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Surefire Ways To Survive A New Job

New year, new job! Congratulations on acquiring a new position. You have your budding career ahead of you!

Are you feeling excited or nervous? It may be exciting to begin a new phase of your career, but it can also be nerve-wracking to start from scratch! Review the following tips to ensure your smooth transition.

DO A PHYSICAL TOUR OF THE WORKPLACE

From drafting your resignation to completing your unfinished projects, you need to carefully plan out your departure. The same amount of careful consideration must be poured out to your arrival.

Upon arriving to your new workplace, notice the key locations and the overall environment. Where are the pantries, toilets, conference rooms, and so on. Find a place of solitude where you can retreat every once in a while. Remember to schedule small breaks in between your tasks to walk around the office. More importantly, ask for some lunch recommendations.

DO NOT IGNORE THEIR CULTURE

Aside from being qualified for the position, the hiring manager chose you because he or she deems you to be a great fit for the company. I remember when my supervisor told me that she strategically put my desk beside a co-worker due to my background in Psychology. She believes that I can help resolve some of my co-worker’s inner conflicts. I learned about her strategy after a year of interacting with my co-worker. It worked out for the best.

Catch onto the workplace culture and bring something to the table. If your department goes out to lunch every Friday, join them. Is your office looking for volunteers to help organize an upcoming event? Do sign up! Send the message that you are a good team player by respecting the unspoken rules and engaging in their social activities.

DO ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS STRATEGICALLY

It is understandable that you will have a lot to catch up on as a new employee. So, use your time wisely. Rather than sitting silently on a corner after a meeting, ask your peers about the tricks of the trade.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Keeping quiet will not establish a good impression! However, listening actively and asking smart questions will.

DO NOT FORGET TO ASK SOME QUESTIONS

In spite of having years of experience and significant educational background, you can never know the answer to everything. Many marketing and advertising executives agree that new employees make a mistake of not asking questions. No one expects you to know it all in one or two days! Do not be afraid to ask your supervisor or co-workers on the processes as well as their expectations of you.

Requesting clarification entails that you are eager to get things right! While you do not want to bother others with endless requests for assistance, most people will be happy to help.

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The bottom-line is: “do not stress yourself too much”. No one expects you to get it right in the first few weeks! Ask questions, if necessary.

Sources: 1 & 2

Plan Your Finances Before Resigning Next Year

Submitting your resignation letter and starting a fresh chapter is a significant transition is someone’s career. Before taking the leap of faith, here are some financial steps that you may take.

SET A TIMELINE

Many people may think that there are better career opportunities ahead of them, but that is not always the case. This is why, you must set a timeline for realistic events. Ask yourself certain questions that will answer various outcomes. How long can you afford to take a break while you hunt for a new job? When shall you send out your tailored C.V.s? Do you need to schedule interviews next month?

It is recommended to build your emergency fund during this break. You may also build your networking list. There is no need to start from scratch when switching careers.

SELL SOME STUFF

Selling your old belongings is one of the quickest ways to use your free time and to de-clutter your space. Do an inventory of all your underused or unwanted items and filter out those that are in good condition.

Sell these items at a discounted price to your friends via Facebook groups. I remember selling my old shoes and clothes to help me purchase new ones when I was still a Uni student. To ease my search for a buyer, I made an account on Carousell. Carousell is a convenient marketplace app that is available all over Asia.

ELIMINATE THE NON-ESSENTIALS

Be honest with yourself! Check your monthly subscriptions on products and services. Do you really need to pay for two streaming services (i.e., one local and one international) or is one enough? Can you trim your gym membership and exercise at the park instead? Find no-cost ways to reap the benefits of your hobbies.

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While you may have gotten used to certain luxuries throughout your life, taking a few sacrifices here and there is essential. While you are on a “career break”, you can be conservative with your budget calculations.

SELECT A PART-TIME HUSTLE

Getting multiple streams of income can benefit your situation. By multiple streams, I am referring to either finding part-time jobs or to setting up your own small business. Aside from earning extra cash, you can also experiment with a variety of jobs or fields.

