Monday 11 November 2019

Cleaning up my resume + how much am I asking for my new pay

I have started my job search and I have applied to 2 jobs that are quite similar to my current job. My resume hasn't been updated and so before I applied for any, I had to clean up my resume a little.

To be honest, the layout of my resume looks kinda childish. I try to keep my resume to one page to allow easy access for the interviewer and also because I am still at an entry level so my job scope really doesn't allow me to elaborate much.


I have seen many resume and they are all wordy with work experiences and job scope. I was thinking of what style to go for my resume. Currently, I am using a really simple template where my job and education is on the left side and my outside activities and interest on the right.

For the 2 jobs that I have applied for, I have asked for a 20% increase from my current pay. Comparing my current salary to the median salary for fresh graduates in Singapore (~$3500), I am actually earning much lower than that.

Even if I do get the 20% increase, I would still be earning lower than the median salary for fresh graduates.

Of course, my main aim for the new job is that I want a permanent job and best if they can match or offer me a higher pay.

Being a contract worker really worries me every time we are nearing the end as I need to see if my boss still has headcount and whether or not I will be extended.


But for me, I believe that you need to be in good spirits for an interview as the interviewers can really feel your energy and if you appear to be in bad spirits, it does affect the whole interview in some way.

Read more: Vulnerability when we lose our jobs or can't find a job

I am hoping to hear some news soon although they have mentioned that the processing time would be more than 2 weeks but I do hope to be at least selected for the interview. In the meantime, I will just do my best at my current place and enjoy what's left of 2019!

Wednesday 6 November 2019

Meeting up with a financial advisor

Recently, I met up with a financial advisor and to be honest I am usually lazy to meet them as I feel that they will try to sell you products and I find it tough to say no sometimes and I have to like meet them after work or during weekends.

However, I had to meet this advisor as it was related to my company insurance and so he came to my office to talk to me about it.

Slowly during the conversation, we talked about personal insurance and I have actually always wanted to figure out the protection that I currently have.


I do know that I have the basics covered but would like to understand my policies more in-depth. Most of my agents are my mum's agents and to be honest, they don't follow up often.

Since there is an opportunity now for someone to review my policies, I shall give it a try and see how he is with his knowledge.

I do think that it is good to understand the policies you have especially to be sure what you are eligible for based on your plan.

My mum's friend has a history of high blood pressure and recently, she felt very heavy pressure in her that she had a very bad headache.

She went to government hospital for a check and they sent her home instead as they mentioned that she take a rest before deciding if it was severe enough to be hospitalised. Over the next few hours, she couldn't take it as the pressure was getting to her.


She went to a private hospital and after further checks, she needed to do 2 stents and 1 balloon for her heart to reduce the pressure.The doctor asked if she wanted to do a bypass or to do the stents and balloon but as her older brother died in a bypass operation so she opted for the latter.

Her total bill came up to $50 000 including a few nights stay in the private hospital, doctor consultation and the operation. Of course, it is quite a huge sum for her. My mum told me that she could some subsidies but it wouldn't be much as she went to a private hospital and her insurance coverage is very limited as she has no rider.

I was thinking wow, if I was ever in that situation, I would be in debt as I don't even have $50 000 right now. And she needed to pay first before they can process the total subsidies and then refund her if there were any.

I think that really set me thinking as my mum is getting old and anything can happen, so for now, her insurance coverage looks fine as she has listened to her agent and got what she needed early, so now it's my turn.

Friday 1 November 2019

October 2019 Portfolio updates + Dividends - Bought some OCBC

October is over and we are now only left with 2 more months before the end of 2019.

Time flies when you work and I realized that this year just flew past. I will reach my first year anniversary of working full-time on 18 November 2019. HAHA, an achievement for me as I really didn't expect myself to stay one year in this job and also to have my contract extended.

Read more: I thought I will get rich once I start work + Updates on my life

Of course, as the year ends, more uncertainty awaits me and I will need to do something about it as well.


Read more: Vulnerability when we lose our jobs or can't find a job

For this month, I added 100 units of OCBC to my portfolio at a price of $10.65 each. I have been wanting to add bank stocks to my portfolio. And OCBC was at a right price, I will slowly accumulate more but I think I am done with purchases this year as I want to hold more cash on hand.

Office atmosphere has been great so far as it approaches December where the festive mood will lift up everyone's spirit. Our annual Christmas party is well on its way but the toughest question arrives and that is what gift to get for everyone........

Home has been good too but I have slowly realised that my mum and I have slightly drifted apart as I am always tired after coming back from work and we really talk a lot lesser nowadays.

Portfolio:






Dividends received: