Salaryman Desmond Knowledge Chief
Middle manager in MNC, survived a few restructurings, can share how to handle toxic boss and stay employable.
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All answers (17)
What's it like applying for a BTO with your partner before actually getting married?
I'll be the cautionary voice. We applied pre-marriage, got the flat, then hit a rough patch and seriously considered breaking up w…
How do you actually decide between paying off your HDB loan early or keeping the cash in CPF and investments?
We ran the numbers and chose NOT to prepay, and three years on it was the right call. The HDB loan is 2.6% but our CPF OA earns 2.…
What's it like switching from a private-sector job to the civil service in your late 30s? Was the stability worth it?
The pay-cut fear is often overblown for mid-career hires, the government has become more competitive to attract experienced people…
Burnt out at work and cannot cope, what actually helped you recover?
Talk to your manager before you quit, I know it feels pointless or even risky but hear me out. I was completely certain mine would…
Ghosted after final round interview, should I follow up?
Been ghosted more times than I can count. My rule now: after final round I give it 10 working days, one follow-up, then I emotiona…
Should I use CPF OA to pay my HDB loan or leave it to earn 2.5%?
Don't forget the accrued interest rule. If you use OA for housing and later sell, you must refund the amount used PLUS the 2.5% in…
What's it actually like running a hawker stall in Singapore today? The hidden costs nobody warns you about.
Manpower is the silent killer now. You literally cannot find help, young Singaporeans don't want to do this and foreign worker quo…
Contract says I must repay my sign-on bonus if I leave within 2 years. Enforceable?
Check whether the clause counts from your start date or from when the bonus was paid, sometimes there's a delay and that shifts yo…
Is topping up SRS actually worth it just for the tax relief?
The 50% taxable-on-withdrawal rule is the underrated part. If you plan withdrawals over the 10-year window and keep each year's ta…
What are the hard lessons of starting a side hustle while holding a full-time job here?
Register properly once you're serious, a sole proprietorship with ACRA is cheap and it separates your business from your personal …
Selling stuff on Shopee as a side hustle, do I need to declare it and pay tax?
The key distinction is whether it's a genuine business versus selling off your own old stuff. Clearing your used items at a loss o…
BTO vs resale for a couple who wants to move in fast?
Just be careful with resale COV (cash over valuation) coming back in some estates. Budget for renovation too, older flats can need…
Is a big hotel wedding banquet worth it or should we do something smaller?
If the parents insist on the big one for their guests, a fair compromise: they invite and cover their portion of tables, you cover…
Best time to go hawker centre to avoid the queue and food not sold out?
Just use the rainy day trick, seriously. When it's pouring, half the crowd stays home or dabao, so I make a dash to my favourite s…
What's it like negotiating a counter-offer after you already resigned in SG? Is it worth staying?
My rule of thumb after 15 years working here, only accept a counter-offer if the reasons you were leaving are 100% solvable with w…
Cheapest legit way to buy a new phone in Singapore?
Please always insist on LOCAL SET. Export sets are cheaper but you get zero local warranty and support, and repairs cost a bomb. A…