How to Break Free from Work Obsession

Living in a country with a high cost of living, the increasing pressure to stay on top of our bills makes us cling to our work life. While working long hours is one thing, obsessing over office predicaments and looming projects during our free time is detrimental to our mental health and relationships.

On that note, this article explores effective strategies to help you stop fixating on work and find a healthier work-life balance.

IDENTIFY THE UNDERLYING CAUSE/S

Your work obsession has underlying causes, which are often psychological or emotional. Some common reasons why people develop workaholism include a drive for perfectionism, a need to maintain control, a strong desire to be valued as “high-achieving,” avoidance of other problems, and beliefs that you are only worth as much as you produce.

Pinpoint the underlying causes by trying to journal or seeking support. A qualified therapist can help you unpack and make sense of these sensitive issues.

BREAKING THE CYCLE

Many of us find it challenging to let go of work-related thoughts, even after hours. To break this cycle, start by tracking how much time you spend ruminating about work.

According to psychologist Guy Winch, some individuals dedicate 10 to 20 hours a week to these work thoughts. To interrupt this pattern, engage your mind with activities more stimulating than watching Netflix. A few minutes of mental taxation can serve as a reset.

Channel your concerns into problem-solving – identify the core issue and explore actionable solutions. If workload worries you, consider delegating tasks or declining unnecessary meetings. When faced with situations beyond your control, focus on finding the silver lining to maintain a positive outlook. Improving your spiritual health can help.

REFRAMING YOUR LIFE

Obsessing about work can disrupt your sleep, mood, and overall mental health, impacting your performance at work. Establish a clear boundary between work and personal time by creating a simple ritual that signifies the end of your workday – whether it’s making your coffee or changing clothes.

Engage in hobbies that provide a genuine escape from work-related thoughts. Try tennis or pottery! Set achievable goals, such as dedicating an hour to gardening, especially on stressful workdays. By immersing yourself in activities you love, you can regain a sense of control and balance in your life.

ELIMINATE HARMFUL BELIEFS

Breaking free from an obsession with work can be challenging, particularly when you perceive that your worth is linked with your productivity.

Interrogate these beliefs and reflect on whether they authentically originate from within you or if they were absorbed from cultural or familial influences. Often, the detrimental beliefs we hold onto in adulthood are not inherently ours but are deeply embedded in us during our formative years.

IN A NUTSHELL

Obsessing over work not only affects your mental well-being but also hampers your relationships and overall quality of life. By implementing these strategies, you can break free from the cycle of work obsession, reprioritize your life, and rediscover the joy in your personal pursuits.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember, finding a balance between your professional and personal life is essential for your productivity, happiness, and overall fulfillment.

Source: 1 & 2

 

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How to Steer Away from Scammers this Yuletide Season

I got scammed! I must admit, I recently fell victim to a scam. In my quest to purchase a luxury item for my mother as a Christmas gift to reward her hard work, I opted for a seemingly reputable online seller complete with video reviews and customer proof. Little did I know, everything was just a facade. After stumbling upon a Reddit thread, I discovered that the owner had successfully victimized numerous people this year, and they are collectively exploring legal avenues for recourse.

As we embrace the festive spirit of the Yuletide season, it is crucial to remain vigilant against potential scammers seeking to exploit the joyous atmosphere. With the heightened hustle and bustle during this time of year, individuals like the online shop scammer may become more prevalent.

This article aims to provide you with valuable insights on how to steer clear of scammers and safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

STAY INFORMED

Knowledge is your first line of defense against scammers. Stay informed about common scams circulating during this time. Scammers often adapt their tactics to match current events or holiday trends.

Be wary of phishing emails, fake charity solicitations, and fraudulent online shopping websites. Familiarize yourself with the latest scams to better recognize and avoid potential threats.

SECURE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Online shopping has become increasingly popular, making it a prime target for scammers. Ensure your online accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication when available.

Verify the legitimacy of websites before making purchases, and only provide personal information on encrypted and trusted platforms.

MONITOR YOUR BANK STATEMENTS

Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. You can also review your transactions via your banking app. Regularly review transactions to detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities promptly.

Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately to minimize potential losses and prevent further unauthorized access.

VERIFY CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

The Yuletide season often inspires charitable giving, but scammers may exploit this generosity. Before making any donations, research the legitimacy of the charity or organization

Use reputable platforms to contribute and be cautious of unsolicited donation requests. Legitimate charities will provide transparency about their mission and purpose, use of funds, and contact information.

IN A NUTSHELL

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Learn from my mistake. As you embrace the joy of the Yuletide season, prioritize your safety and security. Safeguarding yourself from scams ensures that the season remains a time of celebration, generosity, and peace.

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3 highly-rated live bands in Singapore for your wedding because live music is life

duo live band

So everything’s more or less set for the wedding?

Wait, what about the music? Live music is an essential part of any wedding celebration if you believe that music is life.

Here are three of Singapore’s finest live bands that will help ensure your big day is full of joy and the right notes.

