Apparently our local youths still think that it is their given birth right to work in the government sector (here for full news). Oh perhaps, their life is still full of roses that having no job is better than having a low-paying job in the private sector.
To solve this dilemma, here’s a thought. Considering the government sector is already saturated (or so as I was told) i.e. it can no longer employ the whole 6000 job-seekers (and it shouldn’t be!), there should be some mechanism in place that should stop the idea that everyone can get a government job. And at the same time, make people value their private sector job or at least stick to their private sector job until their contract ends (with good behaviour). So I say, increase the level of qualification requirement and make ‘private sector employment’ a pre-requisite to the ‘popular’ public sector job.
Now, with regard to the ‘elaun sara hidup’, I think it’s either we scrap it off OR give to ALL Bruneians, fair and square (after all everyone is doing their bits to develop the country, regardless of the sector, no?)
Salaam.
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Saturday, 27 September 2008
RBA And.....
...One angry employee ( BB Opinion 24 Sept 2008):
Salaam.
What's happening with our national carrier?
Where is our national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines heading?
A few months back, I remember they were boasting about the arrival of their new airplanes, the Boeing 777. But the new airplane is nowhere to be seen.
All that is left are the old Boeing 767s with seats, which in my opinion, is worse than a budget airline.
I do not see any major improvement as yet. First, the gone B777 deal and this year, the hope of getting merit increments and bonus for staff look bleak with nothing so far.
Unfortunately for those who resigned, the employer's TAP contribution is also affected from the employee's end of service benefits.
In its commercial side, I see failures especially in the decision-making. I have been in the sales and marketing industry and I personally think their commercial department needs a major overhaul putting those specialising in that field rather than putting a pilot or engineer instead. I guess, they just have the wrong people for the wrong critical positions.
Salaam.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Leg Co: ..On POVERTY
I'm surprised, well actually not surprised that the issue of poverty was not heavily debated, despite HM's titah on the vision of zero poverty. Honestly, I feel really sad to hear that this issue will be tackled by yet ANOTHER poverty research. I mean, seriously... how much research do we need to prove that there ARE poor people in this rich country! And what is wrong with the research made by the UBD? Do we need to waste 3, 4, 5 more years and spend millions just to prove that there is no poverty in Brunei? I've heard about this poverty research like almost 10 years ago (if I remember, it was the year I started my first job) and until today I have not seen any national poverty-related policies besides the MUIB's zakat payment. And if there are recipients of Zakat, then surely there must be poverty..what more proof do we need?
People talk about absolute poverty vs relative poverty. For those who are not familiar with those terms, 'absolute poverty' is basically the number of people or households who cannot afford certain basic goods and services, while 'relative poverty' refers to the number of households (or families if you like) whose income falls below the national average income. So, a family of 6, earning only about $1200 a month definitely falls under the category of 'relative poverty'. They may probably able to buy the basic necessities with that income but that income surely must be below our median income.
If you ask me, I don't know what our median income is, but I suspect for a rich country like us, it should be quite high. So, my question is do we really need another research just to determine our median income? Or should we put our heads together to combat poverty NOW before it gets worse. I feel what Brunei needs actually is to form a serious national committee to address this issue.
Anyway, I don't know about you, but to me poverty issue shouldn't be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports alone or poverty is not all about giving welfare benefits. It needs to be addressed in a holistic manner. The fundamental issue is the gap between the rich and the poor. An increasing relative poverty means that there is an unequal distribution of income i.e. there is a large gap between the rich and the poor. Therefore our main challenge is to reduce this gap, because to me income equality = zero poverty.
This should be debated. The ways and means to reduce the gap. It is not about getting salary increments (because to me that in itself will actually result in a higher gap. Why? Because not all of the poors are employed in the government sector) it is more about formulating policies that specifically deal with the poors. For example, the national housing scheme. There should be a separate policy or separate queue (if you are trying to picture it in your head) for those who fall under the category of 'relative poverty' with its own separate terms and conditions, and prices (or no price at all!)
What about subsidies and taxes? These have been the traditional means of income redistribution. Surely, it is high time Brunei reviews its subsidies. Should those who are earning above the median income level pay the same subsidised price of rice as those earning below the median income? Now, there seems to be a serious talk about the irresponsibility of our people (who presumably think that electricity and water are their God's given rights and think that electricity probably comes from air) in paying the utility bills which is costly to the government (see here). If our people continue to be thick-headed and the government decides to reduce the various utility subsidies, then what about the poors? Now, taxes....well this is THE number one taboo in Brunei. But let's start with some form of property taxes. Number 1: tax on rental properties (to help finance the national housing scheme for the poors).
