How To Keep Your Sanity When Switching Careers

While others have to dive into a life-changing decision from working at a nine-to-five to working for oneself, my father had to do the opposite. Taking a step toward a career change was an exhilarating moment for him! As days passed by, he realized that he does not know how to start. He experimented with three different positions in the span of three years. Finally, he found his calling – a job at a globally renowned technology company.

Keeping your sanity while exploring your options can be challenging! May these tips help you with the career switching process:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

What opportunities are available for you to grab? Know these by doing your research. It is free to consider the alternative careers found online. You may also discuss your core skills and possible paths with your friends and relatives. Lastly, hunt for a vacancy through your networking contacts.

If you are having a difficulty with sorting out your ideas, try meeting a career counselor to reap a professional advice.

CHECK YOUR FINANCES

Do not ignore the contents of your bank account! Career Expert Kerry Hannon states that you must have “good financial health to help smooth[en] your transition”. You see, being in a suitable financial situation allows you to try new things without stressing over your salary.

Create a transitional budget through no cost tools such as Spendee and Microsoft Excel. Having a budget will give you a clear picture of what is within reach.

TRY IT OUT

If you are a person who prefers calculated or conservative moves over creative and unconventional strategies then, you can try things out first. You can identify part-time or volunteer activities related to your target field to test out your interests and abilities.

Are you passionate about working with animals? Consider volunteering at animal welfare organizations such as SPCA. Do you want to switch to publishing? well, try editing your current company’s newsletters first.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

I am going to end this article with a thoughtful quote from Mr. Robin Kermode, a leading European Speech Director.

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“One of the hardest things with a change of career is believing that we can do this new task. We tend to think of ourselves as a photographer, an accountant or whatever. That’s what seems to define us. Now we have to re-define ourselves and begin to believe it deeply inside us. Once we believe it, others will too.”

Sources: 1 & 2

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You Don’t Want To Miss These Online Shopping Hacks

THE INCOGNITO MODE

If you keep clicking on a particular item, a website is likely to offer it at a higher price. Furthermore, it may bombard you with advertisements of that item. The incognito window will help you save money through private browsing. It blocks third-party cookies and disables search history. This way, websites such as Hotels.com and Expedia cannot practice price discrimination.

CHECK ITEM AVAILABILITY

The Editor’s Market is one of my favorite stores due to its emphasis on modern street-wear. However, their items sell out fast! Fortunately for me, consumers can check out the item availability and reserve it via the online shop. Simply become a member by answering this form: theeditorsmarket.com/membership.

GET FREE SAMPLES

Free beauty samples are usually given at checkout. It gives you the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. Sephora, a mecca for makeup addicts, offers free samples in its online store. Go to sephora.sg/pages/free-samples and follow the basic rules.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

a. Add a sample to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

ENJOY FREE RETURNS

Whether you admit it or not, you do not always like what you purchase online. That is alright! International brands such as ASOS and MANGO allow you to process free returns. For ASOS, returning an item is a hassle-free task. Start by filling out the return form and printing out the shipping label. Then, drop it off at your local SingPost branch.

For MANGO, the prices on its website is the same as the prices in its physical stores in Singapore. You can return an item at any of its multiple outlets. It saves you the effort of heading down to the post office.

THE 24-HOUR WAIT

Last but not the least, you can subscribe to delayed gratification. Leaving your items in the shopping cart for at least 24 hours can help you decide whether you really want or need to purchase it. Some companies such as ZALORA Singapore will lure you with a special discount code to encourage you to checkout your cart. Apply this savvy shopping tip then.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Is Becoming A Gamer A Viable Career In Singapore?

Drop your mouse and read your books! How many times have you heard that gaming has no future? I have to admit! A career in gaming was once viewed as an impossible feat in Asia. Once seen as a way to pass time or to socialize with friends, gaming has exploded into a legitimate sport nowadays. Times have changed.

eSports prevalence has been massive! Dota 2, a wildly popular game in eSports, has a price pool of over US$20 million (or S$27 million). Furthermore, the 2022 Asian Games included eSports in its categories. Lastly, the global eSports market is predicted to hit US$1.5 billion (or S$2 billion) in a few years time. The demand for gaming professionals encouraged some Singaporeans to launch an educational programme dedicated to this platform.

DIPLOMA IN GAMING

Informatics Academy in collaboration with Cybersports and Online Gaming Association, has recently launched a diploma programme suited for aspiring professional gamer. This programme aims to equip students with skills in eSports knowledge, live-streaming of tournaments, game design theories, programming, team management, and game development. The modules will last up to 8 months for full-timers and 12 months for part-timers.

Requirements include a minimum of two A levels, an International Baccalaureate diploma or other equivalent pre-university qualifications, and being at least 18 years of age. School fees are about S$6,480 for local students.

AVERAGE SALARIES

Much like any other sports, salaries in eSports vary per organization and per player. The significant lack of transparency in this platform makes it challenging to determine what constitutes as fair compensation.

According to Riot, a professional eSports organization, each player must be paid a minimum of US$12,500 (about S$17,000) for the 28-match season. Many players are compensated at a higher rate than this! A five-person team’s winnings could range from S$2,700 to S$13,600 per player in the playoffs alone. Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez, a League of Legends team captain, makes close to a million a year! Can you see the financial variety?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

RISKS OF GAMING

With impressively attractive tournament prizes, it is possible to craft a misconception that one can easily become rich by playing video games. Reality check! No game can last forever. Furthermore, live-streaming is a utterly competitive scene. Only a few of the best shall prevail.

