I was watching 3 Idiots last night and this is one movie that leads us to question our motivation. For example, do we go to college to get a degree because we can get a good job and lead a comfortable life thereafter or simply because of the joy of learning?
I suspect the former reason describes most of us.
“Who was the first man that landed on the moon?” Everyone in the class shouted, “Neil Armstrong”. Who was the second man? No one replied. The professor then went on to explain the importance of being the top and never settle for second, and that life is literally a race. And getting good grades is important to reach there, to be somebody. So, we chased after degrees and upon graduation, we chased after positions and status. We buy houses and cars, and accumulate possessions and we compare ourselves with one another. The more we have, the more successful we are – that’s the measure of our success. We want to retire earlier and reward ourselves, "Ah, I'm the smart one." But when we are not there yet, we pumped ourselves harder to get there.
Now, is it all about getting there?
Have we missed the meaning of learning?
Have we forgotten the importance of putting our hearts and soul into something, to excel in it simply because of the joy of doing something meaningful?
I like to believe that when we pursue excellence or follow our passion, success will follow. And it’s a success not defined by what others think it is for the meaning of success is subjective. But it’s a success according to our own definition when we are doing something that we are passionate about and meaningful.
Ok, enough said. To get more inspiration, go watch 3 Idiots.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Stop Doing It!
I read somewhere about the late Frank Sinatra that he was excellent at giving up the things that did not move him closer to his goal. One of the sayings, “Frank Sinatra doesn’t move pianos.” This does not mean he is vain or found manual work too undignified for him. It simply means he understood his fame and fortune rested on his singing ability, not his ability to get the stage ready for him to sing! He did what he did best and allowed others to perform their best on things they did best.
As most of us are hard-pressed for time, the way we make use of our time is important. Otherwise, our goals can never be achieved. For example, a Customer Service Manager’s goal is to be a General Manager one day. But if he spent most of his time attending to customers’ queries and not on “managing” his team by developing and coaching them, his goal of becoming a General Manager can never be achieved or might take longer to be realized. So even though he is excellent in customer service, he should STOP doing it. Instead he should invest more of his time and energy in the activities that are focused toward his goal.
It is and has to be a deliberate act. Are you going to include this in your resolution this year?
As most of us are hard-pressed for time, the way we make use of our time is important. Otherwise, our goals can never be achieved. For example, a Customer Service Manager’s goal is to be a General Manager one day. But if he spent most of his time attending to customers’ queries and not on “managing” his team by developing and coaching them, his goal of becoming a General Manager can never be achieved or might take longer to be realized. So even though he is excellent in customer service, he should STOP doing it. Instead he should invest more of his time and energy in the activities that are focused toward his goal.
It is and has to be a deliberate act. Are you going to include this in your resolution this year?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Are You A Risky Investment?
As a job seeker, have you ever wondered why you were not hired when you believed from the bottom of your heart that you are the right guy for the job? You looked at the list of responsibilities and you fulfill all the criteria. So, what’s wrong?
Believe it or not, Hiring Managers fear making a bad hire so much so if a candidate has an equal number of good reasons to be hired and not to hire, the final decision is that the candidate will never get hired. Why? Because the Hiring Manager would rather be safe – he would rather choose a candidate that might not be the most excellent one but has fewer risks.
“Risk? I can be a risk to an employer?”
Most job seekers are not aware about this “risky business”. Sometimes, the very thing that you think make you excellent are actually your biggest liabilities.
Check the list below. These are some common “risk factors” that hiring managers are wary about:
1. Running your own business (and you think your diverse experience is your asset)
2. Being out of job for a long period of time – say six months and longer (ability to start work immediately is not always a huge plus after all)
3. Holding too many jobs or holding different positions in a short period of time. (are you sure you were versatile? Or was it pure fickle-mindedness?)
4. Women who joined back the workforce after a long time being home-makers (they probably not sure whether or not you are ready to adjust to their high-pressure environment immediately)
5. Worked in a large company and interviewing in a small company (something doesn’t connect here. What is the real motivation?)
