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Times seem grim for employees. Every day seems to bring a new series of layoffs, pay cuts, strikes and…you know, the whole threat of being replaced by robots thing…

Chris Serrano, a creative director who “does all his own stunts,” found himself in one of these abysmal situations after getting laid off.

However, Serrano quickly turned his luck around by thinking outside the box and leaning into his daredevil personality. On his LinkedIn, he posted a video of himself jumping out of a plane with a cardboard sign that read, “Open4Work.”

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“I got laid off last week. So I’ll be freefalling until I find a new gig—literally. If you’re looking for an award-winning creative that works hard, takes risks, and knows how to pack a parachute, reach out. Don’t let your brand plunge to its death. Hire me instead,” he added in the caption.

Can’t say this guy isn’t clever. Or brave.

It wasn’t long before Serrano’s post caught the attention of Jack Peagam, UK- based entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of the social app Linkup, which aims to authentically connect people based on similar hobbies and interests. Fitting that these two connected over a shared passion for extreme sports.

Peagam seemingly one-upped Serrano’s stunt—videoing himself skydiving with a cardboard sign that read. “Hey Chris, sorry 2 see you got laid off. We’ve got work 4 U. Let’s Link Up”.

In his own caption, Peagam matched Serrano’s knack for wordplay, writing, “Can’t guarantee you a parachute payment, but we’re ready to catch you and launch you into new heights of success. 🪂 ✈️ I’m sure you’ll free-fall in love with what we’re doing. I believe this is the ultimate way to extend the offer.”

Because clearly these two are a match made in workplace heaven, Serrano then shared a subsequent video showing both thrill-seekers signing a new employment contract while jumping out of a plane together.

“When I lost my job, I was a bit nervous as to what could be next, but taking a leap of faith from a plane is sometimes all you can do,” Serrano shared, according to Good News Network.

That leap of faith certainly paid off. Peagam loved Serrano’s “bold” and “daring” ad, telling Good News Network it “featured everything I love about creative talent.” Serrano was also “blown away” by the support he received after posting, from folks sending positive comments to sharing the video across the platform.

While maybe not all of us can jump out of a plane to secure the job of our dreams, there is something to be said for the magic that happens when we use our imaginations and show up as our most authentic selves. Losing a job isn’t fun, but it doesn’t take away the special, unique qualities that we bring to the table. And when we can harness that, often opportunities seem to fall from the sky—quite literally, in this case. Bottom line: even in less-than-ideal circumstances, or perhaps especially then, a dose of optimism and ingenuity goes a long way.

Taking young children on a family vacation seems like a good idea. You leave the house, soak up some new scenery, spend time with your significant other, and most importantly, make memories. Lots and lots of unforgettable memories.

But as the old saying goes, no matter where you go, there you are. Just because you left the house doesn’t mean your children magically learn how to be flexible or sleep in new conditions. They don’t suddenly learn how to wait for the appropriate time to soil their diapers or become curious about new types of food.

You’re still parenting, but this time it’s at a hotel.

Taylor Wolfe, a mom, blogger, occasional comedian and shop owner, hit the nail on the head with a viral video contrasting the split personalities that many parents have while on vacation.

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On one side, the mom is trying her best to be happy, live in the moment and make memories. Lots and lots of memories. However, on the other side, the trials and tribulations of having a toddler seem to get worse while away from home.

@thedailytay

Am I grateful we can take vacations? 💯 Yes. But can I admit they’re not always palm trees and sunshine? Also yes. 🙃 but MEMORIES! #momsoftiktok #foryoupage #momtiktok #vacation

“I’m having so much fun. I’m so glad we did this. Traveling with a toddler is hard, but it’s worth it,” she begins in her parody video.

Smash cut to her looking super stressed out, staring down at her child, who won’t fall asleep. “She’s not down yet. That’s why I’m sitting here. It’s not dark enough!” she yells.

