Work Ethic and Moral Values

Work Ethic

• Refers to a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work
• Emphasizes the inherent ability of work to strengthen character
• Implies that work has a positive impact on an individual's moral values and personal development

Transferable Skills

• A transferable skill is an ability or expertise that can be applied in various roles or occupations.
• Examples of transferable skills include:
  • Hardworking: being diligent and industrious in completing tasks.
  • Patience: remaining calm and composed in challenging situations.
  • Customer Service: providing excellent assistance and support to clients.
  • Teamwork: collaborating and working effectively with others towards a common goal.
  • Organisation: planning and structuring tasks to achieve efficiency.
  • Time Keeping: managing time effectively to meet deadlines and schedules.

Hard Skills

• Definition: Opposite of transferable skills, specific to certain job roles
• Examples of hard skills include:
  • CAD Software Skills
  • Bookkeeping
  • Cloud Architecture
  • Coding
  • Foreign language skills

Defining Financial Responsibility

• Financial responsibility is the ability to manage one's finances in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and aligns with long-term goals.
• It involves making informed decisions about earning, saving, investing, and spending money.

Key Components of Financial Responsibility

• Budgeting involves creating a plan for how to allocate income towards expenses, savings, and debt repayment.
• Saving involves setting aside a portion of income for short-term and long-term goals.
• Investing involves using money to generate more money through investments, such as stocks or real estate.
• Debt Management involves managing debt, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages, to minimize interest and fees.
• Financial Planning involves creating a long-term plan for achieving financial goals, such as retirement or buying a home.

Characteristics of Financially Responsible Individuals

• They live below their means, avoiding overspending and prioritizing needs over wants.
• They prioritize needs over wants, distinguishing between essential expenses and discretionary spending.
• They make smart financial decisions, considering long-term consequences of financial choices.
• They avoid debt, minimizing debt and creating a plan to pay off existing debt.
• They build an emergency fund, saving 3-6 months' worth of expenses in case of unexpected events.

Benefits of Financial Responsibility

• It reduces financial stress, feeling more in control of one's finances.
• It increases savings, building a safety net for the future.
• It improves credit score, demonstrating responsible financial behavior.
• It helps achieve long-term goals, making progress towards financial objectives, such as buying a home or retiring comfortably.
• It increases financial independence, having the freedom to make choices about how to use one's money.

Definition of Financial Competence

• Financial competence is the ability to make informed, effective, and responsible financial decisions that promote financial well-being.
• It involves having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to manage one's financial resources wisely.

Key Components of Financial Competence

• Financial knowledge: understanding of personal finance concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management.
• Financial skills: ability to apply financial knowledge to real-life situations, such as creating a budget, managing debt, and making smart investment decisions.
• Financial attitudes: responsible and informed attitudes towards money, such as avoiding impulse purchases, prioritizing needs over wants, and being patient and disciplined in financial decision-making.

Importance of Financial Competence

• Financial competence is critical for achieving financial stability, security, and independence.
• Individuals with high financial competence tend to experience lower levels of financial stress and anxiety.
• Financially competent individuals are more likely to achieve their financial goals, such as saving for retirement, paying off debt, and building wealth.

Factors Influencing Financial Competence

• Education: formal education and financial literacy programs can improve financial competence.
• Experience: hands-on experience with financial decision-making can also improve financial competence.
• Cultural and social factors: cultural and social norms, values, and beliefs can influence financial attitudes and behaviors.

Developing Financial Competence

• Financial education: providing access to financial education and literacy programs can help improve financial competence.
• Practice and experience: encouraging individuals to take control of their finances and make informed decisions can help build financial competence.
• Feedback and support: providing feedback and support from financial professionals, mentors, or peers can help individuals develop their financial competence.

