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6 Simple & Legit Ways To Earn Money In Singapore

As we abide to the social distancing protocols and the restrictions brought by the pandemic, many of us began relying on delivery services to get household essentials such as food and grocery. Due to the high demand for delivery services, it has become a lucrative sideline for many locals. If you are not able to drive a vehicle and are looking for ways to make money, you may try these legitimate alternatives.

#1: SELL USED ITEMS ONLINE

You can earn money by selling your used or unused clothes and other items online. Firstly, you may swap your belongings with your friends and loved ones. Secondly, you may offer your repairing services to others. Lastly, you may sell your clothes and other items online. You can sell virtually anything these days. From footwear to figurines as well as bags to plants, you can easily spot an item or two that someone else might want. Try selling these to numerous platforms such as Carousell, Shopee, Lazada, and Etsy.

#2: REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE

Consider making money by saving it. A major category that consumes most of your budget is food. Reduce your food expenses by cutting down your restaurant trips and by budgeting your groceries. An environmentally-conscious group called SG Food Rescue started a movement that aims to reduce food waste. This group rescues “unsellable” and edible food from vegetable and fruit sellers and brings them to charitable organizations. Being a part of the group means being able to consume fruits and vegetables that would otherwise get thrown away because they do not look aesthetically pleasing. It can save you about S$200 per month on groceries.

#3: OFFER TUTORIAL SERVICES

As a tutor, your rate will vary depending on your qualifications. If you have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree at a local university, you will likely enjoy higher rates for subjects such as Maths and English. Students may get the benefit of flexibility when hiring a freelance tutor. You can teach a student at their own pace. Tutoring from home means you can conduct your sessions via Google Meet or Zoom.

#4: TRANSLATE A MESSAGE

It is time to put your mother tongue lessons to good use! Consider translating a document or two for people online. This job can earn you about S$5 to S$100 per assignment. The quicker you clear out the assignments, the more you can earn. Find assignments from freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Gengo, and Upwork. You may be asked to set up a PayPal account to receive your pay.

#5: BECOME AN INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER

Do you enjoy taking selfies and going live on Instagram? If you have a strong following, you can become an influencer. Share your interests with your content and build an audience as you become a paid influencer. You can earn money through ads and through linking back to an online store. You can earn about S$5 to S$150 per post through Partipost. Individual retailers may approach you for promotional posts too. This can range from S$50 to S$100.

#6: CONSIDER DROPSHIPPING

One of the simplest ways to venture into the e-commerce world without investing too much upfront is through dropshipping. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store does not keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, it transfers the customer’s orders to the manufacturer or wholesaler who then ships the goods directly to the customer. The only downside is the upfront starting fees. However, you can earn more than S$3000 per month with the right strategy.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Making money online does not have to be an unreachable dream. It is feasible to generate income online with the right tools and strategies. Use the above tips as inspiration. Then, feel free to choose which route to take.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Increase Motivation At Work

With the multitude of global issues that we are facing right now, it is normal to experience burnout. Motivation is the drive that conquers burnout. Self-motivation is having the initiative to do a task without being supervised or being told to do it.

Think of two things you like doing and two things you do not like doing. From this simple exercise, you will realize which activities motivate you. Motivation drives our behaviors and there are two primary types of it. These are external and internal motivation.

With external motivation, you are doing something because the activity will bring some reward or benefit at the end of it.

For instance, you may visualize the act of job hunting. It is not something you do to pastime. People job hunt because they want an outcome – a job. The motivation for actually working is also usually external. We are motivated to go to work because we are paid to do so.

In contrast, internal motivation entails doing something purely because you love doing it. The more internally motivated an action is, the more enjoyable it usually is. So from the point of view of happiness, it makes sense to have more internally motivated activities in your life. People who are internally motivated show more interest and excitement over what they do. You are usually better at internally motivated actions too. You show more persistence and creativity. You are likely to have increased happiness and self-esteem by pursuing what internally motivates you.

Think about some of the things you do on a regular basis. Are you mostly externally motivated, acting in for the rewards? Or are you mostly internally motivated? It is important to know which type of motivation is strongest for you. If you follow this, your performance will likely improve and you will generally be happier.

DEVELOPING INTERNAL MOTIVATION

With the bulk of tasks we have to finish in a day, do not expect everything to be internally motivated. Internal motivation is developed and maintained when we are autonomous, competent, and supported.

We feel autonomous when we can make our own choices and decisions.
We feel competent when we know that we can do things.
We feel supported when we are connected to others.

BECOMING MORE COMPETENT

1. Practice what you need to do or perform beforehand.

2. Look for positive feedback, but value constructive criticisms. Your motivation will become stronger if you can find some way of getting positive feedback on your progress.

