But then, in reality, there’s no such thing as a perfect job. You might like the company, but not your boss. Maybe your boss is nice, but you can’t stand your coworkers. You are fond of your coworkers, but the work is a hassle. You enjoy the work, but the commute is killing you… And when you finally think you have found the seemingly perfect job, the salary offered is not as expected.

Should you consider quitting?

Personally, I would continue, because it’s not easy to find a job that I really love and want to give it all I’ve got. What I’m doing now is basically the same: It is not always glamorous to work in the fashion industry (people thought I have a 9-figure income when I posted a Youtube video debunking all the assumptions around me! My actual income is not even close!) But I am persistent, since I like it, and I know I have a lot of space to make progress.

But what about the unsatisfactory pay?

First of all, make sure that the salary can support all your basic monthly expenses.

Everyone has some fixed monthly expenses: rent, bills, food, healthcare, transport… Whatever you do, your income each month should at least be able to cover all of these. Otherwise, the hard truth is that it is not enough for you to support yourself and you gotta find another job.

Secondly, keep hustling.

When the salary is still low, many would get discouraged or would only do what they are being paid for. However, in such a competitive workplace nowadays, just getting the job “done” is not a job well-done.

If you already have your mind set on the job, be hardworking, proactive and progressive. Always be the best version of yourself in front of your boss, be the trustworthy and helpful one for your coworkers. That is the only way to gain acknowledgement as well as opportunities to be promoted in the future. Or else, you would not progress, and that seemingly perfect job would eventually become a burden.

Thirdly, your salary is completely negotiable.

It is very difficult for the company or your boss to offer you a pay raise if you haven’t had the time to prove your worth. Because of this, if you are serious about what you’re doing, it’s possible to discuss your upcoming plans with your superiors to work out an achievable path.

There were times when I took in jobs that did not offer satisfactory pays, but I knew would bring me opportunities to grow in the future. But do keep in mind that these plans have to be specific, like knowing you’d be getting a salary or position appraisal in the next 6 months. It is quite worrisome to try to communicate with your boss but never get a straightforward answer.

Next, working on side projects are always an option.

If you stumble across an outside project that correlates to the field you like, it’s a chance for you to generate some extra income and level up some skill sets. The fashion industry, to be specific, offers part-time jobs in content, modelling, photographing… for various brands. This not only helps to expand one’s network, but also a source of income to ease the burden of low salary in the company you are working for.

Last but not least, be honest with yourself.

There will be stressful times when you think about the pay, even though the job is going well. Perhaps you will compare yourself with your peers and feel pressured. It’s absolutely normal, what you need is to figure out what you truly want. If income is your top priority, it is what you need to be confident and happy, then have courage and go look for another job. If you enjoy your current work because of the values it brings to yourself and those around you more than just payments, then go ahead and give it your best.

After all, there is no such thing as a permanent job. So, enjoy your life, and be brave to do whatever you set your heart on!

Bài viết Should I quit my dream job if it doesn’t pay me enough? đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

In Vietnam, I believe that the pressure to go to university or follow a traditional family career is still rigorous. Sometimes such pressure makes young people think that there is no other way to succeed, but to graduate from college. However, things are changing. Many of my followers ask me how to convince their parents if they don’t want to go to university.

Of course, there are undeniable benefits to going to college. It is an excellent time to prepare and transition yourself from going to school and joining the workforce. What you get out of university is not only a degree, but also in-depth knowledge, relationships, skills, and working experience through student projects, internships, etc.

Therefore, no one is saying that college is the wrong path to take. What people argue is whether college is the only path to success. In my opinion, the university is no longer a must for Gen Z.

First, a college degree does not guarantee you a job after graduation. 

Of course, employment after graduating for college is something everyone strives for. In the past, there was a time when just graduating from college will make you stand out from other candidates. But now, an overabundance of graduates has made a university degree no longer impress employers. The fact that you graduated with honors from a prestigious university will probably work a little bit better to make you stand out from the crowd. But there are still many factors such as practical previous working experience, internships, hard skills… to consider before you land your first job.Therefore, a college degree certainly helps you increase your chances of getting a job, but it’s not a guarantee.

There are other career paths as well.

What is exciting and challenging for Gen Z today is the path to a successful career is no longer a straight line. I never started college and began my modeling career at 17. For the last 6 years working within the fashion industry, not once did anyone ask about my degree or which school I graduated from. The same goes for my colleagues in the field, such as stylists or photographers.  

