Money Is Not The Motivation For Men In “Pink-Collared” Jobs

Men who work in “pink-collared” jobs are motivated by factors that are beyond money and progression.

Teaching, nursing, social working, waitressing, and counseling are among the occupations that economists call as pink-collared jobs. These jobs are generally female-dominated over the years. In fact, in United States alone, 9 out of 10 registered nurses are women. Alongside this are other professions concentrated with women…

Image Credits: Visual data of the U.S. Department of Labor was created by IdeasFisherman

Image Credits: Data from U.S. Department of Labor, Visuals Created by IdeasFisherman

While more and more men are wearing the pink-collar, they still face the stigma associated with the so-called “feminine work”. However, the people who choose to challenge the stereotypical norms about work and success considered other factors aside from promotion and salary.

A recent study from the United Kingdom interviewed men who worked as primary school teachers and as university administrators. They were asked to discuss their career history, their institutions’ support, and their experience of success. Interestingly, their definitions of success include building friendly relationships with their colleagues and having flexible working hours. Their definition of career development was influenced with the challenges faced by their students.

For Singaporean men, passion may also be a factor to overrule the occupational assumptions. You can either be doing something you are passionate about or do something that will logically lead to the work you love. Only then will you be able to give your 100% without feeling like work is forced upon you.

Passion will certainly give you a sense of fulfillment. Research even showed that people who make regular progress toward something they care about reported not only being fulfilled but also satisfied.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

According to economists, it is important to work towards integration of gender distribution to make the economy more efficient. This way, organizations can find the best suited candidate regardless of gender and its stereotypes.

Sources: 1, 2,3

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How To Finally Get A Raise This 2016!

Since the new year is about starting afresh and realizing one’s potentials, evaluating your salary is one of the top priorities. If you are seeking for a higher salary, do not open a discussion with your boss unless you are fully prepared.

Consider these 6 things to help you prepare:

1. SHOW THAT YOU DESERVE IT

Say that an important project is due in a couple of days. Send your boss an email of your progress to avoid constant request for project updates. The simple act of anticipating what is needed before it is asked can show that you are capable of working independently. You not only sent a positive reflection of your working etiquette but also made your boss’ life job easier.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Negotiating your salary is a game with all of its players attempting to dominate each other. Dominate the game by researching all the needed information. Go in-depth about the complete aspects of the job and the company. Also, collect data about the average pay and accurate salary opportunities in your position.

3. DEVELOP A BACK-UP PLAN

If the company’s current situation cannot afford to give you the raise you deserve, consider suggesting alternative options such as commission-based pay (if appropriate) or performance-based bonus.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION

During the discussion, greet your boss in a friendly and light manner by smiling and shaking hands. Say your gratitude as he or she spared some time to arrange a meeting for you. Your boss’ mood can change depending on how you approached the room.

5. ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU ACTUALLY WANT

Your first offer must be slightly higher than what you want to avoid remorse and to give you a room to bargain. It uses the door-in-the-face technique wherein the employee starts with a huge and unreasonable request in order for the employer to settle with a smaller request.

6. COMPETE

Negotiating a salary is a conversation that aims to reach an agreement with someone whose interests are not perfectly aligned with yours. Use persuasion and assertion if necessary as scientific research showed that competition is a successful negotiation strategy!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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7 Famous People Who Still Earn Millions Beyond The Grave

They may no longer be breathing in this world but they probably earn more in one year than most of us will in our entire lives!

These numbers, accumulated by Forbes, show the top earning dead celebrities in 2015…

7. JOHN LENNON

Yoko Ono’s soulmate that is better known as the singer-songwriter of the Beatles – John Lennon takes the 7th spot.

With a whopping total of US$12 million (S$16.9 million) in 2015, this iconic musician continues to share the revenue of his recorded and published music. Other ventures such as the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show are also earning him money even after death.

6. MARILYN MONROE

One of the famous entertainers of the 50s is the dashing Marilyn Monroe. Although she died more than 50 years ago, her legend continues as the Authentic Brand Group bought the rights to her brand. Her branding consists of a lingerie line, clothing label, perfume, and spa treatments. In 2015, these earned her US$17 million (S$23.9 million).

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

This proves that her beauty still captivates the hearts of many!

5. ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Aside from her movies, this legendary leading lady has been reigning supreme in the celebrity fragrance business. One of her top fragrance called “White Diamonds” is still continuing to sell even after 24 years.

All in all, Elizabeth Taylor earned about US$20 million (S$28.1 million) this year!

4. BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley, a reggae superstar, may not be an outright entrepreneur when he was alive but he became one in his death. This is due to three reasons namely: his Marley Beverage Company, his House Of Marley, and his music royalties.

He really does not need to worry about money as he is still earning US$21 million (S$29.6 million) after his death!

3. CHARLES SCHULZ

It is rare to see people who cannot recognize who Snoopy and Charlie Brown is! With the release of the “Peanuts Movie”, their creator named Charles Schulz who died in 2000 earned about US$40 million (S$56.42 million) this year. He is said to be earning a cut from the licensing revenue of the popular comics too.

2. ELVIS PRESLEY

The King of Rock and Roll’s magic lives on until the present day as his brand and name is still earning an impressive amount of US$55 million (S$77.5 million). This is largely due to the sales of his albums, memorabilia, and Graceland ticket sales.

Elvis, we can’t help falling in love with you!

1. MICHAEL JACKSON

Smooth as his pipes were, Michael Jackson has been bringing home the bucks gracefully since young. Consistently, he has been earning triple-digit millions every year after his death in 2009. Thought that was thrilling? How about if I told you that he earned US$115 million (S$162.1 million) this year alone?