Morality

• Refers to principles and values that guide an individual's behavior and decision-making, distinguishing right from wrong

Types of Morality

• Descriptive morality: studies moral beliefs and practices of individuals or groups
• Normative morality: concerned with establishing moral principles and rules that should govern behavior
• Applied morality: applying moral principles to specific issues or problems

Moral Theories

• Consequentialism: moral rightness of an action depends on its consequences
• Deontology: moral rightness of an action depends on its adherence to rules and duties
• Virtue Ethics: moral character of an individual is the primary focus

Moral Development

• Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory: proposes six stages of moral development, ranging from obedience to universal ethical principles
• Carol Gilligan's Theory: emphasizes the role of care and empathy in moral development, particularly in females

Moral Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism

• Moral Relativism: moral judgments are relative to cultural, historical, or personal contexts
• Moral Absolutism: moral judgments are absolute and universal, applying regardless of context

Definition of Values

• Values are beliefs or principles that guide an individual's or organization's behavior, decision-making, and goals.
• They are abstract and intangible, but have a significant impact on attitudes and actions.

Types of Values

• Personal values are unique to an individual, influencing their behavior, goals, and relationships.
• Cultural values are shared by a group of people, shaping their customs, traditions, and beliefs.
• Organizational values are guiding principles of an organization, influencing its mission, goals, and interactions.

Characteristics of Values

• Intrinsic values are considered important in and of themselves, rather than for external reasons.
• Universal values are often considered to be universally applicable, regardless of context or culture.
• Enduring values are relatively stable over time, despite changes in circumstances.

Importance of Values

• Values guide decision-making, helping individuals and organizations make choices that align with their principles and goals.
• Values influence behavior, shaping attitudes and actions, leading to consistent behavior and a sense of purpose.
• Shared values build trust and cooperation among individuals and groups.

Value Conflicts

• Intra-personal conflicts arise between an individual's personal values and goals.
• Inter-personal conflicts arise between individuals with different values and goals.
• Organizational conflicts arise between an organization's values and goals, or between different stakeholders.

Value Development

• Values are shaped through socialization, cultural norms, and family influences.
• Personal growth can lead to changes in values over time through experiences, reflection, and self-awareness.
• Cultural transmission passes values down through generations, influencing cultural norms and traditions.

Financial Understanding

• A bank account is a safe place to store money, allowing for easy access and management of finances.
• It's a fundamental tool for personal financial management, enabling individuals to receive and make payments, save, and budget.
• Money can come from various sources, including:
  • Earnings from a job or business
  • Gifts or inheritances
  • Loans or credit
  • Selling assets or possessions
• Money can go towards:
  • Everyday expenses, such as food, housing, and transportation
  • Savings and investments for future goals
  • Debt repayment, including credit cards and loans
  • Leisure activities, such as entertainment and travel

P.A.Y.E (Pay-As-You-Earn)

• P.A.Y.E stands for PAY-AS-YOU-EARN
• With P.A.Y.E, income tax is automatically deducted

Social Media Addiction and Mental Health

• Social media is more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol for young people
• Increased social media use among females is linked to increased concerns about their own body image

Social Media Use and Sleep Quality

• Increased social media use is significantly linked to poor sleep quality
• Poor sleep quality is a precursor to mental health issues

Anxiety and Social Media Use

• 80% of social media users feel more anxious after using social media for more than 2 hours a day
• 70% of social media users have experienced some form of cyberbullying
• 36% of users experience cyberbullying on a high-frequency basis

Social Pressure and Inadequacy

• 57% of 16 to 25-year-olds say social media creates an "overwhelming pressure to succeed"
• 46% think that comparing their lives to others on social media makes them feel inadequate

Anxiety about the Future

• 48% of users say they feel "more anxious about their future" when seeing the lives of their friends online

The Impact of Social Media on Self-Comparison

• Social media platforms showcase only the highlight reels of people's lives, presenting a curated version of their experiences.
• This limited and biased representation of others' lives can lead to unrealistic comparisons with our own lives.
• Constantly comparing ourselves to others can foster feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with our own lives.

What is Social Currency?

• Social currency refers to the value that accrues to individuals or groups from their participation in online communities and social networks.
• It encompasses social prestige, influence, and reputation gained from online activities.