You may argue that this only applies to creative industries. I do recognized that I’ve been blessed to be able to work without a college degree. But more and more at highly competitive start-ups and workplaces, employers today require an good attitude and practical problem-solving skills instead of a degree. That’s why I see many young people started freelancing from the first and second year of college to gain experience.

Technology also makes it accessible than ever: you can sit in Vietnam and work for a Singaporean or U.S company. You can take online college courses while working a full-time job. You can attend college and work on freelance projects on digital marketing, content development, software programming… without sitting in an office from 9 to 5.

In addition, financially speaking, pursuing a college degree is not cheap, and it’s also a factor that you should consider. 

Just a hobby is not enough for you to decide. Have a specific plan!

It’s not easy to make a big decision like whether to go to college or not when you’re 17 years old, right? Parents may immediately think this is just a teenage phase. Therefore, for your parents to trust that you’re responsible enough to make such decisions, I believe the first step is to learn and research to honestly answer the question, “If you don’t go to college, what will you do?”

You will also need to be realistic about the job market. Suppose you have a dream to work in large companies or foreign corporations. In that case, a university degree is necessary. You can’t say that “Even though I don’t have a university degree, I have experience and knowledge.” That’s not quantifiable. It will be difficult for recruiters to pick you among hundreds of candidates for the job, unless you have really outstanding achievements on your CV. So then, will college be a fast and safe way for you to achieve their dreams?

If you strongly feel like college is not the right path for you, don’t cross out “learning” all together. I have read and seen that in Europe, students are advised early about vocational training, and I find this very reasonable. This can include here can be learning about machines, manufacturing, crafts, to high-tech skills such as programming. Learning a new skills will always be useful, no matter what career you want to have in the future. You can easily find on the internet which occupations will be the most sought-after in the next 10-20 years in order to know what you should learn about right now.

You can also open your own business, if you have some serious business ideas and plans. It does not have be a unicorn start-up at once. I saw my friends opening their fashion boutiques online, or even bake and sell pastry at home. They are so committed because they know what they want, are prepared for the future, and are determined to deal with the difficulties they will face along the way.

Finally, if you don’t know which direction you fit in, then you can spend time to experiment. If you asked me, I would say enroll in a university program first and always be open-minded for new opportunities and interests.

There will be times when you don’t feel confident in the path you’ve chosen.

No matter which path you choose, there will be times when you wonder if you made the right choice, and why things had to be so difficult. It’s completely normal, and I hope that moments like these won’t pull you back. In fact, these are the times when we can slow down, think about our plans, see where we need to improve before moving forward.

Let me know if you’re uncertain of what to do next in your career, especially in fashion! I only have my personal experience to draw from, but I’m always here to help out whenever I can.

Bài viết Gen Z: Is college even necessary? đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

I understand this challenge very well because it took me a lot of time to create my work-out routine and stick to it. I’d be excited to work out for 1-2 weeks and then stop, usually out of really trivial excuses as my mood swing, weather or a busy schedule. 

To maintain a regular exercise regime, here are some of my top tips!

1. Set clear goals

It is difficult to maintain a long-term exercise routine if you just say to yourself ” Okay, I will try to run 4 days a week”  or “Let’s exercise for 30 minutes this week.” Instead, I find it more effective when , quantifiable goals are set before I start working out. For example: I want to lose 5kg in 4 weeks. Or: I want to walk 10,000 steps a day. Depending on your physical needs, goals can vary. But you should have a specific goal and a plan to achieve it so that you feel more motivated to pursue it!

2. Track your workout progress

We can easily give up exercising or playing sports when we cannot see the results. So I turned to technology to keep me motivated. I discovered some helpful apps when it comes to exercising. For example, Samsung Health allows you to use Samsung devices to track your heart rate, walking steps, or the calories you have burned daily. For those of you who run or cycle, the Strava app is designed as a mini social network where you can see how much your friends are working out and send “kudos” when they achieve some milestones. Getting “likes” from friends is an excellent way to keep up my fitness routine every day!

3. Set a regular workout schedule

Since using 25Fit’s home workout service, I can’t be lazy anymore! The coaches kept sending messages to remind me, “I’m about to come over to your house. Be ready!” so where else can you hide? Exercising on a fixed schedule will also give us a greater sense of discipline. Every week, I have 2 training days with 25Fit; therefore I will make sure other working or meeting schedules not to overlap with this training schedule. As a result, I never miss any training for the last year!

