Back in those days, emails were all about formal communication. Formal language. Formal punctuation. Similarly, there was an unspoken rule about not using anything that makes your message casual or informal. Believe it or not, not sending formal emails was deemed disrespectful. However, language and communication continued to grow. Things are different now. While it’s still necessary to stick with formal emails, there’s now more room for emotion and lightness. Emojis are everywhere — even in professional settings. So, knowing how to add emojis in Outlook can be a real plus. It’s easy too. But if you’re unsure how to do it, we’ve got you covered!

Adding Emojis in Outlook on Windows

As per Microsoft Support, using emojis adds flair to your emails. At the same time, adding one is quick and easy on a Windows computer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:

1. Go to Outlook and start composing an email.
2. Place your cursor where you want to insert the emoji.
3. Hit the Windows Key + Period (.) to access the Windows emoji picker.
4. The selection of emoji will appear, and click on the one you prefer.
5. When you’re finished, close the emoji panel.

Adding Emojis in Outlook on Mac

According to GeeksforGeeks, including emojis makes emails more engaging. There may be slight differences between the steps on a Windows and a Mac, but it’s essentially the same.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:

1. Open Outlook and start an email.
2. In the email body, place the cursor where the emoji needs to go.
3. Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the emoji picker.
4. Choose the desired emoji and click on it.
5. Exit the emoji panel.

Adding Emojis in Outlook on Mobile

GeeksforGeeks says that adding emojis turns emails into expressive and visually appealing messages. Also, the emoji keyboard is built right in if you’re using the Outlook mobile app.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do:

1. Run the Outlook App.
2. Tap the area where you type your message.
3. Access the emoji keyboard by pressing the smiley face.
4. Select and insert an emoji.

Things to Keep in Mind

Nowadays, adding emojis in Outlook emails is more acceptable. Specifically, they enhance your message by making it seem fun and expressive. However, it’s a good idea to use them appropriately. Understand the context of the conversation and decide if using an emoji is acceptable. Remember that it’s nice to lighten the tone, but it shouldn’t come off as unprofessional. 

Communication today and from a few years ago is so much different. There was a time when texting meant using complete sentences and proper grammar. However, that’s not the case anymore — at least in informal or casual settings. Communication has gone through a significant transformation. Individuals, especially the younger generation, use shortcuts for words and phrases. Likewise, they create slang, abbreviations, and contractions. Some view it as progress, and others call it laziness. Also, one of these newer terms is LWK. So, read on to find out the LWK meaning and how to use it.

What Does LWK Mean?

LWK is a popular modern lingo used in text and on Snapchat. In particular, this slang term means “Lowkey.” According to Acromean, its definition is to keep something quiet or not attract attention to it. In other words, making things lowkey is like keeping things under the radar. Similarly, it’s typically used to depict a situation or someone who is not very noticeable.

Here are a few example sentences:

• LWK, I kinda want to use slang terms at the office.
• LWK think Hayley Williams is a great artist, not going to lie.
• LWK, I’ve been obsessed with watching Delirium every night.

In every example, the person is trying to share a thought or a feeling without going all in. At the same time, using LWK softens the message. It also makes it seem more casual and not too loud.

Why Do People Use LWK?

Based on a FossBytes article, people use LWK to express ideas and feelings without being too obvious. It’s like keeping things under wraps. Also, it could indicate that someone really wants to do something but still won’t do it eventually. So, the meaning can vary in various contexts. But for the most part, it’s employed to show subtle emotions or express oneself in a laid-back way.

When Do You Use It?

As per the FossBytes article, you use LWK when telling a weak preference, expressing something casually, and saying something softly.

Here are a few example sentences:

• I LWK want to resign from my work.
• LWK tired right now, not going to lie.

In these examples, the inclusion of LWK adds a layer of emotion without making things look and feel too dramatic.

Alternative Meanings of LWK

• Love With Kisses
• Laughing With Kindness
• Look Who’s Kidding
• Laughter With Kindness

Time to Say Less

Now that you know the LWK meaning, you can converse clearly with others, even with young people. Also, language will continue to evolve. That means it’s better to stay in the loop. And understanding LWK is a good place to begin.

