Friday, July 2, 2010

Post-Job Sadness

Hm...Today was my last day of work. It was supposed to be yesterday, but my boss asked me to help her for another day. Since I'm desperate for money, without thinking , I agreed. Anyway, I don't want to stay home facing those parasites. Mum actually wanted to cook my favourite "gandum" today, but because I told her that I have to work today, she said will cook it tomorrow. Yummy~~!! Love love love. xD

And I seriously gonna miss Amy, Lai, and Gan... They are my colleagues in Y.T Choong. They guided me so much. I've learnt a lot during the days I started work. I remember I often complain during my first day or work. But after today, I felt "bu she de".

I just received my cheque from Miss Choong today. Hm...The amount...I was thinking about getting above RM1200...But then...it's lesser than that by uhm..RM 6....Lol...I have too high expectation towards myself I guess...

And I realised that I'm a perfectionist...I want things to be perfect. I don't dare to let the Malay guy to do those hard files. I prefer to do it myself. It's not that I don't want him to learn. It's just that he is not willing to learn. I've taught him before a number of times. And he kept making the same mistakes and did not use the formula I asked him to use. So, what can I do? I don't want him to get scolding because Miss Choong is very strict and she will check all files we do. One mistake she spotted and you'll get the scolding in front of everyone.

So, it's better that no one gets the scolding right? Because once Miss Choong was angry, she will curse non-stop. That's just her. She treats me quite good. But sometimes, I'm aware that some might be jealous or unhappy about it. Because this month I am the only one to get all the good treats, from big mangoes to increased salary.. well, I just felt that it's part of my job as an employee to complete my work. I work with heart, not because of money though I'm money-faced.

It's funny that my boss said that she increased my salary so that I can buy more mini skirts...Then, everyone was laughing. Haha. Reason? I wear skirts (not really mini lar...) occasionally to work. There's no dress code ma. I wear what I like and felt comfortable ma..Haha..And after today, I'm missing them..:(

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Lack of experience is often the biggest obstacle college graduates must overcome when entering the job market. Prospective employers can sound like a broken record, saying over and over, "You don't have enough experience"--followed by the devastating "We'll call you" (especially last year, when only 19.7 percent of graduates had a job lined up after graduating). So how do you get your foot in the door--how do you gain experience if you don't have any already?

Many new grads already have what recruiters are looking for. They just need to recognize it and package it properly in their resumes and cover letters. To begin with, think of experience you gained before you entered "the real world" that could apply. Consider including all the things you did during college, even those you wouldn't have considered job experience at the time.


"Off-the-job" training
Bill Warner, director of sales and recruiting at the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, oversees all the hiring of interns and recent graduates for sales and operations positions there. He says one of the best resume/cover letters he's seen recently came from a woman who described how her position as rush chair at her sorority had given her the leadership and project-management skills she needed to work at AstraZeneca. She told of the unique challenges of dealing with rush rules that were changed that year, as well as how she managed the process, calculated how many new members to bring in, and got all the other parts of the job done as well.

Warner, impressed, offered her a job even though she had never worked in pharmaceutical sales. "They do have experience, but they struggle with the bridge from what they've done in college, how to link it to the position they're interested in," he says.


Build bridges
To identify that bridge, look at the skills you displayed and tasks you pulled off in your college exploits. One applicant hurt his chances by failing to emphasize being editor in chief of his university's newspaper, Warner says. That activity involved numerous duties employers consider valuable experience, such as managing a staff, working with outside vendors, and balancing the newspaper and schoolwork.

When you interview with potential employers and the issue of experience comes up, be prepared with an answer that doesn't dwell on past jobs (or lack thereof)."Don't stress your work experience as much as your skill set," says Tarek Pertew, cofounder and director of marketing at the career website MyWorkster.

Educate yourself
When college experiences and your skill set aren't enough, try brushing up on a job's specific requirements, Pertew says. If you repeatedly hear that you lack a specific technical skill for the jobs you want, take classes to gain that competency. Add those classes to your resume as you continue your job search. "It shows that you have ambition," she says.


Volunteering pays
Another way to gain technical competence is by volunteering your professional skills in the service of a nonprofit. The monetary perks might not be there, but the equally important networking perks will be. For instance, if you're looking for a position in public relations or marketing, volunteer to help an organization in those areas. You'll expand your circle of networking contacts, gain valuable experience, and learn the trade. Ask the professionals you work with if they know of any opportunities in your field or anyone you should meet, and try to add to your skill set while you're at it.

Volunteering anywhere improves your resume, but if you can work with a nonprofit that has connections to a company you want to work for, that's even better. It shows you've done your homework about the firm, and it's a way to network your way to employees already there.


Consider temp work
Also, apply for temp work at staffing agencies that place people in your intended field. That way, you can gain experience and meet professionals to further add to your networking circle, and a temp job can sometimes lead to full-time work.

"Temp agencies are still hiring, because companies are still waiting to see how things will unfold in the third and fourth quarters," says Joanie Ruge, senior vice president of Adecco Group North America, a human resources services firm. "They may have openings for which they can't bring someone on full time. Temp workers give companies flexibility as they wait to see supply and demand. As the market turns, they'll look at the temps first when they're ready to hire permanently."


Always be networking
Meanwhile, join your industry's professional association, and attend its monthly meetings and conferences. Also, join a committee in the association, and take a leadership position, since that way you can meet some of your field's most active professionals. That's another good way to network with people who know of job openings. Don't be intimidated because you're younger than them all. They'll be impressed with your eagerness to break in to the field. "It shows you've got initiative and leadership abilities," says Joe Ruffolo, a career coach at 360jobinterview.com.

In short, networking is the most effective way to find a job in this economy, particularly if you don't have much professional experience. Whether you're volunteering, temping, or attending a summer barbecue, have a 30-second elevator pitch ready to share with people who ask what you'd like to be doing professionally. That's a brief explanation of what you'd like your next job to look like and what you've done in the past, whether it's school, internships, or full-time work.


Sometimes you just have to take any job. If there's a position you can get as a manager at the Gap or as an executive assistant, go for it. The trick will be to successfully market the skills you learned on that job when you meet a hiring manager for the job you really want.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Top 10 Jobs You can Do from Home

If you live in an isolated area, or can't commute to a typical nine-to-five job for other reasons, you don't have to sacrifice a successful career. The following ten jobs offer freelance and work-at-home options that allow you--with the right career training--to succeed from a home office.


1. Management analyst (average salary in 2009: $84,650) An expert in a given industry or business area may earn a living advising other companies as a management analyst (or management consultant). These consultants work on a project basis and may work from a home office or commute to client sites. Management analysts often have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in a particular field.


2. Web developer (average salary in 2009: $70,930) Web developers can create Web sites and Internet applications from any computer with the appropriate software, so they often perform project-based client work from home. Most Web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, but an associate's degree or certificate can also be sufficient.


3. Technical writer (average salary in 2009: $65,610) Technical writers are communication specialists who translate technical subject matter into common, easy-to-follow language. They often write how-to guides, instruction manuals, and medical brochures. Many technical writers work from home offices, and they often hold a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or another communications field.


4. Public relations specialist (average salary in 2009: $59,370) Public relations specialists help companies and organizations build a positive relationship with the public--they write press releases, address media inquiries, and communicate with interest groups. A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is required for entry-level public relations positions.


5. Interior designer (average salary in 2009: $51,990) Interior designers combine principles of art, architecture, and spatial planning to design building interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many interior designers are self employed and work from home offices on a project basis. Before working on their own, interior designers generally earn an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in interior design and complete a design internship.


6. Graphic designer (average salary in 2009: $47,820) Graphic designers use computer design applications to create advertisements, brochures, logos, and other communications materials for clients. A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the most common way to become a graphic designer, although associate's degree and certificate programs are also available.


7. Caterer (average salary in 2009: $44,240 [includes all chefs and head cooks])As an alternative to busy restaurant life, some chefs become caterers and prepare food for special events. Caterers need well-equipped kitchens and efficient staff to prepare food for large parties, but they can often run the business and planning side of catering from a home office. Many successful caterers have prior restaurant experience and an associate's degree in culinary arts.


8. Mental health counselor (average salary in 2009: $41,710) Mental health counselors use therapeutic techniques to treat patients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Some self-employed mental health counselors hold counseling sessions in their home. To become a mental health counselor, you must earn a master's degree in mental health or clinical counseling and become licensed by your state.


9. Massage therapist (average salary in 2009: $39,780) Massage therapists help clients reduce stress, relax overworked muscles, and recover from injury using a variety of massage techniques. Many massage therapists are self-employed and can schedule appointments to fit their lifestyle. Most states require massage therapists to become licensed by completing an accredited massage therapy program.


10. Customer service representative (average salary in 2009: $32,410) According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growing number of companies are hiring customer service representatives who telecommute and answer customers' calls from home. Not all customer service jobs require postsecondary education, but some companies prefer to hire people with a bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or a related field.


