Question: Is it very bad to quit a job after a month of working there?

I joined a new job at the beginning of this month and it has a 3 month probation. If I quit in month one, I don’t need to serve notice & during month 2 its one week notice

The job is v. different from the JD + what I discussed & I’m afraid that if I wait 3-4 months, it’ll become a red flag on my resume (+ I need to serve a month month notice period) as opposed to if I quit now, and look for another place after leaving this one out of the resume but I’m also not sure if its okay to quit so soon/should I stay here and see if things get better/I adapt to the job more

Side question – Would it be dishonest if I looked for another job, but didn’t tell them I quit my old job already (I quit 30th April, before starting this new role on 2nd May)?

I worked at my old place for 3yrs already. Not sure how to approach this whole situation

Netizens’ comments

1. Quit. Cut your losses fast. The shorter the gap on your resume, the easier it is to explain.
   • (OP) Then should I tell the new company that I quit my old job in Apr when I jobsearch? Or just say I’m still with them when they ask why I’m leaving my old job?
     Say you take a break
2. Bruh my shortest record was quitting in 2 days.
   Employers hardly spare a thought for their employees, so you need to put yourself first. Toxic environment? Leave. Actual job different from the JD you received and doesn’t value add to your resume? Leave. Don’t need to be shy.
   As for if your prospective employer asks you why you quit your previous job, like someone said, just tell them the company is not a good fit for you. When they ask you to elaborate, tell them the job description you were presented with was very different from the actual job and it is not the direction you want your career to go. (They might ask you what is the direction you want your career to be).
   • (OP) omg what in the world happened that you quit after 2 days?
     • Bosses decided to cut $500 off the agreed monthly salary because they decided not to expand their business anymore so don’t need me to do “as much things”.
       Assured me repeatedly that I will have my employment contract before I start work or at least on the first day. Kept giving excuses that their HR on leave. Found out on my first day (when I still didn’t have employment contract to sign) from the people there that they only get an employment contract to sign after the 3 months probation. If that’s the standard procedure, why lie?
       Learned from the one I’m taking over the role of that she spent 1 year following the boss around like a lost puppy before she can go toilet without asking the boss.
       Those are the three reddest flags. The female boss also somehow found me on social media and decided to follow my personal account, and they claimed to be a Japanese culture company but it very quickly showed that they just wanted to come into work to be treated like royalty (must greet them and bow when they arrive, and must serve them tea immediately). Lots of small stupid rules also, like your work is done already, have to wait for everyone else in other “departments” and for the boss to be done then can leave. Learned very early on that they just wanted slaves/to be served like royalty so I noped outta there.
       (Yah this much happened in 2 days)

Increasing spam call from property agents

I’ve been getting so many calls from random property agents it’s damn annoying, like a few times a week. Most recently today one from propnex called just to ask if I have any property for sale or rent.

I asked where they got my number and they said they got it from a “database of homeowner”, and I don’t even own a house.

When I asked and pushed is this legal that you somehow got my number from a database and call me to solicit she just kept saying “I’m not selling anything” like it matters.

Is there any way I can stop this from happening??

Netizens; comments

1. Register for DNC (do not call) registry. If they still call, get their details and report to PDPC.
2. Just say the magic words every time you get a call from them.
   “My number is on the Do Not Call list. Any further calls from you will be reported to PDPC directly. This call is being recorded.”
3. The agent is bullsh-g, whether she is selling or not, she is technically counted as a business (calling as a property agent), so the action is B2C (biz to consumer)
   As for the database, there’s shit companies out there maintaining and updating a list of phone numbers that are “safe” to call (they of course make money from all the agents and their companies who want to cold call, disgusting…)
   As the other commenter said, register for DNC (legit property agent companies are super scared about contravening this measure, so you won’t get calls in future, unless you gave consent to be contacted, i.e. fill some form online/in person)
4. iphone has a setting to automatically block any incoming calls from numbers not on your contact list. i have it on all the time except when im expecting unknown callers
5. for years i have been receiving sms from propnex asking for sales or rent of my property.
   i tried to bait them once by replying them i have a unit available for rent, few days later i received a call from a property agent (not from propnex) but the number wasn’t listed in CEA

Will you allow your child to work part time?

Most parent encourage their child to work part time after completing O-level and before starting poly or uni. This is to make them understand the value of money.

However, I feel that they are only young once and they should be spending time on their hobbies or hanging out with their friends.

Furthermore, the salary will be low as they are inexperienced. It’s like cheap labour. When they start working, they will spend their entire lives working.

What’s your view?