Then we’re back to the happy mom who’s hopeful that her daughter will have a good day at the resort because she had a good nap, so “It’s all good.”

Smash cut to her sitting over her young daughter, “I don’t know why we did this!”

Throughout the rest of the vacation, Taylor finds ways to rationalize her decision to leave the house with a toddler. “There’s seasons of life and this is a hard one. It’s short, but it’s worth it.”

The video struck a chord with a lot of the people in the comments section on Instagram who have lived through the same stressful situation and tried to keep a positive attitude.

“This is why I take a lot of nice photos of my kids on vacation so I can falsely remember that I enjoyed every second of it,” Cartwright wrote.

“That is not a vacation. That is ‘away from home parenting,’” Bestlifeorbust added.

“And then sweardagawd in six months your memories will come up on your phone and you will forget any ounce of stress you had and start planning another adventure. It’s a weird universe trick,” Shauna_Newman wrote.

Shauna may be right. Some studies show that even though raising young kids is particularly stressful, as we move on, we tend to forget the struggles and cherish the good times.

An article by Stephanie H. Murray published in The Atlantic noted that sociologist Daniel Gilbert likens the stresses of raising a toddler to watching a baseball game that remains scoreless into the ninth inning. “Fans remember the thrilling moments of the game-winning home run and not much else,” the article reads.

Taking young children on a family vacation seems like a good idea. You leave the house, soak up some new scenery, spend time with your significant other, and most importantly, make memories. Lots and lots of unforgettable memories.

But as the old saying goes, no matter where you go, there you are. Just because you left the house doesn’t mean your children magically learn how to be flexible or sleep in new conditions. They don’t suddenly learn how to wait for the appropriate time to soil their diapers or become curious about new types of food.

You’re still parenting, but this time it’s at a hotel.

Taylor Wolfe, a mom, blogger, occasional comedian and shop owner, hit the nail on the head with a viral video contrasting the split personalities that many parents have while on vacation.

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On one side, the mom is trying her best to be happy, live in the moment and make memories. Lots and lots of memories. However, on the other side, the trials and tribulations of having a toddler seem to get worse while away from home.

@thedailytay

Am I grateful we can take vacations? 💯 Yes. But can I admit they’re not always palm trees and sunshine? Also yes. 🙃 but MEMORIES! #momsoftiktok #foryoupage #momtiktok #vacation

“I’m having so much fun. I’m so glad we did this. Traveling with a toddler is hard, but it’s worth it,” she begins in her parody video.

Smash cut to her looking super stressed out, staring down at her child, who won’t fall asleep. “She’s not down yet. That’s why I’m sitting here. It’s not dark enough!” she yells.

Then we’re back to the happy mom who’s hopeful that her daughter will have a good day at the resort because she had a good nap, so “It’s all good.”

Smash cut to her sitting over her young daughter, “I don’t know why we did this!”

Throughout the rest of the vacation, Taylor finds ways to rationalize her decision to leave the house with a toddler. “There’s seasons of life and this is a hard one. It’s short, but it’s worth it.”

The video struck a chord with a lot of the people in the comments section on Instagram who have lived through the same stressful situation and tried to keep a positive attitude.

“This is why I take a lot of nice photos of my kids on vacation so I can falsely remember that I enjoyed every second of it,” Cartwright wrote.

“That is not a vacation. That is ‘away from home parenting,’” Bestlifeorbust added.

“And then sweardagawd in six months your memories will come up on your phone and you will forget any ounce of stress you had and start planning another adventure. It’s a weird universe trick,” Shauna_Newman wrote.

Shauna may be right. Some studies show that even though raising young kids is particularly stressful, as we move on, we tend to forget the struggles and cherish the good times.

An article by Stephanie H. Murray published in The Atlantic noted that sociologist Daniel Gilbert likens the stresses of raising a toddler to watching a baseball game that remains scoreless into the ninth inning. “Fans remember the thrilling moments of the game-winning home run and not much else,” the article reads.

