[Post 215] Book Review 2: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5 by Timothy Ferries

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Tim Ferriss's book "The 4-Hour Work Week" has captured many readers since its publication in 2007. It's a self-help book that purports to lay out a plan for escaping the 9-to-5 grind and living the life of one's desires. 

Ferriss assures readers that they can work only four hours per week and still achieve their goals, whether they are to travel the world, start a business, or simply have more free time to follow their passions.

The concept of "lifestyle design," which he defines as "the art of structuring your life to meet your passions, interests, and values," is central to Ferriss' worldview. 

The book is packed with practical suggestions on how to do so, from delegating duties to virtual assistants to establishing passive revenue streams through internet enterprises.

One of the book's important insights is the significance of focusing on high-value activities, which are the chores that provide the best return on investment for your time. 

Ferriss contends that most people waste too much time on low-value activities such as checking email or attending meetings, and that by eliminating these activities, they may significantly boost their productivity and free up more time for the things that truly matter.

Ferriss also emphasizes the need of removing "time-wasters" from your life, such as idly surfing the internet or watching television. He claims that by being more focused with your time and removing these distractions, you can accomplish more in less time and have a more happy life overall.

The book is chock-full of real productivity hacks, from applying the Pomodoro Technique to organizing your email inbox more effectively. 

But what distinguishes "The 4-Hour Work Week" from other self-help books is its emphasis on lifestyle design and the notion that work should be viewed as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

One of the book's detractors claims that it is unrealistic for everyone to work only four hours per week, especially if they are just starting out in their careers or running a traditional brick-and-mortar business. Ferriss himself admits that the four-hour workweek is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather a target to strive for.

Another complaint leveled at the book is that it encourages people to seek shortcuts rather than putting in the hard work required for success. Ferriss contends that focusing on high-value activities and outsourcing low-value ones allows him to do more in less time, although some readers may regard this as a sort of cheating.

Despite these concerns, "The 4-Hour Work Week" is a popular and important book that has inspired many individuals to consider work and productivity in new ways. Its emphasis on lifestyle design and the value of following one's passions and interests is a compelling message that many readers will appreciate.

Overall, "The 4-Hour Work Week" is a thought-provoking and uplifting read for anyone seeking to break free from the standard 9-to-5 and establish their own life. 

While not all of Ferriss' ideas will apply to everyone, the book challenges readers to challenge the existing quo and think creatively about how they might live a more fulfilled and satisfying life.

[Post 214] KFC Behind The Scenes (What You Don't See) | Inside KFC EP1 | Our Stories

Summary

We take a look behind the scenes of KFC, from the boardroom to the kitchens. 

This documentary series goes inside the fast food giant KFC UK from their boardrooms to their kitchens. In this first episode, we learn how fast food chicken works on a mass scale and Managing Director Martin strives to expand his empire of 850 stores nationwide, while keeping his workforce motivated. We also meet 17 year old college dropout Beth, who struggles to find her way in her new job. And cameras are allowed inside the chicken farms that supply KFC for an inside look.

KFC: The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop - Episode 1

This film was first broadcast: 18 Mar 2015

[Post 213] Investment Book Review 3 : One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch

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"One Up on Wall Street" written by Peter Lynch, is a timeless investment guidebook that has influenced numerous individuals to embark on investing in the stock market. 

Released in 1989, the book offers valuable insights into Lynch's investment philosophy, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful investors in history. 

By sharing his experiences managing the Fidelity Magellan Fund, Lynch provides readers with his tested and proven methods for selecting winning stocks and achieving financial prosperity.

The book highlights the significance of taking a proactive approach to investing. Lynch emphasizes that individual investors have an advantage over professional money managers as they are closer to the industries and businesses they are investing in. 

By conducting their own research, individuals can attain a better understanding of the companies they are investing in and make informed investment choices.

Lynch emphasizes the value of taking a long-term perspective on investing, avoiding market speculation, and keeping emotions in check. 

He also stresses the importance of diversification, encouraging investors to distribute their investments across several different industries and companies, reducing risk and increasing the chances of finding successful stocks.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the stock market, including the role of brokers, investment bankers, and analysts, and explains various methods used to evaluate stocks. 

It also provides a framework for identifying and analyzing potential investments, including the P/E ratio, earnings growth, and return on equity.

