Category: Uncategorized

  • The Oura Ring: Smart Tracker with a Dumb Subscription

    The Oura Ring: Smart Tracker with a Dumb Subscription

    The Oura Ring is a next-generation fitness tracker that fits on your finger. Unlike bulkier wearables, it inconspicuously measures multiple vital signs—heart rate, activity levels, sleep quality, and temperature, to name a few.

    At first, the concept intrigued me. A sleek, minimalistic device that could quietly collect meaningful health data without the discomfort of a clunky smartwatch? Sign me up.

    The First Red Flag: Pricing Gimmicks

    My first frustration arose before I even owned the ring—during checkout. The Oura Ring comes in several colors, and I wanted gold so it could double as my wedding band. But someone at Oura decided that this particular color should cost an extra $100—despite the fact that it’s not actually made of gold, just coated to look like it.

    I get it—businesses charge premiums for premium-looking products. But there’s a difference between justified markups and a blatant cash grab. If they had asked for, say, $25 more, I could have accepted that. But $100? That feels deliberately exploitative.

    A Promising Start, Then a Harsh Reality Check

    Once I got the ring, I genuinely enjoyed it. It solved a key issue I had with my Apple Watch—which felt too bulky to sleep in. The Oura Ring, by contrast, was lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing me to track my sleep without discomfort.

    The most obvious issue it that unlike the Apple Watch, which provides an on-device interface, the Oura Ring has no screen or real-time feedback. The only way to access your health data is to open the Oura app and let it sync.

    Oh, and did I mention that this functionality costs $6 a month?

    The Subscription Squeeze

    Oura gives you a 60-day free trial of their membership, after which you have to pay to continue using the app. Once my trial ended, I never renewed it.

    The reason? I hate subscriptions.

    I completely understand that app development requires resources. I can understant that companies need recurring revenue to support future updates. But what I don’t respect is a business model that forces you into an ongoing financial commitment for a device you already paid $399 for.

    Some people argue, “Come on, $6 a month isn’t that bad.” And sure, in isolation, it’s not. But that’s exactly the trick. Subscription-based services thrive on psychological manipulation—they market themselves as small, forgettable expenses.

    In fact, it seems like every subscription service has started measuring cost in terms of cups of coffee—
    “This product is just one latte a month!”
    “For the price of a cappuccino, you can unlock amazing features!”

    When did we start valuing everything in caffeine units?

    Individually, a $6 charge doesn’t seem like much. But in a world where everything is moving toward subscriptions, the total cost becomes ridiculous. At some point, these small fees stack up into something absurd. And worse, they cultivate a feeling that I never truly own anything. I didn’t buy a product—I bought a temporary license to access what should already be mine.

    Did I Even Need This Data?

    The final nail in the coffin? I started questioning the value of the data itself.

    I originally bought the Oura Ring for sleep tracking, but after a few months, I realized something: I didn’t need an app to tell me whether I slept well. I already knew. I could tell by how I felt in the morning.

    For professional athletes or people with medical conditions, hyper-detailed biometrics might be useful. But for the average person? Do I really need to obsess over my HRV, body temperature deviations, and sleep cycles? Or is all of this just another way to convince us we need a device to tell us how we feel?

  • Get the Job: Tips for Standing Out Effectively

    Get the Job: Tips for Standing Out Effectively

    Interviewing is no easy task. It challenges you to expose your knowledge, skills, and personality under intense scrutiny. It’s nerve-wracking, and often, the pressure feels overwhelming. I believe everyone who faces an interview deserves to give themselves credit for putting themselves out there.

    While it’s important to stay true to who you are during an interview, there are some practical steps you can take to improve your chances of making a great impression. These tips are drawn from my own experience interviewing candidates.


    Schedule interviews strategically

    Remember, interviewers are just people. They get tired, they get cranky, and yes, they get hungry. If you can, try to schedule your interview earlier in the day and earlier in the week. This gives you the best opportunity to meet them when they are still fresh and energized. As Daniel Kahneman explains in Thinking, Fast and Slow, mental fatigue can drastically affect decision-making. An interview scheduled for the afternoon or at the end of the week might not be the best time to make your strongest impression.

    Prime Your Interviewers

    You can use psychology to your advantage here. Priming is a phenomenon where an initial exposure can shape perceptions. Reach out to your interviewers ahead of time to express your excitement about the role and your eagerness to meet them. A simple email or message can demonstrate enthusiasm right from the start, setting a positive tone for the conversation and priming their perception of you.

    Be Personable and Friendly

    While technical skills matter, personality often plays an even bigger role in interviews. After all, you could have the most impressive resume, but if you’re unable to connect with others, it’s hard to make a lasting impact. Use your introduction as an opportunity to show who you are—candidly and warmly. Greet each interviewer personally by name, with a smile, and establish a friendly rapport from the beginning. A personable approach will make a world of difference.

    Use Powerful, Positive Language

    Humans are drawn to positivity, and our words have power. The language you use not only reflects your mindset but also shapes how others perceive you. Words that are positive and strong make you appear confident, capable, and motivated. So, choose your vocabulary carefully. Powerful language makes a strong impression. Avoid negative contractions like can’t, won’t, and not.

    Keep Moving Forward

    Mistakes are inevitable. If you stumble over a word or forget a point, don’t dwell on it. Performance anxiety often amplifies small missteps in our minds, but more often than not, the interviewers won’t even notice. We tend to be our harshest critics. Stay focused, keep your momentum, and maintain confidence. If you pause for too long or obsess over a mistake, it only draws attention to it. Move on with grace and poise.

    Share Your Thought Process

    An interview isn’t just about providing the “right” answers—it’s about demonstrating how you approach problems and think through challenges. The worst thing you can do when faced with a tough question is to go silent, overthinking in your head before speaking. Instead, share your thought process aloud. Articulating how you’re arriving at your solution will make your answer more insightful and show interviewers that you can think on your feet. This approach will give them a clearer sense of how you work, making you a more compelling candidate.

    Craft a Unique Narrative

    Let’s face it: interviews can become repetitive, and interviewers often expect a set of canned responses. To stand out, create a unique narrative about yourself—your journey, your passions, and why this role is the perfect fit for you. Even if your story isn’t perfectly polished, authenticity and individuality go a long way. Don’t be afraid to show the human side of your career path.

    Ask Thoughtful Questions

    When the time comes for you to ask questions, don’t just ask for the sake of asking. Thoughtful, well-crafted questions show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role and company. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about whether this role is a good fit. Additionally, people love to talk about themselves. By asking your interviewers insightful questions, you foster a connection and leave a positive impression.

    Present Yourself Professionally

    I shouldn’t have to say this, but it’s important: present yourself professionally. Don’t show up in a messy room, wearing a wrinkled shirt or looking disheveled. Clean up, button up, and make sure your background is neat. A clean, tidy, and well-organized space will convey that you take this seriously. Bonus points for adding personal touches in the background—books, plants, or awards you’ve achieved. These little details subtly signal that you are accomplished, educated, and ready to succeed.