Netizens’ comments

1. I think the child can decide for themself. I was 17 when I took a retail job as a part-time cashier – not because my parents encouraged me to, but because I wanted to experience the working life myself. Don’t have to worry too much – they are their own person, and at 16+, they can make their own decisions. 😀
2. Part of your duty as a parent is preparing them for the future, which includes, surprise surprise- learning how to put in hard work. Also to understand the value of money. Past a certain age they should certainly try working for themselves – they still have alot of time to enjoy their hobbies if they need to. Part time work gives a good opportunity and low cost (cost as in failure cost) for them to try and learn.
   My family never needed the money. But my mom encouraged me to find work over the long holidays once I completed my A levels. I did waitering, coaching, worked in a bike shop, internships. I learnt alot- what goes on behind the scenes in a restaurant. How to be punctual, polish cutlery, pour wine and beer, balance food on trays, how to be polite to asshole customers. Learnt how to fix bikes and all about bicycles, how to be a salesman, how to find useful things to do at work if very bored. And also how to work as a team with colleagues.
   Even if the salary is low, that makes them understand what it means to earn their own money and how to appreciate lower wage earners. Take it as free tuition in life skills.
3. Personally my parents never ‘forced’ me to work part time, but I appreciated being encouraged to do so.
   Working PT, like what others have commented already, allows kids fresh out of school to experience what working is like. They will be able to learn soft skills essential for navigating workplace dynamics, patience (with rude customers), and a greater appreciation for the hard work that people put in to earn their keep.
   Having my own source of pocket money (i.e. salary) was a great motivator as well. I liked the feeling of independence from not having to rely and ask my parents for money.
4. I will strongly encourage my son when the time comes. To me is not so much about understanding the value of money; that one should be part of their upbringing. Is more on developing skills that you can only learn in a workplace and the chance to experience easy-mode working.
   But at the end of the day, if he so chooses not to and want to pursue other activities or hobbies then sure. But I will make it a point to him that it is not guaranteed I would support those activities/hobbies financially.

How do you deal with the idea of working forever?

I’m matriculating into university this year and I’ve been thinking about my future career options, but it seems crazy to me that after university I’ll essentially be working for the rest of my life?

I’ll spend the next 40+ years working, and working seems to drain the energy out of everyone.

I get that it’s probably because I haven’t truly experienced the working life and I’m fortunate that I don’t have to worry about money matters yet, but I can’t help but feel alot of despair thinking about this, that this is how I’ll spend the rest of my life.

Any advice on how to deal with this?

Netizens’ comments

1. Sometimes you do what you like for living, but that’s rare. Everyone else does what they hate for money, so they can use that money to do what they love.
2. I love 30% of my job, 50% meh and hate 20% of it. Averages out to meh. On days filled with that 20%, I get through by checking bank account and counting down days till next payday. Life is good… enough.”
3. It works differently for everyone. Just the two type of ppl I can think of rn are
   People that loves to climb the ladder. Each promotion or project finished is like climbing the ranks in dota or league. Get up high enough and rmb to cover your retirement with sufficient investments to lepak the rest of your life
   People that see work as just exchanging time for money. Bo bian, need to eat right? Do enough to justify your salary and nothing more. Find “CCAs” outside of school. It can be fun to join a group that does volunteering, choir singing, hiking… Anything la really. As long as it isn’t something you hate, it’s always nice to do a common activity with a group.
   These are the healthy kinds I can think of. There are of course those that hates work but got pressured into OT. Or those that money easy in and easy out then one day, jobless liao, everything crash and burn.
   I’m more of the I’m working just for the money~
4. I build in breaks every so often. Took a year to earn my masters, planning another sabbatical in a couple of years. It’s about managing cash flow and energy levels. It’s easier to take breaks when you don’t have financial commitments / dependents.
   Some people sell their skills at as high a price as they can get well saving and investing as much as possible to attain financial independence and explore their interests / enjoy life.
   Others just start off doing what they love despite the hit to their earnings.
   Do what’s right for you 🙂
   And if 40 years is overwhelming, break it down. Take it one day / month / year / goal at a time.
   Also I recommend finding something that brings joy and meaning to your life outside work. You might dance or grow plants or whatever. We don’t know how long we have, we shouldn’t put off our lives until it’s too late.