And then there is the related issue of unemployment. I wrote about this in the last post. I don't know how to further express myself but this issue NEEDS to be addressed properly. If the government can no longer afford to provide full employments in the public sector, then whether we like it or not, the government needs to do something about the wage gap because unemployment can cause poverty.
What about education? Yes, we do have the 12 year education policy, but my question is does this cover EVERYone? I'm thinking about those teenagers who got pregnant/married before they finish their 12 year education. How can we help them? How do we expect them to provide for their children if they don't have enough education. Won't it contribute to the poverty spiral?
There are more to think of! Such as how do we help the poors get out of their poverty condition? You know more in the lines of Give-a-man-a-fish-and-you-feed-him-for-a-day, Teach-a-man-to-fish-you-feed-him-a-lifetime.
Oh dear, it's almost midnight. I was supposed to have a break from 'thinking' today after submitting a chapter to my supervisor :) Anyway, the whole point of this post is to actually implore the relevant government agencies to STOP wasting time and resources 'wondering' whether or not we have poverty. Whatever poverty we have now, I think should still be manageable. So please don't wait until it gets too late.
Salaam.
People talk about absolute poverty vs relative poverty. For those who are not familiar with those terms, 'absolute poverty' is basically the number of people or households who cannot afford certain basic goods and services, while 'relative poverty' refers to the number of households (or families if you like) whose income falls below the national average income. So, a family of 6, earning only about $1200 a month definitely falls under the category of 'relative poverty'. They may probably able to buy the basic necessities with that income but that income surely must be below our median income.
If you ask me, I don't know what our median income is, but I suspect for a rich country like us, it should be quite high. So, my question is do we really need another research just to determine our median income? Or should we put our heads together to combat poverty NOW before it gets worse. I feel what Brunei needs actually is to form a serious national committee to address this issue.
Anyway, I don't know about you, but to me poverty issue shouldn't be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports alone or poverty is not all about giving welfare benefits. It needs to be addressed in a holistic manner. The fundamental issue is the gap between the rich and the poor. An increasing relative poverty means that there is an unequal distribution of income i.e. there is a large gap between the rich and the poor. Therefore our main challenge is to reduce this gap, because to me income equality = zero poverty.
This should be debated. The ways and means to reduce the gap. It is not about getting salary increments (because to me that in itself will actually result in a higher gap. Why? Because not all of the poors are employed in the government sector) it is more about formulating policies that specifically deal with the poors. For example, the national housing scheme. There should be a separate policy or separate queue (if you are trying to picture it in your head) for those who fall under the category of 'relative poverty' with its own separate terms and conditions, and prices (or no price at all!)
What about subsidies and taxes? These have been the traditional means of income redistribution. Surely, it is high time Brunei reviews its subsidies. Should those who are earning above the median income level pay the same subsidised price of rice as those earning below the median income? Now, there seems to be a serious talk about the irresponsibility of our people (who presumably think that electricity and water are their God's given rights and think that electricity probably comes from air) in paying the utility bills which is costly to the government (see here). If our people continue to be thick-headed and the government decides to reduce the various utility subsidies, then what about the poors? Now, taxes....well this is THE number one taboo in Brunei. But let's start with some form of property taxes. Number 1: tax on rental properties (to help finance the national housing scheme for the poors).
And then there is the related issue of unemployment. I wrote about this in the last post. I don't know how to further express myself but this issue NEEDS to be addressed properly. If the government can no longer afford to provide full employments in the public sector, then whether we like it or not, the government needs to do something about the wage gap because unemployment can cause poverty.
What about education? Yes, we do have the 12 year education policy, but my question is does this cover EVERYone? I'm thinking about those teenagers who got pregnant/married before they finish their 12 year education. How can we help them? How do we expect them to provide for their children if they don't have enough education. Won't it contribute to the poverty spiral?
There are more to think of! Such as how do we help the poors get out of their poverty condition? You know more in the lines of Give-a-man-a-fish-and-you-feed-him-for-a-day, Teach-a-man-to-fish-you-feed-him-a-lifetime.