Merry Bees

 

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Website: merry-bees.business.site 

Facebook reviews: 5 stars (180+ reviews)

Merry Bees have been perfecting their art for over 8 years, earning hundreds of 5-star reviews and thousands of happy customers along the way.

Their multilingual singers are expert entertainers who bring joy and merriment to every event with their lively performances. One customer even remarked that Merry Bees is “the best in the market for a very very reasonable price”.

Merry Bees can craft a setlist to suit your tastes and get your guests singing and dancing along in no time. Their energetic performances are guaranteed to make any wedding occasion truly one to remember.

A Little Dream Live Music

Website: alittledream.com.sg

Facebook reviews: 5 stars (80+ reviews)

For over 20 years, A Little Dream has been a pioneer in bringing live music to life at weddings and corporate events in Singapore.

With a repertoire spanning classical, contemporary pop, rock, jazz, and more, their talented musicians and singers led by founder Bevlyn Khoo never fail to delight audiences. Bevlyn, a trilingual singer-songwriter with four albums under her belt, continues to charm crowds with her soulful voice and passion for music.

The band’s dedication to their craft and flair for transforming any event into an unforgettable celebration have earned them a loyal following as well as clients that include international brands.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale soiree, A Little Dream Live Music will make it a day/night to remember with their one-of-a-kind performances that are sure to have guests on their feet. Book them today and experience the magic of live music brought to you by the professionals at A Little Dream.

Musical Touch

Website: musicaltouch.sg 

Facebook reviews: 4.9 stars (420+ reviews)

Liven up your special day with a performance by Musical Touch.

For over a decade, their experienced wedding singers and emcees have been serenading brides, grooms, and guests on their big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a duet, full band, or orchestra to set the mood during your first dance, Musical Touch has a variety of options to suit your style.

Their professionally trained sound crews and musicians will ensure the music is flawless from start to finish while their emcees guide you through the program with grace and humor. Guests can even request their favorite songs and dedicate them to you, the happy couple.

As a guarantee of their quality, Musical Touch offers a full refund if their live band performance fails to meet your expectations on your wedding day. Book Musical Touch to make your wedding reception truly memorable with music that has your love story written all over it.

Booking a live band for your wedding in Singapore isn’t just about great tunes, it’s about creating buzzing energy with those musical notes. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate love than with live music that touches the soul. So, as you embark on this exciting journey of planning your nuptials, remember that the right live band can make your celebration truly come alive. Because live music, after all, is life! 🎶

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Latest WFH internships posted from 20 to 23 November 2023

man on a video call while working from home

Believe it or not, today’s the last Friday of November 2023!

And that means we’re just days away from the last month of this year.

If you haven’t got an internship opportunity signed, it’s time to get those resumes sent. And to ease your search, here are the latest WFH internships posted this week.

#1: Tribe – Finance & Accounting Intern

Connecting Tech Talents to Global Opportunities

Website: tribex.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • You are available for at least 4 months full-time starting from December 2023. 6 months commitment preferred.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Accountancy or related disciplines
  • Equipped with an understanding of the basic accounting principles
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and G Suite products
  • Effective communication skills to build interpersonal relationships
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to work without distraction
  • Attention to high quality, details, and accuracy.
  • Strong interpersonal, and team working skills.
  • Willingness to learn and develop professionally in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain daily operations of the accounting functions including accounts payable (AP), and accounts receivable (AR), and perform bank reconciliation
  • Prepare and process the bi-weekly vendor payment
  • Assist in the implementation and migration of the accounting system
  • Prepare supporting documents for any audit submission
  • Perform general administration tasks and other ad-hoc projects as assigned
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected]. 

#2: Aunty Pte Ltd – Marketing Intern

Connect with a local and trusted Babysitter in just 3 easy steps

Website: aunty.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Ability to come up with creative ideas to attract target audiences through different aspects of marketing
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in graphic design and video production will be advantageous
  • Self-motivated, dedicated, hands-on, and willing to go the extra mile
  • Superb communication and influencing skills to work with different users and stakeholders
  • Proactive, innovative, flexible, and willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities
  • Able to work independently
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive market growth through the acquisition and management of partnership leads
  • Grow user base on various social media platforms and increase awareness of Aunty
  • Frequent collaboration and involvement in campaigns
  • Understand consumer insights quickly to drive acquisition and growth metrics
  • Manage strategy, development, budget, and optimization of paid social and digital campaigns.
  • Collaborate across teams to amplify content and develop ideas, copy, content, and strategy for brands and programs on social media.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected]. 

#3: Style State (Australian Fashion Brand Launching In Asia) – Digital And Content Marketing Intern

 

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Website: stylestate.com.au

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated expertise in Social Media, Communications, or Brand Marketing roles will be a plus 
  • Strong multi-tasking and project management skills 
  • Desire to understand and apply social media best practices and trends
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Able to adapt and adjust on the fly, as fashion is affected by weekly changes in trends, weather, or current events
  • Adept in Google Suite (Words, Slides, Sheets) and Adobe CC Suite
Key Responsibilities
  • Brainstorm, manage, and develop content schedules, briefs, and assets for social channels 
  • Write compelling and creative copy and storyline to generate traffic and calls to action 
  • Run paid marketing campaigns across different segments to test which audiences are most engaged
  • Influencer outreach to identify potential brand ambassadors who can represent Style State in Asia
  • Ad-hoc content creation for social media channels – amplify content and build your brand by using your own channel!
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Tim via this link.

