How To Cope With Job Loss

Speak from the heart and try to answer this question: “What do you do?”

Many of us may respond to this query by elaborating on our professions. I would do the same thing too. You see, our jobs are deeply integrated into our identities. Work helps us to satisfy our needs to earn money, to achieve goals, and to connect with others. It gives a sense of purpose and greatly affects our means of living. Therefore, job loss can be overwhelming.

It is common to feel like a part of you was lost. This loss can take a toll on your mental and physical health. As you through the process of adjustment, the next phase needs to be intentional. Let this article help you with that. Here are some of the steps that you may take after losing your job.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE AND ADJUST

The latest figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showed an increase in the country’s annual unemployment rate. The overall Annual Average Unemployment Rate in 2020 was 3%, compared to 2.3% in 2019. Many people have experienced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjusting to unemployment and grieving over job loss takes time. If you recently lost your job, it is important to accept that the process cannot be rushed. Rushing your feelings may lead to projecting unpleasant emotions during a job interview. Let everything simmer down first.

Losing your job may feel the same way as losing an integral part of yourself. You will undergo the grieving process and may feel the following stages: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. Do not be too hard on yourself. Accepting that these changes take time can help ease the healing process.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

There are two ways to perceive your current situation. In most cases, losing your job or your source of income is difficult. Whether it has something to do with your performance or with the current economic situation, it is normal to feel worried about the future after job loss.

You can either look at it as a career barrier or a temporary setback. If you look at things in a bird’s eye view, you will realize that success in life is measured by how we respond to its challenges and setbacks. It is up to you to alter your mindset.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

At first, taking care of yourself is easier said than done. It is tempting to grab a bag of chips and wallow in self-pity as you sit in front of the television. The feelings you may experience in the first couple of weeks or months may be overwhelming. However, you must not neglect your own well-being.

The healing of your mental health requires physical resilience. It takes a lot of effort to take care of yourself and to build healthy habits that will keep your immune system strong. Start by being intentional with what you eat. You may even grow your own greens at home. Furthermore, you can plan out an exercise routine that will work best for you. Use your energy to fulfill productive tasks such as gardening and job hunting.

SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT

As you are dealing with a range of emotions, refrain from isolating yourself. Having social support is crucial in times of struggle. It will help you overcome the loneliness you feel during the grieving process. Moreover, talking to someone about your current situation will help you acknowledge your feelings.

Talk to the people whom you trust. Your confidant does not have to offer upfront solutions, he or she just needs to be a good listener. Good listeners listen actively without passing judgment or being distracted. Alternatively, you may join support groups online.

ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE

Maintaining a daily routine goes together with taking care of yourself. While it is possible for you to stay in bed the whole day, setting a regular schedule can help regulate your mood. Studies have shown that following a routine can help ward off depression. A routine will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment as you complete your daily household tasks. Furthermore, not setting boundaries for yourself may lead to eating poorly or other unhealthy habits.

Write down the tasks that you aim to fulfill within the day. Maintain a body clock by setting up a timer. The timer will give you an external cue to wake up and to sleep on scheduled hours. This will help you create a sense of normalcy and prevent you from staying up all night. Additionally, you may incorporate your meal preparations, family visits, skin care regimens, and exercise plans within your daily routine. Remember that practicing self-care and maintaining good hygiene can help boost your mood.

SET LIMITS ON YOUR JOB SEARCH

Try not to add unnecessary pressure on yourself! You are already going through a lot. Despite how anxious you are to get a new job, spending all your time on job search can be stressful and frustrating. Know that you are doing your best.

Try setting aside a certain number of hours within a day for your job applications. The remaining parts of your day may be dedicated to self-care, taking care of your family, and to other productive tasks. The unexpected time off can be challenging, but you may use it as an opportunity to do something that you have always been busy for.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What are some of the things that you have put aside because you were too busy with your job? Whether you want to learn a new language or to clean out your closet, find hobbies and projects that will occupy your time. Now is your chance to focus on the things you are passionate about!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Read More...