6. Being in a job or a company for a long time but did not get a good increment or promotion (they are not seeing loyalty in me? Probably not)
7. Reason for leaving cited as “personal” and you refuse to elaborate (it’s a minor thing, they should not pay too much attention to it. That’s where you are wrong!)
8. Citing management problem as reason for leaving in your past two employments (the fact you can see through some huge problems in the management might not seat well with them either)
9. Saying things like, “I’m not really looking for a change but if better opportunity comes along, why not?” (trying to project hard to get? They probably think you are not entirely excited about the job)
10. Going through a divorce (they see an unhappy employee)
Believe it or not, Hiring Managers fear making a bad hire so much so if a candidate has an equal number of good reasons to be hired and not to hire, the final decision is that the candidate will never get hired. Why? Because the Hiring Manager would rather be safe – he would rather choose a candidate that might not be the most excellent one but has fewer risks.
“Risk? I can be a risk to an employer?”
Most job seekers are not aware about this “risky business”. Sometimes, the very thing that you think make you excellent are actually your biggest liabilities.
Check the list below. These are some common “risk factors” that hiring managers are wary about:
1. Running your own business (and you think your diverse experience is your asset)
2. Being out of job for a long period of time – say six months and longer (ability to start work immediately is not always a huge plus after all)
3. Holding too many jobs or holding different positions in a short period of time. (are you sure you were versatile? Or was it pure fickle-mindedness?)
4. Women who joined back the workforce after a long time being home-makers (they probably not sure whether or not you are ready to adjust to their high-pressure environment immediately)
5. Worked in a large company and interviewing in a small company (something doesn’t connect here. What is the real motivation?)
6. Being in a job or a company for a long time but did not get a good increment or promotion (they are not seeing loyalty in me? Probably not)
7. Reason for leaving cited as “personal” and you refuse to elaborate (it’s a minor thing, they should not pay too much attention to it. That’s where you are wrong!)
8. Citing management problem as reason for leaving in your past two employments (the fact you can see through some huge problems in the management might not seat well with them either)
9. Saying things like, “I’m not really looking for a change but if better opportunity comes along, why not?” (trying to project hard to get? They probably think you are not entirely excited about the job)
10. Going through a divorce (they see an unhappy employee)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Retiring at 60 - I Want To or I Need To?
Both MTUC and MEF had agreed to a proposed mandatory retirement age for private sector workers to be set at 60. Of course, this piece of news drew a lot of debate from both employees as well as employers. Some welcome them believing it’s high time we increase the age as life span of human beings had also increased over the years due to better medical health. Of course, employers might not be that happy. It looks like getting the deadwood out is going to be a great hurdle now. Others believe it’s a ploy by the government since this might have an implication on their EPF savings withdrawal.
Conclusion: it’s good news to some but bad to others.
In the past two years, I had an interesting observation. Never before in my recruitment career had I received more applications in their 50s and 60s than of late. I remember the first time I received an application from a 65 year old man, I exclaimed in disbelief! It shows the Malaysian population is aging and with the privilege of education, people with tertiary education might have retired but their minds are still very alert and they feel they still have the capacity left in them to continue working.
But something else begs explanation.
Why do people in that age group wanted to do a full-time job? Full-time as in 5 days a week, 8 hours a day.
My parents that are still alive, in that age group and are physically healthy won’t be keen on a full-time job. They contribute their energy by helping out in the family and others on part-time capacity. For example, my dad helps out in the residents committee that actually requires quite a fair bit of his time and commitment and doing some pastoral work on behalf of the church by visiting those that are sick in the hospital. But a full time job? Nah…
So, my best guess is that those who seek full-time employment at that age group probably need the extra cash. I know I'm not too far from the truth. I have a friend who is single and she is in her late 50s. She openly admitted that without children, she simply does not have the extra income for daily sustenance and she thanks God for good health as she is able to work as an English Lecturer on contract basis. She loves her job but if given a choice, would she enjoy slogging herself marking papers till late at night? Perhaps not.
Looking for part-time jobs in Malaysia
Looking for full-time jobs in Malaysia
Conclusion: it’s good news to some but bad to others.