A story out of Woodland, California, a town outside of Sacramento, shows that sometimes, a little empathy can turn a potentially violent situation into a peaceful outcome. According to the Woodland Police Department, it all unfolded at a Bank of the West on Monday, May 22, at 11:00 a.m.

Michael Armus Sr., 69, was waiting in line when he noticed a man slip a teller a note. The tellers looked concerned, and the man who slipped the note had his shirt pulled over the bottom of his face. The man claimed that he had a gun. It was a robbery.

Then Armus noticed something familiar about the man. It was his former neighbor, Eduardo Plasencia, 43, who was also his daughter’s friend.

“I seen that the way he was talking, he was getting irritated. He said, ‘I don’t want to hurt anybody,’” Armus said, according to NBC 15.

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Armus noticed that Plasencia sounded troubled. So, instead of attempting to disarm him and stop the robbery, he asked him some questions.

“He seemed to be depressed the way he was talking, so… I said, ‘What’s wrong? You don’t have a job?’ He said, ‘There’s nothing in this town for me. I just want to go to prison,’” Armus said.

“I felt compassion for the man. What could have happened to this guy to make him want to go in there and just throw his life away?” he told ABC 7 Chicago.

Armus then asked if they could step outside.

“So, I took him outside, and I give the man a hug right here at the doors. He started crying,” Armus said. “Then, I stepped away from him, and swoop, here come all the cops–no sirens, just lights everywhere, rifles out, ‘Get on the ground!’”

The Woodland Police Department later applauded Armus, saying he calmed the would-be robber down and encouraged him not to commit the crime.

“His words of wisdom worked and Plasencia changed his mind and left the bank,” the police department wrote on Facebook. The police later told ABC that Armus is a “Good Samaritan who delivered the right message that made a difference.”

Who knows what would have happened if Plasencia hadn’t left the bank with Armus and been arrested? It’s pretty remarkable that in a situation fraught with so much tension and danger, Armus had the presence of mind to determine the robber’s emotional state and coax him out of the situation.

He also had the compassion to see him as more than just a criminal, but a person who had fallen on hard times and needed some serious help.

“It was meant for me to be here,” Armus told ABC News.

Plasencia was booked at Yolo County for attempted robbery. When police apprehended him, he wasn’t armed, as he had told the bank tellers.

“Thank you to the very brave Good Samaritan who delivered the right message that made a difference,” the police department wrote on Facebook.

Armus says that he may visit Plasencia in jail to see how he’s holding up.

“Love overcomes all things. People don’t realize that. Try to be kind to somebody. It makes a difference,” he said.

A story out of Woodland, California, a town outside of Sacramento, shows that sometimes, a little empathy can turn a potentially violent situation into a peaceful outcome. According to the Woodland Police Department, it all unfolded at a Bank of the West on Monday, May 22, at 11:00 a.m.

Michael Armus Sr., 69, was waiting in line when he noticed a man slip a teller a note. The tellers looked concerned, and the man who slipped the note had his shirt pulled over the bottom of his face. The man claimed that he had a gun. It was a robbery.

Then Armus noticed something familiar about the man. It was his former neighbor, Eduardo Plasencia, 43, who was also his daughter’s friend.

“I seen that the way he was talking, he was getting irritated. He said, ‘I don’t want to hurt anybody,’” Armus said, according to NBC 15.

---

Armus noticed that Plasencia sounded troubled. So, instead of attempting to disarm him and stop the robbery, he asked him some questions.

“He seemed to be depressed the way he was talking, so… I said, ‘What’s wrong? You don’t have a job?’ He said, ‘There’s nothing in this town for me. I just want to go to prison,’” Armus said.

“I felt compassion for the man. What could have happened to this guy to make him want to go in there and just throw his life away?” he told ABC 7 Chicago.