#4: Studio Realize Pte Ltd – Graphic Designer Intern

Studio Realizé is a branding and illustration agency based in Singapore

Website: studio-realize.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,400 – 1,700 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Graphic Design or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • Strong understanding of design principles and concepts.
  • Excellent creativity and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Motion design and Illustration skills are a plus
Key Responsibilities
  • Create visually appealing designs for print and digital materials, including brand identity, brochures, websites, social media, and more for a variety of clients (cultural Institutions, tech startups, cosmetic brands, and more.)
  • Collaborate with the team to brainstorm creative ideas and solutions for client projects.
  • Contribute to the development and promotion of the studio by creating creative marketing assets for the website and social media platforms. Design engaging visuals that represent Studio Realize’s identity.
  • Assist with client meetings and presentations to ensure design concepts align with client expectations.
  • Develop illustrations and/or graphic art for the online store. Create unique and eye-catching visuals that resonate with the target audience.
  • Contribute to maintaining a high standard of quality and design consistency across all projects.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Alizee Sire via this link.

#5: Privilege Motors Pte Ltd – Social Media Marketing Executive (Internship)

 

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Website: privilegemotors.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $900 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Cheerful with innovative ideas
  • Familiarity with basic web design principles and content management. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist to manage and curate social media content across various platforms. 
  • Keep abreast of the latest social media trends, technologies, and best practices. 
  • Work closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Product Development teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging. 
  • Assist in team development and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Sammy via this link.

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

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Smart Money Hacks for 2024

As we step into the final weeks of 2023, it’s time to break free from old financial habits and embrace money-saving strategies that can boost your income and savings.

ALWAYS HAVE A SHOPPING LIST

Heading into a grocery store without a plan can be a recipe for overspending. We’ve all been there, wandering aimlessly and ending up with a cart full of things we didn’t really need. Avoid this by always carrying a shopping list with you. Having a clear plan in place will help you stick to your budget and make wiser purchasing decisions.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

If impulse shopping has been an issue for you in the past, it’s essential to protect your savings from unnecessary spending. Keep your savings in a separate account, entirely distinct from your day-to-day spending. By creating this barrier, you make it more difficult to dip into your savings impulsively, promoting a healthier financial discipline.

MONITOR YOUR EXPENSES

Stay in control of your finances by cultivating a habit of tracking your expenses. Whenever you receive a paycheck, record it in your budget’s income category. Likewise, make sure to log every expenditure, whether it’s filling up your gas tank or treating yourself to a delightful charcuterie night. By keeping a close eye on your spending, you’ll be able to identify areas where you can save and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

DELETE SHOPPING APPS

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Singaporeans give in to impulse purchases? With 54% of consumers admitting that shopping on mobile devices has led to increased spending, it’s time to take control. Cut down on impulsive buying by removing those shopping apps from your phone. Instead, opt for online shopping from your laptop or desktop where you can be more intentional with your purchases.

PRACTICE MINDFUL BUYING

Before you hit that “buy” button, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “Is this the right time to make this purchase?” Give yourself some space between the desire to buy and actually making the purchase. Set a specific timeframe for consideration; for instance, commit to not checking out for 24 hours or even a few days after adding items to your cart. This simple money hack can be truly game-changing.

REGULAR BUDGET CHECK-INS

Whether you have ambitious financial goals as a family or just want to stay on top of your finances, communication is key. Schedule regular budget check-ins, either on a weekly or monthly basis, and involve everyone responsible for the family’s finances. By doing so, you can make informed decisions, track your progress, and work together towards achieving your financial objectives. Effective communication about family finances is vital, regardless of your specific goals.

CREATE A MINI-BUDGET FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

No matter how well you manage your finances, there will inevitably be times when unexpected expenses arise. Rather than panicking and derailing your entire budget, it’s best to have a plan in place to handle these situations.

Consider creating a microbudget specifically for handling short-term unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your savings to serve as an emergency fund. This way, when unexpected costs arise, you can dip into this fund without disrupting your regular budget or long-term financial goals.

AVOID FREQUENT PHONE UPGRADES

Resist the temptation to constantly upgrade your mobile phone just to keep up with others. Telecommunication companies may entice you with appealing upgrade offers, but remember that you’ll end up paying for that phone through your monthly contract. Instead, focus on choosing a phone that meets your needs and holds its value over time, allowing you to save money in the long run.

REMOVE STORED CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Increase your mindfulness and avoid impulsive online shopping by refraining from storing your credit card details on websites. When you have to enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, it provides an essential pause to consider if the expense is necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, by not saving your details, you reduce the risk of potential hacking and unauthorized access to your accounts. Keep your online shopping experiences deliberate and secure.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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