3. Break down your tasks and goals. If a task is very complex and challenging, breaking it down can help you stay motivated. It makes things more sustainable and attainable.

4. Make sure the difficulty level matches your ability. You want your goals and activities to be reasonable. It should not be too easy, because you will get bored. It should not be too difficult, because you will get frustrated.

KNOWING THE PITFALL OF EXCUSES

Unsuccessful people often have good reasons for not hitting their goals. Successful people use those same reasons as their motivation. Practice transforming your excuses into motivations. Here are some examples:

1. I can not give up. I have to do this for my children.

2. I have to study harder, so that I can properly teach my students.

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What are you hustling for? Motivation is strongest when it comes from within. Let me close by highlighting what Don Wilder once said: “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.” Build a house that you deserve.

10 Powerful Micro Habits That Can Change Your Life

Habits are powerful. From cycling every morning to praying every night, habits are frequent patterns of behaviors that reflect who we are. It is the selective repetition of activities that shapes our lives. Inevitably, our habits become significant parts of our lifestyles.

We often fail at building habits by setting unrealistic and unsustainable goals. Starting small makes habit building more manageable. Benjamin Hardy compares this concept (micro habits) to compounding interest. When given choice, people would opt to take a million dollars in the bank as opposed to a cent that doubles in value over the course of the month. What most people do not realize is that they will get more payout by taking the second option.

He said: “The doubling penny actually ends up being $10.7 million dollars. Yet, the majority of the growth happens at the very end, and most people aren’t patient enough for the big return. The live for the moment culture of today stops people from investing.”

Micro habits can change your life. It is up to you to strategize which habits you are willing to integrate in your routine. Here are some of the examples.

#1: WRITE A PARAGRAPH

Whether you are building a robust business plan or a non-fiction book, start by writing a few sentences each day. Make it a goal to write a paragraph by the end of the week. The momentum will build on its own and you will find yourself effortlessly writing more and more as the days go by. In fact, I have written my second book in less than two months. Beginnings are always the hardest.

#2: LISTEN TO UPLIFTING PODCASTS OR SONGS

Open your Spotify or music app and listen to podcasts and songs that inspire you. Children typically benefit from having background music while they learn. You may consider listening to a financial podcast as you travel to work. Great music can put you in an energized working state.

#3: RESPOND TO TEXTS AND EMAILS

As much as possible, respond to important emails and texts as they come in. This way, you will not be left with a backlog of tasks to attend to.

#4: BE LESS REACTIVE

Train your mind to be calmer. When you see or hear something that immediately frustrates or upsets you, avoid reacting first. Analyze your thoughts and take a deep breath. Learning to take small pauses will help you figure out where your emotions come from and what your next action should be.

#5: PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT DAY

Always come to work or school prepared. Prepare for the next day by allotting a few minutes of your night routine to preparation. Make a simple list of the things you need to bring or tasks that you need to accomplish tomorrow. Then, plan your attire. This can take you about 5 to 10 minutes.

#6: TAKE A POWER NAP

A power nap that can span for 15 minutes is all you need to get back to your optimum performance. It is a skill that you can master for a period of time. You will find yourself accomplishing more by napping once or twice a day.

#7: PRACTICE SAYING “NO”

Our energy levels are limited per day. More often than not, you will come across some of the most demanding people. Ensure that you spend your energy to the things and people that you truly care about. Do not feel bad for saying “no”. Ultimately, it is a means of self-preservation.

#8: DRINK MORE WATER

It is recommended to drink about 8 cups of water a day. Just focus on drinking one more glass a day. Then, it will become a part of your routine.

#9: EAT ONE LESS UNHEALTHY SNACK A DAY

It is easier to skip one unhealthy snack a day than to overhaul one’s entire diet. Focus on one unhealthy item that you can live without that day. Just one!

#10: CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

This year has been all about counting our blessings. Big wins do not come by often. Boost your morale by celebrating small wins. There is a reason why people rush to go to the game’s “boss level”. We constantly want to be rewarded. So, every time a small positive event happens in your life, consider it a “win”. You may treat yourself to a hearty lunch or write it down in your “success journal”.

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Celebrate small wins. You deserve it!

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Settle In A New Job With Ease

Getting ready for your first day at work can mimic your experience on your first day in a new school. As butterflies roam your stomach, your first day in a new school is both terrifying and exciting. You walk in the grounds of an unfamiliar hallway with a schedule in hand. You try your best not to trip or to embarrass yourself in front of other kids. Years later, those similar emotions can be felt as you show up to a new workplace.

You do not know what expect! The first couple of months can be confusing, exciting, and terrifying. These months can make or break your time at a particular company. Start adjusting to a new job by preparing for your first day.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST DAY

Use the weeks leading up to your first day wisely by preparing yourself mentally and physically. Accomplish as many errands as possible such as medical checkups, car maintenance, and visits to relatives. Get adequate amount of sleep and renew your fitness regimen. If time permits, you may freshen up your mind by taking a short staycation.