Games offer more than just a source of entertainment and passing the time; they’re a training ground for real-life skills. One of the most powerful takeaways from online gaming is the ability to be patient and plan ahead. Whether it is building your skills, winning a game, or experiencing a loss, if you are self-aware when playing online games, you will often come across several life lessons.

No one becomes a pro at gaming in one day, nor can people win a game without a proper plan. However, do you realise that patience and planning are two life skills that are essential for daily life? Online gaming can teach people life lessons, often subconsciously, and especially if people are self-aware.

Let’s explore how online gameplay, such as chess, strategy games, and rummy online, nurtures these traits and why it matters for both kids and adults.

What Makes Online Games a Good Teacher?

Online games often simulate real-life scenarios while having little to no real-life consequences. For instance, you are playing online chess. By being hasty and not being able to plan well, you lose a round to your opponent. However, this does not have much impact other than a slightly bruised ego. Similarly, you play an online rummy game, use the patience and planning that you loss in chess taught you and win. This will give you a better leaderboard position and some game tokens.

However, the true reward you get is the same in both a win and a loss. This means strategic thinking, timing, and careful planning, which are all life skills. Online games help you build your patience through trial, error, and long-term objectives. With little to no impact on your day-to-day happenings, online gaming teaches the biggest life lessons – patience and planning.

The Psychology of Patience and Planning in Games

Let’s look into a real-life online gaming scenario:

You open an account on an online rummy game platform. As a novice, you will not have the expertise that it takes to win. Thus, you will learn through the tutorials, play practice matches, and slowly build your skills. Once you start winning the practice matches, you participate in beginner tournaments. When you are confident in your skills, you join the pro tournaments. Plus, you do not win every game you play, but with practice, you certainly get better.

This entire process is one of delayed gratification, where players slowly build their skills and wait for the right time to obtain a better outcome. People also learn more about the risk-reward dynamics and how to make the right decisions during a game over time. Further, the satisfaction from strategic victories is rewarding and something that becomes a real-life takeaway.

This encourages people to practice patience and planning in their daily lives, slowly ingraining this into their psychology.

Game Types That Reinforce These Skills

To elaborate, how patience and planning are reinforced by each game type can be listed as below:

Table: The Way Online Games Help People Practice Patience and Planning

Real-Life Benefits of These Online Gaming Lessons

As people engage more with games like chess, RPGs, and rummy online, they gain the following real-life benefits:

• Improved impulse control
• Better problem-solving under pressure
• Greater resilience, memory, and focus
• Skill in anticipating consequences
• Improved cognitive skills
• Fast and efficient decision-making skills
• Increased creativity and imagination
• Stress relief, relaxation, and recreation

Further, these games also offer the following social benefits:

• Better teamwork and communication skills
• Learning how to collaborate and resolve conflict
• Gaining an awareness of others’ cultures and perspectives

Thus, online gaming in moderation is arguably one of the most beneficial activities, both socially and cognitively.

How Parents and Educators Can Leverage These Games

Though many believe that online gaming can take up a lot of time and energy when it comes to children, the life skills taught by these games translate to children as well. To teach strategy, many teach their children how to play chess and Sudoku. This rings the same for online chess and other games as well.

Parents and educators can look into how they can introduce age-appropriate games that have strategic elements. This helps build their cognitive and problem-solving skills, teaching them how to work with peers and spatial intelligence.

Further, these games encourage reflective play. Thus, kids can understand the why behind their actions, learning how to curb impulsive actions. Adventure-based games can also provide experiences similar to real-life challenges, helping them gain an idea of actions and their consequences without any adverse impact.

Wrapping Up

Games help build patience and planning by encouraging delayed gratification, strategic decision-making, and thinking ahead, all of which are valuable skills in today’s fast-paced world. From grown-ups to children, online games offer something to everyone. With gaming, people learn to think beyond the screen, taking their lessons to real life, building their patience, and approaching things with proper planning.

Build Discipline With Online Gaming

Want to enjoy some light entertainment with online gaming while building discipline, patience, and planning skills? Take a pick from our list of game types that offer life lessons, download a game of your choice, and start playing.

What’s the real difference between a classic one-armed bandit and today’s feature-packed digital slots? And which one should you spin next? Keep reading — your next favorite game is just a scroll away.

I. Introduction: Two Worlds, One Battle

Slot machines have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Once clunky machines in dim casino corners, they’ve now become immersive digital universes. This evolution created two camps:
Old School — lovers of simplicity, spinning cherries and sevens.
New School — fans of multi-layered gameplay, movie tie-ins, and exploding bonus rounds.

This isn’t just a design difference. It’s a full-blown showdown — a Slot War.
And whether you’re a nostalgic gambler or a modern-day spinner, there’s a side in this war with your name on it.

Want to explore both worlds in one place? Check out modern slot games on SpinBetter — where classics and innovations spin side by side.

II. Origins and Evolution of Slot Machines

The Mechanical Marvels

The first real slot machine — the Liberty Bell, built in 1895 by Charles Fey — featured three spinning reels, a simple lever, and five symbols. No frills. No features. Just pure chance and the satisfying clunk of coins hitting the tray.

From Reels to Screens

In the 1960s, electromechanical slots emerged. Then came the video slot revolution in the 1980s. No more gears or levers — just buttons and screens. Symbols started dancing, bonus rounds appeared, and payout possibilities exploded.

The Digital Leap

Today, online platforms and mobile apps dominate. With 3D graphics, progressive jackpots, and worldwide tournaments, slots became more than just games — they’re entertainment ecosystems.

III. Features Face-Off

Let’s compare the heart of the battle: how Old and New School slots differ at every turn.

A. Design & Visuals

New school slots feel like interactive cartoons. But old school games? They feel real. Tangible. Straightforward. That charm is hard to replicate.

B. Gameplay Mechanics

• Old School: You press spin, you win or lose. Simple math.
  
• New School: Expect cascading reels, free spins, wild multipliers, and mini-games within the game.
  

List of Modern Slot Features:

• Megaways mechanics
  
• Avalanche (cascading) symbols
  
• Hold-and-win bonuses
  
• Expanding wilds
  
• Interactive bonus rounds
  

C. User Experience & Accessibility

• Old School: Found in land-based casinos, often tied to physical space and atmosphere.

• New School: Play from your bed, your commute, your breakroom — all you need is Wi-Fi.

IV. Payouts and Volatility

Let’s break down where your chances may shine — or fade:

Old slots may feel “fairer.” But new ones offer adrenaline-pumping highs — if you’re ready for the ride.

V. Psychological Appeal

Ask yourself: Why do you play slots?

Old School: The Allure of Nostalgia

• You know the rules.
• You recognize the symbols.
• You’re chasing that old Vegas vibe.
  

New School: The Power of Immersion

• You’re drawn into storylines.
  
• Your brain lights up with every feature unlock.
  
• Every spin feels like progress.
  

The brain loves novelty, and new school slots deliver dopamine in waves. But sometimes, you just want to pull a lever and hear the familiar ding.

VI. Popularity and Trends

Slot preferences are shifting — but not evenly.

Land-based casinos still feature rows of old school machines. But online platforms — especially mobile-first sites — are driving innovation and experimenting with hybrid models.

Hybrid Trend Example: Retro themes with modern mechanics (e.g. “Retro Reels Megaways”).

VII. Pros and Cons Breakdown

VIII. Conclusion: Is There a Winner?

Each type has its battlefield — and its champions.

Some crave the classic charm of Old Vegas. Others want new-age tech, thrilling graphics, and bonus bonanzas.

The truth? You don’t have to pick one side. Explore both. Spin a fruit slot after work, then dive into a modern jungle-themed adventure on your phone. Let your mood decide.

Still unsure where to start? Try both on SpinBetter and discover what suits your style.