grew up poor, started working part time since 14, many decisions made in life is always about which is cheaper, bring more money home to pay bills, which is needed

decided to plunge into uni for bachelor’s in my late 30s and I stick out like a sore thumb in y2 and will likely continue sticking out until y3 and graduation

now reaching my 40s, I don’t understand much of what classmates say

i am not able to speak up for class participation and no one in my entire y1, lecturer, tutor, classmates, administration office staff, ever had to patience to wait for me to think through my thoughts to ask questions or participate in any way

as with many other adults, I need to help out financially at home and I am earning a living with part time work, rushing from work to school and school to work, burning my weekends with job too

but not eligible for financial aid because my parent rents out one of our room and works in a cashiering job which nicely reaches the cut off for financial aid

I had to learn how to use the laptop, spend money to buy a laptop that works with the softwares needed, spend money to upgrade my internet during covid university (512 just don’t cut it for live lectures that lecturer’s refuse to record)

now there’s money for ‘enrichment’ and lost opportunity financial cost because of compulsory face to face briefings for IA and all that

the hardest has been the elitism within

I don’t know whether it’s my course or is there a problem with me but classmates easily say let’s go to the cafe for lunch, buy bubble tea, meet for 4h project meetings that are mostly silent because no one bothers to come prepare

while in my head I’m just thinking how much all these are going to cost me – and that project meeting habits that everyone seems to have? I lose working hours (I am paid by the hour so the travelling time and project discussion time in total adds up to 1 month’s electricity bill per project meeting easily)

I know I’m not high class, and I have given up trying to fit in to the high class standards since y1 week 3. yet, it hurts, because people mark you down in group appraisal, tutors say I don’t speak standard english and at the same time insist that as a nus student they have every right to judge and lecture as us pampered students who don’t know the sufferings of the poor, and classmates will not spend time understanding me because my input is always assumed to be of a lower quality too

they say in sg you study then got better future

I beg to differ

in sg if you can cope with the elitism you study got better future, if you can’t it crushes your soul even more

if you can afford u as a lower class person, avoid nus

at least you wont be treated like dirt by all the elitist in nus

I matched this guy. He didn’t text much but he wanted to have dinner. I suppose he could be the type of prefers to talk in person so I agreed to meet. Besides, overall vibes was alright so I decided to give it a shot.

Firstly, he was late. No explanation. I decided to continue the date as I was hungry. As we spoke to each other, I noticed his hair wasn’t real. I’m fine with that too as we were just talking.

He spoke louder than normal so I tried to take it that he’s just nervous. We waited for over 20 minutes after ordering our food. He started to get upset and spoke to the waitress rudely and demanded to see the manager.

I’m not sure if he’s trying to show me that he’s a bad ass for being so considerate of my hunger or he’s just being mean because he can. By then I was starting to feel uncomfortable.

It was dinner hour so I expected a little delay and I didn’t mind using the time to chit chat but he was insistent in showing that he’s unhappy even when I told him I’m ok to wait.

He made such a huge fuss I feel so embarrassed the entire duration while we were in the restaurant. I thought we agreed to go dutch but he insisted to pay for dinner. Saying I can treat him the next time. Erm no?

After that night I rejected meeting him again. He went bat shit angry on me and started to throw insults. I blocked him. What a nightmare.

Why am I so sway?

Netizens’ comments

1. You dodged a bullet
   Dates from dating apps are hit or miss. To go through it, might have seemed “suay”, but such experiences may pave the way for someone good to come
2. Gosh what a bad character but it’s good that he showed it on the first date.. but be careful in case he sues for rejecting him.. lol
3. Next time shower with pomelo leave before meeting anyone so can wash away the “sway” first 

So many people say – Just be yourself, do what makes you happy – and then judge/criticise your every decision.

“Why you order prawn mee without the prawn? Why you order BKT never eat the meat? Damn waste money leh”

Is because I like it that way. Are you paying for my lunch? No, I’m the one paying, then what’s wrong with that?

“Why u study so hard for masters degree then go into HR? That one even O level/diploma holder can do leh”

I studied hard for my own personal fulfilment and achievements. Did you pay for my school fees? No, I saved and paid everything myself.

I get 7k/month for my HR job that “any auntie in Singapore can do”. I’m not even 24 yet. I go to work at 10am and finish by 5pm. I enjoy my work, get to come home on time, and my role is in high demand, what’s wrong with that?

“Huh you like BTS? All auto tune and they ah gua leh, you no boyfriend issit?” If you don’t like them, don’t listen to them. If you think you’re better than them, why aren’t you the one with a net worth of 25 million dollars? And yeah, I have a bf but I like BTS, what’s wrong with that? Also, what’s wrong with being ah gua? Not as if they (or any person for that matter) would find u attractive….