You Need To Know These 7 Job-Hunting Tips

Due to the global economic shifts brought by the pandemic, the unemployment rate in Singapore raised to around 4.38 percent in 2020. Unemployment has forced many Singaporean workers to reinvent themselves and pursue different career paths. It does not necessarily mean that they will try to get back the job they once lost.

If you are one of this people, you may turn to technology for advice. As you dive into the pool of job vacancies, you will encounter a massive wealth of job-hunting advice online. It is easy to get lost in the pile of articles found in Google. Avoid overwhelming yourself.

Let me start by cutting down the list of timeless job-hunting tips to help you survive this complex process.

#1: TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION

When applying for a job online, it is highly likely that your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or resume will be screened by an applicant tracking system. The first human encounter your C.V. will encounter is from a recruiter or an entry-level HR officer. It is best to tailor your application to the company you are applying for. Make it obvious that you are fit for the job!

Start by studying the job description and all the available information about the vacancy. Then, mirror the words and phrases found in the job description. Showcase your strengths in the areas that are important to the role being filled. Connect your skills to what they are looking for.

#2: CONSIDER FACE-TO-FACE JOB SEARCH

While most companies accomplish the initial hiring process online and thru Zoom interviews, you must not limit yourself to online applications. Accelerate your chances of getting the job by dropping by the office and handing over the application in person.

Schedule informational interviews with would-be peers, if possible. You may also approach the internal recruiter and ask a few questions. This will get you on their radar. Remember that decision makers usually interview people who were recommended or referred. Letting the company know your genuine interest can help you set yourself apart.

#3: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always come prepared. Do your research on your target companies. Once you know what you want, it is time to find out what the companies want.

A great tip is to find out the company’s culture and structure through their LinkedIn page and website. Figure out what questions they commonly ask during job interviews and discover the approximate amount of salary you may get.

#4: CURATE YOUR ONLINE BRAND

It goes without saying that modern recruiters search through the Web to find out who you really are. It is best to build a brand that showcases your expertise and passion. Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool. Use it to your advantage!

Moreover, you must be cautious about you post online. It can make or break your chances of getting the job.

#5: ORGANIZE YOURSELF

During the early stages of job-hunting, you must gather all the documents supporting your claims. This includes Transcript of Records and Recommendation Letters. Ensure that your C.V. and cover letter are up to date. Then, determine how many hours per day will be dedicated to job-hunting or networking.

You can neatly compile all the professional email accounts and job interview schedules into a spreadsheet. This way, your job search process can be faster and easier.

#6: ASK PEOPLE FOR ADVICE

During the end of your job interview, it does not hurt to become vulnerable. It is alright to ask your interviewer for advice on how to build strong working relationships and how to succeed in the current vacant position. Do not forget to admire their company and the work they do.

#7: NOTICE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Carry yourself well during interviews. How many times have you heard this: “body language is vital in job interviews”? It is in your interest to take this advice seriously. Watch out for your posture, gestures, and non-verbal cues. These may either exude confidence or incompetence.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Communication, much like dancing, is a two-way street. Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language too. This will help you know if you are on the right track.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

5 Things To Consider Before Pursuing Graduate Studies

While employers highlight the importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence and resilience, many in-demand jobs require higher education credentials.

I, for one, am looking for ways to better myself. Getting a master’s degree is one option. It has been a dream of mine to get a master’s degree. However, resources were not in my favor. Things changed when the pandemic came. I had the luxury of time as I was mainly working from home. This decision needs to be taken seriously. When deciding whether you must take a master’s degree or not, consider these factors.

#1: THE REASON WHY YOU ARE DETERMINED TO GET A MASTER’S DEGREE

Getting a master’s degree will enable you to follow your passion. It does not necessarily have to be closely associated with your bachelor’s degree. You have the power to carve your path.

Moreover, getting a master’s degree is a way to buy yourself some time. For students who are not sure of their career path, graduate studies may provide a safety net for the next couple of years. This should not be your primary reason. Choose to pursue it, if it would be better for your career. For instance, getting a master’s degree in education will help you to get promoted from your teaching position. It will build a bridge to the next step of your career.

#2: THE TRUE COST OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Be honest when it comes to your financial capabilities. Studying further is not cheap. Ask the registrar or the program adviser of the university you are eyeing on regarding their fees. Know if there are scholarships or other forms of financial aid schemes.

Remember that it is cheaper to complete your master’s degree using online courses. Some courses even provide free resources. There is a plethora of content available, at no cost, to the general public.

#3: THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Ask yourself how hard it is to get a master’s degree compared to your bachelor’s degree. You see, undergraduate programs involve tackling simpler topics. Graduate studies are more structured and complex. The amount of preparation required for the tests and classes is higher than before. You need to study beyond what your lecturers have taught.

#4: THE CHANCES OF SALARY INCREASE

It is no secret that people who have completed higher education are generally paid more money than those who do not. While a 25% increase in earnings is the average increase people see, attending the top MBA programs can boost your salary by as much as 60-150%. Equipping yourself with knowledge can help increase your earning potential.

#5: THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOL

Given the current situation, you must access whether the location of the school will affect your lifestyle choices. It is difficult to travel and relocate at this time. Most graduate students have families. Thus, it makes relocation a difficult option. Think about the location of the school when searching for master’s degree programs.

Image credits: pixabay.com

Are you studying overseas or locally? Are there online schooling options? You need to decide on the best location for you.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

An economist says these 3 countries are poised to prosper in the next 10 years

Namsan Tower in Korea

With the new year’s arrival and a new president in the United States, international cooperation and trade are sure to be very different this year than in the past.

Because of the anticipation that looms behind future developments, we must pay attention to the up and rising economies, which may directly or indirectly affect us.

According to economist Kaushik Basu, three countries might just live up to expectations in their development process. They are South Korea, Vietnam, and Mexico.

South Korea is an advanced economy, so there’s no doubt about it. As for Vietnam and Mexico, the World Bank deems the two as a lower-middle-income economy and upper-middle-income country, respectively. There’s good reason to believe that both countries will exceed others over the next decade.

Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the reasons South Korea, Vietnam, and Mexico are set for success.

#1: South Korea
a palace in Seoul

Image Credits: unsplash.com

South Korea is one of the safest picks.

Despite the 1997 East Asian financial crisis that affected the country’s two-decade-long growth run since the final few years of Park Chung-hee’s presidency during the late 1970s, South Korea’s investment in human capital is finally paying off.

For instance, in 2019, South Korea had about 3,319 patent applications per million population. To put that number into perspective, Japan only had 1,943 while China and the United States had 890 and 869, respectively. As such, South Korea is beating out some of our world’s top power economies.

The East Asian country was also the first country to begin a 5G campaign that covered the entire nation in April 2019, aiming to take a 15 per cent share of the global 5G market by 2026. 

Furthermore, South Korea has taken steps to solve a pressing issue worldwide – teacher selection. Because of the good benefits of teaching, South Korea has attracted various talents into its education industry.

As such, the former chief economist of the World Bank expects South Korea’s per capita income to overtake Japan within the next decade.

#2: Vietnam
time lapse photo of Hanoi

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When Vietnam’s economy finally changed from a command economy to more of a market-oriented model, that was the catalyst that would help transform Vietnam into the top three fastest-growing economies.

Since 2010, Vietnam has kept up with its sustained growth. It has enacted policies that make trading and foreign investments far more accessible, such as cutting tariff rates and investing in human capital. 

Additionally, Vietnam’s successful handling of the pandemic situation has produced a 2.9 per cent economic growth in 2020, a period where most global economies suffered. As incoming international investments flow into Vietnam, the sky’s the limit for the country’s development as one of the world’s leading manufacturing hubs. 

#3: Mexico
The Angel of Independence in Mexico

Image Credits: departures.com

Despite the toll that the pandemic has taken upon Mexico, the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in 2018 has brought new hope to the country.

This is because he began Mexico’s “Fourth Transformation”, an economic plan that will bring prosperity, growth, and a lower wealth gap between the rich and poor. Similarly to South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in, AMLO opted to live outside of the official presidential mansion, sending a symbolic message to the people.