Oh dear, it's almost midnight. I was supposed to have a break from 'thinking' today after submitting a chapter to my supervisor :) Anyway, the whole point of this post is to actually implore the relevant government agencies to STOP wasting time and resources 'wondering' whether or not we have poverty. Whatever poverty we have now, I think should still be manageable. So please don't wait until it gets too late.
Salaam.
Friday, 7 March 2008
Leg Co: ..On Unemployment
I don't know whether to laugh or to cry when I read the reports (in the newspapers here and here and here) of the Leg Co Session today. It was quite disappointing really because there was nothing new. One minister asked the private sector to hire the locals, while the other asked the locals to work in the private sector. I have no problem with both suggestions. But I fail to understand why no minister was addressing the root of the problem, which to me is the remuneration gap in the public and the private sector.
The gap is huge! To know someone in the public sector, who has the same exact qualification with the same skill, is paid triple the amount one is getting in a private sector is really demotivating to anyone. I don't know about you but seriously somebody has to address this issue. As I said in my previous post it is not enough (and equally unfair) to ask the private sector raising their pay rate to the locals due to several reasons. First, our private sector consists largely of SMEs. Second, our SMEs are weak as highlighted by the Minister of the MIPR. And third, the productivity and the commitment of our locals are not exactly commendable.
Now, in my humble opinion it is inevitable and imperative for the government to intervene. Either reduce the remuneration scale in the public sector and/or prop up the remuneration in the private sector. My preference goes to the latter as I believe it would have a larger multiplier effect to the economy. Perhaps take this idea as some sort of 'employment' benefit as opposed to the 'unemployment' benefit. If you are thinking, more government spending and where can we get the fund to do this? Now, I think there is even a stronger need for the government to review the subsidy (especially the fuel subsidy :) Plus, I also think that the government would actually save by spending only some fraction supporting locals who work in the private sector as opposed to employing these locals in the public sector. And of course the direct effect it has on the private sector itself (as compared to the reduction of the corporate tax! No, I'm not going to make any comment on this one) It's a Win, Win situation, No?
With regards to the mind-set problem and the attitude of our local workers, I think the issue is not exclusive to the private sector. I'm sorry..but look at out public sector's employees! I honestly wonder how can you expect the locals to be in their best behaviour in the private sector which pays considerably less when those in the public sector are having the time of their lives and being paid more. And that is why I also think it is equally imperative for the public sector to practice a more realistic productivity-linked wage system.
Oh Well, I'm just in my own world and who am I to say. I don't even know why I'm racking my brain for this.
Salaam
The gap is huge! To know someone in the public sector, who has the same exact qualification with the same skill, is paid triple the amount one is getting in a private sector is really demotivating to anyone. I don't know about you but seriously somebody has to address this issue. As I said in my previous post it is not enough (and equally unfair) to ask the private sector raising their pay rate to the locals due to several reasons. First, our private sector consists largely of SMEs. Second, our SMEs are weak as highlighted by the Minister of the MIPR. And third, the productivity and the commitment of our locals are not exactly commendable.
Now, in my humble opinion it is inevitable and imperative for the government to intervene. Either reduce the remuneration scale in the public sector and/or prop up the remuneration in the private sector. My preference goes to the latter as I believe it would have a larger multiplier effect to the economy. Perhaps take this idea as some sort of 'employment' benefit as opposed to the 'unemployment' benefit. If you are thinking, more government spending and where can we get the fund to do this? Now, I think there is even a stronger need for the government to review the subsidy (especially the fuel subsidy :) Plus, I also think that the government would actually save by spending only some fraction supporting locals who work in the private sector as opposed to employing these locals in the public sector. And of course the direct effect it has on the private sector itself (as compared to the reduction of the corporate tax! No, I'm not going to make any comment on this one) It's a Win, Win situation, No?
With regards to the mind-set problem and the attitude of our local workers, I think the issue is not exclusive to the private sector. I'm sorry..but look at out public sector's employees! I honestly wonder how can you expect the locals to be in their best behaviour in the private sector which pays considerably less when those in the public sector are having the time of their lives and being paid more. And that is why I also think it is equally imperative for the public sector to practice a more realistic productivity-linked wage system.
Oh Well, I'm just in my own world and who am I to say. I don't even know why I'm racking my brain for this.
Salaam
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
The End of Cheap Driving
When I read today’s Brunei Times, 2 things came to my mind. One, suddenly Bruneians are creative in their policy-makings and two, could this be the end of cheap car driving in Brunei?