Find a freelance job that you can do at home such as teaching English, selling stock images, or becoming a virtual assistant. You may also open up your own small short-term business. Depending on your skills, you can sell baked goods for the upcoming holiday season or plan events for weddings and birthdays. Who knows? This humble venture may lead to bigger opportunities in the future.

Shy Employees’ Guide To Negotiating Salary

Many offices are filled with smooth-takers who can easily say the right words to get what they want. While some people are born to be negotiators, others are somewhat fearful to share their ideas. Fortunately for you, negotiation is a skill that can be shaped with lots of practice.

Start with these tips:

PREPARATION IS THE KEY

When it comes to gaining confidence and bargaining skills, preparation is the key. Arm yourself with the facts by doing thorough research. Do not rely on personal opinions and emotions when negotiating. Instead, you must collect data from multiple reliable sources. Determine the average and maximum salary for a person in your position with a similar level of experience.

DRAW THE OUTCOME

Aside from the facts, you must prepare yourself with the possible outcomes of your actions. What are the possible ways that your employer can respond to your request? What will you do if he or she disagrees? What will you do if he or she agrees?

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Assess every possible outcome and how you will handle these situations. Is what your asking for really worth it?

WRITE A SCRIPT AND REHEARSE IT

Researching is the initial step. What’s next? Planning a script, of course. Having a foundation for the serious conversation can help you to feel more comfortable as it happens. Write at least two scripts to have more options. It is important to note that you have to flexible during the actual discussion.

GO FOR IT

Employees often perceive negotiation as a heated encounter where the clear “winner” shall prevail. In reality, negotiations work best when both parties walk away with satisfaction. Simply asking for what you want (i.e., a pay raise) is half the battle!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do not let your shyness be an obstacle to getting what you deserve! Boost your chances of having a positive resolution by being polite and firm. Aim to reflect on your personal growth and foster long-term workplace relationships.

Sources: 1 & 2

Highest Paid Positions In Singapore (2018)

When the 2018 Michael Page Salary Guide was released, it highlighted the salary benchmarks for an array of jobs across many sectors and industries in Singapore. Naturally, you may focus on the higher end of the spectrum – those people who earn the most. However, investigation must not stop with a single survey! I came up with a slim list that includes data from PayScale. PayScale is a company which, “pioneered the use of big data and unique matching algorithms to power the world’s most advanced compensation platform”.

On that note, here are the Highest Paid Positions In Singapore (2018):

#5: QUALITY ASSURANCE DIRECTOR

Other than a potent Wi-Fi connectivity, Quality Directors are in demand countrywide. There is a growing need in the following sectors: semi-conductor, aerospace, and chemical. Quality Assurance Directors in these sectors can expect a salary of about S$173,000 to S$315,000 each year.

Holding excellent technical and people management skills will help you to become a Quality Assurance Director.

#4: HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) DIRECTOR

As the global workplace puts emphasis on developing human capital, the head of Human Resources can negotiate a salary of up to S$328,000 annually. A key factor that contributes to the salary is the individual’s years of experience or prior background as a HR Business Partner. HR Business Partners are tasked to align the company objectives with the employees found locally, regionally, or internationally. Furthermore, they serve as a consultant to management on HR-related issues.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In general, HR Directors found in the banking or financial sector earn the most.

#3: MANAGING DIRECTOR (HEALTHCARE)

It is no secret that Singapore upholds its position as Asia’s fastest growing bio-medical hub! Thus, it creates the need for higher level talents in this industry. Managing Directors in the healthcare sector make a significant amount of money to accompany their significant responsibility. It has been observed that healthcare employers are prepared to provide career progression opportunities to mid to senior-level talents. You can be groomed to earn up to S$390,000 per year.

#2: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

In banking and financial services sector, executive level talent is always sought-after! Our generation’s Chief Financial Officers are more strategic, pronounced, and immersed. The deeper integration in strategy, planning, and performance management entails an asking salary of about S$144,257 to S$455,977 per year.