Armus then asked if they could step outside.

“So, I took him outside, and I give the man a hug right here at the doors. He started crying,” Armus said. “Then, I stepped away from him, and swoop, here come all the cops–no sirens, just lights everywhere, rifles out, ‘Get on the ground!’”

The Woodland Police Department later applauded Armus, saying he calmed the would-be robber down and encouraged him not to commit the crime.

“His words of wisdom worked and Plasencia changed his mind and left the bank,” the police department wrote on Facebook. The police later told ABC that Armus is a “Good Samaritan who delivered the right message that made a difference.”

Who knows what would have happened if Plasencia hadn’t left the bank with Armus and been arrested? It’s pretty remarkable that in a situation fraught with so much tension and danger, Armus had the presence of mind to determine the robber’s emotional state and coax him out of the situation.

He also had the compassion to see him as more than just a criminal, but a person who had fallen on hard times and needed some serious help.

“It was meant for me to be here,” Armus told ABC News.

Plasencia was booked at Yolo County for attempted robbery. When police apprehended him, he wasn’t armed, as he had told the bank tellers.

“Thank you to the very brave Good Samaritan who delivered the right message that made a difference,” the police department wrote on Facebook.

Armus says that he may visit Plasencia in jail to see how he’s holding up.

“Love overcomes all things. People don’t realize that. Try to be kind to somebody. It makes a difference,” he said.

While the NBA on TNT had its final broadcast on Monday after Game 7 between the Heat and Celtics in Boston, it wasn’t quite time for Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley to go on vacation just yet.

The two made the trek to Denver to be part of NBA TV’s coverage of the NBA Finals, joining Matt Winer and Grant Hill for their pregame show from Ball Arena and picked up right where they left off, badgering each other across the (very tiny) NBA TV desk on the floor before Game 1.

Part of the conversation prior to Game 1 was the fellas discussing the impact of altitude on opposing teams, with Shaq and Grant being on the side of it being a real factor, while Chuck is not a believer in an altitude advantage. Barkley emphasized that point by scanning the rafters above him before declaring he doesn’t “see no damn Nuggets banners up here” as evidence it can’t be that great an advantage.

It’s a great Barkley bit to refuse to buy into altitude making you more tired. Grant joked at one point that was because Barkley never tried hard enough when in Denver, and Shaq admitted he used to “foul shave” and get two first quarter fouls on purpose in Denver so he could go sit on the bench because he used to get so tired running around at altitude.

While Barkley didn’t agree with the rest of the crew it’s a factor on the court, he was happy to talk about how his golf ball flew farther when he played earlier in the day with Peyton Manning.

Lil Durk‘s new album, Almost Healed, is proving to be one of the buzziest projects of the year. On the album, Durk opens up about love, loss, and a rough upbringing. One of the album’s standout tracks, “Sad Songs” encapsulates the themes of the entire project.

On the song, Durk seeks to right his wrongs, even if some of them were things he can’t take back.

“I know how it feel to be lied on / This ain’t gangster sh*t in my headphones, this a sad song / I can’t vent to you on a text message, it’s real wrong,” Durk rap-sings on one of the song’s verses.

In the accompanying video, Durk is seen alone in his home, as the rain pours down outside of the windows.

Over the years, Durk has not shied away from talking about his emotions. In a recent interview in XXL, he revealed that he sees a therapist.

“You know, it don’t just gotta be ‘I’m finna go take all these drugs, or I’m finna go get my feelings like this’ I got my family, I got my girl, I got a therapist, I got my kids and I got the studio,” he said.

You can see the video for “Sad Songs” above.

Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.

Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. Straight up, this week isn’t great. Granted, we’ve been spoiled for the last month with fire drop after drop so it was only a matter of time before we were going to hit a slow week. Don’t worry, it won’t last, next week Nike alone is dropping three new must-cop Jordan colorways, would it had killed the brand to drop at least one of those this week? Apparently.