First, it was the reduction in the fuel subsidy and now it’s the (possible) introduction of some sort of congestion charge. Although the 2 policies will affect the usage of cars, the way I see it however, they are not related to one another (which again show the lack of coordination among ministries). The objective of the first is more or less to reduce government expenditure while the second is simply to reduce congestion. While I agree with the former policy, I am quite unsure about the latter.
Well, firstly I think the timing is not quite right. I wouldn’t be surprised if people in Brunei would react negatively if the 2 policies were to be implemented at the same time. Secondly, I question whether congestion fee really is the most effective way to alleviate the congestion problem. Why? Well for one thing the traffic is only worse at certain time of the day, which is when schools end. So, why not introduce an effective school transportation? A subsidised privatised service if you will. It will not only help reduce congestion during the peak hours but also help increase employment and will surely push up the transportation industry.
By levying some congestion fee, to me does more harm than good. First, the fee doesn’t care who you are and what you do in the area. This may have negative effects not only on the business activities in the area, the local environment but also on the income distributional factor (i.e. whether you are rich or poor, you will be charged equally!). Secondly, I think the implementation and the enforcement of the system will be quite costly and complex and that leads to the question, is it worth it to devote our limited resources into checking cars which do not pay the congestion fee just because the drivers (parents) are collecting the children from school?
Now, because Brunei is quite unique (read ‘rich’) where the ratio of car to people is 2:1 then why not simply introduce some sort of progressive tax. For example, you tax each additional car a person buys (the first car would be tax free of course). This I believe, would also have a distributional effect. Richer people (who buy lots of cars) will be taxed more. The revenue can then be used to improve the roads and the road system.
Oh well, I don’t know. What I can say for now is that I am not keen with the proposed congestion charge. I personally think, it is not the right time. I also implore, please… let there be some sort of coordination among the ministries and departments. Get the same objectives with more synchronised policies.
Salaam.
First, it was the reduction in the fuel subsidy and now it’s the (possible) introduction of some sort of congestion charge. Although the 2 policies will affect the usage of cars, the way I see it however, they are not related to one another (which again show the lack of coordination among ministries). The objective of the first is more or less to reduce government expenditure while the second is simply to reduce congestion. While I agree with the former policy, I am quite unsure about the latter.
Well, firstly I think the timing is not quite right. I wouldn’t be surprised if people in Brunei would react negatively if the 2 policies were to be implemented at the same time. Secondly, I question whether congestion fee really is the most effective way to alleviate the congestion problem. Why? Well for one thing the traffic is only worse at certain time of the day, which is when schools end. So, why not introduce an effective school transportation? A subsidised privatised service if you will. It will not only help reduce congestion during the peak hours but also help increase employment and will surely push up the transportation industry.
By levying some congestion fee, to me does more harm than good. First, the fee doesn’t care who you are and what you do in the area. This may have negative effects not only on the business activities in the area, the local environment but also on the income distributional factor (i.e. whether you are rich or poor, you will be charged equally!). Secondly, I think the implementation and the enforcement of the system will be quite costly and complex and that leads to the question, is it worth it to devote our limited resources into checking cars which do not pay the congestion fee just because the drivers (parents) are collecting the children from school?
Now, because Brunei is quite unique (read ‘rich’) where the ratio of car to people is 2:1 then why not simply introduce some sort of progressive tax. For example, you tax each additional car a person buys (the first car would be tax free of course). This I believe, would also have a distributional effect. Richer people (who buy lots of cars) will be taxed more. The revenue can then be used to improve the roads and the road system.
Oh well, I don’t know. What I can say for now is that I am not keen with the proposed congestion charge. I personally think, it is not the right time. I also implore, please… let there be some sort of coordination among the ministries and departments. Get the same objectives with more synchronised policies.
Salaam.
Monday, 12 November 2007
Brunei human resource
I welcome HM's titah on the re-evaluation of the public sector's staff. It is high time that a PROPER human resource auditing is made on each department. I must say it is not easy and it needs expertise. From my too little experience, a long time ago I was involved in the development of a long-term planning of an institution. One of the exercises was to make a long-term projection of the number of staff needed in each department. So out we went asking each department to give us the details of their staff projection. And you just couldn't believe the ridiculous numbers some departments put on their projection! For example, the ratio of clerks to an officer was like 2:1 or sometimes 3:1!
