    In a well-executed operation against sugar hoarders in Karachi, Rangers seized a significant quantity of sugar valued at Rs1 billion.

    They conducted raids at two separate sugar warehouses on Hub River Road in Baldia Town, resulting in the recovery of about 140,000 bags of sugar, as confirmed by the paramilitary spokesperson.

    The estimated value of the confiscated sugar is over Rs1 billion. Interestingly, this sugar was destined for illegal smuggling into Afghanistan via Balochistan, and it has been handed over to the civil authorities for legal action.

    The surge in sugar prices, exceeding Rs200, prompted the government to crack down on sugar hoarding nationwide, aiming to control the artificial inflation of this essential commodity.

    This crackdown not only recovered thousands of sugar bags but also led to the arrest of individuals involved in the illicit sugar trade, known as “sugar mafias,” who were stockpiling and selling sugar at high prices.

    While effectively addressing sugar hoarding, this campaign also reduced sugar prices in the local market. Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows a significant 9.11 per cent decrease in sugar prices.

    In a well-executed operation against sugar hoarders in Karachi, Rangers seized a significant quantity of sugar valued at millions of rupees, as reported by The News on Saturday.

    They conducted raids at two separate sugar warehouses on Hub River Road in Baldia Town, resulting in the recovery of about 140,000 bags of sugar, as confirmed by the paramilitary spokesperson.

    The estimated value of the confiscated sugar is over Rs1 billion. Interestingly, this sugar was destined for illegal smuggling into Afghanistan via Balochistan, and it has been handed over to the civil authorities for legal action.

    The surge in sugar prices, exceeding Rs 200, prompted the government to crack down on sugar hoarding nationwide, aiming to control the artificial inflation of this essential commodity.

    This crackdown not only recovered thousands of sugar bags but also led to the arrest of individuals involved in the illicit sugar trade, known as “sugar mafias,” who were stockpiling and selling sugar at high prices.

    While effectively addressing sugar hoarding, this campaign also reduced sugar prices in the local market. Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows a significant 9.11 per cent decrease in sugar prices.Additionally, this effort against hoarders and smugglers had a broader positive impact.

    Weekly inflation decreased by 0.25 per cent in the week ending on September 14, reversing seven consecutive weeks of inflation, mainly due to lower prices of chicken and sugar in local markets following government intervention.

  • Govt raises petrol price by Rs26.02 per litre, diesel by Rs17

    On Friday night, the interim government implemented a significant adjustment in fuel prices. The cost of petrol rose by Rs26.02 per litre, reaching a new rate of Rs331.38 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) saw an increase of Rs17.34 per litre, settling at Rs329.18 per litre.

    The Ministry of Finance made this announcement via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) after midnight.

    This decision was driven by the continuous upward trajectory of petroleum prices in the global market. It’s important to note that there were no alterations made to the rates of kerosene or light diesel oil.

    This latest price surge closely follows a substantial hike on September 1, when the interim government elevated fuel prices by up to Rs18 per litre. This increase was preceded by similar adjustments made by the interim government on August 15.

    The rationale behind these price adjustments lies in adherence to existing tax structures and import parity prices. These changes were primarily necessitated by currency fluctuations and a slight uptick in international oil prices.

  • Karachi wholesale grocers announce market shutdown in protest against alleged illegal raids, fines

    Karachi wholesale grocers announce market shutdown in protest against alleged illegal raids, fines

    Wholesalers in Karachi are set to stage a market shutdown on Monday in protest of what they consider unlawful raids and penalties imposed by the district administration in an effort to combat hoarding.

    According to ARY News, Rauf Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA), held a press conference today, expressing concern that the district administration’s actions have created fear among traders due to shop and go-down closures. 

    He cautioned that they would cease operations at wholesale markets on Monday unless the district administration unseals these establishments. He said if these unjust raids and fines persist, we will suspend commodity markets on Monday.

    Ibrahim alleged that the district administration is sealing shops and go-downs under the pretext of cracking down on hoarding. He cited an instance where a shop owner in Joria Bazar was fined Rs30,000 for storing just two sacks of sugar.

    He criticised the categorisation of wholesalers with 100 to 500 sacks of sugar as hoarders and stressed that traders are willing to cooperate with authorities during hoarding crackdowns.

    Ibrahim urged the administration to take decisive action against genuine hoarders.

    To combat hoarding, federal and provincial governments have initiated operations in various cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Dera Ismail Khan, resulting in the confiscation of illegally stockpiled sugar.

    Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) assured that there is an ample supply of sugar available at controlled prices nationwide.

  • Only over our dead bodies: PIA HR chief refutes closure rumours

    Only over our dead bodies: PIA HR chief refutes closure rumours

    The Head of Human Resource (HR) at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) dismissed media reports about the airline’s poor financial condition and potential closure. He stated, “It will happen only over our dead bodies.” 

    These comments came during a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation, Hidayatullah, who had noticed a senior PIA director’s statement about possible closure within 15 days.