But this week isn’t without its gems, Teyana Taylor is getting a signature Jordan 1, New Balance and Adidas are dropping some modern classics in new colorways, and JJJJound is linking up with Salomon for an eye-catching iteration of the XT-Wings 2. Once you’re done scanning this week’s picks, be sure to check out this month’s Style Watch, where we shout out the best music festival-ready apparel to help complete your summer fit.

Let’s dive in!

New Balance 550 Sea Salt with Black

Price: $119.99

Ever since the New Balance brought back its 550 silhouettes, it’s gone hard on the design, and for good reason, it’s a dope model. But with all the colorways coming out it has started to feel a bit stale — now the brand is dropping a 550 worth paying attention to.

The Sea Salt with Black sports an altered upper, made from all-over canvas with suede accents over the standard stock rubber outsole. It’s a subtle change, but the canvas upper manages to make the sneaker look fresh (tapping Jack Harlow to model it helps too) compared to the leather version.

The New Balance 550 Sea Salt with Black is out now in a full-size run. Pick up a pair via the New Balance webstore.

Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 x Teyana Taylor Gym Red

Price: $150

This week Teyana Taylor has linked up with Nike for a full apparel and sneaker launch. We’re digging the apparel but the highlight of the collection is this Gym Red Jordan 1 ZOOM CMFT 2, and we’re not just saying that because this is SNX.

Teyana’s AJ1 features embroidered thorns outlining a large wraparound swoosh that dips into the midsole. The perforated toe box sports ‘x’ cutouts while the tongue tag reads “Tey” in a chunky sparkling font.

The Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 x Teyana Taylor in Gym Red is set to drop on June 1st at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Yellow Ochre

Price: $160

Ever wanted to wear some sunshine on your feet? That’s what this Yellow Ochre Zoom Vomero 5 will give you. Featuring a netted mesh upper with suede and leather paneling, the Vomero has a plastic heel piece, and contrasting metallic silver accents that pop against its loud yellow colorway.

The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Yellow Ochre is set to drop on May 6th at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

New Balance 650 White with Interstellar and Raincloud

Price: $129.99

New Balance continues its streak of absurdly named colorways with this week’s 650 White with Interstellar and Raincloud. Someone needs to tell NB that ‘interstellar’ is not a color, it’s a mid-tier movie. Anyway, this 650 oozes 80s b-ball vibes, and we love it.

The sneaker sports a leather upper with a puff and stitch collar, molded foam construction, and raw-edged leather eyerows with a classy white on royal purple colorway.

The New Balance 650 White with Interstellar and Raincloud is set to drop on June 1st at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair at the New Balance webstore. ‘

Salomon x JJJJound XT-WINGS 2

Price: $170

The France-based snowboard brand Salomon has teamed up with Canadian brand JJJJound for a super dope sneaker they’re calling the XT-WINGS 2. These two brands love snow, and yet they’re heating up the week with what is by far the best drop.

The XT-Wings 2 features a synthetic upper build in off-white with matching textile lining, lapis blue rubber outsoles, a patented Quicklace lacing system and dual Salomon JJJJound branding. It sports an icy vibe that is going to look great with your summer wardrobe.

The Salomon x JJJJound XT-WINGS 2 is set to drop on June 1st at 9:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair at JJJJound or Salomon global channels on June 2nd.

Adidas NMD_S1 (Core Black, Cloud White, Teal, Bliss)

Price: $200

Made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic, this sustainable sneaker sports a textile upper with a shroud made of recycled plastic and polyester with a bungee lace closure, BOOST midsole, and slip-on sock fit. Adidas is making some of the best sustainable sneakers on the market right now and the NMD is a testament to their powers.

This drop is available in seven different colorways, our favorites include the Core Black, Cloud White, and Triple White, all pictured above.

The Adidas NMD_S1 is set to drop on June 1st at 12:00 AM PDT. Pick up a pair at Adidas.

Adidas Ultra 4D

Price:$220

Adidas might not have a strong showing week to week like Nike or even New Balance, but we tip our hat to the brand for always trying to push the envelope and make sneakers for tomorrow, not for today. The Ultra 4D is still one of the most futuristic sneakers on the market, it’s made using a 3D printed midsole, sports enhanced impact absorption and stability, and features a lightweight PRIMEKNIT upper and a distinct design that is easy to recognize and looks like nothing else on the market.

For that, we’re always going to love the 4D, which drops in eight different colorways this week.

The Adidas Ultra 4D is set to drop on June 1st at 12:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair at Adidas

As Samantha Jane Guptil pulled into her local Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru, she was delightfully shocked to see that she wasn’t the only one having a sweet craving that day.

In a short clip posted to her TikTok, Guptil narrates as a friendly raccoon waltzes up and cuts in front of her in the drive-thru line to order his very own doughnut.

Yes, you read that right.

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“What in the world? My dude. He wants some Dunkin’ Donuts,” Guptil can be heard saying in the video (and honestly, can you blame him?) as Mr. Raccoon approaches the takeout window.

Without missing a beat, the drive-thru worker politely hands him a white frosted doughnut, allowing the critter to scurry off with a delicious treat. Guptil can be heard squealing with delight.

@samguptuppy #Raccoon at #Dunkin ♬ original sound – Samantha Jane Guptil

Guptil wasn’t the only one totally won over by the adorable exchange. Her video soon went mega-viral with over 21 million views and 4 million likes. Besides fawning over just how stinking cute he was, people surmised that this wasn’t the raccoon’s first time making a doughnut run.

“There’s no way this isn’t a daily thing for the raccoon and the workers lol that was far too casual,” wrote another TikTok commenter. “I love it!”

Another added, “That’s his spot. He knows he’s getting one.”

Even Guptil wrote that “he must be a regular.”

Others joked that the raccoon gave Dunkin’ some free advertising.

“If they had a buy the raccoon’s daily donut option I would 100% do that,” one person quipped.

“Dunkin’ has to use this for a commercial!” wrote another.

Raccoons are often misunderstood as devious, dirty, disease-carrying pests. But maybe the truth is, raccoons are just like us—warm-blooded mammals doing their best to get by, who need a sugar rush every once in a while.

There will likely always be some kind of playful generation war going on between older and younger generations. This time it’s a millennial throwing what some may deem as truth bombs at Gen Z, seemingly unprompted. (Well, it could be that he’s upset that Gen Z is getting all the credit for being tech savvy since the majority of his complaints were technology related.)

Dwight Thomas uploaded a video to TikTok listing things that millennials grew up with that the generation below him would be outraged by. As someone who would be considered an elder millennial by some people, I’d have to agree. The man makes some valid points about things we experienced as teenagers that would likely make teens today aggressively send out Change.org petitions.

“These new-age kids will never understand the struggle. Imagine telling them that their free unlimited minutes only started after 9:00 and on the weekends,” Thomas says into the camera.

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He goes on to talk about trying to have a love life during those times. Since phone access was restricted, you had limited time to woo anyone after school, which meant the alternative was attempting to do it during school hours. But that was also a problem because teachers were kind of tattle-tales back then, according to Thomas.

“It’s not even like you could talk to your friends at school ’cause they would call your house and tell your mama that you didn’t care about your education and you wasn’t trying to learn,” he complained. “Because all you come to school for is to sit around and talk to your friends.”

Honestly, the video is causing flashbacks, especially when he talks about teachers intercepting love notes and reading them in front of the class. Thomas jokes about how millennials were making history with their self-taught coding skills on MySpace while the younger generation has the help of AI. The entire video is full of head-nodding moments if you grew up a millennial, or like me, a Xennial. Watch it below.

@therealdthomasforreal

We was out here making history! But go off though..