10 Tips for Fresh Graduates - The Cold Hard Truth of Workplace

It has been more than 3 years since I started my first full-time job. Now that it is time to leave and move on to a new workplace as part of my career plan, I can't help pondering on the valuable experiences and wonderful knowledge I have acquired throughout my tenure. As I depart, I left behind my work desks, my stationeries, my tasks, my colleagues, but brought along with me the fond memories and relevant skills gained over the years. To commemorate my career progression, here are 10 tips I have come out with which I thought would be useful especially for young fresh recruits.


1. Dress to impress

Just kidding. You don't need to TRY to impress anyone. But you should at least have that signature look that defines who you are. It could be your pink power suit, your little grey dress, your nude suede pump heels, or even your simple tied-up bun. That being said, you should not go overboard with luxury by showing off your material possession. After all, you wouldn't want to be labelled as "the spoilt rich brat who goes to work with her Chanel bag". 

At my previous work place, all the girls (and I mean ALL) carry pretty decent branded bags with the most expensive being YSL and Prada. Then there were some LV, Gucci and Burberry. Sometimes some Michael Kors and Kate Spade. Nobody carries a brandless bag IDK why, probably cause we work at Uptown and we are supposedly "Uptown Girls" wtf. A few months into the job, I decided to get myself a black Saffiano leather working bag from Tory Burch. Not too shabby, not too flashy. It spells professionalism with a hint of elegance. 

Anyway, you shouldn't have to intentionally purchase a designer bag to build an identity. But always make sure to dress well because first impression matters, especially when you are new. 

2. Team work

Screw that boring team work definition they used to teach you in school! Team work is not just about working on assignments together, gathering differing opinions prior to the final decision, making use of each individuals' talents to accomplish a common mission etc. IMO, team work could be about having lunch together as bonding sessions, keeping quiet when your coworkers "accidentally" come in late for work, helping your coworkers with that annoying phone call he refuses to pick up, or heck, even having the "same, certain" kind of opinion on your favourite lady boss. 

Team work is about being within that invisible circle of loyalty. To gain each other's trust that you blend in perfectly as part of the team, that you are not a betrayer, a whistle-blower, a social outcast. Don't be that person who packs lunch to work while everyone else eats out. Because truthfully, lunch time is when the real bonding happens. It is also the time when you discover your mutual love and hatred. 

3. The learning process is different

Always take the initiative to learn. In school, the students' objective is to learn, whereas the lecturers' objective is to teach. But at work, your boss did not hire you to learn, but rather, to complete your task and generate revenue for the organization (or to incur expenses, if you are from the cost centres). Teaching is the last of their priorities, because ain't nobody got time for that. However, when you are new, it is important that you learn as much as possible within your first 2 years. Because after those 2 years, people would really start judging you if you still ask stupid questions. 

But nobody will bother to teach you unless you ask. As you face difficulties, write down immediately, compile your questions and find a suitable opportunities to consult your supervisor/mentor. More often than not there is no perfect time to ask, because they are like so busy the whole damn time! So sometimes you have to be thick skin abit without being too irritating LOL.

After 3.5 years, my mentor still repeats the story of me being an annoying prick asking her questions when she was busy. Sorry lah, cause she was never not busy, so I had no choice XD At least I didn't ask her the same question twice! Make sure to write down everything they teach you on your note and refer back instead of asking them the same thing again. 

4. Persevere

A few months into the job, you may find yourself in a state of confusion thinking whether you have chosen the right path. You would be scared; you would be lost; you would start questioning yourself whether the job suits you (or vice versa), or is there something better out there you have yet to explore. The job would start to appear mundane, and you would stare into your computer screen feeling an everlasting state of emptiness.

Don't be that irresponsible millennial who gives up as soon as you have these thoughts. Instead, give yourself some time and allow yourself to work from different perspectives. Perhaps, try doing certain things differently? Or start picking up new challenges you have never encountered before. TBH, I experienced this during the first few months of my job. I chose to stay on. And it took me quite a few months to "finally see the light at the end of the tunnel". Because before I realized, I have started enjoying my once-seemingly-boring job and I even thought I was good at it. It is not my timid self settling for an imperfect job, but rather, I have discovered the fun within, and the reason I chose this path in the first place.