Well, his undying talent still drives the force of his Cirque du Soleil show, his Mijac Music catalogue, and his music royalties including the half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire.

See his everlasting career here:

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Highest Paying Jobs That Extroverts Can Excel On

Generally, extroverts have an advantage in the professional scene due to their approachable and outgoing nature. They flow through life in search of interpersonal interactions, leadership opportunities, and new experiences.

That said, here are some of the highest paying jobs that extroverts can excel on:

4. FINANCIAL ADVISOR/FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Average of S$48,834 per year

Financial Advisors or Financial Consultants (FA) are professionals who guide their clients to manage their money, investment options, and asset relocation. But, they do more than that!

They socialize with the clients directly to learn more about their personal goals and financial situations. Furthermore, they face rejection on a regular basis. A circumstance that introverts feel uncomfortable with.

It is an excellent job for extroverts as FAs are constantly exposed to long-term establishment of good relationships between various clients. Yes! The relationship does not diminish after the “sale” is done.

3. PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Average of S$59,700 per year

As the name suggests, working in public relations enables you to manage and represent the client’s public image by maintaining quality relationships with others. Especially with the popularity of social media, everyone has the power to share their views on any subject. This is something that the Public Relations Manager should take care of.

Public Relations Managers must have strong interpersonal skills to nurture a network of relevant media contacts and develop a desirable corporate image. They are responsible for directing publicity programs and for clarifying the company’s stand in important issues.

If public speaking, strategizing, and socializing is your thing then, a career in public relations is perfect for you!

2. MARKETING MANAGER

Average of S$69,121 per year

Marketing Managers are responsible for supervising advertising, marketing, and promotional staff as well as supervising the organization’s activities. Confidence is necessary as they prepare marketing strategies alongside people with higher positions such as company executives.

Creativity, communication skills, leadership skills, and desire for new challenges are needed as a Marketing Manager. Interestingly, extroverts usually have these amazing qualities!

1. LAWYER/ATTORNEY

Average of S$77,698 per year

Lawyers or attorneys represent different individuals, organizations, and government agencies in range of legal matters. Contrary to popular belief, most of their time are spent away from the court. Instead, they communicate directly with the clients and other key people to investigate matters, collect evidence, and draft legal documents.

When in trial, he or she must present the facts and argue legal matters in court while in front of a sea of people. Lawyers must use their wit and communication skills to make the arguments convincing and compelling. That is why this career appeals more to extroverts!

So, how does one become a Singaporean lawyer and earn about S$6,474.83 a month?

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

You must complete a 4-year Bachelor of Law program and succeed in the Bar Examination that includes a 5-month practical Law course. Persevere as most people only move up from their position after 20 years in this field!

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ,& 6

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6 Essential Life Lessons I Got From My First Job

A couple of weeks after I graduated, I immediately landed my first full-time job. I was overwhelmed with how fast everything went! I know that there were going to be challenges ahead from workplace drama to workplace etiquette yet deep inside me, I felt excited and ready to transition to the working life.

In the beginning, my goal was to make enough money to save up for my graduate studies and to help my parents in the household expenses. I did so.

Aside from following my long-term goals, here were the essential lessons I realized from my first job experience after graduating from university…

1. LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

As I transitioned to the working scene, everyday was a constant process of development and learning. Learn as much as you can from the experienced people around you who had been working for years. They are the ones whom you can turn to if you have concerns or worries.

I was very lucky to have an open relationship with my colleagues. They taught me how to properly address complaints and how to not take everything personally. This open relationship eventually blossomed to treasured friendships.

2. SHOW INITIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASM

Initiative and enthusiasm are charming qualities good employees possess. Showing your bosses that your are eager to learn, are dedicated to do every task, and are taking control of your responsibilities would make them feel that you are an asset to the company. I made it a point to exude enthusiasm, give my best, and work as quickly as possible.

Even as I left my first job, my superiors considered me as an invaluable part of the team. It made me realize that my efforts were all worth it.

3. MONEY IS VALUABLE

When I was younger, I worked part-time to buy clothes, movie tickets, and more materialistic things. I never saw the true value of money until I had my first full-time job. It is very hard to spend the money you worked hard for! This is because you know the exact amount of time and how much sweat you pour just to earn your month’s salary.

Being independent with my finances made me realize how important it is to practice budgeting and tracking your expenses.

4. REWARD YOURSELF

As much as you work hard, you must also play hard. Reward yourself with a responsible amount of 5-8% of your monthly salary. Find interests outside of work such as dancing, swimming, or cooking to cushion your daily stress.

Also, rewarding yourself with a hobby is a good way to keep you motivated. Personally, I found blogging as a passionate pastime. Shockingly, it become my career in the present.

5. PRACTICE HANDLING CONFLICTS

Facing conflicts such as customer complaints are probably one of the nerve wrecking things I encountered as a newbie in the working scene. At first I prefer to hide in my senior employee’s shadow but then a friend told me that it was better to practice conflicts while young. Not only because people are able to forgive you easier, but also because you are able to build conflict resolution skills that you will benefit from in the long run.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Be firm and polite when dealing with conflicts.

6. BE BRAVE TO SUGGEST CHANGE

My previous boss encouraged us to propose changes and to outwardly speak our opinions in order to improve the business and the workplace relationships. Although some of your colleagues have more experience than you, keep in mind that your opinion is equally valuable.

Be brave enough to propose change if you think it serves others well.

Nothing good will ever happen unless you try! 🙂

Source: Miss Psychobabble

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