Types of Social Currency

• Reputation: Esteem in which an individual is held by others in the online community.
• Influence: Ability to affect the actions and opinions of others in the online community.
• Network: Size and quality of an individual's online connections.
• Content: Value of the content created and shared by an individual in the online community.

How is Social Currency Earned?

• Participation: Actively engaging in online communities and discussions to earn social currency.
• Content creation: Creating and sharing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to build social currency.
• Engagement: Interacting with others, liking, commenting, and sharing their content to earn social currency.
• Thought leadership: Providing unique insights, expertise, and perspectives to establish thought leadership and earn social currency.

Benefits of Social Currency

• Increased influence: Ability to shape opinions and drive actions with earned social currency.
• Improved reputation: Enhanced professional and personal reputation through earned social currency.
• Access to opportunities: Invitations to collaborations, speaking engagements, and business opportunities through earned social currency.
• Networking: Expanded professional and personal network through earned social currency.

Challenges of Social Currency

• Time and effort: Building social currency requires consistent effort and time.
• Authenticity: Maintaining authenticity and transparency in online interactions to build trust and credibility.
• Reputation management: Managing online reputation and maintaining a positive image to protect social currency.
• Information overload: Managing the vast amount of information and noise in online communities to stay focused and relevant.

Fear of Missing Out (F.O.M.O)

• F.O.M.O stands for Fear Of Missing Out
• It is the anxiety or apprehension caused by the feeling of being left out or missing social events, experiences, or opportunities
• F.O.M.O arises from the fear of not being part of something that others are doing or experiencing

Definition and Types

• Online harassment is unwanted and offensive behavior targeted towards an individual or group through digital platforms.
• Types of online harassment include:
• Cyberbullying: repeated and intentional harassment towards an individual, often among minors.
• Cyberstalking: using technology to monitor and track someone's online activities.
• Trolling: posting inflammatory or off-topic comments to provoke emotional responses.
• Online hate speech: promoting or inciting hate or violence towards a group based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.

Prevalence and Impact

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience online harassment.
• Online harassment can lead to:
• Emotional distress and anxiety.
• Social isolation.
• Decreased self-esteem.
• Fear of online participation.

Perpetrators and Motivations

• Perpetrators may be anonymous, acquaintances, or strangers.
• Motivations for online harassment include:
• Psychological factors: enjoyment of power and control, anonymity, and lack of empathy.
• Social factors: peer pressure, groupthink, and social norms.
• Revenge or retaliation.

Platforms and Environments

• Common platforms for online harassment include:
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
• Online gaming communities.
• Forums and discussion boards.
• Environments conducive to online harassment include:
• Anonymity and lack of moderation.
• Power imbalances and hierarchical structures.
• Permissive or tolerant attitudes towards harassment.

Prevention and Intervention

• Strategies for preventing online harassment include:
• Implementation of community guidelines and moderation.
• Education and awareness campaigns.
• Encouraging empathy and respectful online interactions.
• Intervention strategies include:
• Blocking and reporting tools.
• Support systems for victims (counseling, hotlines).
• Legal action and law enforcement involvement.

Decision Making Process

• Decision making is a competitive process between two systems: the emotion system and the reason system.
• The emotion system is automatic, indicating that it operates quickly and instinctively.
• However, the emotion system is prone to error, suggesting that it may lead to impulsive or biased decisions.
• The reason system, on the other hand, is slow, implying that it requires more time and effort to operate.
• Despite being slower, the reason system is rational, meaning it is more logical and objective in its decision-making approach.

The Reason System

• The reason system is responsible for controlling impulses
• It is located in the "head"
• It counteracts impulsive decisions by overriding snap judgments
• It reins in impulses that originate from the "heart"

Private Sector

• Refers to the part of the economy owned by private groups or individuals
• Can be operated for profit or non-profit purposes
• Distinguished by not being owned by the government

Public Sector

• Refers to the part of the economy that consists of two main components: public services and public enterprises.

