The dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you

lady using her MacBook at home

You’re considering dabbling in remote freelancing to make a few extra bucks on the side. That’s great! But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.

In this post, we will share the dos and don’ts of making remote freelancing work for you. So whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, read on for tips and advice that will help you succeed.

Do your research

Figure out what companies are hiring remote freelancers and what types of work they’re looking for. Then tailor your resume and portfolio to match their needs.

Next, take the time to create a good work routine. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace where you can concentrate without distractions, and schedule your work hours so that you’re not working all day and night.

And, be patient. It may take a while to find the right fit, but if you keep at it and put in the effort, eventually you will find a company that’s a good match for your skills and personality.

Do give yourself breaks

When you’re working remotely, it’s easy to let yourself get absorbed in your work and spend hours at a time without taking a break. But this isn’t good for your mental health or your productivity.

Make sure you set some time aside each day to take a break and do something other than work. This can be anything from taking a walk around the block to catching up on some lifestyle updates from your favorite content creators. The key is to give yourself a chance to step away from your work and recharge.

Don’t try to do too much at once
man stressed while working on his laptop

Image Credits: smallbusinessbonfire.com

When you’re starting, take things slow and steady. You need to focus on building a solid foundation and creating a workflow that works for you. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to chaos and frustration. So take it one step at a time and don’t overextend yourself. Build your remote business slowly and strategically, and you will be more likely to succeed in the long run.

Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection

You need to ensure that you have a fast and stable internet connection so that your work doesn’t get interrupted and you don’t lose any time.

If your internet connection is constantly going down or slowing down, it’s going to be hard to make a success of remote freelancing. So take the time to test out your internet connection and make sure that it’s up to the task. If it’s not, then maybe it’s time to invest in a new router or broadband package.

Don’t be afraid to name a high price if you have the skills to back it up

Remember, you’re providing a service that has real value, and you should be compensated accordingly. Sure, there will be people who are trying to undercut you but don’t let them get to you.

Stand firm in your rates, and be prepared to explain why you’re worth what you’re asking for. Quote past projects as examples, or list the qualifications that make you the best person for the job.

In the end, it’s up to the client to decide if they’re willing to pay your price. But if you can back up your skills and value with a strong argument, they’re more likely to be willing to cough up the cash.

Remote freelancing can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s wise to set up some ground rules for yourself before you get started. As mentioned earlier, do create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside time each day for working and time for other activities. Never overwork yourself or take on more work than you can handle. You deserve a break when it’s due so don’t fall into the trap of working all the time.

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Best Places to Shop for Winter Clothes in Singapore

Are you planning to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Book your year-end trip to enjoy the cool winter season overseas.

Once you are all set, you can update your wardrobe to include some cold-weather staples. Drop by these budget-friendly places to stay stylish while avoiding the feeling of freezing to death!

#1: DECATHLON

This popular sports hub needs no introduction. After all, Decathlon has it all. Swing by any of its stores for winter clothes at affordable prices. Alternatively, you can shop through their online store and have your items delivered to your doorstep. For instance, you can purchase a Ski Jacket for S$65.

Website: decathlon.sg

#2: H&M

H&M can help expand your children’s winter wardrobe without breaking the bank. You can find plenty of hooded faux fur jackets, sweatshirts windbreakers, water-repellent mittens, puffer jackets, and other winter necessities here. Each item comes in stylish patterns and prints, so you and your children can match while on a holiday. Kids’ winter jackets retail for S$30 and above.

Website: hm.com

#3: MARKS & SPENCER

Layering for chilly weather is an easy task with Marks & Spencer’s vibrant collection for children and adults. Not only does this retail chain sell a range of windbreakers and jackets, but it also sells a variety of jumpers and sweatshirts. You can complete your holiday look with their winter wear offerings. Children’s hoodies start at S$13.90.

Website: marksandspencer.com/sg

#4: COLDWEAR SINGAPORE

Coldwear Singapore doesn’t just offer winter wear, they also have other travel-related accessories such as travel pillows, luggage, and more. You can shop for their winter jackets, sweaters, gloves, and hats from their in-house brand or keep a look out for winter clothes from international brands such as National Geography, Dexshell and Caterpillar. Sweaters are on sale for less than S$30 here.