#1: LEGAL COUNSEL

Lawyers in the private practice have the highest salaries as they earn an average of S$500,000 annually.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Without a doubt, the years of experience play an integral part in determining one’s salary. For instance, lawyers with 10 years of experience can earn up to S$375,000 a year. You can expect a 25% jump in their salary (approximately) as you transcend the 15 year mark.

Sources: 1 & 2

Co-working Spaces under $50 per day in Singapore

Co-working has inevitably become a part of the modern industry since way back in 2011, when it little by little, started to get known in Singapore. With the steadfast everyday call of financial liabilities, business-minded folks often seek for workstations that are not only flexible but also affordable. Here are some must-try co-working spaces with rates under $50/ day in Singapore.

THE HIVE

With a day pass of $30, The Hive, located on the corner of New Bridge Road and Hong Kong Street, allows access to desks, lounge seats and a rooftop café where events and talks are hosted and network opportunities are made possible. This converted four floors of shophouses is best known for its natural lighting and custom-made furniture. What’s even great is their “Hive Passport” that permits free access to other Hive branches situated in Bangkok and Hong Kong.

THE CO

Work is granted easier when provided with best amenities. An eight-story building at High Street Location hits this aim. This is known as The Co, a workspace which boasts its high-end meeting rooms, private offices, board venues, breakout spaces, and terrace working areas. Leisure services are even part of the bundle such as a cafeteria, pool, restaurant, pool tables, eateries and more. All of these that you can enjoy when you avail an individual desk which can go for $45 a day.

MOX

Mox is more than a co-working space. It’s as well called as a co-making space, intended more for creative entrepreneurs. This four-story building in Katong houses Singapore’s first and largest independent design resource workspace. As aimed by Kent Teo and Kishore Buxani, the minds behind its launching, Mox is to provide a proper space for the creative community. The three floors of Katong Point with 40,000 sq. ft. are filled with specialized rooms and equipment, co-working spaces and an “experiential retailing space”, which makes it a literal mall. Some great features include 3D printing room, premium software-equipped iMac kiosks, woodworking studio, sewing room, ready to use photography studio, café with DJ booth and more. Rates are affordable with $30 offer for a day pass.

PAPERWORK

If you’re part of the growing creative community, worry no more because here’s another budget-friendly workspace to tap on. Having a 3,500 sq. ft. area, Paperwork is a business hive and a designers’ hub at the National Design Centre that can accommodate 60 individuals. This co-working space is a co-creation venue opened by design collective Paperspace, which has branches overseas namely, Thailand and Philippines. Moveable partitions and modular furniture are brilliantly made accessible and flexible so to cater events, hold group gatherings and create individual capsules. Conferences are now extra-modern with their high-spec presentation and web video conferencing facilities. Explore and collaborate in this inventive workplace with just $40 for a day pass.

SMARTSPACE

Working late at night is not anymore a problem. Smartspace is an 8,000 sq. ft. a dynamic apartment-like modernized workplace that is 24/7 available. Inside this white-walled co-working space are private meeting rooams, convenient work stations, privy desks, and accessible office essentials, magnificently provided for a user-friendly work stay. A table tennis area and a galley are also available to make your $30 day pass worth it.

WORKHOUSE

Workhouse is a heritage shophouse in Little India which offers a day rate of $40 for a limited access. It brags its Brooklyn vibes with an industrial stylish design. Amenities comprise of open layout offering offices, convenient meeting rooms, secluded conference rooms, full pantry, customizable work areas with storage, 24/7 availability, fiber optic Internet and an outdoor working terrace. Workhouse also accepts rentals for meeting room, conference room and event venue for certain occasions at a reasonable price. Members and interested non-members are even entitled to partake in their monthly social undertakings to empower networking and discussions.

Did one of these co-working spaces satisfy your workplace checklist? An early bird catches the worm as they say. Move now and make things happen.

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