5. Be prepared for demanding expectations

At 6.30pm, your boss would expect you to stay and wait while he/she checks your work. Because like hello why do you need social life? Work is priority! *eye roll* Regardless whether it was a weekend or public holiday, when you receive a text from your boss, you are expected to reply immediately or risk facing their sarcastic criticisms during the next meeting. Some bosses even expect you to enter the office during weekends (without getting OT pay, obviously). Or deliver work to their house during weekend or public holidays. Or provide them free chauffeur service when their car is sent for repair (to which you should politely suggest them to use Uber or GrabCar instead).

What to do? You can't flip. At least not until the next performance appraisal is over and when you are ready to leave.

6. Forget about sympathy and empathy

One of the culture shock you may experience as you enter the work force is the coldness of society. You know how your friends and family used to console you with words of encouragement during the down period of your life? Like when you fail your exam, when you break up with your boyfriend, when you lost your iPhone, or when your dog dies? Well don't expect the same from your workplace, especially not from your superior. In fact, don't even mention on the calamity that struck you, because then they would start to observe your performance at work. 

Whether or not your boyfriend dumps you is the last thing your boss wants to know. What matters to him/her is whether you can help the team achieve the KPI.

7. Be ready to be tested by superiors on your priorities

There are times when your boss would start testing your priorities to gauge how dedicated you are to the team. This is when you have to think of a bigger picture and start to let go certain things. For example, when your boss is unhappy about you taking a long-week of study leave. Work matters, but your exam is equally important too. How are you going to make your decision? 

That was what happened to me at the early stage of my working days. At that point of time, the fact that I had to compromise was simply ridiculous, because I was merely utilizing my entitlement. On written policy, it was perfectly fine for me to do so, but on the other hand, your boss is the one who reports on your performance evaluation. I was so emotional I even went to the car park and cried wtf (nobody knew this, because why show them your weakness?). In the end, I compromised, cut my leave short and made my boss happy :/

8. Your job is not your entire life

Being dedicated to your job and establishing your career from it is great. But don't overdo it to the extent that it affects your health. Nobody will pity you and appreciate your sacrifice for the company if you ever fall ill from fatigue (which brings us back to point no. 6). If you OT everyday, you certainly do not fall under the best employee category. Your boss would questioning your efficiency, and your colleagues would start hating you for making them look bad. 

Work smart, not work hard. On job, you work smart to achieve the greatest performance with the least effort. Off the job, you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Remember that your job is not your everything and you do have a life outside work. 

9. Keep your secrets far from work

If you think it is okay to share secrets from your personal life with your work bff, think twice. Dirty secrets spread like wild fire. The next thing you know, colleagues from other branches would all be well-informed of your stories. And while we are at this topic, don't shit where you eat! (not literally) If you fancy an affair, target your prey off the workplace. Don't be known by the whole organization as the shameless cheater, because reputation does matter. 

10. Be careful what you share on social media

Some companies have strict policies against sharing on social media. At my previous organization, we are forbidden from sharing photos from company event especially those bearing their name or logo. Regardless of the occasional email reminder from HR, people still share their photos frequently on Facebook which was super amazeballs because I would never do that to jeopardize my job (but mainly because I don't want people to know where I work la LOL). Still, the fact that others are doing it does not mean that it is acceptable and okay to do so. You never know when you are going to be the unlucky one to be targeted by your HR. Better be safe than to be sorry.


All the best to all young fresh grads who are stepping into the working society! :)

Pokemon Go: Guide for Beginners

Pokemon Go is finally released in Malaysia! The long-anticipated game has caused much excitement over the weekend to fellow Malaysians. Like many other Pokemon Masters, I installed the game and went outdoor for some actions as soon as I found it available on App Store. As for those who have no clue yet, I have listed down 10 basic guides for beginners:

1. You can get Pikachu as your starter Pokemon. When you first joined the game, you will see 3 Pokemon: Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charmander by your side. However, did you know that there is actually a 4^th Pokemon, Pikachu? Just walk away from these 3 until they disappeared, reappeared repeatedly, and at the 4^th time they reappeared, you will see Pikachu shows up. Capture Pikachu as your first starter Pokemon, not just ecause its cute, but its rare and almost impossible to be found unless it is hatched from Pokemon Egg.

2. Stop by every PokeStop you come across to collect PokeBalls, Pokemon Eggs and other items. PokeStops are those with blue icons which will change shape when you are close by. Tap it, spin it, and you will see items falling out. Once the icon turns purple, the items will automatically fall into your bags (don't need to tap on them one by one).

3. Switch off the camera function (AR at top right corner) for easier catch and throw your PokeBalls towards the Pokemon when its ring appears smaller. This would increase your chance of capturing it. There are different colours of ring, each with different level of difficulties by increasing order: green, yellow, orange, red. Some suggest spinning the PokeBall before throwing it out, but if you aren’t that skillful yet, this may cause you to lose control of the angle and end up missing an easy target.

4. Transfer duplicate Pokemon to Professor in exchange for 1 candy. But first you need to arrange your Pokemon by A-Z order. This would give you a clearer view of your catch. The candies are essential for your Pokemon to evolve later on.

5.  Place the Pokemon Eggs you have collected into the incubator to hatch. There are 2km, 5km and 10km eggs. Driving does not work as the speed limit is capped at 20kmh. So get your lazy ass out there and walk! Who knows you might be able to hatch a rare Pikachu? 

6.  At Level 5, you are to pick your team: Instinct (yellow), Mystic (blue) or Valor (red) before you are granted access to gyms for fights and trainings. According to many articles online, Mystic is the most popular team followed by Valor and Instinct. Most of the fights at the gyms overseas involved between Mystic and Valor whereas Instinct is just minding its own business most of the time. Based on my observation in Malaysia, I have come across gyms dominated by Team Instinct though. Choose your team wisely as there is no switching later on. In case you are wondering, I am from #TeamValor ^^

Source: SGAG

7.  Don’t hesitate to catch all Pidgeys, Caterpies, Rattatas and Weedles which could be found anywhere. You will need them for mass evolution later on (read point No. 9). Just catch as many as possible, transfer some to accumulate enough candies, and leave some to evolve when time is right.

8.  Never evolve your Pokemon at the early stages or you will end up wasting your candies. When you are at a low level, the Pokemon you catch are all with lower CP compared to those caught after you leveled up. If you evolve a Pokemon with low CP, chances are you will catch another same Pokemon with a higher CP and the evolved one will end up in Professor’s possession.

9.  Make the full use of Lucky Egg given after Level 9 to level up fast. You have 30 minutes to use that Lucky Egg. First, make sure you have enough Pokemon and candies to evolve. Then, you need to find a PokeStop. Place a Lure Module at the PokeStop as well as Incense around you. Both Lure Module and Incense will attract Pokemon around you (can be used at the same time cause both would attract different Pokemon). Evolve as many Pokemon as you can during this crucial 30 minutes as each evolution grants you 1000XP (500 XP only without Lucky Egg). During the 30 minutes, I managed to evolve over 20 Pokemons and jumped up from Level 11 – Level 14! In between that, catch all the Pokemons that are attracted by the Lure Module and Incense. Lucky egg doubles up the XP gained for catching them too.

  

10. Pokemons are more likely to show up around PokeStops and places where Pokemon Master gather. Despite the idea that wild Pokemon should be found at secluded forests or lakes, most of the Pokemon can be found at popular areas such as KLCC. In fact, KLCC park is like a wild life sanctuary with numerous Pokestop! Chances are you will run out of PokeBalls so make sure you keep walking and spinning those PokeStops. During my visit there, I noticed that fellow Pokemon Masters have used the Lure Module function on some of the PokeStops which as its name suggests, would attract Pokemon and benefit the public. It was no surprise we noticed there was a mass hunting outdoor throughout the entire afternoon like never before.

Let’s catch them all! XD

Sydney Guide - 16 To-Do-List in the City

1. Photoshoot with Sydney Opera House

This is the mandatory touristy spot that needs no introduction. The iconic building proves that you have visited Sydney! Oh and don't forget the Harbour Bridge too!

2. Picnic at Hyde Park

The park is located in the middle of the city. Although it might not be as famous as Hyde Park in London which is one of the largest park in the world, it surely is a good spot for picnic. I always envy how people could sit on the grass in other countries! As the saying goes, the grass is always greener on the other side. And apparently they are cleaner too.

3. Say your prayers at St. Mary Cathedral (opposite Hyde Park)

It was a rather surreal moment of spiritual enlightenment. For non-believers, do check out the architecture and interior which were as magnificent as those you see in movies.

4. Seafood feast at Sydney Fish Market

Treat yourself to the freshest sashimi and other fisherman's catch. I absolutely love the oysters there which were the best I ever had so far! Be aware of the annoying seagulls thieves - read more here. 

5. Take a day tour to Hunter Valley

There are many tour deals available online. We bought ours at AUD49 per person for 5 wineries from Scoopon. Our deal was inclusive of transport and wine tasting (some deals were inclusive of lunch but ours weren't). Take your mind off the hustle bustle of the city as you enjoy the amazing views and fresh mountain air.

6. Place a bet at The Star Casino

And dine at Sokyo, a premium Japanese fine dining restaurant while you are there. Prices are slightly on the up side, but the quality and taste are definitely worth every dollar spent. I have never had tempura that could impress me until I tried the one at Sokyo!

7. Take a stroll at Bondi Beach

It wasn't the best season for the beach when we were there, but still, we had to check it off our list. Spotted some surfers despite the temperature. There were also some pretty cool graffiti along the beach.

8. Shop at The Rocks Market

This weekend market offers a variety of cultural souvenirs (like Kangaroo scrotum *shrieked in horror*) as well as daily items for your shopping list. We spotted kangaroo burgers on the menu too. As you are there, do drop by The Tea Cosy for some delicious scones.

9. Pack some Cronuts and Strawberry Watermelon Cake at Newtown

An interesting town with wall graffiti, hipsters cafes and locals dressed in bizarre fashion. They say you need to try that cake at Black Star Pastry when you are at Newtown, but personally I find it rather overrated. I prefer the cronuts from Brewtown Cafe.

10. Take an educational visit to Taronga Zoo

I never thought I would enjoy zoo that much. We managed to see about 90% of the animals by following the guide on the map. The zoo is located at an island, about 20 minutes away by ferry ride from the Circular Quay.

11. Have a date with Raphael at Art gallery of NSW

Entrance is FOC! Appreciate their great contemporary artworks and Renaissance masterpieces.

12. Taste a cuppa great coffee at The Grounds of Alexandria

Although I would say almost every cafe in Sydney serves good coffee. Be patient and wait for your turn especially during peak brunch hour. Don't forget to take a selfie with their celebrity swine, Kevin Bacons (what a name!).

13. Sip a cup of hot chocolate at Lindt Café or Max Brenner

The perfect chill out place on a cold weather. The waffle balls have been an all-time favorite!

14. Treat yourself to a good Italian meal at Jamie's Italian

Be sure to make a booking. We had to wait for our turn even with reservation. And no, Jamie won't be there to cook for you personally. LOL

15. Have a gelato at Anita or Messina

They say Messina serves the world's best gelato but we think that Anita is equally good.

16. Watch the weekly fireworks at Darling Harbour

Every Saturday at 9pm, all paid for by the restaurants at Darling Harbour. We were there on time to catch the beautiful fireworks on our final night. What a way to wrap up our awesome vacation.

Of course, this isn't a comprehensive list as it merely covers the city. If you are up for longer drives, you should take a road trip to the popular places like the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Watson's Bay. Plan your trip wisely and enjoy the best attractions of the urbane city.