In the past two years, I had an interesting observation. Never before in my recruitment career had I received more applications in their 50s and 60s than of late. I remember the first time I received an application from a 65 year old man, I exclaimed in disbelief! It shows the Malaysian population is aging and with the privilege of education, people with tertiary education might have retired but their minds are still very alert and they feel they still have the capacity left in them to continue working.
But something else begs explanation.
Why do people in that age group wanted to do a full-time job? Full-time as in 5 days a week, 8 hours a day.
My parents that are still alive, in that age group and are physically healthy won’t be keen on a full-time job. They contribute their energy by helping out in the family and others on part-time capacity. For example, my dad helps out in the residents committee that actually requires quite a fair bit of his time and commitment and doing some pastoral work on behalf of the church by visiting those that are sick in the hospital. But a full time job? Nah…
So, my best guess is that those who seek full-time employment at that age group probably need the extra cash. I know I'm not too far from the truth. I have a friend who is single and she is in her late 50s. She openly admitted that without children, she simply does not have the extra income for daily sustenance and she thanks God for good health as she is able to work as an English Lecturer on contract basis. She loves her job but if given a choice, would she enjoy slogging herself marking papers till late at night? Perhaps not.
Looking for part-time jobs in Malaysia
Looking for full-time jobs in Malaysia
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tell Me A Story, Please
I listen to sermons on almost every Sunday. Some were ordeals that I have to endure as I struggle to stay awake but some have the capacity to keep my mind fully engaged till I get lost in time. Yes, the preachers have everything to do with it. Some are more gifted than the others, I must say. But one thing I noted: An average preacher is able to make his sermon engaging if he used stories. Our ears are somehow tuned to stories. As simple as that.
Guess what, it’s the same with job interviews. Candidates need to learn this secret: TELL STORIES! In case you do not know by now, most of the interviewing questions are formatted based on “behavioral interviewing”. What it means is this: that it is a belief that your past is an indication of what you are or do in the future in similar situation.
Question: How do you manage stress?
Don’t say, “I think I will do this….” Instead, relate a story in the past how you did it. “A few months ago, I was overwhelmed with a few project deadlines and they really affected me. When I realized that I was under tremendous pressure, I did…..”
If you need some clues on how to make your story more appealing, follow these rules:
1. What was the situation?
2. Relate what, why and how you did or solve it.
3. What was the outcome or the learning experience.
The third point is obviously important because you might not have a successful outcome from your story. Say, you collapsed the last time you were under stress. But like any good sermon, end with a positive note – a learning lesson for the future.
So for the next job interview, be prepared with a few good stories in your pocket. Seize every opportunity to tell stories. Good luck, folks!
Some questions are too tough? Get tips to how best to handle them.
Guess what, it’s the same with job interviews. Candidates need to learn this secret: TELL STORIES! In case you do not know by now, most of the interviewing questions are formatted based on “behavioral interviewing”. What it means is this: that it is a belief that your past is an indication of what you are or do in the future in similar situation.
Question: How do you manage stress?
Don’t say, “I think I will do this….” Instead, relate a story in the past how you did it. “A few months ago, I was overwhelmed with a few project deadlines and they really affected me. When I realized that I was under tremendous pressure, I did…..”
If you need some clues on how to make your story more appealing, follow these rules:
1. What was the situation?
2. Relate what, why and how you did or solve it.
3. What was the outcome or the learning experience.
The third point is obviously important because you might not have a successful outcome from your story. Say, you collapsed the last time you were under stress. But like any good sermon, end with a positive note – a learning lesson for the future.
So for the next job interview, be prepared with a few good stories in your pocket. Seize every opportunity to tell stories. Good luck, folks!
Some questions are too tough? Get tips to how best to handle them.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Am I Having A Mid-life Crisis?
I’m sure feel I'm in one. Otherwise, I won’t be blogging about it, would I? Ironically, I used to jokingly tell my friends four years ago that I'm in a mid-life crisis when they spotted me driving a new roadster...yeah, i needed a change. mid-life crisis, what else? That was supposed to brush off any further questioning.