Career training for a home-based careerWhatever your current job or education level, you can work towards a rewarding, home-based career with the proper career training and degree. Online degree programs are especially convenient for working students, so you can continue your education and reach your professional goals.
Jessica Hanley is a writer pursuing a graduate degree in creative writing. Her previous experience includes marketing for the Penguin Young Readers Group and teaching writing to students of all ages. Jessica received a BA in English from Stanford University.
Source: All salary data was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Friday, June 25, 2010

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Everyone is forgetful, but as we age, we start to feel like our brains are slowing down a bit—and that can be the most frustrating thing in the world. Luckily, research shows there is a lot you can do to avoid those “senior moments." Whether it's relaxation or adding certain foods to your diet, read on for some techniques worth trying.


1. Chill Out
The brain remembers better when it’s relaxed, say researchers at the California Institute of Technology, so take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate. "The positive of meditation is you have focused concentration and relaxation taking place at the same time," says Elizabeth Edgerly, PhD, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association. "Researchers believe those things are good because they're developing new connections for your brain cells."


2. Focus on the Future
People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. But don’t worry if your calendar isn’t overflowing with life-changing events. Something as simple as setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend (and keeping it) will do. "Psychologically it keeps us motivated," Dr. Edgerly says. "There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long-or short-term goals appear to do better." In other words, keep your brain looking forward.


3. Go for a Walk
Mildly elevated glucose levels (even if you don’t have diabetes) can harm the area of the brain that helps you form memories, say Columbia University researchers. Experts agree that physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, the strongest evidence is regarding the effect of physical activity on the brain. Dr. Edgerly says, "When you exercise, you release chemicals that are good for your brain. It's like a mini fountain of youth in your brain, and the only way you can get it is exercise." In other words, when you take care of your heart, you take care of your brain.


4. Snack on Berries
Blueberries have compounds called anthocyanins that help communication between brain cells and appear to improve memory, says Robert Krikorian, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. In general, Dr. Edgerly says the darker the fruit or vegetable, the better. She adds, "It's a healthy, well-rounded diet, especially one that mimics a Mediterranean diet, and that's fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and red wine, everyone likes the red wine part."


5. Learn Something New
Take a Spanish class online, join a knitting club, or learn to play poker. A UC Irvine study found that mental stimulation limits the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain, Dr. Edgerly insists, is when you combine learning something new with physical activity. "It should be something like dancing, or coaching a sport. Or go learn golf with your girlfriends. That sort of thing is even better for your brain than, say, a crossword puzzle.”

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Guys = Perverts ???

Reading Xia Xue's blog about Sporean guys made me wonder if is it true that most guys are pervert? Gosh. Guys are so SCARY and UNPREDICTABLE. Some guys posted their girlfriends naked pic while they are asleep, and some secretly took videos while they were having SEX! OMG!~
What's wrong with the guys nowadays?? SEX is something private between a couple and MUST be kept in private and never be told to others or show to others!

You should never tell anyone bout your girlfriend's cheesepie or whatever the term is! It's RUDE to show and tell everything about your intimate moments with your girlfriends! And also you're invading girls' privacy. Telling others how much you enjoyed SEX makes you think you're GOOD at it and you're world's best?? Fuck off lar!

The world never welcome perverts like you all. Please respect girls. WE GIRLS ARE BORN NOT TO PLEASE YOUR SEXUAL DESIRES. WE ARE NOT YOUR SEXUAL OBJECTS !!! STOP POSTING YOUR WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS NAKED PICTURES AND VIDEOS LAR..DUH~!!!

Anyway, GIRLS, please DOUBLE , TRIPLE or ....CONSIDER before giving your virginity to GUYS~!! They can act good in front of you but you'll never know what they are thinking. Sorry la if you're a guy reading this and you are pissed to read this post.

I'm just a girl fighting for girls' right.

p/s: make sure to ask the slutty terms to test if ur boyfriend is a pervert and the contributor to those sex forums.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now Lyrics

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reachin' for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

woah woaaah..

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothin' at all..

It's a quarter after one I'm all alone and I need you now
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

I just need you now (wait)

Ooo, baby, I need you now

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Next Aim

I said before that I wanted to change. That was a few months back. Though change was never an easy things for a stubborn people like me, I managed to change my old bad habit which supposed to be the most hardest to change, which is my nail-biting habit. I knew that it was unhygienic. But it's hard to control especially when I'm nervous. I tend to bite them unconsciously when I was nervous. But then, this year, January 2010, I managed to change the habit. It was tough at first but then, I finally managed to keep my finger nails long :)

But now, I wanted to change myself to be better. But to achieve what I wanted, I have to disclose all my feelings to myself and never reveal them to the public. It's going to be the toughest of all since I tend to tell out what I'm feeling in Facebook or MSN. But now, everything I have to kept to myself. Though I'm sad, I couldn't reveal anymore in order to achieve my aim.

Anyway, fortunately I have a new private blog which no ones know :)