IX. Call to Action: What’s Your Slot Personality?

Are you Team Classic or Team Modern?
Do you trust the reels or chase the thrill?

Drop your answer below. Share your favorites. Recommend a hidden gem. And most importantly — keep spinning.

The next game might just be the one that hits the jackpot.

There’s a famous phrase that says, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” This idea seems incredibly appealing to many people, especially those with a creative mindset who are eager to figure out how to get money as an artist. After all, what could be better than turning your favorite hobby into a career and getting paid for it?

There are countless seminars and trainings on how to turn your hobby into a job. They attract crowds who want to change their office jobs for creative professions. After all, it sounds perfect – to create what you love and earn a significant income from it. It all seems so wonderful and tempting but comes with numerous difficulties you need to be aware of.

The Main Challenges for Creative People

Like any other workers, creative people often face the problem of having a project deadline just days away and no ideas, energy, or desire to complete it. Additionally, creative professions are prone to financial instability. While you can avoid a burnout by taking breaks and rest, finding new sources of inspiration, creating a clear plan, and collaborating with colleagues to share ideas, financial difficulties are much more difficult to cope with.

Irregular income, seasonal fluctuations in demand, and the constant need for investment in personal development make financial management very hard. When cash flow stalls, many in the arts industry rely on quick cash advance options to manage day-to-day expenses.To avoid scrambling for urgent money in a hurry and achieve financial independence in the arts industry, it’s important to manage income and expenses effectively.

Tips for Artists’ Financial Management

Working in arts is not just a hobby but a full-fledged business that implies a unique approach to the entire work process. It requires a new level of responsibility, decision-making, and skills. You need to understand how to manage both the creative process and the financial aspects of your projects. Plus, financial instability is quite common in the arts and culture, so you need to be ready for income fluctuation. Below are useful tips for artists and entrepreneurs to help them effectively manage their finances and adapt to economic challenges.

Create an Emergency Fund

Personal savings can help you overcome unexpected expenses and temporary difficulties. Nowadays, having a financial cushion is especially important. A Bankrate study shows that about 62% of people have insufficient savings for emergencies. This highlights the importance of financial literacy and planning for people working in creative fields, where seasonal income fluctuations and project unpredictability can significantly impact financial stability.

To create an emergency fund, take the following simple steps:

1. Determine the size of the fund. Ideally, your savings should cover at least 3 months of your living expenses. For example, if your monthly expenses are $3,000, your emergency fund should be around $10,000.
2. Contribute to the fund regularly. Try to set aside a portion of your income each month. You may start with as little as 10% of every payment and adjust the sum based on your monthly budget. You can also set up an automatic transfer of a certain amount to the emergency fund each month.
3. Use dedicated accounts. Open a separate account for the emergency fund so you do not spend this money on everyday needs. Remember, this money is only for emergencies, so do not use it carelessly.

Estimate the Cost of Your Work Wisely

The first step to successful money management and financial planning for creatives is correctly evaluating the cost of work. Consider not only the materials and time you spent on completing a task but also experience level, the quality of the work, and market rates.

For example, if you are a web designer with over 10 years of experience, your services should cost more than those of a beginner. Of course, setting a price can be difficult for creative professions and freelancers. You need to find a “golden mean” between your needs and your client’s expectations while ensuring you do not underestimate yourself or break even.

To set a price, study the market and your competitors’ prices, consider all expenses, including taxes and equipment, and be flexible. You can adjust prices depending on the complexity of the project and the client’s requirements. If the client needs the task to be done as quickly as possible, do not hesitate to increase the price for urgency.

Additionally, each creative profession may have its pricing model. Some of the options to choose from include the following:

• Hourly Rate: This solution is suitable for projects with an uncertain scope of work. If you are developing a website for a company, and the client makes regular changes, an hourly rate would be a good option. This pricing model is used by photographers, video editors, graphic designers, and music teachers.
• Fixed Price: This pricing model is ideal for clearly defined tasks. This is a great solution if you are designing a logo and have straightforward technical specifications agreed with the client in advance. This pricing model is common among producers, artists, writers, and architects.
• Profit Share: This model is used in projects where your contribution directly affects the client’s income. If you are developing a marketing strategy for a startup, it might be fair to receive a percentage of its sales. This can also be a good solution for screenwriters, musicians, and illustrators.