Furthermore, Mexico will most likely be another global manufacturing hub due to arrangements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). With the USMCA in place, Mexico stands a chance to integrate its economy with the other two powerful forces.

Together, the trilateral agreement brings capital, labour force, and technology to the table, which can outshine China. Mexico has indeed a huge potential for growth in the years to come.

Read More...

What leaders can learn from Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs

Becoming a successful business leader is no easy task, and not many are born with leadership skills. But what makes a good leader is not some inborn quality but rather the ability to learn from others, take challenges, and grow from them both personally and professionally.

One of the world’s prominent business, technological, and corporate leaders, Steve Jobs, shared this belief. There are tons we can discern from his mantra and mission in transforming the world we live in.

Here are some leadership lessons we can learn from the man.

#1: Have accountability

A good leader knows that they can’t lead by simply delegating. Nothing is more tiresome than a group of people who have accountability for one small action but not the entire chain of events they’re a part of.

A leader claims the entire process from start to finish, giving more than what is asked of them time after time. They are also personally accountable for every step along the way. This intensive approach to leadership will draw respect from your colleagues and encourage them to work in the same way.

Steve Jobs inspected every bit of the product, including the user experience. From purchase to unboxing and use, he was involved in the full process.

#2: Believe that everything is possible
a man giving a thumbs up to a lady at work

Image Credits: careeraddict.com

Steve Jobs was in the habit of making the impossible possible, but in true leader fashion, he didn’t do it through force or demand. Instead, he would simply look at someone and tell them he believed in them.

His characteristic of not taking no for an answer is commendable. This optimistic mindset can help build pride and confidence in your team members. If they know of your trust and unconditional support for them, they will likely be more inspired to tackle the unthinkable and make massive progress in their responsibilities.

Just think about a time at work when your superior told you not to give up because he/she thinks you have the potential to make it happen. How did it make you feel? Were you more powered up? What was the outcome of your assignment?

#3: Foster collaboration

One of the biggest obstacles to leadership is the idea that specific fields, opinions, or teams should stay separated from each other. In fact, Steve Jobs saw this most clearly in the world of art and science.

He worked tirelessly to combine scientific innovation with aesthetic and graphic design because he believed in the power of collaboration.

A good leader understands that working between two separate teams can provide insight and spark fresh ideas you may never have discovered otherwise. They do not hesitate to go out of their way to bring collaboration wherever possible.

When collaboration at the workplace is done right, everyone can benefit from a variety of perspectives. It may bring to light strengths and weaknesses but take it as a chance to better fill in competency gaps. Learn and grow from the experience!

#4: Don’t settle for second best
a neon sign that reads 'best'

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

The man believed that it was critical to have a goal to work towards frequently. As soon as you settle, you give up on a potential future of incredible achievements. As a leader, you want to encourage your coworkers to dream big, more prominent than they ever thought possible, because dreams do come true.

Even if a project seems too big to accomplish, it’s okay. Having an aim is better than having none. It can push you to take that first step, challenge you to greater heights, and leave you hungry to be a better version of yourself than the previous day.

#5: Keep your focus

Overcomplicating anything is the fastest way to destroy a project. Steve Jobs recognised that excellent leadership was about keeping companies simple, processes streamlined, and goals focused.

He worked with a single-minded, intense focus on the missions he wanted to accomplish, and by keeping it uncomplicated, he was able to lead his team to better outcomes more quickly than ever before.

In 1997, Apple was working on several different prototypes and products. Instead of investing in research and development, they were an utterly unfocused team. It was Steve Jobs who brought back focus and saved Apple from bankruptcy.

“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do, and this works for both companies and products,” he enlightens us.

Final thoughts
a man holding a sparkle

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Steve Jobs was one of the most significant technological minds, but he also left behind a legacy of decisive leadership and motivation for the world. With the lessons we’ve learned from him, we can continue to innovate and imagine as successfully as he did, one step at a time.

Read More...