One of the standout features of "One Up on Wall Street" is Lynch's writing style, which is engaging and easy to understand. He simplifies complex investment concepts, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of financial literacy. 

Through personal anecdotes and stories from his experiences, Lynch brings the stock market to life and makes investing an enjoyable and exciting process.

Lynch places a strong emphasis on finding great companies with a competitive advantage. He believes that by investing in companies with a proven record of success, individuals can achieve long-term financial prosperity. 

The book includes real-life examples of companies that meet Lynch's criteria, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola.

In conclusion, "One Up on Wall Street" is a must-read for anyone interested in investing in the stock market. Through its easy-to-understand writing style, practical advice, and real-world examples, Lynch provides readers with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve financial success in the long-term. Personally, this is one of my favourite investment book to read as it is easy to understand unlike the more throughly detailed "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this book is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration for your next investment. For singaporean, this book can be borrow at the nearest National Library Board near your home in an audiobook or Ebook form.

[Post 212] How ‘Quiet Hiring’ Became The Workplace of 2023 | CNBC

Summary

Remember 'quiet quitting?' It described the trend of employees choosing not to go above and beyond in the workplace. Well, that was 2022. This year there's a new vogue practice — "quiet hiring."

"Quiet hiring is one of several trends that we've identified as potentially having a major impact in 2023 for the future of work,'" says Emily Rose McRae, who leads Gartner's future of work research team. "And for some organizations, it's going to be a game-changer."

Despite tech layoffs dominating headlines, the larger economy remains relatively strong. However, many economists still think a recession could happen in 2023. And companies are starting to turn to quiet hiring to trim costs ahead of a potential economic downturn.

"So with all the economic uncertainty going around, employers are looking at ways to fulfill their needs without actually having to commit to growing their workforce," says Kory Kantenga, senior economist at LinkedIn. "One way of potentially doing that is what has been called quiet hiring."

Watch the video above to find out more about the concept of quiet hiring and its potential impact on the job market and the overall economy.  

[Post 211] Book Summary 1: Around The world in 80 Trades by Conor Woodman | Documentary

Part 1: Around The World In 80 Trades-Trade In Africa

 

Part 2: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in Asia

Part 3: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in the Far East

Part 4: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in Latin America

As there is a full documentary available on this at Youtube,I hope you enjoy it as much i did.This is one of my favourite books.Thank you for watching.

[Post 210] How We Make Money From ASMR Videos & Custom Keyboards | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Summary

Tang Dong Li is Singapore’s most-watched ASMR creator on YouTube, amassing over 600, 000 subscribers in just 3 years on @DongASMR. He produces four videos a week, and fresh ideas are starting to run dry – but he has an ace up his sleeve – a public ASMR video in Haw Par Villa. 

Meanwhile, Charmaine Koh and Tan Peck Han are also making money from making sounds. For over a year, they have been building custom mechanical keyboards that sound good, look sleek and are satisfying to use. With their most ambitious build up next – they may need some extra help. 

[Post 209] How Much Should You Give Your Parent Every Month?

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As a new graduate(Like me!), it can be overwhelming to balance your own financial needs with supporting your family. One question that may come to mind is what percentage of your salary should be given to your parents.

This is a difficult question to answer since it is difficult to strike the correct balance between taking care of your personal financial requirements and helping your family. 

Before determining this amount, it's crucial to make sure you have enough money for your own necessities such as housing, food, and transportation. You don't want to compromise your own financial stability by giving too much to your parents.

Once your own finances are secure, you can consider how much you can afford to give to your parents. While there is no definite answer, some experts suggest giving anywhere from 10-20% of your pay. This amount can vary based on your financial situation and the needs of your parents. 

If they are facing financial difficulties, you may want to give more, and if they are in a stable financial position, you may be able to give less.

Having an open and honest conversation with your parents is important in determining the right amount to give. It's also recommended to set clear expectations about the use of the money to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Personally ,I am currently giving about 10-20% of my pay after CPF deduction to both parents,which is quite close to my monthly budget.As for my pay range, let's just say it's around $3,000 to $4,000 a month 😉

In conclusion, the answer to how much of your pay should be given to your parents is not set in stone. By taking care of your own finances and communicating with your parents, you can find the right balance that works for everyone. The most important thing is to prioritize your own financial stability while still supporting your family.