Is Becoming A Gamer A Viable Career In Singapore?

Drop your mouse and read your books! How many times have you heard that gaming has no future? I have to admit! A career in gaming was once viewed as an impossible feat in Asia. Once seen as a way to pass time or to socialize with friends, gaming has exploded into a legitimate sport nowadays. Times have changed.

eSports prevalence has been massive! Dota 2, a wildly popular game in eSports, has a price pool of over US$20 million (or S$27 million). Furthermore, the 2022 Asian Games included eSports in its categories. Lastly, the global eSports market is predicted to hit US$1.5 billion (or S$2 billion) in a few years time. The demand for gaming professionals encouraged some Singaporeans to launch an educational programme dedicated to this platform.

DIPLOMA IN GAMING

Informatics Academy in collaboration with Cybersports and Online Gaming Association, has recently launched a diploma programme suited for aspiring professional gamer. This programme aims to equip students with skills in eSports knowledge, live-streaming of tournaments, game design theories, programming, team management, and game development. The modules will last up to 8 months for full-timers and 12 months for part-timers.

Requirements include a minimum of two A levels, an International Baccalaureate diploma or other equivalent pre-university qualifications, and being at least 18 years of age. School fees are about S$6,480 for local students.

AVERAGE SALARIES

Much like any other sports, salaries in eSports vary per organization and per player. The significant lack of transparency in this platform makes it challenging to determine what constitutes as fair compensation.

According to Riot, a professional eSports organization, each player must be paid a minimum of US$12,500 (about S$17,000) for the 28-match season. Many players are compensated at a higher rate than this! A five-person team’s winnings could range from S$2,700 to S$13,600 per player in the playoffs alone. Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez, a League of Legends team captain, makes close to a million a year! Can you see the financial variety?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

RISKS OF GAMING

With impressively attractive tournament prizes, it is possible to craft a misconception that one can easily become rich by playing video games. Reality check! No game can last forever. Furthermore, live-streaming is a utterly competitive scene. Only a few of the best shall prevail.

Yes! A professional career in eSports is viable given that you are one of the best at a particular game in a global scope. You may consider committing to a game part-time first, while managing your other priorities (e.g., day job or family time). Best of luck!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

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Quick And Inexpensive Essential Oil Recipes

Many of us have embarked on a lifestyle journey that values healthy and all-natural options. From signing up to a detox program to using organic products, the list goes on and on! My personal lifestyle journey involves therapeutic essential oils. Essential oils are products extracted from plants, which may both improve your physical health and mental well being.

Do not let essential oils spook you! These products can be affordable without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips that you need to know to fit aromatherapy into your budget:

#1: KNOW THE LOCAL BRANDS

Due to the widespread of a healthier society, more local retailers have invested on organic or all-natural products. Brands such as HOUGHTON & GOUGH, HYSSES, and MMERCI ENCORE carry pure essential oils. Let us start with HOUGHTON & GOUGH (H&G). H&G houses a range of room sprays, essential oils, hand-poured candles, and more. Its Lemongrass essential oil retails for S$25.90.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

HYSSES is a firm believer of holistic therapy. From scenting to natural skin care solutions, HYSSES encapsulates the best nature has to offer. Most of its essential oils retail for about S$25.90. 

Lastly, MMERCI ENCORE exudes luxury as its raw ingredients and pure essential oils were sourced from Australia and France.  According to its website,  it offers handcrafted artisanal aromatherapy goods inspired by bathing and bedtime self-care rituals. The company is created by the former beauty editor Alli Sim. The price of its essential oils range from S$25 to S$35. 

#2: A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

Essential oils are made with highly concentrated plant extracts. Thus, a little goes a long way! As an avid user of essential oils, I can attest that less is more. Do not be fooled by a mere 5 or 10 ml bottle as it can last you for months. Despite my frequent usage, my 10 ml Young Living bottle lasted for more than 6 months.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With its potency, you may be wondering how long can you store a bottle. The shelf life of oils vary from each kind. However, the general rule of thumb is keeping it within a year of purchase. Many aromatherapists extend its life span by keeping their volatile oils refrigerated.

#3: MAKE YOUR OWN BLENDS

One of the easiest ways to make your own blend is to use a roller bottle. Transferring essential oils into roller bottles will save you money with the process of dilution. Dilution does not weaken your oils. Instead, it helps you to target specific areas of your body such as your chest or temples. It allows you to apply the product whenever you need it.

The basic steps of making a roller bottle include the following:

a. Acquire an empty 10 ml roller bottle online
b. Add 10 drops of essential oils and fill the rest with a carrier oil (e.g., grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil)
c. Put the top cover
d. Shake the mixture well
e. Apply to the neck, wrists, temples, feet, chest, spine, belly, or behind the ears

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I shall move on to the fun part by enumerating the quick recipes consisting of two to three essentials oils.

a. For itchy skin
6 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint

b. For sleep and relaxation
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Cedarwood

c. For focus and concentration
5 drops Orange
5 drops Peppermint

d. For upset stomach
4 drops Lavender
3 drops Peppermint
3 drops Ginger

e. For headaches
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

f. For healthy nails
5 drops Tea tree
3 drops Lemon
2 drops Peppermint

g. For a cooling sensation
4 drops Lemon
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

May these blends bring you the daily comfort you need in this busy city! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Hack Your Way To A New Wardrobe

WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE

What do tank tops and plain shirts have in common? For starters, you typically use these underneath a polo or a blouse. Others can barely see these types of clothing so, why bother with an expensive brand? Stick to purchasing basics in department stores such as John Little. Save the designer labels for the items that you show off!

