Should a professional be judged based on what they do during their leisure time?

DJ and clubbers

Imagine you are a professional.

You work hard during the week, putting your all into your job. But what you do during your leisure time is none of your boss’s business, right?

Well, not exactly.

While it’s true that your personal life is just that—personal—the line between professional and personal can sometimes get blurred. And if you’re not careful, the things you do during your free time can end up reflecting poorly on you and your job.

What is leisure time?

Leisure time is time that is not spent at work. It is the time when you are not occupied with any responsibilities.

Now, some people may choose to spend their leisure time doing things that are considered to be “productive.”

For example, they may choose to read books, work on their hobby, or spend time with their family and friends. Other people may choose to spend their leisure time watching television, playing video games, or going out for drinks.

Should a professional be judged?
man adjusting his suit

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now, you might be wondering if you should let your hair down and just be yourself when you’re not at work.

After all, you’ve been working hard and you deserve it, right? Well, maybe. But maybe not. Because what you do in your leisure time can reveal a lot about you.

Are you the type of person who likes to go out and party hard on the weekends? Or are you more likely to stay in and watch Netflix? Do you golf or play poker with your buddies? Hang out at the park with your kids?

All of these activities can say something about you as a person. And if someone is looking to judge you, they’re going to look at what you do in your free time to get a sense of who you are.

How to balance your professional life and leisure time

There’s a big difference between completely relaxing and taking a break and letting your professional persona bleed over into your leisure time.

If people start to associate your leisure activities with your professional persona, then it could create some confusion about who you are as a person.

So how do you find the right balance? It’s all about being intentional about it.

If you’re going to let your hair down, make sure you’re not revealing everything on social media sites without thought. Also, ensure that you’re not letting your guard down so much that people start to question your work ethic.

While we all need a break sometimes, we also need to be aware of how we’re perceived by others.

So, what do you think? Is it wrong to judge a professional by what they do during their leisure time? Or should people maintain their professionalism no matter where they are or what they’re doing? It’s up to you to decide what you think is the right thing to do. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s appropriate for you and your career.

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See the positives: Why stopping avoidance of conflict is crucial

person in a hoodie

Conflict is an inevitable part of life.

It can arise in personal relationships, at work, or in any other situation where people are interacting.

It’s human nature to try to avoid conflict, but in many cases, this simply leads to more problems down the road.

If you’re someone who tends to run away when problems arise, it’s time to stop and take a closer look at the reasons why avoidance is not the answer.

Conflict can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and learning. By seeking to avoid conflict, you’re only limiting yourself and your ability to resolve problems effectively.

What is avoidance conflict?

When you avoid conflict, you’re essentially running away from the problem.

You’re not confronting it head-on and trying to find a solution. You’re just hoping that it will go away on its own.

But that’s not how conflicts work. They don’t disappear just because you ignore them. In fact, they often get worse when they’re not dealt with properly. So what happens then? You bottle up your emotions and end up resenting the other person—or worse, you lash out in anger.

Why do people avoid conflict?

People might avoid conflict because they’re afraid of what the other person will say or do.

They might avoid conflict because they don’t want to deal with the emotional stress that comes with it.

But here’s the thing: avoidance of conflict doesn’t solve anything, and it just leads to more frustration down the road.

So how can you start facing conflicts head-on?

First, understand why you’re avoiding them in the first place. Then, develop some strategies for dealing with conflict in a healthy way. And finally, practice these procedures until they become second nature.

The benefits of stopping avoidance of conflict

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When you stop avoiding conflict, you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities:

  • Become better at dealing with problems. You will learn how to handle difficult conversations and how to stay calm in the face of adversity.
  • Start building trust with the people around you. They will know that they can come to you with their problems and that you will be willing to work through them together.
  • Become more productive. When no unresolved conflicts are taking up your time and energy, you will be able to focus on what’s important: getting the job done.

Overcoming the challenges of stopping avoidance of conflict

It’s not easy to face our problems.

We might be tempted to run away or bury our heads in the sand. But if we want to grow as individuals and as teams, we need to learn to deal with our conflicts healthily.

Yes, it can be uncomfortable for some.

We might not want to deal with the emotions that come up when we’re in conflict. But if we want to resolve the conflict and move on, we need to be able to face those sentiments.

And finally, we understand that it can be risky.

We might not know what the outcome will be, and we might be worried about what might happen if things go wrong. But if we want to achieve our goals, we need to take chances and learn from our blunders.

Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. The sooner you face it, the sooner you can start to resolve it. By avoiding conflict, you only make things worse. It’s time to stop running from your problems. When you face them head-on, you will find that most conflicts are manageable. With a little bit of effort and communication, you can resolve any conflict in a way that benefits everyone involved. So stop avoiding conflicts in your life. Come face-to-face with your problems, and you will be surprised at how straightforward they can be resolved.