I honestly believe that the work force in the public sector is unbalanced. Take my current workplace for example (the situation is improving I must say), I can put the human resources into 3 categories with the relevant percentage:
1. Admin staff including clerks- 50%
2. Officers with their own specific portfolio (but who end up doing admin stuff either voluntarily or involuntarily)- 40%
3. Thinkers or policy-makers- 10% or less!
And you would have thought that by having a 90% admin, anything admin would run out smoothly..He** NO! And you would also have thought that since there are so many clerical staff, all the nitty-gritty of work such as photo-copying, faxing, data-inputting etc will be done quickly... haha DREAM ON!. I personally blame the HODs. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Forget 'jaga hati'. How many times have u seen the staff in the government departments having leisure - reading the magazine, chatting, eating and drinking in groups? 90% of the time in my case. And yet you can almost hear the same lament of each HOD, "we don't have enough staff".
Often, it actually makes me wonder, do we need MORE staff? I do however think that we need more THINKERS, policy-makers, researchers who are expert and/or at least have relevant qualifications to do their work. Enough admin. And enough job-qualification mis-match! After 10 years you only end-up of having dead wood who constantly think that 'life is not fair'.
I would be very interested to know the outcome of the reports. I would like to see that the numbers of policy-makers in each department go up. And at the same time, find a mechanism to ensure that the current staff is optimally utilized.
But then who am I to say? I'm just a mom and still at school..hehe
Salaam.
I honestly believe that the work force in the public sector is unbalanced. Take my current workplace for example (the situation is improving I must say), I can put the human resources into 3 categories with the relevant percentage:
1. Admin staff including clerks- 50%
2. Officers with their own specific portfolio (but who end up doing admin stuff either voluntarily or involuntarily)- 40%
3. Thinkers or policy-makers- 10% or less!
And you would have thought that by having a 90% admin, anything admin would run out smoothly..He** NO! And you would also have thought that since there are so many clerical staff, all the nitty-gritty of work such as photo-copying, faxing, data-inputting etc will be done quickly... haha DREAM ON!. I personally blame the HODs. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Forget 'jaga hati'. How many times have u seen the staff in the government departments having leisure - reading the magazine, chatting, eating and drinking in groups? 90% of the time in my case. And yet you can almost hear the same lament of each HOD, "we don't have enough staff".
Often, it actually makes me wonder, do we need MORE staff? I do however think that we need more THINKERS, policy-makers, researchers who are expert and/or at least have relevant qualifications to do their work. Enough admin. And enough job-qualification mis-match! After 10 years you only end-up of having dead wood who constantly think that 'life is not fair'.
I would be very interested to know the outcome of the reports. I would like to see that the numbers of policy-makers in each department go up. And at the same time, find a mechanism to ensure that the current staff is optimally utilized.
But then who am I to say? I'm just a mom and still at school..hehe
Salaam.
Sunday, 28 October 2007
13 Ways to Earn Extra Money
Has anyone in Brunei tried any of these-and succeed? Would love to hear some success stories. Anyway, many of them are pretty do-able..for example no. 4..I would love to get people come in on a regular basis to clean my house (rather than having full-time amahs- who, in our experience, have caused a lot of headaches and heartaches to some) and what about no. 13, I am sure that the hostels at the UBD and/or ITB are not enough to accomodate students who need places to live. And no. 8? Why should it be an Indian to cut-off the grass? Are the Brunei boys too weak to hold and operate the grass-cutters?
If you know any local who is offering services such as house-cleaning, grass-cutting, babysitting, please let me know...I would definitely be engaging them and will put good word of mouth to other friends and families (provided the services are satisfactory!)...Anyway, enjoy the article..you never know, you are on your way to become a self-made towkeh...
By Jennifer Howze
Everybody needs a quick infusion of cash from time to time. These ideas bring in money fast, and many can also be done at flexible times, so it's easier to arrange child care with a friend or family member for free.
1. Have a garage sale. By using a few easy tricks, like posting fliers at grocery stores and Laundromats, making signs that can be seen from nearby busy streets and displaying your items in a department-store style, you can increase the amount your sale brings in.
2. Sell on eBay. Books, CDs, unused sports or exercise equipment, clothing, novelty items -- people buy all kinds of things. Even if you're selling several small items, the money can add up. Just make sure the buyer, not you, pays the cost of shipping.