Website: coldwear.com.sg

#5: WINTER TIME SINGAPORE

Known for its annual year-end sale, Winter Time can give you as much as 80% savings. Jackets and parkas can go as low as S$29 while accessories can be bought at S$8.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Winter Time sells cold-weather staples such as winter boots and winter clothing for men, women, and children. You can take your entire family while shopping at any of its branches including IMM, Northpoint City, Vivo City, Parkway Parade, and Changi City Point.

Website: wintertime.com.sg

Sources: 1 & 2

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How to Remain Sane When Job Hunting

Adjusting to the motions of life can be overwhelming. It is challenging to muster up the energy to jump into the candidate pool or consider changing careers when you must juggle your personal and professional responsibilities. Incorporating the following tips can help you stay motivated throughout the process.

Start by knowing why you actually want a new job and why you need to secure a position now.

#1: FIND THE REASON WHY YOU DO IT

Why do you do what you do?

Understanding why you are willing to exhaust your resources to get a new job can help you focus on the end goal. It will allow you to enter the job search from a place of clarity and empowerment. Defining why you do it “now” will be your call to action to initiate the first step.

#2: VISUALIZE YOUR TARGET

Close your eyes and sit in a comfortable spot. Visualize a time when you were excited about a new job or when you were happy with your current one. Embrace those feelings and examine whether you still feel the same way now. Then, visualize yourself securing your dream job. Absorb the excitement and energy that comes with it.

Using visualization to identify what is important to you can help you overcome exhaustion or other negative feelings that come with job hunting.

#3: TAKE A BREAK

If you are feeling burnt out and discouraged, step away for a bit. Allow yourself to rest and recharge. Scrolling through listings, submitting online and in-person applications, and going through multiple rounds of interviews can be draining!

It helps if you can narrow down your search. Take some time to discern which position you are looking for instead of just spreading your CV and hoping that someone will see it.

#4: REVAMP YOUR CV

Simplify your resume to garner more attention. Look at the job description and make sure that there is a connection between you and the text. Lastly, pinpoint where you might have some weakness and improve on those areas.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: GET SOME HELP

Having a connection within the organization can increase your chances of landing a job, so expand your network. Maximize your connections by reaching out to former co-workers, mentors, lecturers, friends, and family members. Get the support you need to help you maintain your sanity!

#6: BE AN EARLY CANDIDATE

If you find a job posting that matches what you are searching for, do not waste your time and apply. Submitting your application immediately after the job is posted can help boost your chances of being noticed. Timing is everything!

If you apply in the first week that a job is posted, you have a much higher chance of getting the job and having your CV reviewed. Many hiring managers and companies look at applications that come in early.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BOTTOMLINE

Whether you are looking for a new position in a different company or have been unemployed for months, looking for a job can be challenging. You may not be able to see positions that interest you or your efforts in connecting with the hiring manager can fail miserably.

No matter where you are in the process, job hunting can be exhausting. However, you cannot give up! You have to push through the highs and lows. Keep at it until you see the end in sight in the form of a coveted new role.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How to train yourself to become a more people person

a woman having a good laugh

You might not be the life of the party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become more people-oriented. It’s all about acquainting yourself to become more social.

We know it’s not easy if you’re not used to it, but with a little effort, you can become more extroverted and learn to enjoy socializing. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Be okay with feeling awkward

When you’re first starting, know that it’s okay to feel awkward. It’s typical to feel a little uncomfortable when you’re trying something new.

Just think about it this way: the more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. And the more comfortable you become, the easier it will be to connect with people. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Step out of your comfort zone and go for it.

Learn how to make small talk

Small talk is the bread and butter of socializing. It’s a way to initiate conversations without getting too deep. And it can be manageable if you know the right techniques.

First, find a common ground. You can talk about the weather, current events, or something as simple as the food you’re eating. Just find something to connect on. Second, ask open-ended questions. This will keep the exchange going and help you learn more about the other person.

Third, use body language to show that you’re interested in what the other person is saying. Nod your head, smile, and make eye contact.

Work on your body language
woman paying attention to her colleague speaking

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When it comes to body language, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more people-oriented. For starters, try leaning in when you’re talking to someone. This shows that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

Also, make sure to keep your arms uncrossed. This will make you look inviting and friendly. And lastly, try to smile as often as possible. A warm smile is the best way to show someone that you’re happy to be talking to them.

Be a good listener

When it comes to socializing, one of the most important things you can do is listen. So many people are so focused on what they’re going to say next that they don’t hear what the other person is saying. As a result, they miss out on all sorts of valuable information.

But being a good listener is hard—it takes practice and patience. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone. And that’s okay. Just remember that it’s a skill that can be learned, and the more you rehearse, the better you will get.

So how do you go about becoming a better listener? First, try to be present in the conversation. Focus on the other person, and make eye contact. Listen to what they’re saying, and pay attention to their body language. Paraphrase what they’ve said to make sure you understand them correctly. And, don’t interrupt! Let them finish their thought before you speak.

Be more assertive
coworkers in a meeting

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You might find that you’re not very good at socializing, and that’s okay. Introverts often struggle with this. But it’s necessary to recognize that this aspect of your personality is just a trait, and it can be changed with proper conditioning.

So how can you familiarize yourself to become more people-oriented? First, start by being more assertive. When you’re proactive, you’re sending the signal that you’re a confident person who’s not afraid to take charge. This is something that will make people respect you and want to listen to what you have to say.

One way to become more assertive is to become more vocal. Speak up in meetings, and don’t be afraid to share your opinion. You can also practice roleplaying with a friend or family member. Pretend that you’re giving a presentation or leading a meeting, and then ask for their feedback.

If you want to be a more people person, start by accepting that you are an introvert and that it’s okay. Begin by attending events that interest you and don’t be afraid to articulate your thoughts. When you feel more comfortable, branch out and attend events with new people. Be yourself and let go of the idea that you need to be someone you’re not. Eventually, you will find that being around people is easy and natural for you.

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How to mentally prep for impromptu 1-on-1 meetings with your manager

colleagues in a meeting

Did your boss just text you to schedule a last-minute 1-on-1 meeting?

Don’t panic! This can be a great opportunity to discuss things candidly and build a stronger working relationship with your manager. But, it’s important to mentally prep for such meetings so you make the most of the time you have.

In this post, we will share some tips on how to organize yourself for an impromptu 1-on-1 meeting with your manager.

It’s normal to feel nervous before a 1-on-1 meeting

It’s normal to feel anxious but there’s no need to fear. The best way to approach it is to go in with an open mind and be prepared to listen. Your manager is probably going to have some feedback for you, so be sure to pay close attention and take notes.

Understand the purpose of the meeting

Is your manager just checking in with you? Is he or she giving you feedback? Is this a more formal meeting to discuss your goals and progress? Once you know the purpose of the meeting, you can start mentally prepping for it.

If it’s a check-in, for example, then you might want to review your recent work and prepare some talking points. If it’s a feedback meeting, then you will want to make sure that you have specific examples of times when you went above and beyond or made a mistake.

No matter what the purpose of the meeting is, always be ready to talk about your work and what you’ve been up to. And most importantly, stay calm.

Be aware of your body language
a man crossing arms during a meeting with his female colleague

Image Credits: betterup.com

Remember, your boss is going to be reading your nonverbal cues to get a sense of how you’re feeling. So if you walk in with your shoulders slumped and your head down, they’re going to think that you’re not confident in what they have to say.

On the other hand, if you walk in with a smile on your face and your head held high, they will know that you’re ready to have a productive conversation. So make sure to put your best foot forward and show them that you’re open to whatever they are about to throw at you.

Come prepared with questions

Coming prepared with questions is one of the most satisfactory ways to make the most out of any meeting, whether it’s planned or impromptu.

When you have questions ready, it shows your manager that you’re taking the meeting seriously and that you’re interested in having a dialogue. It also allows you to learn more about any new company developments and your role within them.

Plus, if there are any issues or concerns you would like to discuss, having questions ready will help make sure that those are covered during the meeting. So, make sure to come ready with queries for your next 1-on-1 meeting with your manager!

You’ve been called into a meeting with your manager, and you have no idea what it’s about. Don’t worry. Relax and take some deep breaths—you want to appear confident, even if you’re feeling anything but that. And most notably, don’t forget to listen. One of the smartest ways to make the most of a 1-on-1 meeting is by actively listening. You can always follow up with your manager after the meeting to clarify any unclear points if necessary.

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