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What is a culture fit and why does it matter

colleagues in a meeting

When you’re interviewing for a new job, one of the most important things the recruiter is looking for is whether you are a good culture fit.

What does that mean, exactly? And why does it matter so much? Let’s take a closer look at what culture fit is and why it matters so much to employers.

We will also give you some tips on how to assess culture fit and how to show the recruiter that you’re a perfect hire for their company.

What is a culture fit?

Culture fit is a measure of how well you will fit in with the team and the company’s values.

Do you have the same outlook on things? The same work ethic? The same sense of humor?

The benefits of being a good culture fit

There are a lot of benefits to being a good culture fit.

For starters, you will feel more comfortable in the company’s environment, which will make it easier for you to do your job. You will also be more likely to socialize with your colleagues, and this can lead to better work relationships.

But the best part of being a good culture fit? You will be more productive. When you feel comfortable in your environment and get along with your colleagues, you will be less stressed and more focused on your work.

How to assess if you are the right culture fit for a company
a job interview session

Image Credits: n2growth.com

One way to assess this is by looking at the company’s mission statement.

Do their values align with yours? Also, take a look at what the company stands for on social media.

Another way to measure culture fit is by asking yourself some questions about the team leader you would be working with.

Do you feel like his or her values align with yours? Would you be happy working with them day in and day out? If the answer is no, then it might be wise to keep looking.

Types of questions that assess culture fit and how to answer them

The most common type of question is the “What are your thoughts on our company’s culture?” question. This gives the recruiter a sense of how open you are to new experiences and how much research you’ve done on the company.

Another question that assesses culture fit is “What are your values and how do they align with ours?” This question is designed to find out if you share the same values as the company.

Be sure to do your research on the company before your interview, so you can provide specific examples of how your values align with theirs.

In a nutshell, culture fit is the idea that you should be a good fit for a company’s culture. If you’re preparing for a job interview, know what to expect. By knowing how to answer common questions, you can show the recruiter that you’re prepared and likely to be successful on the job. Remember, a company’s culture is made up of the values, habits, and behaviors that are shared by the employees. So, if you think you won’t be a good fit for the company’s culture, it’s best to look elsewhere.

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Popular year-end holiday camps by PeopleUp for your children

Parents, the school holidays are going to be upon us very soon! Have not planned anything yet and turned off by the exorbitant travel ticket prices? Not to worry, here are some popular and enriching year-end camps to keep your littles ones engaged during the school holidays. They come with different learning objectives, so you are bound to find one that is perfect!

An outlet to express their high energies

3-Day Ultimate Holiday Camp

Looking for a good mix of sports, performing arts and simply just loads of fun? The Ultimate Holiday Camp include sports and activities that will be shuffled up to include an average of 60mins for each day. Approximately 3 sessions per sport will give your child adequate time to grasp the basics and stimulate their interests!

Activities:

  • Tennis
  • Rockclimbing
  • Aikido
  • Hip hop dance
  • Inline skating
  • Obstacle course
  • Bouncy castle

Suitable Age Group: 5-12 years old

Time: 9am to 6pm

Dates: 21-23 Nov, 28-30 Nov, 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 dec, 27-29 Dec

Locations: PeopleUp Enrichment Hub, 200 Pandan Gardens

Reviews:

For the serious sports junkie

3-Day Ultimate Sports Camp (SAFRA Mount Faber)

If moulding tomorrow’s Olympian is what you are looking for, the Ultimate Sports Camp is a good place to start. This is an action-packed holiday camp where kids will enjoy 3 full days of quality play, sports and learning.

Activities:

  • Tennis
  • Aikido
  • Golf
  • Inline skating
  • Archery
  • Hip-Hop Dance

Suitable Age Group: 5-12 years old

Time: 9am to 6pm

Dates: 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 Dec, 27-29 Dec

Locations: 2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mount Faber

Reviews:

3-Day Ultimate Sports Camp (SAFRA Tampines)

Looking to unearth the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Megan Rapinoe? Expose your child to soccer as well as other sporting activities such as rock climbing and tennis at the Ultimate Sports Camp to be held at SAFRA Tampines.

Activities:

  • Rock climbing
  • Aikido
  • Soccer
  • Inline skating
  • Hip-Hop Dance
  • Tennis

Suitable Age Group: 5-12 years old

Time: 9am to 6pm

Dates: 21-23 Nov, 28-30 Nov, 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 Dec, 27-29 Dec

Locations: 1/A Tampines Street 92, SAFRA Tampines

Reviews:

Taking the “city” out of them

3-Day Outdoor Adventure Building Camp

Growing up in a city such as Singapore and living in high-rise apartments, your children may not have experienced what outdoor living is like. Why not “toughen” them up by sending them for a unique experience in nature at BEEP Lab’s one-of-a-kind campsite? They will pick up practical life skills, leadership qualities while having tons of fun!