    Hidayatullah initiated an investigation and mandated that only the airline’s spokesperson or PR department should communicate with the media.

    A private TV channel had reported concerns about flight operations being suspended by September 15 without emergency funds.

    During the meeting, the HR chief presented an overview of PIA employees, including qualifications, experience, and positions, with a focus on Group IV and above.

    According to Dawn, the committee members stressed their preference for hiring native Pakistanis for overseas roles. The HR chief highlighted the predominance of Pakistani-origin staff in such positions. 

    Performance evaluations for UK-based employees were discussed to ensure fair assessments.

    Furthermore, the HR chief disclosed the dismissal of two employees in Saudi Arabia due to fake degrees, with another under scrutiny. He assured me that all cases were being closely monitored.

  • PIA faces flight cancellations and delays as financial crisis intensifies

    PIA faces flight cancellations and delays as financial crisis intensifies

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), currently grappling with severe financial challenges, has been compelled to cancel multiple domestic and international flights.

    An authoritative representative of the national flag carrier conveyed to Geo News that there’s a looming risk of suspending flight operations by September 15, today, unless urgent financial support is extended.

    This predicament initially materialised on August 12, when numerous domestic flights, both departing from and arriving in Karachi, had to be abruptly canceled. This unfortunate situation was attributed to a combination of financial constraints and the inability to settle outstanding dues owed to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply.

    An examination of today’s schedule at Jinnah International Airport reveals a series of disruptions in PIA’s services. Notably, flights from Karachi to Bahawalpur (PK588 and PK589) and Karachi to Lahore (PK302 and PK303) have been canceled.

    Furthermore, the Karachi to Islamabad flight (PK368) faces a three-hour delay, while the Karachi to Lahore flight (PK304) encounters an extensive delay of eight and a half hours.

    Additional disruptions include the cancellation of PIA flights between Karachi and Rahim Yar Khan (PK582 and PK583), along with delays for Karachi to Multan (PK330) and Dubai (PK213), both postponed by two hours.

    Moreover, the Islamabad to Karachi flight (PK301) has been cancelled; Islamabad to Riyadh (PK753) is running three hours behind schedule; and Lahore to Karachi (PK305) faces a delay of two and a half hours.

    PIA’s financial struggles have been escalating, with the airline revealing on September 7 that it had grounded five of its 13 leased aircraft, potentially grounding an additional four due to the ongoing financial strain. 

    A plea for an urgent bailout of Rs22.9 billion was met with rejection by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). The ECC also declined the request to defer payments, including Rs1.3 billion per month to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for Federal Excise Duty (FED) and Rs0.7 billion per month to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for embarking charges.

    Adding to the airline’s woes, PIA cautioned of possible suspensions in the supply of spare parts by Boeing and Airbus come mid-September. In the previous month, the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR) took the drastic step of freezing 13 PIA bank accounts due to non-payment of Rs8 billion in FED.

  • PM Kakar urges rapid privatisation of PIA as flight suspensions loom

    PM Kakar urges rapid privatisation of PIA as flight suspensions loom

    Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has issued a directive to accelerate the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which has been facing substantial financial losses. This move comes in response to reports suggesting that PIA’s flight operations could be halted by September 15 unless emergency funding is secured. 

    In a recent interview with Geo News, a senior PIA director revealed that the airline had reduced its operational fleet from 23 to just 16 aircraft, resulting in numerous flight cancellations. Additionally, major aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, had suspended the supply of spare parts to PIA due to outstanding payments, causing daily losses amounting to millions of rupees.  

    The dire situation was further exacerbated when a PIA plane was detained at Dammam airport and four others were held at Dubai airport due to unpaid fuel bills. 

    The official cautioned that unless emergency funds amounting to Rs23 billion were secured, flight operations might come to a standstill by September 15. In response to these pressing concerns, Prime Minister Kakar chaired a meeting regarding PIA-related matters and assigned the caretaker Minister for Privatisation, Fawad Hasan Fawad, to oversee the privatisation process with the utmost urgency.  

    The prime minister stressed the need for a swift privatisation process to ensure reliable services for users and to bring PIA’s standards in line with global aviation standards. 

    Furthermore, the prime minister urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in finding immediate solutions to the challenges associated with privatization. The meeting also included a briefing on the progress of the privatisation process at PIA. 

    Read more: Islamabad Police launches campaign to catch students bunking school and college 

    According to Geo, PIA has been grappling with severe financial difficulties, including the grounding of five out of its 13 leased aircraft, with the possibility of grounding four more due to ongoing financial constraints. The airline had previously requested an emergency bailout of Rs22.9 billion, which was rejected by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).  

    Additionally, requests for deferring payments of Rs1.3 billion per month to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Rs0.7 billion per month to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) were also denied by the ECC.  

    Moreover, PIA had warned of potential disruptions in the supply of spare parts by Boeing and Airbus by mid-September. In a further blow, the FBR froze 13 of PIA’s bank accounts due to unpaid dues totaling Rs8 billion in Federal Excise Duty (FED).