THE OLD BECOMES NEW AGAIN

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When my partner and I were out of activities to do, I convinced him to experience a hunt at a nearby thrift store. Flea shops and thrift stores sell gently used or preloved clothing at incredibly cheaper price tags. Many of these stores offer holiday sales too! I once bought a Zara skirt for S$4. What a steal!

You can purchase an entire outfit for under S$30 at Singapore thrift stores such as New2U Thrift Shop, PraiseHaven Thrift Shop (under Salvation Army), and Something Old Something New. Remember that used clothes must be thoroughly cleaned or sent to the laundromat.

IT’S FREAKY FRIDAY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are not comfortable with raiding a stranger’s wardrobe then, try swapping clothes with your friends or family members. I am not saying that you must take advantage of your friends or relatives but, you should tap into each other’s resources to save money. Furthermore, you are contributing to less waste too.

Allow your loved ones to freely choose which clothing items they like from your unused or underused pile. You can do so every quarter or every month. For instance, you may switch your summer clothes every March!

THE SIMPLER, THE BETTER

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In 1970, a London boutique coined the term “Capsule Wardrobe”. A Capsule Wardrobe consists of 30 to 37 pieces of clothing that you always wear. It is the minimalist way to downsize your wardrobe and boost your savings. It teaches us to focus on staples and to skip the trends.

A leather pants may be prevelant at Forever 21 or H&M but, constantly keeping up with trends such as this one can poke a hole in your wallet! Purchase items that you can still use in a few years time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Benefits of Having A Financial Planner

Financial planning goes beyond the calculated investments. Building a financial plan helps you visualize the “big picture” and set financial goals (i.e., both long-term and short-term). This is a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. And, a financial planner or financial advisor may just help you with that!

Image Credits:pixabay.com

BENEFIT #1: ENUMERATING ONE’S FINANCIAL GOALS

The first step that financial planners partake in is the identification of the client’s financial goals. For couples, this activity is enough to get the two individuals on the same page. It highlights their similarities and differences. The funny thing is that many Singaporeans spend more time planning their travels than planning for their financial goals (e.g., retirement fund).

BENEFIT #2: DETERMINING WHETHER YOUR GOALS ARE SMART

After listing down your financial goals, the financial planner visualizes how you can get there. How much do you need to save S$10,000 a year? Should you invest your income in mutual funds? A cost-benefit analysis will be done. This act will put each of your goals in a microscope to see whether they are SMART! SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. The financial planner must ensure that both your goals and your timeline are attainable.

BENEFIT #3: HAVING PEACE OF MIND

Certified financial planners have years of education, training, and experience working with different clients of diverse situations. Their broad professional background aids in assessing your needs. They are qualified to give you advice that reflects the best practices of the financial industry. Simply put, having a financial planner gives a sense of peace when it comes to knowing that you have an in-depth financial strategy in place.

BENEFIT #4: HIGHLIGHTING THE MONEY MISTAKES YOU MAKE

Analyzing your holistic financial picture exposes the mistakes that you are currently making.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For instance, you disregard some of your credit card debts. This leads to paying a significant amount of money for penalty fees. Said mistake will be highlighted to ensure that you can apply an efficient fix.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Free Activities To Do Alone In Singapore

Whether Singapore is the most expensive city in the world or not, you should be able to explore the country freely. Take it in the most literal sense!

#1: DEDICATE A DAY FOR THE ARTS

As a concrete jungle, Singapore does not have numerous natural attractions. However, it boasts its variety of exhibitions and museums. Where can you begin your creative journey? Consider visiting the National Museum of Singapore. Its the country’s oldest museum. Then, you may hop a ride to Singapore Art Museum. Its contemporary take on art will warm your hearts. Lastly, you may visit a museum that features Asian cultures in a humble light. I am referring to the Asian Civilisations Museum, which overlooks the Singapore River.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Enjoy free admissions to these museums by presenting your NRIC to validate that you are either a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident.

#2: TAKE A TRIP DOWN HISTORY

Take some time to explore the historic route of the first HDB developed town – Toa Payoh. You may explore the facilities inside the Toa Payoh Sports Complex. Did you know that the 1973 South East Asian Peninsular Games was held there? As a resident of Toa Payoh, I can attest how efficient and convenient it is to have a wealth of fitness facilities close-by.

Adults with a youthful spirit can feel nostalgia by visiting playgrounds with soft sands. Relive your joyful childhood memories by walking or running in the Toa Payoh’s dragon playground. After all, it is the last of its kind!

#3: TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS

Making a difference starts with a single step. As an animal lover, you may leave a mark by helping a cause that houses abandoned animals. Said furry friends have physical and emotional well being too. It is time to give the support that they need! Volunteer at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Volunteering to causes such as this one is not a piece of cake! It requires a ton of patience, commitment, and passion for animals. Are you up for that?

#4: SHOP AT THE REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET

You read that right! One of the country’s beloved flea markets is the the Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM). SRRFM welcomes anyone to sell their goods or services by setting up their own stall. You are encouraged to roam around to experience different treats along the way.

Image Credits: facebook.com/srrfm

Who knows what gems await you? Will you be able to hunt old vinyls or vintage clothing? There is only one way to find out! Head to the next event by following their Facebook page.

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