Four years today this phrase came back to haunt me. Probably I’m getting old. Of course, age has to do with it. In fact, age has everything to do with it! I google searched on mid life crisis symptoms and found this interesting page .
I like the points listed that acts like a checklist. So I went through the points one after another and see how I fit in.
Lets see..
The first point…No longer “knowing” the person staring back at you in the mirror
"Knowing?" I got a slight problem with this. I don’t even "look" at the mirror that often nowadays. The one I used for make-up in the morning has a spoiled bulb. The light that I ever get is behind my back. So it’s a dim affair in the morning. In the office, forget about the mirror. It is so tiny that the only thing I ever spotted was the white hair sticking out unto my forehead. Shucks! Time to dye my hair again…and that’s the only time I seriously look and it's my hair I'm staring. Well, I was not born with white hair. So, it makes sense, no longer "knowing" this person. A tick here. Next..
2. Worrying about where your life is going
I know where my life is going - the numbers are climbing. Well, who isn't? Worrying? Now, who has time for that? No tick.
3. Feeling frustrated with just about everything
Feeling frustrated, yes. About everything? I would have died long ago if "everything". Tick or no tick. Oh my, this is tough.
4. Experiencing feelings of regret
Of course there are regrets. I have been alive and kicking all these years not hiding in a closet...harlo? Alright, half tick.
5. Focusing on what you are losing. It feels as though you are standing on shifting sands, that your best years are behind you and that everything is changing.
Gosh, menopause came into mind. So shall I give a tick?
6. Feeling almost 'invisible'. You may feel stripped of your identity and purpose and find it increasingly difficult to be 'seen' when you no longer attract instant admiration.
“no longer attract instant admiration” LOL I can't even remember an experience of instant admiration. So, where is the point of comparison? A tick or no tick this one?
7. Thinking that time is running out. Midlife is that time when you metaphorically turn a corner and see the finishing post for the first time!
Oh, I have trained myself to have the end in mind all the time! And I hope I'm not being delusional. Or am I?
8. Questioning the meaning of life. Midlife has been defined as the time when you reach the top of the ladder only to find it's leaning against the wrong wall. If you keep asking yourself 'Is this it?', then chances are your ladder is indeed against the wrong wall.
Alright, I confessed. I do asked this question sometimes. But I didn’t know I’m leaning on a wall. Am I not supposed to break down walls? Ok, this is lame but seriously, one makes the best of whatever wall given as long as the wall is not on the brink of collapse. I refuse to tick this one. You can say I didn't get it right. But I'm standing my ground.
9. Feeling trapped.
Thank God I’m not inside a lift...phew!
10. Wanting to make some changes but not know where to begin. Feeling overwhelmed saps your power and keeps you stuck, helpless and fearful of making the 'wrong' choices. The way to move out of the paralysis is to stop 'getting ready' and start 'doing'. Take responsibility for making change happen, no matter how small and remind yourself how good it feels to be in control.
This is tricky. I need more time...
End of checklist.
The author of the page finally said what may feel like a crisis is in fact an inevitable and natural life stage characterized by internal change and reorientation. I really like that. So, it’s a stage or phase of life one has to go through. I conclude now that mid life crisis is a misused term. What crisis? I probably just need a vacation...:p
Four years today this phrase came back to haunt me. Probably I’m getting old. Of course, age has to do with it. In fact, age has everything to do with it! I google searched on mid life crisis symptoms and found this interesting page .
I like the points listed that acts like a checklist. So I went through the points one after another and see how I fit in.
Lets see..
The first point…No longer “knowing” the person staring back at you in the mirror
"Knowing?" I got a slight problem with this. I don’t even "look" at the mirror that often nowadays. The one I used for make-up in the morning has a spoiled bulb. The light that I ever get is behind my back. So it’s a dim affair in the morning. In the office, forget about the mirror. It is so tiny that the only thing I ever spotted was the white hair sticking out unto my forehead. Shucks! Time to dye my hair again…and that’s the only time I seriously look and it's my hair I'm staring. Well, I was not born with white hair. So, it makes sense, no longer "knowing" this person. A tick here. Next..
2. Worrying about where your life is going
I know where my life is going - the numbers are climbing. Well, who isn't? Worrying? Now, who has time for that? No tick.
3. Feeling frustrated with just about everything
Feeling frustrated, yes. About everything? I would have died long ago if "everything". Tick or no tick. Oh my, this is tough.
4. Experiencing feelings of regret
Of course there are regrets. I have been alive and kicking all these years not hiding in a closet...harlo? Alright, half tick.
5. Focusing on what you are losing. It feels as though you are standing on shifting sands, that your best years are behind you and that everything is changing.
Gosh, menopause came into mind. So shall I give a tick?
6. Feeling almost 'invisible'. You may feel stripped of your identity and purpose and find it increasingly difficult to be 'seen' when you no longer attract instant admiration.
“no longer attract instant admiration” LOL I can't even remember an experience of instant admiration. So, where is the point of comparison? A tick or no tick this one?
7. Thinking that time is running out. Midlife is that time when you metaphorically turn a corner and see the finishing post for the first time!
Oh, I have trained myself to have the end in mind all the time! And I hope I'm not being delusional. Or am I?
8. Questioning the meaning of life. Midlife has been defined as the time when you reach the top of the ladder only to find it's leaning against the wrong wall. If you keep asking yourself 'Is this it?', then chances are your ladder is indeed against the wrong wall.
Alright, I confessed. I do asked this question sometimes. But I didn’t know I’m leaning on a wall. Am I not supposed to break down walls? Ok, this is lame but seriously, one makes the best of whatever wall given as long as the wall is not on the brink of collapse. I refuse to tick this one. You can say I didn't get it right. But I'm standing my ground.
9. Feeling trapped.
Thank God I’m not inside a lift...phew!
10. Wanting to make some changes but not know where to begin. Feeling overwhelmed saps your power and keeps you stuck, helpless and fearful of making the 'wrong' choices. The way to move out of the paralysis is to stop 'getting ready' and start 'doing'. Take responsibility for making change happen, no matter how small and remind yourself how good it feels to be in control.
This is tricky. I need more time...
End of checklist.
The author of the page finally said what may feel like a crisis is in fact an inevitable and natural life stage characterized by internal change and reorientation. I really like that. So, it’s a stage or phase of life one has to go through. I conclude now that mid life crisis is a misused term. What crisis? I probably just need a vacation...:p
Friday, July 15, 2011
BN Youth Job Fair Offers 7,000 Employment Opportunities
The BN Youth Job Fair 2011, starting July 15 at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Convention Centre, Hotel Zenith here would offer 7,000 employment opportunities.
Umno Youth, young workers secretariat chairman, Nazir Hussin Akhtar Husin said, 150 private sector and government linked companies (GLC) would be taking part in the three-day fair.
"The BN Youth Job Fair will be opened by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, and is on from 10am till 8pm," he told reporters here.
"Future graduates can also register under the 1Malaysia Training Scheme. Diploma holders will receive a RM900 monthly allowance and those with degrees, RM1,200," he said.
"If the GLCs are satisfied with the candidate after the one year training, they would be absorbed as permanent employees," he added.
"A complaints counter will also be opened from 9.30am till 7pm to provide advice on work related issues," he said.
Source: Bernama
Umno Youth, young workers secretariat chairman, Nazir Hussin Akhtar Husin said, 150 private sector and government linked companies (GLC) would be taking part in the three-day fair.
"The BN Youth Job Fair will be opened by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, and is on from 10am till 8pm," he told reporters here.
"Future graduates can also register under the 1Malaysia Training Scheme. Diploma holders will receive a RM900 monthly allowance and those with degrees, RM1,200," he said.
"If the GLCs are satisfied with the candidate after the one year training, they would be absorbed as permanent employees," he added.
"A complaints counter will also be opened from 9.30am till 7pm to provide advice on work related issues," he said.
Source: Bernama
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