3. Put clothes on consignment. This is an especially good way to get rid of clothing like fancy dresses (think old prom gowns and cocktail dresses you'll never wear again), but anything in good condition can be put on consignment. You share the money from the sale with the consignment shop, but it's an easy way to squeeze some money out of clothes that would otherwise just take up closet space.
4. Perform household services. You can earn some money informally by letting friends, family, and others in your community know that you're available to clean their houses or apartments, or to take in ironing. If you find you have a knack and stamina for cleaning quickly and thoroughly, you can turn this into a regular, reliable way to earn extra money every month.
5. Have a bake sale. Do you make a killer chocolate chip cookies? Are yummy breakfast burritos your specialty? If so, why not bring in your items once a week to your job and sell them to coworkers and other businesspeople in the vicinity? If you don't have a job, what about a friend's workplace, a community center or a nursing home? Put the word out beforehand and gauge the response as you go, so you don't end up with a lot of leftover food. By talking up your home-baked goodies and arriving at the same time every day or every week, you may find that people start to anticipate your arrival. You can start a cottage industry along the lines of Mary's Monday Cookie Break when you come around to hawk your wares.
6. Sell homegrown fruits and vegetables. You don't have to have a farm to produce delicious, delicious, organic produce. By presenting your goods in an appealing way (save the plastic or cardboard produce containers from the grocery store and tie them with a distinctive ribbon or desktop-printed label), you give them niche appeal, and you can sell them much the same way as baked items, listed above.
7. Have a family car wash. Enlist your spouse, your kids and their friends on a Saturday to hold a car wash. Talk to local merchants who have parking lots and ask them to donate the space, or set up an assembly line on your street. By naming the event ("The Annual Jones Family Car Wash") and highlighting an upbeat family goal ("We use this car wash to pay for the kids' extracurricular school activities"), you give people a reason to join your cause.
8. Do gardening services. Mowing lawns is a perennial summer job for kids. If you have a mower, encourage your children to launch a business -- or do it yourself. In addition, you can also weed or haul gardening rubbish to the dump (often garbage services won't remove it).
9. Provide man-with-van services. Or, in this case, woman with van (or truck). This service is great for people who need to move a single piece of furniture or for young people who don't have a lot of stuff. If you're able to do moves on your own or with a helper like a friend or spouse, you can position yourself as a mother's helper (a woman living alone might feel more comfortable having another woman moving something into or out of her home). If you don't have a lot of physical strength, your husband and a cousin, uncle or son can do the heavy lifting and you can take care of scheduling and follow-up. A small classified ad in the local paper is an economical way to advertise.
10. Get a paper route. While we often think of paper delivery as a job for a boy on a bike, all kinds of people pick up extra cash this way. Because papers are delivered in the morning, it's possible to complete a route before the regular workday starts, or before your kids are up. (Just make sure you catch up on your sleep by going to bed early at night!)
11. Pet sit. Owners are always looking for reliable pet-care services. Plus, if you stay home with your kids during the day, a regular dog-walking gig is a great way to get everyone out of the house for some fresh air and earn extra money. Put the word out at pounds, the ASPCA, the local veterinarian's and dog runs. Be prepared to provide references from anyone you've ever sat for before. Learn how you can also turn pet sitting into a home business.
12. Babysit. To provide regular child care in your home, you'll often need to be accredited and registered with the state. But occasional babysitting in your home or someone else's is more straightforward. You might already babysit for friends for free, but by reaching out in your community you can find parents whom you would feel comfortable charging a reasonable fee. Depending on your schedule, you can position yourself as a last-minute resource, a Saturday sitter while Mom does errands, a date-night sitter and so on.
13. Rent out a room. This option might take longer than some of the others listed here, but it can provide steady income for a set period of time, or even indefinitely. It might require that your kids share a bedroom or that you give up a family room in the house, so everyone in the family should be prepared for the changes. And of course care should be taken to pick carefully to ensure you get a trustworthy boarder. This is an especially good option if you live near a university or technical college. Eighteen- to 22-year-olds will more likely be fine renting a room with kitchen privileges than older people, and you'll be able to rent on a semester basis.
If you know any local who is offering services such as house-cleaning, grass-cutting, babysitting, please let me know...I would definitely be engaging them and will put good word of mouth to other friends and families (provided the services are satisfactory!)...Anyway, enjoy the article..you never know, you are on your way to become a self-made towkeh...