4. Find a fitness activity you enjoy

Not everyone likes weight training, just as not everyone likes running to stay in shape. If you think these exercises stress you out, I suggest you change it! I have shared some tips on exercising when you cannot go to the gym in a previous article. In addition, whenever I get bored of practicing a certain sport, I will switch to other ones, as long as my body has some kind of movement. Try speed-walking, skipping rope, dancing, swimming…. until you find the one you like.

5. Create a comfortable environment to exercise

Every time I work out at home, I will wear pretty gym clothes and turn on my favorite exercising tunes to create the right mood. When doing yoga, I would light some scented candles and play relaxing music to create inner peace. Having a stress-free space for your exercise routine is something people tend to forget, but is very essential in shaping good habits. The next time you try my HIIT/Cardio exercises, remember to wear nice clothes, open up the windows and have FUN!

Do you have any other tips to keep a regular exercising routine? Comment to let me know!

Bài viết How to maintain the habit of exercising đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

There are of course certain pros and cons when interviewing online. For me, it is much less stressful to have an interview online, as I won’t have to go to an familiar office for the meeting. However, it IS harder to read the “room”  when your interviewer is literally thousands of miles away. 

Here are some specific notes you must know to make your online interview go as smoothly as possible.

1. Practice is IMPORTANT!

Practice is essential for those participating in an interview for the first time, whether online or offline. I usually take 30 minutes to an hour to prep for an interview before the actual meeting. First, I’d make a list of potential interview questions, then role-play to go through the responses. This greatly calms me down before the online interview. Furthermore, I also record myself via my laptop to see if I appear and sound relaxed and confident enough via a webcam.

2. Prepare some questions for the recruiter 

This is the part where most people skip when preparing for the interview. Recruiters want to hear your concerns about the position you’re applying for. It will demonstrate to the recruiter how much you care about the job. This is also an opportunity for you to make a good impression with the recruiter. 

3. Be familiar with the software

The recruiter will surely inform you about the platform they want to use for online interviews. You’ll be surprised how many different softwares and platforms are available out there to conduct online job interviews! So make sure that you have downloaded and accessed the software before the interview. You will want to get used to its functions on both mobile and desktop. This will significantly reduce the risk of technological barriers when the actual interview takes place. Even if something goes south, you will be more calm to resolve the situation or even ask to reschedule should the problem persist.

4. Use your real name and proper photo for your account account

Whether it’s Zoom, Skype or Google Meet, make sure to use your real name and photo for your profile to show professionalism. I will never use nicknames like Chou or Chau Bo or any fashion/selfie photos in my CV and portfolio.

5. Check your device

Make sure that the devices you use will work well during the online interview. This includes your phone or desktop’s battery, webcam, internet connection, mic… Should any of these things does not work stably, prepare a backup device.

6. Be natural with your outfit and make up

Do not underestimate the importance of your outfit and make-up just because this is an online interview. Despite just seeing each other through the camera, make sure you wear something with a collar. I always like a bright color shirt for an online job interview, as it brightens up your face in the camera. DO NOT wear heavy make up. Keep it light and natural with your eyes and lips. If you have time, test your makeup and outfit on the webcam to see any problems before going into the online interview.

7. Pay attention to where you sit 

Not only do your clothes need to be neat, but the place where you sit also needs to be clean, and bright. It’s easier for a recruiter to focus on you if you’re sitting in front of a plain background, with few objects around. In addition, do choose a quiet place. Make sure you can hear the recruiter, and the recruiter can hear you well. I would avoid sitting in any public space, not even a shared living room where your family members or roommates can walk around. I always try to sit next to a window for natural lighting.  And PLEASE remember to put all of your devices on mute!

8. Have paper and pen ready

Pen and paper will help you note down important information during the interview. Moreover, you can note down the questions and draft out your responses before you speak, to make sure you hit all the right marks. I prefer to use pen and paper because typing on the keyboard may create noise during the interview, while taking notes on your phone seems just rude.

9. Print out a CV

You can print out a CV or display it on a tablet next to you. Recruiters tend to ask questions based on what you write on your CV.It would be embarrassing if you don’t even remember what you included in the CV! Thus, having it right next to you during the online job interview is a great idea. 

I wish you the best result in your online interviews!

Bài viết How to prepare for an online job interview đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

First of all, I do enjoy working from home. I feel like I have more control over my schedule and work-life balance. Moreover, it helps me focus more and save some money when not commuting to work (duh!). However, I KNOW some people absolutely hate working from home. My friends tell me they are miserably rolling from the refrigerator to the bed and then back to the fridge. I believe the following tips can help you adapt and find a work-from-home routine that works for you.