“Why you come office always wear auntie clothes but on weekends wear so nice?”Because I don’t want my bosses/co workers to see my assets hanging out. Why tf would I come to work in a tube top and high waisted shorts? If I want to cover myself at work, and yet wear revealing clothes outside of work, what’s wrong with that?

And yet, people like this still have the cheek to preach some nonsense like “oh just be yourself, do what makes you happy, don’t care what others think”. For the sake of professionalism, I’m forced to entertain stupid remarks like these with a smile on my face and casually laugh it off. One day, I’ll probably lose it and ask them with a poker face

“It’s because it makes me happy, you got a problem with me being happy?”

I just wanna remind everyone that while you chase greater and greater things in your life, don’t forget to ask yourself all the time “am I happy?”

A lot of times we chase things without really trying to understand whether it is what we truly want to do. We may end up very successful but empty inside. Or we may not end up successful at all, and feel that we didn’t become the person we think we deserve to be.

I write this more to remind the highest achievers, that just because you do very well in school doesn’t mean that you should feel the need to make as much money as possible. It also doesn’t necessarily mean you have what it takes to make a lot of money.

A lot of very highly qualified people in Singapore are working middle-class jobs because of absolutely idiosyncratic reasons. It could also be because they suck in the real world.

I have met very educated people who were perfectly happy pursuing a simple job with less pay than they could have gotten, because either the job is something they love doing and therefore better at, or their job allowed them to do other things that may not pay at all but are nevertheless valuable.

Not everyone who did very well in school find joy pursuing careers that pay a lot of money. Not everyone who did very well in school have the competence and characteristics to do equally well at any job. Even if the stars align, doing well in school doesn’t even remotely measure your management skills.

Which means even if you have the most prestigious degrees, you may find yourself stuck in middle-management because you just do very low-value stuff very well, or you do high-level technical stuff very well but nobody is paying you for that talent.

Also, not everyone who did very poorly in school wouldn’t one day find something to do that would pay them a lot more than a Harvard student. As an exercise, I’m sure you know of Singaporeans who are immensely wealthy who didn’t have much schooling. Sheng Siong, BreadTalk, Hotel 81, HaiDiLao etc. These are all very idiosyncratic as I said.

So by all means do well in school, but also know that to make a lot of money requires a special sauce that your professors wouldn’t know of. Very few people would know what it takes. And also, quit obsessing over making tons and tons of money and obsess over doing something you absolutely love.

You will never do very well in the things you don’t enjoy doing anyway. So pursuing a career because it pays more, not because you are interested and passionate about it, may not even be the most optimal decision. i.e You may actually end up making a lot less.

I was working from home today

So i walked down to a nearby coffee shop to buy my lunch. The moment i speak to the auntie to place my order, she was already expressing her unhappiness in the way i talk(very random). I was sure that i was courteous, polite in the way i spoke.

Then she proceeded to say in hokkien that “kids nowadays dont work and only take money from parents”.

Then she proceeded to tout me in verbal ways, seemingly hoping i will respond back and start an argument with her.Take note i have never talked to his auntie before

Me being me, stood calm and unresponsive to her instigation, paid money took my orders and left.

Auntie, my 1 month salary maybe can probably equate to half a year of your annual salary. I don’t take but give money to my parents so that they don’t need to around with people like you.

Not happy to work just stay at home and watch your tv or something. Not every “kid” will tolerate your monkey behaviour like how some of us will.

Netizens’ comments

1. Why are young people nowadays so easily offended
2. A lot of these grumpy old people are bitter they wasted their younger years, so they vent their own unhappiness on the younger people.
   Serious. Unprovoked, a few frail old uncles have challenged me to a fight before. Can tell easily they have wasted their youth being fragile so they need to prove something and hope the younger person backs down out of “respect”.
   The only way to counter this type is to explain to them the truth of how they have wasted their lives and now can only be bitter, but you have your whole life ahead of you. They will shut up quickly.
3. Maybe she’s got pent up frustration because of what’s happening in her life and u so happened to be the victim of her projecting her internal battles. Since u kept mum bout this, u took to social media and I can understand that feeling. U just needed to vent it out. Good job on u not retaliating or reciprocating to her negativity 
4. Wow. Your 1 month salary equates to her 1 year annual income. I don’t know what she is selling but I knew a chap who sells mee and daily 300-500 bowls Daily. Taking min @$5/bowl he makes 45k/month averaging $500k per annum. Don’t underestimate their income. I don’t know maybe the aunty is working as a helper and not happy as the owner is earning so much and not paying her enough that’s why a lot of old people are “exploited”, unhappy thus grumpy.