By Jennifer Howze
Everybody needs a quick infusion of cash from time to time. These ideas bring in money fast, and many can also be done at flexible times, so it's easier to arrange child care with a friend or family member for free.
1. Have a garage sale. By using a few easy tricks, like posting fliers at grocery stores and Laundromats, making signs that can be seen from nearby busy streets and displaying your items in a department-store style, you can increase the amount your sale brings in.
2. Sell on eBay. Books, CDs, unused sports or exercise equipment, clothing, novelty items -- people buy all kinds of things. Even if you're selling several small items, the money can add up. Just make sure the buyer, not you, pays the cost of shipping.
3. Put clothes on consignment. This is an especially good way to get rid of clothing like fancy dresses (think old prom gowns and cocktail dresses you'll never wear again), but anything in good condition can be put on consignment. You share the money from the sale with the consignment shop, but it's an easy way to squeeze some money out of clothes that would otherwise just take up closet space.
4. Perform household services. You can earn some money informally by letting friends, family, and others in your community know that you're available to clean their houses or apartments, or to take in ironing. If you find you have a knack and stamina for cleaning quickly and thoroughly, you can turn this into a regular, reliable way to earn extra money every month.
5. Have a bake sale. Do you make a killer chocolate chip cookies? Are yummy breakfast burritos your specialty? If so, why not bring in your items once a week to your job and sell them to coworkers and other businesspeople in the vicinity? If you don't have a job, what about a friend's workplace, a community center or a nursing home? Put the word out beforehand and gauge the response as you go, so you don't end up with a lot of leftover food. By talking up your home-baked goodies and arriving at the same time every day or every week, you may find that people start to anticipate your arrival. You can start a cottage industry along the lines of Mary's Monday Cookie Break when you come around to hawk your wares.
6. Sell homegrown fruits and vegetables. You don't have to have a farm to produce delicious, delicious, organic produce. By presenting your goods in an appealing way (save the plastic or cardboard produce containers from the grocery store and tie them with a distinctive ribbon or desktop-printed label), you give them niche appeal, and you can sell them much the same way as baked items, listed above.
7. Have a family car wash. Enlist your spouse, your kids and their friends on a Saturday to hold a car wash. Talk to local merchants who have parking lots and ask them to donate the space, or set up an assembly line on your street. By naming the event ("The Annual Jones Family Car Wash") and highlighting an upbeat family goal ("We use this car wash to pay for the kids' extracurricular school activities"), you give people a reason to join your cause.
8. Do gardening services. Mowing lawns is a perennial summer job for kids. If you have a mower, encourage your children to launch a business -- or do it yourself. In addition, you can also weed or haul gardening rubbish to the dump (often garbage services won't remove it).
9. Provide man-with-van services. Or, in this case, woman with van (or truck). This service is great for people who need to move a single piece of furniture or for young people who don't have a lot of stuff. If you're able to do moves on your own or with a helper like a friend or spouse, you can position yourself as a mother's helper (a woman living alone might feel more comfortable having another woman moving something into or out of her home). If you don't have a lot of physical strength, your husband and a cousin, uncle or son can do the heavy lifting and you can take care of scheduling and follow-up. A small classified ad in the local paper is an economical way to advertise.
10. Get a paper route. While we often think of paper delivery as a job for a boy on a bike, all kinds of people pick up extra cash this way. Because papers are delivered in the morning, it's possible to complete a route before the regular workday starts, or before your kids are up. (Just make sure you catch up on your sleep by going to bed early at night!)
11. Pet sit. Owners are always looking for reliable pet-care services. Plus, if you stay home with your kids during the day, a regular dog-walking gig is a great way to get everyone out of the house for some fresh air and earn extra money. Put the word out at pounds, the ASPCA, the local veterinarian's and dog runs. Be prepared to provide references from anyone you've ever sat for before. Learn how you can also turn pet sitting into a home business.
12. Babysit. To provide regular child care in your home, you'll often need to be accredited and registered with the state. But occasional babysitting in your home or someone else's is more straightforward. You might already babysit for friends for free, but by reaching out in your community you can find parents whom you would feel comfortable charging a reasonable fee. Depending on your schedule, you can position yourself as a last-minute resource, a Saturday sitter while Mom does errands, a date-night sitter and so on.