Yes! A professional career in eSports is viable given that you are one of the best at a particular game in a global scope. You may consider committing to a game part-time first, while managing your other priorities (e.g., day job or family time). Best of luck!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

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Quick And Inexpensive Essential Oil Recipes

Many of us have embarked on a lifestyle journey that values healthy and all-natural options. From signing up to a detox program to using organic products, the list goes on and on! My personal lifestyle journey involves therapeutic essential oils. Essential oils are products extracted from plants, which may both improve your physical health and mental well being.

Do not let essential oils spook you! These products can be affordable without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips that you need to know to fit aromatherapy into your budget:

#1: KNOW THE LOCAL BRANDS

Due to the widespread of a healthier society, more local retailers have invested on organic or all-natural products. Brands such as HOUGHTON & GOUGH, HYSSES, and MMERCI ENCORE carry pure essential oils. Let us start with HOUGHTON & GOUGH (H&G). H&G houses a range of room sprays, essential oils, hand-poured candles, and more. Its Lemongrass essential oil retails for S$25.90.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

HYSSES is a firm believer of holistic therapy. From scenting to natural skin care solutions, HYSSES encapsulates the best nature has to offer. Most of its essential oils retail for about S$25.90. 

Lastly, MMERCI ENCORE exudes luxury as its raw ingredients and pure essential oils were sourced from Australia and France.  According to its website,  it offers handcrafted artisanal aromatherapy goods inspired by bathing and bedtime self-care rituals. The company is created by the former beauty editor Alli Sim. The price of its essential oils range from S$25 to S$35. 

#2: A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

Essential oils are made with highly concentrated plant extracts. Thus, a little goes a long way! As an avid user of essential oils, I can attest that less is more. Do not be fooled by a mere 5 or 10 ml bottle as it can last you for months. Despite my frequent usage, my 10 ml Young Living bottle lasted for more than 6 months.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With its potency, you may be wondering how long can you store a bottle. The shelf life of oils vary from each kind. However, the general rule of thumb is keeping it within a year of purchase. Many aromatherapists extend its life span by keeping their volatile oils refrigerated.

#3: MAKE YOUR OWN BLENDS

One of the easiest ways to make your own blend is to use a roller bottle. Transferring essential oils into roller bottles will save you money with the process of dilution. Dilution does not weaken your oils. Instead, it helps you to target specific areas of your body such as your chest or temples. It allows you to apply the product whenever you need it.

The basic steps of making a roller bottle include the following:

a. Acquire an empty 10 ml roller bottle online
b. Add 10 drops of essential oils and fill the rest with a carrier oil (e.g., grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil)
c. Put the top cover
d. Shake the mixture well
e. Apply to the neck, wrists, temples, feet, chest, spine, belly, or behind the ears

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I shall move on to the fun part by enumerating the quick recipes consisting of two to three essentials oils.

a. For itchy skin
6 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint

b. For sleep and relaxation
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Cedarwood

c. For focus and concentration
5 drops Orange
5 drops Peppermint

d. For upset stomach
4 drops Lavender
3 drops Peppermint
3 drops Ginger

e. For headaches
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

f. For healthy nails
5 drops Tea tree
3 drops Lemon
2 drops Peppermint

g. For a cooling sensation
4 drops Lemon
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

May these blends bring you the daily comfort you need in this busy city! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Hack Your Way To A New Wardrobe

WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE

What do tank tops and plain shirts have in common? For starters, you typically use these underneath a polo or a blouse. Others can barely see these types of clothing so, why bother with an expensive brand? Stick to purchasing basics in department stores such as John Little. Save the designer labels for the items that you show off!

THE OLD BECOMES NEW AGAIN

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When my partner and I were out of activities to do, I convinced him to experience a hunt at a nearby thrift store. Flea shops and thrift stores sell gently used or preloved clothing at incredibly cheaper price tags. Many of these stores offer holiday sales too! I once bought a Zara skirt for S$4. What a steal!

You can purchase an entire outfit for under S$30 at Singapore thrift stores such as New2U Thrift Shop, PraiseHaven Thrift Shop (under Salvation Army), and Something Old Something New. Remember that used clothes must be thoroughly cleaned or sent to the laundromat.

IT’S FREAKY FRIDAY

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If you are not comfortable with raiding a stranger’s wardrobe then, try swapping clothes with your friends or family members. I am not saying that you must take advantage of your friends or relatives but, you should tap into each other’s resources to save money. Furthermore, you are contributing to less waste too.

Allow your loved ones to freely choose which clothing items they like from your unused or underused pile. You can do so every quarter or every month. For instance, you may switch your summer clothes every March!

THE SIMPLER, THE BETTER

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In 1970, a London boutique coined the term “Capsule Wardrobe”. A Capsule Wardrobe consists of 30 to 37 pieces of clothing that you always wear. It is the minimalist way to downsize your wardrobe and boost your savings. It teaches us to focus on staples and to skip the trends.

A leather pants may be prevelant at Forever 21 or H&M but, constantly keeping up with trends such as this one can poke a hole in your wallet! Purchase items that you can still use in a few years time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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