Preparing your mindset when starting a new job

Now that I am older, this seems to be more important to me personally.

Previously, I don't think too much when starting a new job.

But now, I am more clear on what I want, and so I made it a point to tell myself what mindset I should adopt when I start a new job.

Especially after almost 1 year of not working, enjoying life without stress, seeing what is possible, going through the emotions of being laid off, changing job, quitting without a job waiting, worrying about finances, wondering if my calculations could be wrong etc, these all gave me new perspectives.

So what gives?

First of all, this time, my mind is clear on the time horizon. I will set a specific time period that I will work in a new job. Not because I don't like working, but because I want to balance my life and not just slog for nothing or without planning.

Then, I am very clear on what I want out of the job. It is to pay bills, allow me to save more for retirement, and also allow me to learn new things and be open to new ideas and also put my valued skills to good use.

I also want to mentor and teach junior engineers, to pass on my experiences so they can build on it and contribute to the system we live in.

Most importantly, I will try to be more mature and steadfast this time round, less monkeying around, and be very intentional in my interactions with others at work, focus on sincerity, respectfulness and open-mindedness.

Last but not least, I will strive to be healthy, continue my exercises and dieting, no matter how stressed or busy I would be.

Somehow, this feels refreshing. A new job at this age means it's likely my last leg in my career life. And yet, its seems to be the one with the most clarity for me. I guess that's what you gain when you take a break from work and smell life.

Comments

Getting comfortable without a salary from working

Not sure if I am there yet. Basically I am effectively drawing down my cash each month, primarily due to 2 things : mortgage and income tax mortgage (after CPF) is about $9k per month income tax is about $5k per month My investment cashflow covers all my other expenses, including utilities, groceries, handphone/internet bills, insurance, property taxes, condo maintenance fees, personal spending. With some input from wife who is still working, I am still out of pocket by almost $11k per month. She will continue to be able to save a decent sum per month and I'll let her grow that and managed it for her via safe investments. Am I comfortable? Not really. I will if I am not out of pocket per month. If I really stop working for good, the income tax amount will go to $0 after 2025. So only mortgage left We can pay off the mortgage but I think I said before, it doesn't make sense since it's our home and we will be locking the money up with little leeway to do other things. So I ...

Expenses of a middle-classy Singapore uncle with family

I don't know what exactly is considered middle-class in SG, but I figured its the fat range in the middle section if we were to line people up based on income. There will be a steep drop off from the bottom 5% and a steep surge from the top 5, and another galactic surge from the top 1%. Uncle is pretty sure I am in that middle chunk of 90%, and based on my estimation, should be in the front 30 percentile in this chunk. Now, this is how my expenses look like for myself (excluding what my wife contributes). The numbers are on per month and in SGD Car expenses (loan, insurance, maintenance, tax, fuel) = $2,500 Insurance premiums = $800 Utilities bill = $350 Mobile lines for 5 = $90 Home internet line = $30 Services (Netflix, Spotify, iCloud) = $60 Condo maintenance fees = $350 Property tax = $250 Groceries and take out meals = $1200 Allowance for my parent = $1000 Allowance for kiddos = $200 School fees for kiddos = $150 Tuition fees = $270 Piano, and music classes = $900 Sub-Total fo...

CPF balances 24 July 2024

I think for SA, my balance is considered "self-sustaining" as the 4% pa for SA could ensure my balance will continue to meet the FRS requirement every year until I reach 55. from CPF website, my SA balance already exceeds FRS for 2024. Every year, the FRS increases a little for inflation. E.g. the FRS for 2025 is 3.4% increase compared to 2024. But SA interest rate is 4%, so as long as you already reach FRS amount for current year, you will be fine I think, even if you stopped working (i.e. SA stops having contribution)

uncle lim kopi

Search This Blog