life hacks Archives | Page 13 of 28

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)

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

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Enhance Your Eyesight

With each word that we type on our computers, each group message that we read on our mobile phones, and each movie that we watch on our televisions – we rely on our eyes more than ever.

The continuous strain we put on our eyes can cause fatigue and other eye problems. Not to mention, Myopia or short-sightedness has been one of the public’s health concerns. The prevalence of Myopia in Singapore among all ages, was considered as one of the highest in the world.

That said, here are five ways to sharpen your vision and to see a “brighter” future ahead…

1. SEEK THE OUTDOORS

Scientists believe that high levels of light triggers the retina to release a chemical called “Dopamine” that stops the eyeball from lengthening. This belief was supported by studies in the United States and Australia, which showed that children who spent at least 21 hours a week outdoors have decreased their risk of suffering from short-sightedness.

So, it is best to encourage your kids to embrace the outdoorsy lifestyle. Make it a fun and rewarding experience by having family outings or playing outdoor sports.

2. EAT HEALTHY FOOD

Healthy food that are rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help protect your eyes from age-related vision problems.

Eat your way to a better vision by indulging on leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach or kale), fishes (e.g., salmon or tuna), non-meat protein sources (e.g., nuts or beans), and citrus fruits (e.g., orange or pomelo) regularly.

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

3. QUIT CIGARETTE SMOKING

Smoking affects your health in more ways than one. Aside from increasing our risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer, smoking can lead to vision loss. Smoking increases the risk of Dry Eye Syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

If you want to keep your vision in tact, quit smoking cigarettes as early as you can. Do not lose hope if you have tried and failed in the past because more you try, the more likely you are going to succeed. Determination and perseverance are everything!

4. GIVE YOUR EYES A BREAK

Give your eyes the break it clearly deserves by looking away from the computer every once in a while. Rest your eyes about 10 minutes for every 50 minutes you spent in front of the computer screen.

If your eyes feel really tired after work, Dr. Mao Shing Ni (the bestselling author of Secrets of Longevity) suggests putting cooled cucumber slices over your eyelids while lying down.

5. EXERCISE YOUR EYES

Aside from giving your eyes a break, you must exercise it to remove the tension and to improve your vision naturally.

Simply follow these steps…

a. Rub your palms together to create heat then, place it against your eyes for 5 seconds to warm it up.

b. Roll your eyes in different directions by slowly circling them 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.

c. Use your thumb knuckles to massage your temples in small circles 20 times in one direction and another 20 times in the opposite direction. Repeat the same motion above the midpoint of the eyebrows and at the forehead.

Or, move along with this “Animated Eye Exercises” video:

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

Extremely Affordable Tips To Improve Your Study Space

Let these budget-friendly tips enhance your learning area as you “hit the books”…

1. CREATE YOUR STUDY HAVEN

Choosing the right place to study is important because it heavily influences your learning process. Use your study space solely for studying, making projects, and doing home works so that your brain can associate the space to automatic “work mode”.

After which, pick a light-colored table that has enough space for all your school supplies. Situate this table at a silent place to keep your brain focused. Go for a fundamental and a classic desk such as the “Peppler Study Table Beech” by FortyTwo. This table is on sale now and retails for only S$39 (Save S$60)!

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

Electrical appliances and electronic devices help you procrastinate. Ironically, most of these appliances and devices were made to save time but, end up wasting valuable study time instead. Thus, keep your head on the books by turning off your devices or using Website blocking applications.

For instance, block certain websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter) for a specific amount of time by using free applications such as SelfControl (for Apple users) and SelfRestraint (for Microsoft users).

3. REMOVE THE CLUTTER

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Tidy up your study space and keep it neat by organizing important documents and old school papers inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your school files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

4. KEEP IT BRIGHT

A well-lit room increases concentration and productivity. Position your table in front of the window because natural or fluorescent light is helpful for the eyes while you study. As it gets dim, keep your place bright by using a table lamp or a wall spotlight.

You can get the IKEA KVART Wall Spotlight for S$9.90 or the IKEA LAMPAN Table Lamp for S$4.90.

5. REMIND YOURSELF

Decorate your study space with a cork board, calendar, and a clock. Constantly remind yourself about the upcoming events and assignment/project deadlines by using the calendar. Then, visualize your goals and to-do lists with a wall mounted cork board. Lastly, organize your time by buying a clock that does not produce any unnecessary ticking sounds.

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

Sources: 1 & 2

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)

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

6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More

With the modern technology, an unhappy customer can easily share his or her opinion to various social media platforms, which will negatively affect your business. Truly, keeping your existing clients satisfied is a crucial part of a successful business. Nurturing relationships can increase client referrals and decrease the loss of valued clients.

On that note, here are 6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More…

1. COMMUNICATE GENUINELY

Communicate genuinely to your existing and potential clients as a knowledgeable representative of the business. Addressing the client by name seems trivial however, it is a simple way to build rapport. Increase your clients’ happy experiences even more by talking to them in a manner that they prefer, whether it be through phone, email, or in person.

2. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY

Aside from talking to them genuinely, you must actively listen to what they have to say. You may assume that you know what they want but, what if you are utterly wrong? In fact, most companies fail because they are creating a product with a non-existent demand.

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

So, accept feedback and take necessary actions to improve your business. Use the following methods to gather feedback from your clients: focus groups, social media, surveys, online Forms, and observation.

3. DO NOT MAKE PROMISES YOU CANNOT KEEP

Set realistic and reasonable deadlines to avoid disappointing others. If you promised to deliver the product or send the contract in two weeks then, deliver it within two. Nothing damages your trusting relationship more than a series of broken promises!

4. PROMPTLY RETURN EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS

In conjunction with No.3, you must promptly return emails and phone calls as promised. Interestingly, the top complaint clients have about lawyers are unreturned phone calls. Adopt a habit of replying emails and returning calls at night before you sleep or early in the morning so, you do not miss a thing!

5. OFFER PROMOTIONS AND ONGOING SUPPORT

A surefire way for your clients to like you is to offer occasional promotions and discounts. Keep them in the loop by sending out electronic announcements and decorating your shop with attractive posters. Additionally, you must offer excellent customer service by responding quickly to clients’ needs. The strong ability to deliver excellent customer service will be your edge over your competitors. One consideration is providing support through a help desk software, such as Zendesk. If you are looking for a Zendesk alternative, check out why Kayako is winning with its ease of use, flexibility and affordability.

6. SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to extend your gratitude to your loyal consumers. Manifest your appreciation to your clients by saying “Thank You” in person or by sending an electronic “Thank You note”. This simple gesture will impact the way that they view your company. It will make them feel valued and special.

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

Sources: 1 & 2

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