Taking a sabbatical is a good idea for a lot of reasons, but people often misunderstand why they are useful. Many people also get the wrong idea about taking lots of time off and they think that it will damage their career and their life in some way. Unfortunately, these misconceptions mean that so many people are not benefitting from taking a sabbatical when they could be. These are some of the biggest misconceptions about sabbaticals and why you should take one.
You Should Only Take One When You’re Burnt Out
The biggest misconception about sabbaticals is that you should only take one when you are completely burnt out. They have this idea that you should work yourself to the bone and only when the stress becomes so much that you feel like you can’t go on anymore should you think about taking some time out. But even though sabbaticals do help you recharge your batteries, there are a lot of other great reasons to take one. It gives you time to focus on personal goals and it can give you more perspective on your career. So don’t think that you only deserve a sabbatical if you are under extreme stress. If there are things you want to achieve in life or you just want some time to focus on yourself, those are perfectly valid reasons to take a year off work.
You Can Only Take One
The general perception is that people only take one sabbatical in their lifetime. It’s seen as a time when you can achieve that big thing that you’ve always wanted to do, and it’s a once in a lifetime experience. But that isn’t the case at all and there is no reason why you can’t take regular sabbaticals throughout your life. In fact, best-selling novelist and corporate leader Karan Bajaj advocates taking a sabbatical every 4 years. It gives time to achieve more personal goals instead of focusing on one single thing, and it’s an effective way to find more balance in your life. By having regular time off to focus on yourself, you will ultimately be happier.
It Will Stall Your Career
This is the number one reason that people don’t take sabbaticals when they should. They worry that taking significant time out will stall their career and other people will overtake them, meaning that they miss out on opportunities for advancement. However, the opposite is actually true. If you want to advance your career and get promotions, you need to be at the top of your game. Unfortunately, it’s hard to stay motivated and put the work in if you haven’t had enough time off, even if you love your job. When you take a sabbatical, you will return to the role with your batteries recharged, ready to hit the ground running. You also have a fresh new perspective on the job so you can bring great new ideas and a different approach. This all means that you are more effective and you are actually more likely to progress.
It’s important that you ignore these myths about taking a sabbatical and consider taking some time out if you think it will benefit you.
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Productivity is important to your business. If your productivity isn’t high, then there is no way that you are going to get very far on the market. You won’t be putting out the right kind of service to your customers, and people that do choose to use your business are going to get frustrated extremely quickly. One of the things that you can do to try and improve this is make a high-quality business office that is designed specifically to drive productivity. That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article, so if you would like to find out more about this topic, keep reading down below.
Workspaces
The first thing that you are going to need to think about are the workspaces that you are providing for your employees. If you have people constantly shut away behind closed doors, then there is going to be no collaboration, no communication and everyone is going to feel isolated. This is not the way to do things as people who feel like they are constantly on their own are less likely to work well. As such, you should think about using office cubicles so that most people are together in one part of the building. This encourages teamwork and collaboration which will encourage a higher rate of productivity.
Social Areas
Another thing that you are going to need in your business office are social areas. These are things like break rooms as they are places for your employees to sit back and chill out on their break. Your employees are still human, and they need somewhere to go that isn’t their desk during their breaks. If you work them too hard or you don’t allow them a space where they can really unwind, even if just for a short time, then they aren’t going to work hard for you, which will impact your productivity.
It isn’t difficult to create a simple break room where people can talk to each other when they are not working.
Colors And Lighting
You should also consider the colors you use and the amount of natural light you get in the office space. Have you ever heard of the phrase happy employees are hard working employees? Well, it’s true. We recommend that you use bright colors such as yellows and blues for your office to encourage a good mood, and let as much light in as you can. Humans respond positively to natural light, so it’s a good thing to include. There are some other elements too that help you add a vibrant and productive touch to your workplace. All you need is to explore all of them and implement them on your workstation. You can read them all here https://www.officefinder.com/officeblog/4-ways-create-more-productive-work-space/ and see how it helps you add beauty to your office.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do in order to design an office that drives productivity. At the end of the day, the productivity of your business as a whole should be one of your main focuses, so creating the office should be at the top of your to do list. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you end up with the results that you are looking for.
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One of the most booming industries in the new millennium is international trade. However, it is a new concept of trading. Back in the prehistoric period, man traded salt and shells with distant communities. Trade is based on the fact that one country or group has plenty of supply of some merchandise or commodity that another country demands.