1. Create a separate workspace

You can make your home workspace comfortable in any way you want. Maybe this space can even be more beautiful and comfortable than your office corner. However, you still need to stay away from distracting factors such as TVs, refrigerators, or social networks. Setting up a space when working from home (not on a bed!) will make it easier for you to focus on work. For me, I often choose the table next to the window with a view to my balcony (which is also my garden) because it is full of light and feels very open and relaxed.  I like to put some essential oils on my table, a water bottle (remember to drink enough water, even when you’re at home!), notebooks, and books for inspiration. It’s best not to leave your phone next to you.

2. Set clear boundaries

The most important thing about working from home is to avoid letting your ‘work life’ mix with your’ home life.’ What does this mean? It’s simpler for those who live alone; you just need to discipline yourself. However, for those who are married or living with their parents, it is a different story. You should communicate with other family members that you have a specific working time in a day that no one should disturb, even though you are at home. This not only helps you maximize your focus on work but also helps you avoid the situation of working non-stop or working while playing or talking with family members. It’s better to spend time getting all the job done and then spending time with the family than mixing the two.

3. Maintain a routine 

When I start working from home, the first thing I do is to make a to-do list and build a specific routine to follow. It’s easy to think that because you’re working from home, you’re having more time to finish work. This will set back your productivity. The ideal time that I can work most effectively in the day is in the morning, from about 8 am to 11:30 am. So I schedule more urgent work-related tasks in the morning. In the afternoon, I’m opted for creating brainstorming or photoshoots. So make sure to choose a routine that works best for you and optimizes your output. 

4. Remember to take a break in between

You may be over excited and over worked when things go SO productively in the first few days of working from home. Establishing a work schedule to focus on is great, but taking breaks in between is also essential. When working from home, you don’t have coworkers to communicate with and don’t have a specific lunchtime. So you will probably sit in front of the computer for many hours, which may result in hurting your back and eyes. I know I made the same mistakes.

So how often is the best time to take a break? According to studies at a media company, their best employees usually work for about 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break. These breaks do not need to be the same everyday. You may look out of the window instead of looking at the screen, or you can read the news, listen to music, call a friend, walk around, stretch, and even do some yoga. Anything to give your brain a chance to rest and get ready to go back to work!

5. Stay in touch

When you have to switch from working at the office to working from home, it will be difficult at first because there is no interaction with your boss and colleagues. Isolation at home can be a significant obstacle for extroverts. It will affect your productivity and motivation if you can’t balance it.

Nowadays, people have many ways to communicate and connect online with their friends and colleagues. Staying connected will help you exchange information and updates, to ensure your work is on the right track. Working from home doesn’t mean you’re alone; let everyone know what you’re up to, share the tasks you’ve accomplished that day, and keep checking in with your boss and coworkers. Besides work, I also like to share stories with my team, like what I cook for today or even how many sweet potatoes my dogs have been secretly eating behind my back (looking at you, San!).

Bài viết How to work from home effectively? đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

In the past year, I have learned more and more about reducing my carbon footprint and waste. It can start from my own wardrobe as well.  In this post, I will share simple changes in my wardrobe that makes it more eco-friendly. 

1. Shop from local brands: Imported clothes will need to be transported cross continents to arrive at your door. Clothes from local brands do not. Simply support small businesses around you by looking for brands that produce locally.

2. Care for the materials: I started to learn more about fabrics and materials that are used to produce clothes. Learning about the origin of the products you’re buying is an excellent habit to be more eco-friendly. Read into the brands’ fine prints. If possible, I’d prefer to buy organic materials, such as cotton, silk or wool. Organic materials are produced without the use of pesticides or toxic chemicals, which can cause permanent damage to soil and water resources. 

3. Don’t throw your clothes away: Never throw your unused clothes in the trash! Give your clothes to charity, or sell them at second-hand markets. Even fixing up clothes that no longer fit or have holes in them also extends their life cycle to 24%, which in turns reduce the habit of shopping for new clothes. Swapping clothes in garage sales is also a great idea to give your clothes a second life. 

4. Pay attention when doing the laundry: Washing clothes too often is bad for your clothes and consumes a lot of electricity and water. I usually limit my laundry to maximum 3 times a week. I also like using laundry products made from natural ingredients and drying clothes using sunlight rather than a dryer.

5. Organize your wardrobe: Show your wardrobe some love and organize it often. You can watch a video of me attempting to clean out my closet here! Organizing your closet is also a way for you to see all the things you have, making it easier to decide what you wear everyday and reduce the habit of shopping for new clothes.