Activities:

  • Knotting 101
  • Building outdoor structures
  • Teambuilding and leadership activities
  • Outdoor cooking
  • Basic first aid
  • Outdoor sports and missions that teach survival skills

Suitable Age Group: 9 years old and above

Time: 9am to 6pm

Dates: 21-23 Nov, 28-30 Nov, 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 Dec

Locations: 91 Lorong Chencharu, GUI@Khatib

Reviews:

Wandering into Space

BEEP Lab 3-Day Space Explorers Expedition

Your little one is not so much of a sports or outdoorsy person? Why not trigger his/her love for space with an immersive exploratory expedition from Earth to lunar base on the Moon and planet Mars?

Activities:

  • Space imagination, exploration and understanding
  • Modern day space technology
  • Understanding life in alternate planets
  • Biomimicry in space

Suitable Age Group: 6-12 years old

Time: 9am to 6pm

Dates: 21-23 Nov, 28-30 Nov, 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 dec, 27-29 Dec

Locations: BEEP Lab @ PeopleUp Enrichment Hub, 200 Gardens, BEEP Lab @ SAFRA Mount Faber, 2 Telok Blangah way

Reviews:

Highly popular with raving reviews

All of these 3-day holiday programmes are specially designed for children of various ages and interests. There will be coaches and dedicated caretakers to optimize learning outcomes of the participants. They are as convenient as they can get as food (2 snacks and lunch) and transport will be provided. All the sessions will be conducted at all-in-one enrichment hubs. Most importantly, parents have been sending their kids to the camps with absolutely no regrets! These highly popular programmes have limited runs and get up snapped up real quickly, so do act fast!

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How to Cope with Money Anxiety

Financial or money anxiety has become more common than ever. If you have found yourself worrying about cash lately, you are not alone. In the American Psychological Association’s 2022 Stress in America Survey, 87% of the participants listed inflation as a trigger of significant stress.

Moreover, Traveloka found that 51% of Singaporean men respondents named financial stability as the top stressor in its wellness survey. The rise in prices coupled with the effects of the global pandemic has people from all backgrounds worried.

To know whether you are undergoing money anxiety, you must watch out for some signs. A few signs your anxiety surrounding finances is becoming a serious concern include:

a. Avoidance of bills and other important statements
b. Aches and pains such as headache or upset stomach when you look at your financial situation
c. Analysis paralysis when it comes to decision making
d. Lack of work-life balance
e. Rigidity in planning and its outcome
f. Rumination of money matters such as your retirement fund or credit card bills
g. Sleeping problems due to your financial situation

You see, financial anxiety preoccupies your life and can cripple your day-to-day work. It is more than just worrying about having enough money in your bank account as it manifests similarly to the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, such as tension and irritability.

Nonetheless, here are some ways you can employ to cope with money anxiety.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#1: CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY

We were taught about money during our childhood. If the values and practices you were taught in the past do not match with your own adult financial situation, it can lead to avoidance and isolation. One of the best ways to establish a relationship with money is to treat it as a problem to be solved. Look at your values, behavior, and practices objectively and learn more about yourself.

Creating a money practice or starting a habit of regularly assessing your finances is the simplest way to shape your relationship with money.

#2: DO REGULAR CHECK-INS

In situations where you feel highly stressed and anxious, your body thinks that it needs to react quickly to danger, so it goes into a flight or fight mode. Others tend to freeze and avoid their finances altogether. Thus, it is important to set a time to look at your money. This approach is more focused and safer for your wellbeing.

For instance, you can choose a random weeknight to examine your finances. Rather than waiting for an unfortunate situation, you can decide ahead of time to prevent a certain financial issue.

#3: CONSIDER GETTING SOCIAL SUPPORT

Many Singaporeans hide their financial issues because they feel embarrassed, or they blame themselves for their situation. However, many people undergo financial trouble often. Keep in mind that anyone can experience money anxiety or financial concerns, despite wearing expensive clothes or having prestigious jobs. We do not know how they keep up with their luxe lifestyle!

These issues can be less frightening when you face them with your social support. Your trusted social support may include your friends and loved ones. These people can help by providing a helping hand or by brainstorming solutions with you.

If your money anxiety is interfering with your daily life, seeking help from a professional can provide relief. Search for a mental health practitioner or a financial expert near you.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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