As the world becomes technologically advanced, shifting from subtle to one mode of thought, trade between countries has become more rewarding for both personal and profit satisfaction.
Known for its international outlook, ease of doing business, and strategic location, Singapore is one of the welcoming countries for trade business. This country connects over 120 countries and 600 ports, making it the world’s second-best and busiest container port.
The Asian country was ranked 14th leading exporter in 2014 and 15th leading importer in the world. According to the World Bank, this country is the easiest place in the world to run, do and start a business. It takes a couple of hours to incorporate a trading business in the country. The advanced infrastructure and free trade agreements make it easy for Asian commodities to move among the 31 partners.
This country has a clear regulation and a good reputation for doing business. Therefore, importing and exporting various products follow efficient and straightforward procedures that are done in short orders.
This article will help break down the steps involved in export and import documents acquisition.
Importing goods
Singapore’s regulations on imports and exports, goods and services tax act (GST), and customs act govern all goods imported. GST applies to any goods imported into the country, and it involves 7% of the freight, insurance and freight, and all dutiable goods.
It is advisable to adhere to the below certification steps if you wish to participate in import activities.
Review of the controlled goods
It is important to check whether the goods involved are subject to restriction before initiating any import process.
Activation of custom account
The importer needs to get a Unique Entity Number (UEN) to start any import process by registering with a relevant UEN agency or Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This will allow account activation.
Inter-bank account registration
For duty payment of importing goods, importers are required to open an inter-bank account with the country’s customs.
Furnish security
It is important to furnish security for things like operation of licensed premises, temporary goods importation, and dutiable goods.
Getting custom import permit
Importers need to appoint a declaring agent or register themselves as one to get hold of customs import permit.
Document preparation for cargo clearance
All entry points into the country are controlled by officers who must see various documents like packing lists, custom permits and invoices to clear cargo entry.
Exporting of goods
Exporting goods in this country falls under the strategic goods act, custom act, and regulation of import and export act. Goods exported from the country must be declared but not subject to duty and GTS. The exporter can get the certificate of origin through the online TradeNet platform for any goods created inside the country.
Below are the steps for exporting goods:
Check controlled goods
It is important to confirm the restriction available on exported goods based on the customs classification database.
Open custom account
The export activities start only after getting a UEN, given either by a relevant UEN insurance agency or ACRA.
Generate custom export permit
One can acquire a customs export permit, similar to an import permit, through the TradeNet system.
Preparation of cargo clearance documents
Certain documents should be presented to the officer if the cargo to be exported is dutiable goods. However, both conventional and containerised cargoes require a customs export permit and any supporting document for the process to be complete.
Instances that require customs export permit for cargo clearance
Goods exported from bonded warehouses
Exporting dutiable goods obtained from the licensed warehouse
Re-exporting of previously imported goods based on temporary import scheme
Goods exported under the temporary scheme
Parting Words
Singapore presents the simplest and most streamlined export and import procedure since it is considered one of the world’s busiest trading spots. However, it is important to comply with government regulations and leverage temporary policies, warehousing schemes, and free trade zones to improve your trading experience.
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As a merchandising and marketing platform, the internet has gone from strength to strength. Faster internet speeds, superior control of graphics, and website development together with ease of user access through smartphones and laptops, have driven the unprecedented growth in consumption and patronization of online products and services.
Today, it would be difficult to find a traditional ‘brick and mortar’ business enterprise which didn’t have some form of an online presence as part of its sales and marketing operations.
The growth of online gambling and casinos
Considered as part of the entertainment sector, the gambling and casino industry has witnessed a similar growth in virtual gambling. The online gambling or iGaming market is thus experiencing a steady increase.
Sites such as bingositesreviewer.com present a view of just one slice of that growing market, and aptly demonstrate just how the virtual world is steadily competing with, and indeed replacing, counterpart ‘brick and mortar’ businesses.
Regulation in the online gambling sector
Understandably, the online gambling sector, just like its real-world counterpart, is heavily regulated. Regulations and restrictions vary from country to country, but one of the first hoops the business owner must jump through is in obtaining a gambling license.
Stated simply, the business manager must apply for an operating license in an intended region or country of operation.
This control effectively ensures an upfront regulation on operators and business owners. Notwithstanding this, the business manager needs to have a deeper understanding of the reasons behind this rigid licensing and regulation.
Social and ethical considerations of online gambling
Studies show that people patronize casinos and gambling places for a variety of reasons. For a large part, these reasons are social – many state their desire to relax, to find an outlet or an escape from the pressures of daily life or they simply enjoy the sense of excitement and expectation associated with games of chance.
