THIS ISSUE

Notes and musings from the editorial desk

Work-life balance… yes, we talk about it all the time, but are we working on it half as hard as we are on the next big project for the company? There are always excuses to put off that leave, that family dinner, that visit to the cinema or even a catch-up lunch with a friend who works next door to your office building. Before you know it, things reach a tipping point and you find yourself lf losing control of your own life and descending into free fall – as our cover image suggests.

While it is tempting to blame the changing world orld for our increasingly stressful life, it is ultimately our ur own decisions that determine how we deal with it and make it manageable. In this issue, we consult ult experts on how to balance our equilibrium by understanding ourselves and, more importantly, by setting boundaries. Turn to page 48, “Balancing act”.

Some say that technology puts ever more pressure on us. More and more, we are expected to be reachable at any time, anywhere, with no more downtime to recharge. To make matters worse, many of us have also become exposed because of technology. Every tried Googling yourself? If you haven’t, try it, and you will realise that much of the information you put on your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts is now public. Cyberspace has become a stalker’s heaven. In “Open door” (page 56), we examine the risks that we create for ourselves by being reliant on the internet, and how we can safeguard against them.

Before you get too paranoid about government surveillance programmes like those in the spotlight courtesy of people like Edward Snowden, think of how easy it actually is for an average criminal to find out everything about you.

However, with a little self-discipline it’s always possible to switch your mind off work and have fun, even in an industrious town like Chicago. Seventeen Financial Times 500 companies and 12 Fortune Global 500 companies have their headquarters here, and the city, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary, has always been known as a business-friendly hub. But there is certainly a fun side to this metropolis, which can be enjoyed through sports, performing arts, food or even just admiring the architecture. Read “Windy City wonder” on page 42.

Another US city, Atlanta, is busy getting back into the game. Hard hit by the economic downturns of the last decade, this city of 5.5 million has suffered unemployment rates higher than national average and a lacklustre business environment. But things are slowing changing, with its downtown area being revitalised and its airport – the busiest in the world – seeing an upgrade that has vastly improved passenger experience. Turn to “Southern exposure” on page 32.

Guangzhou, southern China’s commercial hub, is another city that is always ready for business. In fact, it has been since Medieval times, when much of China’s silk was traded through here. And because of its commercial links to the Arab world in the 7th century, the city is home to one of the world’s oldest mosques. By the time of the Qing dynasty, it had become the kingdom’s gateway to the rest of the world. Its history of commerce has made the city a wonderful place for leisurely strolls, as historical monuments and cultural sites abound. Follow Hong Kong-based historian Jason Wordie to revisit “Guangzhou’s glory days” (page 62).

Dining is, of course, another great way to unwind. And if you’re into international cuisine, you must have had a taste of the latest hot dish, figuratively and literally: kimchi. Most of us think immediately of the

baechu variety made of pickled cabbage and chilli powder, but there are actually some 200 types of this Korean dish, and recipes vary from region to region. Whet your appetite by turning to page 70 for “In a pickle”.

By the way, these tasty pickled dishes are best enjoyed with a bottle of soju – now that’s what I call good downtime.