Consider Small Loans for Creatives

It’s not always easy to save enough money, especially when your work is creative, and income can be unpredictable. In these cases, small loans can be a great solution to cover ongoing expenses and continue growing your business without worrying about financial struggles. A financial advisor for artists can help you navigate your options and find the best solutions for your specific needs.

Here’s why small loans are great for creatives:

• Help with unpredictable income. In creative industries, income can fluctuate: some months, you may make a lot of money, while others come with less earnings. A small loan helps mitigate this uncertainty, allowing you to cover expenses like rent, supplies, or other essentials without stress.
• Support your project. When a big project like an exhibition or recording an album comes up, a small loan can provide the initial capital needed for supplies, promotion, or hiring professionals to help.
• Have flexible terms. Many loans for creatives offer flexible terms that take into account income unpredictability in creative fields. This means you can make payments as you earn without being overwhelmed by fixed due dates.
• Provide the ability to invest in growth. A small loan isn’t just a way to solve immediate problems. It can also be an investment in long-term projects. You can use the funds to upgrade equipment, learn new skills, or expand your client base.

Manage Risks through Insurance and Legal Protection

Risk management is critical for a successful career in the creative professions. However, many creative people only understand it when problems arise. Two key tools—insurance and legal protection—can help you avoid unexpected issues and minimize risks.

The first step in risk management for any creative enterprise is choosing the right insurance plan. Here are three main types of insurance for creators:

• Professional Liability: This insurance protects you from lawsuits arising from negligence and errors in your work. It is especially relevant in areas where the creative process is subjective and open to criticism.
• Health Insurance: This option provides peace of mind if you face health problems, which is critical when your income is unstable.
• Property Insurance: If you own a studio, it is important to protect your expensive equipment from damage or theft.

The second step is the legal protection of your work. In 2023 alone, 623 cases of intellectual property theft were initiated. Here’s how you can protect your rights:

• Copyright: Registering your copyright gives you exclusive rights to use and distribute your work and the ability to sue if it is infringed.
• Clear contracts with clients: Properly drafted contracts can prevent many disputes by defining the terms of work, deadlines, and payment procedures.
• Consult a lawyer: Working with a lawyer specializing in arts and media can help you avoid legal pitfalls and protect your interests.

Optimize Costs and Invest in Growth

Managing finances in the arts is impossible without cost optimization. It’s important not only to control expenses but also to find ways to reduce them without compromising the quality of your work. For example, cameras are relatively affordable, but the cost of a professional lens for high-quality photo and video shooting can reach $15,000–$20,000 or more. This amount is not always affordable, even for sought-after photographers. In this case, renting equipment instead of buying it can be a solution. It helps reduce the initial costs and allows you to access higher-quality equipment. This approach is especially relevant for beginners who may not have the funds to purchase expensive equipment.

It is also important to develop and grow in your field. This allows you to remain competitive in the job market. Courses, seminars, new tools, and programs require investment but offer significant returns. Education not only improves your skills but also increases your value as a professional.

To effectively manage your finances, you should:

• Create a budget: Determine how much you can spend on development and equipment. It is recommended to set aside a certain amount each month for growth.
• Use discounts: Many programs and courses offer discounts for freelancers.
• Analyze expenses: Review your expenses regularly and look for ways to optimize them. For example, if you spend a lot on office rent, consider working from home or using a coworking space until you reach a higher income level.
• Use financial tools. Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB) helps you see where your money comes from and how it is spent. This allows you to separate personal expenses from professional ones, understand your creative income, and identify funds for reinvestment or savings.

Conclusion

The journey from creative chaos to financial stability is full of challenges, but with the right creative financial strategies, you can overcome all the difficulties and reach financial stability. This will protect your financial future and allow you to focus on what matters most—creativity.