How to Politely Get Out of a Meeting

From the moment you receive an invitation, you can already predict whether the meeting will be unproductive or not. How can you decline politely?

A meeting will take more than an hour of your time, so you can see if the other party would be willing to update you over email or short phone call.

Sometimes, even well-meaning people forget that time is not infinite. A straightforward query or reminder can help. Here are other strategies that you can apply.

#1: PRIORITIZE IMPORTANT MEETINGS

Not all meetings are created equal. Just because you have been invited to one does not mean that it is essential. Start by examining which meetings are important to attend and which are not.

The most essential meetings are the ones in which decisions will be made. If your team is choosing to launch a project, you cannot make the decision over email. Meetings that will need brainstorming or sharing of opinions should be done in person or through a teleconference.

You must also attend strategic meetings, which allows you to develop a unified vision of where your organization is headed.

#2: ASK ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Make it challenging for the other party by asking the following questions upon receiving an invitation:

1. What is the exact topic?
2. What is the meeting’s duration?
3. What is the time and location?
4. Who will be in attendance?
5. What decision needs to be made at the meeting?
6. Why is my attendance crucial there?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: ENCOURAGE MEETING NOTES

Many organizations have staff meetings for information sharing. These meetings involve listening and learning about the current plans and events affecting the team. You may not have a crucial role in this meeting, but you need to stay informed.

Bring up the idea of having someone keep meeting notes during the session, so people who will not able to attend can have access to the information that was shared. Read the meeting notes instead.

#4: EXIT GRACEFULLY

If the meeting no longer pertains to you, politely ask if you can step out. It is alright to request to leave early, especially if you are busy. Message the meeting organizer to explain that you are trying to manage your time and prioritize tasks.

Meetings take up an average of 62 hours per month of employees’ time. Many professionals attempt to cope in a passive-aggressive way by showing up late to meetings or by fiddling with their gadgets.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The strategies above provide a better way to politely get out of meetings to protect your time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How Can You Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck?

Living from paycheck to paycheck can cause stress, especially when you cannot cover all your needs and wants on a monthly basis. Constantly scrambling to make ends meet can feel like running on an endless financial treadmill.

A combination of practical strategies and a positive attitude can help you make real progress. The most crucial step is to start – now!

#1: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

When you are struggling to pay for all your current expenses, it can seem impossible to put anything aside for your future. However, unforeseen circumstances can happen anytime. Job loss or accidents could put you in a bigger financial trap. Cushion these circumstances by building and emergency fund.

While people usually put six months’ worth of expenses in their rainy-day fund, you can aim for saving at least S$1,000 first. Even if you start with just S$50 per paycheck, you will become more confident in managing your finances as time passes.

#2: CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET

Be honest! Do you know where all your money goes to? If you are merely paying for the incoming bills and ensuring that everyone is fed, you may not have a system in place. When you have a budget, you can easily monitor where your money goes and where it should be.

A budget also uncovers your spending habits. Examine these spending habits to make necessary changes. Cutting down on non-essential expenses can help save money for your future.

#3: TACKLE THE FOUR WALLS

According to financial author Dave Ramsey, you must take care of your Four Walls first. These fundamental walls include food, utilities, shelter, and transportation. Put these on the top of your budget priorities and write down other categories that you need to pay for. List these categories based on their importance.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When you run out of money, that is it. Stop spending!

#4: LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS

Don’t get a part-time gig to keep living a lifestyle that you can’t afford! Increasing your income streams can help with your situation, but you must be responsible with your money. Remember why you took on that additional job in the first place.

Seek the help of others to ensure that you are not tempted to spend your extra money. Stay intentional and stick to your budget.

#5: AVOID THE CREDIT CARDS

Are you trapped in a mountain of debt? Well, you won’t get out of it if you continue using your credit cards.

As much as possible, avoid using your credit cards until you are completely out of debt. This will help you control your spending. If you lack the willpower, eliminate all your credit cards except for one. Put all your credit on this card and pay off the minimum each month (on time).

#6: BE PATIENT

Getting out of this situation can’t be achieved overnight! Start with small positive steps toward money management. Think of money that you can save and watch it add up. This process takes time and commitment, but you can do it.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Just have the courage to start now!

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Benefits of Staycation in Singapore

The staycation trend has increased significantly in recent years. Instead of travelling far for your vacation, you can stay in a hotel nearby to act as a tourist discovering local attractions.

Staycations have several benefits that make them attractive to couples and groups of friends. Here are some of the benefits:

#1: SAVE MONEY

Staycations are more cost-efficient than traveling overseas due to cutting expenses such as airfare and expensive meals. Travel and accommodation can cost a lot of money. A chunk of vacation budget goes towards these categories.

When you are preparing for a staycation, you can use your money towards more entertainment activities and delightful food.

#2: MAXIMIZE TIME

Say goodbye to airport stress and the possibility of flight delays. Your travel time will be shortened due to staycationing nearby. Aside from saving time, you do not have to deal with the stress of queuing, traffic, and so on.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: LEAVE YOU INSPIRED

Having some down time can give you a chance to explore innovative ideas. Steer away from chaos and generate fresh ideas as you lounge in the hotel lobby or sit near the hotel pool. Inspirations can later be turned into productive projects.

#4: FIT FOR SHORT BREAKS

If the vacation days your organization gave you is short, it is vital to make use of your time. It is easier and more practical to allot it in a weekend getaway.

You can be spontaneous year-round as you book and enjoy a relaxing break, within Singapore. Consider alternative places such as a glamping staycation, a staycation in a yacht, at SG Hotel On Wheels, or at Resorts World Sentosa.

#5: NO JETLAG

With international travel, you can experience time differences and jet lag. Arriving at 7 am after a 14-hour flight and having to stay awake all day may make you feel uneasy.

The time difference can also impact your vacation quality and access to contacting your family back home. There is no need to worry about jetlag and time difference during a local staycation!

#6: PLAN LESS

Planning is a huge part of people’s holidays. You have limited time to explore a new country and you want to pack in as many things as possible. However, planning to visit a new country can take time.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The beauty of a staycation is that you can leave home without completing a list of tasks such as searching for cheap flights or searching for accommodation near the airport. Less planning will enable you to spend more quality time with the people you love.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Essential Questions to Ask on Your First Day of Remote Work

Beginning your journey as a remote worker or working from home can be challenging. As you enter an uncharted territory, you probably have a set of questions to ask your new employer.

We have all been there before! You want to understand how the company operates to contribute a good output or to impress your new boss. Organize your thoughts and help set the expectations by asking these essential questions to your employer or hiring manager.

#1: WHICH FOLDERS OR FILES SHOULD I HAVE ACCESS TO?

Usually, remote companies have a shared bank of files and templates that you can assess. Review these documents and pay attention to the templates that you must use for your new position. Locating these files will save you hours of digging.

#2: WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY?

It is easier to transition into a new position when you have a clear idea of what your essential daily tasks are. The sooner you ask, the more productive you can be. You can begin to have a better grasp of what management sees as your role by asking this question.

#3: HOW CAN I SHARE MY THOUGHTS OR IDEAS?

Do you believe that you are an asset to the company? Asking this question shows how eager you are to contribute to the workplace. As a new employee, you provide a fresh perspective. However, it can be challenging to share your thoughts. Since everything is digital nowadays, some managers may prefer to receive a private email or a group discussion through video conferencing apps. Ask your hiring manager or employer about this.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: WHO DO I REPORT TO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?

It is harder to see the department divisions in the remote environment. As you are working from home, you may answer multiple people. Ask your hiring manager or employer who you will report to daily. This will prevent others from assuming that you are working with them exclusively.

#5: WHICH MEETINGS SHOULD YOU PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR?

Whether you are using Google Calendar or Calendly to organize your appointments, it is essential to know which meetings you should put on your calendar. Educate yourself about the company’s meeting procedures. Do you meet online on a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly basis?

#6: WHAT IS THE USUAL PROCESS FOR THIS TASK?

Every team accomplishes things in their own way. Showing that you are open to learning from them can help you change your mindset earlier on. Find out how you can work efficiently to contribute to the company’s processes and systems.

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Is Daiso Creating Products as Minimal as Muji?

The trusty two-dollar lifestyle brand Daiso Singapore is going to increase its prices by May 1, 2022. From May 1 onwards, it will be charging GST.

Daiso posted a sign informing its shoppers that “we always strive to keep our products as affordable as possible. To continue improving the quality of our products, there will be a price change. All prices will be exclusive of GST from 1st May 2022.”

Let us compare how much you will pay in the coming years.

2022: At the current GST rate of 7%, you will pay S$2.14 for each Daiso product from May 1, 2022 until Dec 31, 2022.

2023: When the GST rate increases to 8%, you will need to pay S$2.16 per product.

2024: When the GST rate increases to 9%, you will need to pay $2.18 per product.

Its elevated prices do not stop there!

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

Daiso will soon debut its premium concept Standard Products inside its Jurong Point outlet. Based on the photos we have seen from the Standard Products’ catalog, you can expect dinnerware, bath essentials, and stationery in muted shades.

Like Muji, but less pricey

According to its website, Standard Products sells items ranging from stationery to tableware. It first launched in 2021 in Japan, and it will soon open its doors in Jurong Point around the end of May.

It was a hit with Japanese shoppers as it resembled the famous brand Muji, with its minimalist layout, neutral-colored goods, and clean ambiance. Prices will be cheaper as it starts from 100 yen (S$1.09), with some items going up to 1,000 yen (S$10.70).

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

When it comes to its products’ quality, they are bound to be more premium than Daiso’s regular collection. Better materials were used.

More Standard Products to come

Apart from its offerings in Japan, Singapore is the second country to launch the brand, said its spokesperson. It remains unknown if Daiso Singapore will roll out more Standard Products specialty stores across the country, but judging by how we love Muji, it seems highly likely.

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

What are you most excited about Standard Products? Are you ready to brave the queue? See you soon!

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

 

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