Prepare for the position by researching about the company and its business press. You can search through its social media accounts to get a grasp of their branding. You can also request for a list of readings from your future boss. He or she will be impressed that you want to start work well-informed and educated.

MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Your first impression counts. Show up on your first day well-dressed and with enthusiasm to work. Come early and put your mobile phone away to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Take notes on the tasks and the people around. What are their names? It is important to write them down. You can learn a lot from these people.

ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS

It is easier to assume that we know what to do. Sometimes, we are just too afraid to admit that we cannot do something. However, asking for assistance is the best way to resolve an issue. You are in a new environment. Admitting your lack of knowledge in certain realms may show your eagerness to learn. Take notes.

DO NOT COMPARE THINGS TO YOUR PREVIOUS JOB

No matter how skilled you were in your previous company, it is unpleasant to brag about it in your current working environment. Instead, let your actions speak for itself. Take this opportunity to learn new things, to contribute new ideas, and to share your experience with your co-workers. Find the right platform to air your concerns.

LISTEN TO CULTURAL CLUES

To help you get a grasp of the company’s culture, listen and observe at all times. Building rapport with your new co-workers is important because it lets you assimilate to their culture faster. Be wary. Do not let your desire to fit in encourage you to engage in gossip. You do not want to employ socially destructive behaviors. Listen to cultural clues, but avoid gossips.

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You are the new employee. Smile and make the effort to reach out to them by offering coffee or lunch. This way, you will be able to break the ice.

Sources: 1 & 2

Retrenched? Here’s How You Can Get Back Into The Fray

Singapore is in its worst recession since her independence and retrenchment figures are climbing up. For those who are retrenched, initial negativity and shock inevitably surface. Here is how you can manage the emotional impact to ensure that you can stay in the game, and hopefully land a job that is just around the corner.

Keep Your Spirits Up

A gamut of emotions often accompanies a retrenchment; ranging from shock and denial to the final stage of acceptance and relief. It’s an emotional roller coaster but do bear in mind that rejections SHOULD NOT define or confine your capabilities. On the other hand, dealing positively with your emotions lay the foundation for personal growth. Take this as an opportunity to re-assess your career choices and consider the options available. For instance, having a positive attitude and an openness to new opportunities will boost your chances of finding employment once again.

Manage Your Finances Prudently

If you are retrenched, you might receive a severance package. A common mistake that most who are laid off make would be to splurge on something to make themselves feel better temporarily. Instead, the prudent thing to do is to budget and plan ahead. Make an estimate on how long this retrenchment package may last while you continue to look for a job. This is especially critical if you have familial responsibilities as the financial obligations will not disappear. A helpful budgeting tip is to track your daily expenses and cut down on unnecessary expenses such as luxury items or expensive restaurant meals. It may also pay off in the long run to use part of the severance package to invest and upskill yourself. This can only benefit your aim to get back into the fray.

See A Career Coach

The job search journey may be daunting, especially when you have not been actively looking for a job for some time. Career preparation will be useful in gearing you up to re-enter the workforce and seeing a career coach is definitely one of the key actions to take. With personality and strength finder tools, you will discover more about your strengths and weaknesses as you embark on a journey of self-discovery. Career coaches have a wealth of experience in providing customised career guidance such as:

Assessing your personality, qualifications and experience to steer you in your career path towards the industry of your choice
Assisting to review your resume, boosting its chances of standing out (Personal strengths are listed categorically and aligned to career objective)

Do leverage the career coaches at Careers Connect, where personalised support is available through the CARE360 series of programmes, as well as Career Matching Services organised by Workforce Singapore (‘WSG’).

Consider Company Attachments

While you continue to search for employment, do consider attachments provided by host companies that help you acquire emerging skills or expand your opportunities in new sectors. Such attachments offer a way to prove your value to the company and maximise your chances of being offered a full-time job.

SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme provides mid-career individuals with traineeships and training opportunities at companies and public sector agencies. Alternatively, the Professional Conversion Programme is also available for mid-career PMETs to undergo skills conversion and move into new occupations or sectors that have good prospects for progression.

Remember, managing the emotional impact is half the battle won. Thereafter, approach Workforce Singapore (WSG) to tap on its Career Matching Services that will take you one step closer to securing re-employment again. Get back into the fray once again!

If you’re currently unemployed or have been retrenched, and are seeking career guidance, register your interest to see a career coach with WSG here. Complimentary for all Singaporeans and Singapore PRs.

Keep Your Spirits Up

Manage Your Finances Prudently

See A Career Coach

Consider Company Attachments

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