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!
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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.
Our concrete jungle has wired us to focus mainly on work. As work occupies most of your day, it is easy to take domestic life for granted. To handle the so-called burden of managing your household chores while you tackle occupational responsibilities, you may turn to a maid agency for help.
Let us be honest! It is becoming a fairly common practice to hire domestic help in Singapore. Many families come from dual-income households where both parents work long hours. Who will be left to take care of the children, elderly relatives, and chores?
There are various reasons why you may hire a helper. Whatever your reasons are, here are the initial and monthly costs that you can expect.
UPFRONT COSTS
The following are some of the initial costs that you need to pay as an employer of a foreign domestic worker.
a. Agency Fees: about S$1,000
b. Settling-in Programme: S$75
c. Work Permit Application: S$30
d. Work Permit Issuance: S$30
e. Security Deposit: S$5,000
f. Foreign Domestic Worker Levy: S$60-S$265
g. Medical and Personal Accident Insurance: about S$250 per month spanning 26 months
The estimated total will amount to more than S$6,000. Now, let us put a spotlight on each element.
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#1: MONTHLY SALARY
To determine someone’s monthly salary, you must consider several factors. Experience and relevant training are just some of the main factors. Not to mention, the applicant’s nationality plays a part too.
The Philippines’ government recently reduced the number of domestic helpers entering Singapore. With the reduced manpower supply, expect salaries to increase accordingly. That being said, the minimum salary for a Philippine domestic helper is S$570. On the other hand, Indonesian authority set its minimum domestic helper salary to about S$500. Lastly, the minimum salary that you can expect to pay to a foreign domestic worker (FDW) from Sri Lanka is S$400.
Other miscellaneous costs include food, accommodation, medical expenses, and travel expenses.
#2: EMPLOYER’S ORIENTATION PROGRAMME
As the name suggests, Employer’s Orientation Programme or EOP is tailored to the employers who are looking to employ some FDWs. It is recommended for employers who are hiring a foreign domestic worker for the first time or have changed workers on a frequent basis. This program lasts for 3 hours and can be both taken in a classroom or online setting. Classroom setting costs about S$30 to S$34. While, the online setting costs about S$46. After all, you are paying for convenience!
Learn more information about EOP by checking this link: mom.gov.sg.
#3: SECURITY BOND
How many times have you encountered a damage deposit or damage bond in your life? One to many, I suppose. A damage deposit ensures that you return an item in good condition. Similar mechanics can be applied to the FDW security bond.
If you are employing a Non-Malaysian domestic helper, you have to pay about S$5,000 to the Singapore government. This security bond ensures the safety of the domestic helper should you break any laws governing the employment. You will eventually be discharged from the security bond when you meet the following requirements:
a. You cancelled your foreign domestic worker’s Work Permit b. You did not breach any conditions of the said bond c. Your FDW has returned home
#4: AGENCY FEES
There are more than 500 maid agencies in Singapore, which are licensed by the Ministry of Manpower. Only licensed maid agencies can act as middlemen in finding related jobs in the country. Agency fees vary greatly depending on the services included. They do not usually publish their fees unless you inquire, but you can expect to pay around S$1,000. Be wary if you only have to pay S$200 or less.
#5: FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKER LEVY
The FDW levy, paid directly to the Singapore government, costs about S$265 on a monthly basis. However, you can qualify for the concessionary rate of S$60 per month. Levy concession is “part of the package to support Singaporeans needing care”.
An employer with a young child or grandchild, an elderly person, or a person with disability living at the registered address can apply for the levy concessionary rate. Learn more about this by going to mom.gov.sg.
One expensive hobbies that many Singaporeans partake in is collecting luxury watches. Due to the changing times, counterfeit or fake watches are becoming harder to spot. Collectors need to be very careful.
Consider these warning signs before purchasing a new watch:
#1: DOES IT HAVE A DOCUMENTATION?
Similar to purchasing an appliance, you must ensure that it comes with a warranty and an authenticity certificate (i.e., with a serial number). If you are acquiring it from a private collector, research the history of its ownership. Nonetheless, your safest bet is to buy the watch directly from the brand’s authorized store.
#2: DOES IT HAVE SPELLING ERRORS?
As obvious as this might sound, some fake items have spelling errors. Words such as “Professional” on Omega watches are commonly spelled with a single “s”. That is a red flag right there! Be wary of low quality pictures where the spelling is ambiguous too.
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#3: IS IT TOO LIGHT?
Counterfeit watches are typically lighter than the original watches due to the cheaper materials used in its production. For instance, authentic gold Rolex watches are heavier than the fake ones. The weight of real gold is greater than the base metal used in the fakes.
#4: IS IT TOO LOUD?
Did you know that you can tell the movement of a watch based on its sound? Most fine quality watches have extremely smooth mechanisms, which means that these are engineered to function at an exceedingly low volume. You should not be able to hear a ticking sound unless the watch is put closer to your ear.
