Career & Skills

We had just gone through a nasty break-up. Clients who knew us kept calling in to hire the ‘dynamic duo’ pair, because we’re known for delivering great work. How on earth does one keep their cool while working with an ex in front of others?

Freelancing is the new ‘black’ in the economy. There are plenty of tips on the Internet about preparing yourself before taking the leap. However, it wasn’t something I really signed up for when I stumbled into freelance writing 8 years ago.

Everyone knows someone who has a story about how they switched careers. I’ve had friends who studied medicine and became a DJ. Why do so many people go into a particular field with such high hopes and dreams, only to go on to do something completely different?

I was informed that my client was flagged as a scammer, and thus his credit card verifications, supposedly unremovable, were removed.

Instead of helping me get my payment, the customer service closed down my client’s account. It was immediate. I had no time to even contact them myself to ask for my pay.  

Previously, university had been for affluent members (mostly men) of society. Before degrees became commonplace, people relied on apprenticeships and learnt their skills on the job itself. Nowadays, you don’t need that. You can just teach yourself skills with the Internet!

Initially, I worked low-rate jobs, desperate to get clients who would pay the bare minimum. I faced my share of scammers and was scammed several times too. Now, whenever I see these four signs, I tell them I’m not interested in their offer.

Though some may think it’s degrading like being a bibik or amah (maid at home), but cleaning up after someone’s trash was my opportunity to make money.

A career break helps your career. How contradictory does that sound? I knew that I couldn’t escape the stress that comes with work, but I did learn that sometimes, all we need is a simple recharge.

Not having a smartphone kept me in the dark from the latest happenings around the office.