STEPPING INTO THE CORPORATE WORLD

It can be quite a leap from your university days, but knowing how to adapt goes a long way in helping you transition into the working world.

As you start out on your first fulltime job, it can feel like stepping into a brand new chapter of your life. It can be a lot to take in, too – along with new independence and responsibilities come the uncertainty of swimming in brand new waters.

Although it can be overwhelming, use this opportunity as the best time to pick up on good habits and routines that will help make adulting more manageable. Here are a few ways you can start building that foundation:

Thanks to the pandemic, you may not necessarily be having your first day at the office. But even if your job allows you to work remotely, there is no excuse to take it easy. Know what is expected of you in your new position, and make sure you meet your supervisor’s expectations, be it hitting deadlines or collaborating well with colleagues. But there is more to impressing your boss than just hard work.

1 Make

Prepare

Dressing professionally for your job goes a long way, so plan your outfits accordingly. While the company should have already informed you of the dress code, you can also think back on what some of the employees were wearing during the recruitment process as another point of reference.

When meeting your colleagues, be enthusiastic but humble. If there are orientation sessions, be sure to attend them and accept any training offered. This will help you get up to speed quickly and show your commitment to your new job role. You can also learn more about the work culture and connect with your new colleagues along the way.

Whether they are your supervisor, a new intern or the janitor, it is important to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Apart from good manners, connecting with people from different backgrounds means having access to new perspectives –something that will be useful to you as you grow. Always keep an open mind and be understanding of others.

When getting your paycheck, it can feel like the possibilities are endless. But remember that you will gradually have more responsibilities and higher expenditures when you stop receiving pocket money from your parents.

If you want to eventually become financially independent, you will have to learn how to manage your money. Thankfully, so long as you keep to a reasonable budget and stick to some good habits, you will be well on your way.

With the constant hustle and bustle of work, it can be easy to forget about yourself in the midst of everything. But while your job is important, your health and well-being should take priority.

Do your best to maintain a good work-life balance, and take care of yourself – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

As you start building up your savings, calculate your take-home pay (such as deducting CPF contributions) before comparing it against your monthly expenses. From there, you can work out a budget that works best for you. If you have trouble keeping track of things, you can turn to spreadsheets or mobile apps.

Pay attention to what you eat daily, and try to refrain from snacking while working. You can even consider making your own meals to bring to work. This not only saves you some money, but the meals are generally healthier, too.

2 2

Although you may have some existing plans, it does not hurt to look out for other options when it comes to insurance. That being said, with many plans from different agencies, feel free to approach your family and loved ones for advice if you are unsure of where to start.

Find a way to keep moving throughout the day, especially if you spend most of your time desk-bound. You can do simple stretches between breaks, or take a walk around the office. Outside of work, try to keep the habit of exercising regularly, preferably at least three times a week.

3 3

Having more spending power can initially be liberating, but avoid going overboard! By developing good saving habits now, it can setyouupforalifetimeofsuccessfulmoneymanagement.Donot undermine the power of CPF as this forced savings will come in handy one day, especially when you find yourself needing to buy big ticket items in future such as housing.

Although you are stepping into the ‘adult’ world, it does not mean that you have to shoulder everything alone. Never forget that you can always rely on the support of your loved ones, be it by providing words of encouragement or spending time together.