The downside of the industry is also well documented, and the potential for addiction and damage to welfare can be perhaps likened to the alcohol and tobacco industry.
The principled manager will keep these concerns at the forefront when directing matters such as the marketing and advertising of the business operation.
In keeping with the heavy industry regulation, the advertising of gambling products also comes under close scrutiny and must be conducted under regional guidelines and requirements. A typical example of this regulation on advertising can be found in the guidelines laid down by big social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
The pressure of competition
With more and more operators entering the iGaming sector, attracted by the allure of a growing market and its potential for profit, the concern of unethical business practice looms large. This potential risk is, of course, held in check by strict licensing requirements and regulation; however, it highlights the need for a strongly principled and ethical approach to business management by the potential iGaming business owner.
Typically, the set-up and online operation of a gaming website are achieved by partnering with a specialist iGaming service provider, and these ‘turnkey’ solutions ensure the development and provision of gaming management system which checks the boxes with regards to licensing and standards.
Summary
The heavy control and regulation of the iGaming, or online gambling, sector ensures a level of responsible management. Over and above that market regulation, the successful business manager will be acutely aware of the potential problems associated with the industry and aim for principled and ethical management of business operations.
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“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago,” says Warren Buffet.
Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. A farsighted investor will multiply wealth by a far greater multiple than an investor that seeks a quick buck.
Successful investors often follow some common rules. Their disciplined approach to investing underpins their growth and helps them consistently build wealth, year after year.
Think about any ace investor—Warren Buffet, Carl Icahn, Jesse Livermore, George Soros, Peter Lynch—all share some common traits. They’re patient, disciplined, and shrewd investors who pack their emotions in a suitcase before stepping into the office.
7 Investing tips to secure your future financially
Investing is not solely about building wealth, it’s also about protecting wealth and securing the future.
Investing a large chunk of wealth in high-risk assets without investing in an insurance policy that provides adequate coverage is unwise. Similarly, investing wealth in high-risk assets without setting up a retirement fund is a terrible strategy.
There is a certain hierarchy that investors must follow to safeguard their current wealth and future cash flows. Let’s discuss several tips that can help investors build colossal wealth over a longer time frame, and shield that wealth against potential catastrophes.
1. Buy insurance
Unforeseen events are so named for a reason. They don’t knock on the door; they just happen one day out of the blue. This makes it imperative for any individual to buy insurance before investing money in any asset class.
Consider insurance an entry ticket to investments. Let’s assume a young, passionate investor has learned about cryptocurrency and is keen on investing in Tether. The investor thinks USDT is the next big thing and will rise in the near future.
The investor certainly has done a lot of homework—USDT indeed seems to be doing well. However, if the investor were to buy USDT before investing in health insurance during a pandemic, one can imagine the degree of risk the investor is assuming.
Insurance is a cost-effective way to tackle mishaps such as a medical emergency or the demise of the family’s breadwinner. It helps safeguard an investor’s wealth, family, and future financial goals.
A common mistake people make is thinking of insurance as an investment. You don’t need to pay a massive premium for a unit-linked insurance policy. Instead, choose a term plan that offers a large cover at significantly lower premiums.
2. Put retirement before all else
The cost of living is rising by the day. For an individual to maintain the same lifestyle post-retirement, they must beat inflation and ensure that they don’t outlive their savings.
Retirement savings are an essential part of any portfolio. They aren’t as boring as some investors assume them to be. While they may not offer double-digit returns, they certainly come with a higher rate of return than a basic savings account.
Investing in a pension plan could be one of the best decisions of an investor’s life, though they may realize this only after retiring.
Increased life expectancy and inflation can push your retirement cost up. Investors must always ensure these costs have been adequately provided for before moving on to more growth-oriented investments.
3. Take stock of your net worth and risk appetite
Now, let’s talk about the more exciting stuff—risky investments.
Markets reward risk-takers. That’s page 1 of Finance 101—higher the risk, higher the return.
However, not everybody has a large appetite for risk. Before embarking on a long investment journey, investors must take cognizance of their net worth to establish a starting point. This helps make better decisions and set realistic goals. More importantly, it helps identify the investor’s risk appetite.
If you have enough wealth to fall back on, a job tenure, or ample monthly income, you may have a higher risk appetite. If your net worth is a humble figure or you’re on a fresher’s salary, your risk appetite may be low to moderate.