#5: DOES IT HAVE THE RIGHT ENGRAVING?
Some luxury brands use distinct engravings to make their products difficult to copy. Rolex uses laser-etched crowns in their sapphire crystals. While, Omega engraves a symbol in the case-back of its watches. Keep a vigilant eye on these specific markers.
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It is better to be safe than sorry! Equip yourself with these tips or ask a professional for quality assessment.
As a tea enthusiast who enjoys a daily sip of milk tea, you must devise a plan to satisfy your addiction without harming your budget. Here are just some tips that you can apply:
#1: KNOW WHERE TO PURCHASE
Bubble milk tea originated in Taiwan, whereby the “bubble” refers to the fizz it creates after shaking. As a point of comparison, I focused on the basic pearl milk tea. The cheapest Pearl Milk Tea product in Singapore is offered by Woobbee (for S$2.90). It is made of black tea and black pearls. Drop by one of Woobbee’s three outlets namely: Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Shaw Tower, and Chinatown Point. Second to this is Gong Cha. Its Pearl Milk Tea costs about S$3.20.
#2: HUNT FOR THE CHEAPEST DEALS
Singapore is blessed with a variety of websites offering huge coupons, vouchers, or deals. One of these websites is Deals Singapore. Deals Singapore offers discounted deals getaways, watches, food, beauty products, and lifestyle services. For S$5, you can grab two Partea drinks for the price of one. The voucher includes two Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea with fresh milk. You may purchase a couple of these vouchers and review it afterwards. What’s more? You may resell the voucher too.
#3: MAKE YOUR OWN MILK TEA
You can either purchase an instant milk tea mix and add some ice or make your own Hong Kong-style milk tea. Fairprice Online sells the Gold Kili 3 in 1 Instant Milk Tea, which includes 30 packets for S$4.20. You may also purchase the Super 3 in 1 Instant Milk Tea, which includes 25 packets for S$4.95.
On the other hand, Hong Kong-style milk tea involves three ingredients: a cup of water, a can of condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves. Start by combining the tea leaves and water in a pan over medium heat. Bring this to a low boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and put the condensed milk. Return to boil and let it simmer for another 3 minutes. Strain the mixture and serve.
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MODERATION IS THE KEY
I, for one, am addicted to milk tea. However, many experts suggest that you should not start the day with a cup of milk tea.
According to Shilpa Arora, a Macrobiotic Health Coach, “Tea has potent antioxidants catechins and epicatechins, but adding milk cuts down the amount of these antioxidants making this otherwise healthy drink a source of inflammation and acidity. Also, adding sugar makes it even worse.”
Since milk can make the tea acidic, it is recommended to indulge with moderation!
With a wide array of makeup products available on the market, it is hard to know what you actually need. Whether you are new to the cosmetics scene or ready to start a new kit, here are some of the essential products that you need to invest on.
THE ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS
1. Foundation
Foundation covers the imperfections of your skin. When choosing the right foundation, you must match the color with your neck and chest. Then, understand your skin type to decide between a powder or a liquid formula. People with dry skin can greatly benefit from liquid foundation or hydrating powder. People with oily skin can will look best with matte foundation or powder products.
2. Blush
The blush’s primary function is to give you a subtle glow or a healthy-looking skin. A hue that generally flatters every complexion is a rose blush containing hints of brown. Apply the blush correctly by smiling and locating the apples of your cheeks. If you are using a powder foundation, it is recommended to use a powder blush. If you are using a liquid foundation, stick with a cream blush.
3. Eye-shadow
Using an eye-shadow palette in a strategic manner can transform your entire look to suit your outfit. Experiment with the range of colors and types (i.e., matte or shimmer). Nude tones such as taupe and brown are universally flattering. While, muted purple and gray tones such as mauve and plum are classically beautiful.
4. Lips
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One of the most sought-after cosmetic products is the lipstick! Red and nude hues enhances your natural shade of pucker. Personally, I prefer Mac’s Russian Red and Twig shades. Selecting a sheer tone of lip product will minimize the chances of a mismatch as your natural pout will shin through.
THE THRIFTY MIX & MATCH
COMBO #1 (TOTAL: S$84.90)
A. Eyes/Cheeks/Lips/Face – Hydrate, Illuminate, and Glow Kit by Tarte (S$65)
This kit includes a highlighter palette that can double as your eye-shadow, a lip balm for a subtle color, and a setting mist for a 12-hour coverage.
A. Eyes/Cheeks/Lips – Nudies All Over Face by Nudestix (S$45)
A great tip to help you save money is to splurge on a product that can be used for more than one purpose. This versatile product even includes a brush and a mirror. My favorite shades include “In The Nude” and “Naughty N’ Spice”.
Anna Agoncillo