Economy Definition

• The economy refers to the state of a country or region in terms of its economic activity.
• It encompasses the production and consumption of goods and services.
• The economy also involves the supply of money, which facilitates transactions and economic growth.

Inflation

• Inflation is a general progressive increase in prices of goods and services in an economy.
• It results in a rise in the general price level.
• As a result of inflation, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services.
• Inflation leads to a reduction in the purchasing power of money.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• GDP measures the size and health of a country's economy over a specific period of time.
• The typical time period for GDP measurement is one quarter or one year.
• GDP allows for comparison of the size of different economies at a particular point in time.

DR ABC

• DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
• It is a sequence of steps to follow in a medical emergency

Response Assessment

• The AVPU scale is used to assess a person's level of consciousness
• The AVPU scale stands for Alert, Voice, Pain, and Unresponsive
• Alert refers to a person who is fully awake and aware
• Voice refers to a person who responds to verbal commands
• Pain refers to a person who responds to painful stimuli
• Unresponsive refers to a person who shows no response to any stimuli

Care for an Unresponsive Person

• An unresponsive person who is breathing normally should be placed in the recovery position

DR ABC

• DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, emphasizing the importance of assessing a patient's airway in emergency situations.
• The acronym serves as a reminder of the initial steps to take when responding to a medical emergency.

Communication

• Passive communication is characterized by withholding one's thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
• In passive communication, an individual's wants, needs, desires, and opinions are not shared or expressed.

Communication Style: Aggressive

• Characterized by sharing one's wants, needs, desires, or opinions at the expense of someone else's feelings or well-being.

Communication Styles

• Passive-aggressive communication combines indirect and aggressive communication styles.
• In passive-aggressive communication, opinions, wants, and needs are not expressed directly.
• Instead, they are hidden or conveyed in a way that can be hurtful to others.
• The tone of passive-aggressive communication often appears joking or sarcastic, but can be damaging to relationships.

Communication Styles

• Assertive communication involves being honest and direct when expressing one's wants, needs, desires, and opinions.
• It requires showing respect for the other person while being clear and straightforward in one's message.

Levels of Drug Use

• There are four recognized levels of drug use, each with distinct characteristics.

Level 1: Experimental User

• Characterized by occasional and casual drug use, often driven by curiosity or peer pressure.

Level 2: Recreational User

• Drug use is frequent, but still controlled, and often used to enhance social or recreational activities.

Level 3: Dependent User

• User has developed a physical or psychological dependence on the drug, and may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

Level 4: Problem User

• Drug use is compulsive and uncontrolled, leading to significant negative consequences on daily life, relationships, and health.

Definition of Addiction

• Addiction is a complex and chronic condition
• Characterised by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behaviour
• Despite potentially harmful consequences

Factors Influencing Addiction

• The development of addiction is influenced by a combination of three main factors: genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
• Genetic factors can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to addiction.
• Underlying mental health conditions can also make an individual more susceptible to addiction.

Definition and Classification

• Illegal Class A drugs are highly addictive and have a high potential for abuse.
• Examples of illegal Class A drugs include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, and magic mushrooms.

Effects of Illegal Class A Drug Addiction

• Physical effects:
  • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms occur.
  • Risk of overdose and death increases.
  • Organs and tissues (e.g. heart, liver, kidneys) are damaged.
  • Malnutrition and weight loss occur.
• Psychological effects:
  • Anxiety and depression develop.
  • Paranoia and hallucinations occur.
  • Aggressive behavior and mood swings increase.
  • Memory and cognitive impairment result.
• Social effects:
  • Financial problems and debt increase.
  • Family and friends' relationships become strained.
  • Legal problems and criminal activity occur.
  • Homelessness and social isolation increase.

Risk Factors for Illegal Class A Drug Addiction

• Environmental factors:
  • Poverty and lack of opportunities contribute to addiction.
  • Early exposure to drug use increases risk.
  • Family history of addiction is a factor.
  • Peer pressure and social influence contribute to addiction.
• Individual factors:
  • Mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety) increase risk.
  • Trauma and stress contribute to addiction.
  • Low self-esteem and self-confidence increase risk.
  • Genetic predisposition is a factor.

