The COVID-19 pandemic made me realize how much time I spent doing nothing productive other than working a job I am not passionate about and earning a minimal income.
I have always thought to myself: 'Sigh, it would be nice if I studied Accounting or Finance instead of Hospitality. At least I would be earning more than what I'm earning now.'
This thought has been in my mind for months, and while I was staring into space at work one day in July, it suddenly hit me that I can do something about this!
I Googled for part time courses in Singapore.
I had 2 courses in mind: HR and Accounting.
I am an introvert. It may not seem like it at work. But I am.
My colleagues said I am The Enthusiast when we were having a virtual training session on Enneagram. However, deep down, I know I'm not. I can speak to customers freely as if I am a chatterbox at work. My face lights up when I see people walk through the door. But I would kill for a job that requires no human interaction at all.
Between HR and Accounts, I guess Accounts would need lesser interaction.
I pulled out my old notes and assignments that I did on accounting in university. I bought a book on accounting just to see if that is what I really want. Then, I started searching for reputable institutions that offer part time courses for working foreigners in Singapore.
I chanced upon London School of Business and Finance (LSBF).
They are one of the approved learning partner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
I send in an enquiry, and received an email reply from Shila (Education Consultant). She gave me the breakdown of the course I enquired for - Diploma in Accounting and Finance. The course costs S$4,980 + S$53.80 non-refundable application fee + S$100 admin fee. Discounts and in-house installments are available too.
(15% discount for enrolling before 31 July 2020 with full course payment)
She asked for my qualification and told me that I can be exempted from a few modules. But after much consideration, I decided to go for the full course without any exemptions. Reason being, I have not touched on accounting since I graduated in 2013. Hence, I will not be confident to show off my Accounting Diploma with half of the courses exempted to any future employers.
I would prefer paying in installments. But the installment plan will not qualify me for the 15% discount, and I will have to pay admin fee and application fee again every time I make payment.
So, if you can afford paying off everything at once, it will be cheaper than doing installments in the long run.
Once I've made my decision, I went to LSBF's office at Tanjong Pagar to sign the student contract and settle the payment (with 15% discount).
The course will only start in October, and I will be receiving more details on my class schedule etc nearer to the commencement date. This course will last for 1 year, and I am allowed to defer my studies 1 time only.
I have always thought to myself: 'Sigh, it would be nice if I studied Accounting or Finance instead of Hospitality. At least I would be earning more than what I'm earning now.'
This thought has been in my mind for months, and while I was staring into space at work one day in July, it suddenly hit me that I can do something about this!
I Googled for part time courses in Singapore.
I had 2 courses in mind: HR and Accounting.
I am an introvert. It may not seem like it at work. But I am.
My colleagues said I am The Enthusiast when we were having a virtual training session on Enneagram. However, deep down, I know I'm not. I can speak to customers freely as if I am a chatterbox at work. My face lights up when I see people walk through the door. But I would kill for a job that requires no human interaction at all.
Between HR and Accounts, I guess Accounts would need lesser interaction.
I pulled out my old notes and assignments that I did on accounting in university. I bought a book on accounting just to see if that is what I really want. Then, I started searching for reputable institutions that offer part time courses for working foreigners in Singapore.
I chanced upon London School of Business and Finance (LSBF).
They are one of the approved learning partner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
I send in an enquiry, and received an email reply from Shila (Education Consultant). She gave me the breakdown of the course I enquired for - Diploma in Accounting and Finance. The course costs S$4,980 + S$53.80 non-refundable application fee + S$100 admin fee. Discounts and in-house installments are available too.
(15% discount for enrolling before 31 July 2020 with full course payment)
She asked for my qualification and told me that I can be exempted from a few modules. But after much consideration, I decided to go for the full course without any exemptions. Reason being, I have not touched on accounting since I graduated in 2013. Hence, I will not be confident to show off my Accounting Diploma with half of the courses exempted to any future employers.
I would prefer paying in installments. But the installment plan will not qualify me for the 15% discount, and I will have to pay admin fee and application fee again every time I make payment.
So, if you can afford paying off everything at once, it will be cheaper than doing installments in the long run.
Once I've made my decision, I went to LSBF's office at Tanjong Pagar to sign the student contract and settle the payment (with 15% discount).
The course will only start in October, and I will be receiving more details on my class schedule etc nearer to the commencement date. This course will last for 1 year, and I am allowed to defer my studies 1 time only.
I believe most of us would feel insecure or felt weird to change our career at the age of 30. Because according to society standards, this is the age we should be living with a stable job, a good income and preferably with a happy family.
I have been working full time in the service industry (front line) for 7 years, and that is more than enough. I never want to go back to hotel front desks anymore; I never want to be a telephone operator anymore; and I never want to go back to call centers anymore.
I've turned down offers on managerial positions, said no to possible promotions and I've always applied for entry level jobs, mainly because I don't want myself to still work at the front line when I retire. I don't have the drive to work hard as a customer service personnel.
I have seen the ugly side of humanity, and I believe that I've not seen the worst. I certainly hoped I would not have to experience that for the rest of my life.
I have been working full time in the service industry (front line) for 7 years, and that is more than enough. I never want to go back to hotel front desks anymore; I never want to be a telephone operator anymore; and I never want to go back to call centers anymore.
I've turned down offers on managerial positions, said no to possible promotions and I've always applied for entry level jobs, mainly because I don't want myself to still work at the front line when I retire. I don't have the drive to work hard as a customer service personnel.
I have seen the ugly side of humanity, and I believe that I've not seen the worst. I certainly hoped I would not have to experience that for the rest of my life.