6. Shop less: Finally, I am practicing the habit of shopping less and only buying the things I need. When you shop less, you will form a habit of buying more durable clothes, wearing them longer, instead of buying clothes that are only worn once or twice. Besides, this also helps me to be more creative in mixing and matching my outfits! 

Do you have any other ideas about “being green” with fashion? Do share with me in the comment section! 

Bài viết 7 tips to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .

I thought youth was invincible. Even if you don’t eat well or sleep little, you’ll bounce back the next day. That is true until I started to feel pain in my back and my skin showed signs of premature aging. It was like an alarm went off in my head. I started to practice meditation, exercise, and follow a more balanced diet. Research also shows that there are activities in our 20s that create long-term health consequences; for example, not wearing sunscreen causes irreversible damage to the skin. So, take care and love yourself from right now. It’s never too early.

There will come a time when you feel lost and stuck

And this is very normal. I started my career when I was 17. I didn’t know what I was working towards. I didn’t know what I wanted in life. There were times in my career and personal life that I felt stuck, not knowing where to go or what to do next. I came back home and find shelter and love from my family. I calmed down, and thought about what I wanted, when I wanted it. No guarantee what I am pursuing right now will be my goal for the next 10 years. But at least, at this moment, I learn to find a goal to strive for and work hard to make it happen.

Dream jobs also need sacrifices

When you and I first graduate from high school or college, I’m sure we have in mind an idea of what our dream jobs are. I, for example, dreamt of being a famous fashionista, to be always so pretty, to wear expensive clothes, and to attend fashion shows all over the world. I knew little about how challenging this job could be: the public pressure of appearing “perfect”, the jet lags, the overwhelming schedules. I’m not complaining, but I wanted you to know going in that it’s gonna be harder than you think, but ultimately will be worth it. 

Ignore other people’s opinions

No one is perfect. You can do everything well and someone will still have something negative to say about you. There are trolls online and offline always trying to get you down. One of the most important lessons for me at the age of 20 is to ignore the opinions of people you don’t care about. What they say about you is usually not about you, but actually their own problem. So ignore them, don’t waste time explaining, and work hard to prove yourself.

Don’t give up

If you read biographies of famous people, they all started from somewhere. Oprah Winfrey was fired once. Jeff Bezos had to pack Amazon packages in his basement. J.K Rowling wrote Harry Potter while unemployed. I do not think anyone with a difficult start will become a billionaire. Still, no one is a billionaire and gives up in the middle. Making mistake is part of being young, so don’t give up.

Don’t compare yourself to others

I see this as an essential lesson for the age of 20. We used to all go to the same schools and live the same lives for more than 20 years. Suddenly, now your friends are making more money, starting their own business, getting married, having kids, having life figured out, while you feel stuck. Don’t feel discouraged. Everyone has their own pace. Failure or success of others do not affect you and who you are and what your worth is at all. Your time is precious. Stop comparing yourself to others, and focus on achieving your goal instead.

Say sorry more

One of the most common mistakes you will make when you first start working is to make excuses instead of apologizing for doing it wrong. I went to work late because it rained, I submitted a report late because the power went out, I sent the wrong email because of a colleague, and so on. Your excuses will show that you are still young and not professional enough to take on your responsibilities. I knew it was scary to say: “This is my fault for not finishing the work. I’m sorry,” but that’s how you show your boss that you’re mature and responsible. 

Learn how to spend money save keep money

When you start to make your own money, how easy it is to spend all of your salary on food, shopping, drinking, traveling… The most “expensive” lesson of my 20s is learning how to manage personal finances, how much to spend now and how much to save for the future. And I am increasingly moving away from buying things (such as shopping for shoes and bags) and investing in more experience (travel, exercise, healthy diet,…).

Friends change 

Have you ever been shocked when your childhood best friends suddenly became very distant? Or has it been a while since you called some old friends? And when did they become “old friends”? When you turn 20, you and your friends will both experience major changes in life. Some people will stay with you, some people won’t. Understand that this is a sad, yet inevitable part of adulthood. Maybe your friends will come back into your life, maybe they won’t. I always try to keep myself open-minded and support my friends whenever possible. But  if people don’t respond or prioritize time for me, I will also walk away to spend time with people who do. 

Time is the most valuable thing

Finally, I hope that you will always remember to cherish this very beautiful time of your life. You might feel frustrated, sometimes sad, even sometimes out of place in your 20s. But time does not come back for anyone. Enjoy and use it well. Work hard, travel a lot, spend time with family and love yourself, that’s the most important lesson for your 20s!

Bài viết 10 things I learned in my 20s đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày Chaubuinet .