13. Rent out a room. This option might take longer than some of the others listed here, but it can provide steady income for a set period of time, or even indefinitely. It might require that your kids share a bedroom or that you give up a family room in the house, so everyone in the family should be prepared for the changes. And of course care should be taken to pick carefully to ensure you get a trustworthy boarder. This is an especially good option if you live near a university or technical college. Eighteen- to 22-year-olds will more likely be fine renting a room with kitchen privileges than older people, and you'll be able to rent on a semester basis.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
How did I get to love Economics?
It was many years ago.... Well, when I was young I used to live abroad and when I came back I went straight to the secondary school, to be precise, I was put in Form 5. You see, while abroad I went to some international schools which did not have the same system that we had in Brunei. As a result the subjects I took were like American History, Drama, French etc. And when I came back, I had to choose subjects which I had zero idea of. These included Economics, Principle of Accounting, Malay and History. It was in May when I resumed my education in Brunei and the 'O' level exams were in November. So imagine how panic I was!*
Anyway, my economics teacher at that time, who was local, I presumed had faith in me (my POA teacher on the other didn't..I remember she told me that I wouldn't get through with just a few months to learn things which were supposed to be learnt in 2 years..Well, Miss..I've proven you wrong!!). Back to this economics teacher (God bless him, Allah Taala saja membalasnya) he was the kind of teacher who was dedicated. Of many teachers, he was the only one who made the effort to give extra classes to his students, free of charge, to prepare for the upcoming O levels. And the way he taught us, his patience in explaining the theory of demand and supply, elasticities etc etc..was superb. And I guess because he was such a likable and friendly teacher, well we could approach him anytime we wanted, he made economics the most understandable subject I've ever learnt (to me that is). And I said to myself, this is it..for better or for worse, economics would become a part of my life..either teaching it or using it or anything to do with it.
I don't know if we still have the kind of teachers like my economics teacher. Even during the time when being a teacher was a profession that someone would chose at her/his own free will, only a few were available. What about now, I wonder, when teaching has become the profession of 'the last resort'? When becoming a teacher is probably no longer the favourite ambition of our children. Will we be able to produce dedicated teachers? Teachers who live to teach, not teach to live.
For those of you who are teachers or who are becoming one, please take pride in what you do. Being a teacher is one of the noblest job. Either directly or indirectly you get to shape-up people's lives and/or help people to determine which path they want to take in life. It is a big responsibility. So if you think teaching is not for you, then don't do it for the sake of just having a job. You might be depriving those who genuinely want to teach hence depriving students from having dedicated and good teachers.
I was extremely lucky to have met my teacher. I'm forever indebted to him. Thank you, Sir!
Anyway, my economics teacher at that time, who was local, I presumed had faith in me (my POA teacher on the other didn't..I remember she told me that I wouldn't get through with just a few months to learn things which were supposed to be learnt in 2 years..Well, Miss..I've proven you wrong!!). Back to this economics teacher (God bless him, Allah Taala saja membalasnya) he was the kind of teacher who was dedicated. Of many teachers, he was the only one who made the effort to give extra classes to his students, free of charge, to prepare for the upcoming O levels. And the way he taught us, his patience in explaining the theory of demand and supply, elasticities etc etc..was superb. And I guess because he was such a likable and friendly teacher, well we could approach him anytime we wanted, he made economics the most understandable subject I've ever learnt (to me that is). And I said to myself, this is it..for better or for worse, economics would become a part of my life..either teaching it or using it or anything to do with it.
I don't know if we still have the kind of teachers like my economics teacher. Even during the time when being a teacher was a profession that someone would chose at her/his own free will, only a few were available. What about now, I wonder, when teaching has become the profession of 'the last resort'? When becoming a teacher is probably no longer the favourite ambition of our children. Will we be able to produce dedicated teachers? Teachers who live to teach, not teach to live.
For those of you who are teachers or who are becoming one, please take pride in what you do. Being a teacher is one of the noblest job. Either directly or indirectly you get to shape-up people's lives and/or help people to determine which path they want to take in life. It is a big responsibility. So if you think teaching is not for you, then don't do it for the sake of just having a job. You might be depriving those who genuinely want to teach hence depriving students from having dedicated and good teachers.
I was extremely lucky to have met my teacher. I'm forever indebted to him. Thank you, Sir!
Salaam.
* I managed to get 7 credits out of 8 subjects. And the 1 I didn't was History (bless the teacher, he was nice too! I could never - and still can't - remember the years and the names or which year goes with what hahaha)
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