Signs and Symptoms of Illegal Class A Drug Addiction

• Physical signs:
  • Track marks or injection scars appear.
  • Slurred speech and coordination problems occur.
  • Unexplained absences or behavioral changes occur.
  • Unusual odors or substances are present.
• Behavioral signs:
  • Secrecy and dishonesty about drug use occur.
  • Increased borrowing or stealing of money occurs.
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns occur.
  • Neglect of responsibilities and hobbies increases.

Treatment and Recovery Options

• Detoxification programs are available.
• Medication-assisted therapy (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) is used.
• Behavioral therapies (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management) are effective.
• Support groups (e.g. Narcotics Anonymous) are available.
• Residential rehabilitation programs are an option.
• Outpatient counseling and therapy are available.

Cannabis Addiction

• Cannabis is considered a socially acceptable illegal drug to use, compared to some Class A drugs.
• Despite being illegal, cannabis has recognized health benefits for some individuals.

Illegal Class C Drug Addiction

• Nicotine addiction is a common issue among smokers, who often experience a temporary sense of stress relief after smoking a cigarette.

Substance Addiction

• Alcohol is a widely available and socially acceptable drug, despite having an age restriction for usage.
• Prescription drugs can provide a range of benefits, including pain relief, numbness, and a feeling of detachment from one's body.

Behavioural Addiction

• Gambling addiction can activate the brain's reward system, resulting in the release of dopamine and potential long-term negative consequences.

Digital Addiction

• Social media usage can have a negative impact on both mental health and offline social behaviour.

What is Cannabis?

• Cannabis is a plant species belonging to the Cannabaceae family.
• It is native to Central Asia.
• Cannabis has been cultivated for thousands of years for various purposes.
• The plant contains several chemical compounds known as cannabinoids.
• The two most notable cannabinoids are:
  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabis is also commonly referred to as marijuana.

Depressants

• Depressants slow down the central nervous system (CNS), reducing excitement, anxiety, and stress.

Types of Depressants

• Benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
• Barbiturates include phenobarbital and pentobarbital.
• Sedatives include ethanol (alcohol) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).
• Opioids include heroin, morphine, and codeine, which can also have stimulant effects.

Effects of Depressants

Short-term Effects

• Drowsiness and relaxation occur due to depressants.
• Anxiety and stress are reduced by depressants.
• Slurred speech and impaired coordination are caused by depressants.
• Depressants decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

Long-term Effects

• Depressants can lead to dependence and addiction.
• Tolerance develops, requiring higher doses of depressants.
• Withdrawal symptoms occur when stopping or reducing depressant use.
• Cognitive impairment and memory loss are long-term effects of depressants.

Risks and Consequences

• Overdose can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death.
• Depressants interact dangerously with other drugs, especially opioids and alcohol.
• Withdrawal from depressants can cause seizures, delirium, and suicidal thoughts.
• Depressants can impair relationships, work, and daily activities.

Legal and Social Aspects

• Many depressants are prescription-only and regulated by law.
• Illegal possession, distribution, and use of depressants can lead to criminal charges.
• Users of depressants may face social stigma and judgment from others.

Hallucinogens

• Hallucinogenic substances alter the user's perception of reality, making them see things that may not be present.
• Acid is a type of hallucinogenic substance.

Psychoactive Substances

• Psychoactive substances, also known as 'legal highs', are capable of affecting a person's mental functioning or emotional state.
• They are not currently controlled as a class A, B, or C drug, despite mimicking the effects of illegal drugs.
• These substances can be dangerous, unpredictable, and pose serious health risks.
• Examples of substances associated with dangerous effects and health risks include:
  • Synthetic cannabinoids (sold as "Spice" or "K2")
  • Synthetic cathinones (commonly known as "bath salts")
  • Certain psychoactive substances marketed as legal alternatives to drugs like MDMA or LSD.