A large appetite for risk gives you the room to chase higher returns with risky asset classes like crypto or equity. Investors with low to moderate risk appetite are better off with fixed income securities but may take some equity exposure via index funds or mutual funds.
4. Don’t invest with a blindfold on, and always diversify
It’s fairly common for people to invest in something they don’t understand. It is absolutely critical to study the asset before putting money in, otherwise, it’s just gambling money away.
Investors study the features of a new smartphone inside out before making the purchase, and a similar approach must be taken for investments, and investment platforms like metatrader 4 apple mac os x, that are potentially worth far more than a smartphone.
If an investor doesn’t understand a product, they must either seek professional help or avoid investing altogether. However, not at the cost of diversification.
Imagine having a 100 percent equity portfolio during the 2008 financial crisis. It would have had the investor biting the dust. Some investors only invest in deposits, gold, or real-estate thinking they’re the safest investments. A concentrated portfolio, though, is a recipe for disaster.
For example, let’s compare the performance of an all-equity portfolio (Portfolio 1) vs. a portfolio with 60% equity, 30% long-term treasuries, and 10% gold (Portfolio 2):
Notice how the lack of diversification could have left the investor with close to $9,000 less.
If you don’t understand equities, invest in a mutual fund. If you don’t have enough capital for real estate, invest in a REIT. Always diversify!
5. Past returns and current price can lie, look for value
If only investing were that simple; investors could buy low, sell high, and go to sleep.
When investors see a price line turn green, their brain nudges them into believing that this asset is a worthy investment. Look at the line shoot up! Right?
Well, it depends. It’s important to understand that past returns are not an indicator of future performance, and price and value are two different concepts.
There are several methods of valuing each asset, and most are too complex or time-consuming for a small investor to spend time on. However, there are some simple methods, too. For example, instead of buying a stock just because its price tanked, look at its PE ratio to gauge the stock’s value.
Often, when a security’s price falls, there’s a good reason behind it. Remember, markets are efficient.
Chase value instead of price. Buy undervalued securities, and sooner or later, the price will likely adjust to reflect the real value—though there are no guarantees!
6. Embolden yourself to cut losses
To err is human. Small investors lose more money by holding bad investments than not picking good ones.
Emotion has a strong influence on an investor’s decision. It’s difficult for investors to accept that they have a rotten apple in their portfolio. Their reluctance to sell stems from aversion to loss, and can even prompt some investors to accumulate more of the rotten asset to average out the cost.
Loss aversion is natural, but being mindful can help. Holding low-yield insurance policies, underperforming stocks, and poorly managed mutual funds can drag the overall return of a portfolio to the ground. Instead, take charge and pull this money out.
Investing this money in an index fund instead will at least leave investors with something rather than just a dull asset skewing the entire portfolio’s performance.
7. Rejig your investments after special events
It’s always prudent to scan your portfolio at a healthy frequency. Quarterly is a good starting point, but the more frequently it is checked, the better. Apart from these periodic assessments, a portfolio must be assessed after a life-altering event as well.
Marriage: A new life comes with new goals. Expenses will rise, risk appetite will shift, and the net investible amount will rise if the spouse generates income. Investors must look at the spouse’s portfolio and their own to rejig both of them, and make future investment decisions accordingly.
A baby: A new family member means new responsibilities and added expenses. The arrival of a baby will introduce a new set of goals to invest towards, bring an additional payment towards life insurance premiums, and perhaps require a larger emergency fund.
Promotion: Promotions come with a pay raise, which means a larger surplus to invest each month. The best way to allocate an increase in monthly surplus is to increase the investments in all assets in the current portfolio in the same proportion.
There may be other events that warrant a rejig. It’s always good to have a professional take care of this for investors who lack the time or knowledge for a portfolio rejig.
Conclusion
Emotional control, discipline, and consistency are quintessential components of an investor’s toolkit. Investment is not a one-off task, but an ongoing process that requires following a set of self-imposed rules with diligence. The tips shared above will go a long way in helping an investor secure their future financially. Take calculated risks and be patient, because remember—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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Taking a sabbatical is a good idea for a lot of reasons, but people often misunderstand why they are useful. Many people also get the wrong idea about taking lots of time off and they think that it will damage their career and their life in some way. Unfortunately, these misconceptions mean that so many people are not benefitting from taking a sabbatical when they could be. These are some of the biggest misconceptions about sabbaticals and why you should take one.
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