For many people, their 20s recalls graduation caps in the air, a world of opportunities to explore, and yet a maze of uncertainties ahead. I remember scouring for jobs, attending countless interviews and learning to embrace rejection. Navigating the workforce can feel like wandering through a jungle, especially when you're not sure which path to take.

Just like in a game of Snakes and Ladders, teething challenges (snakes) await those who climb up the rungs of the corporate ladder. At times, you’ll get a high roll – you might encounter a great mentor along the way, for example. Other times, low rolls such as unexpected health issues might set you back.

But fret not. The journey from a fresh graduate to a seasoned professional is a thrilling adventure, one filled with learning curves and invaluable lessons. Let's dive into some of the key strategies for surviving the corporate jungle that school might not have prepared you for. If you’re not new to the workforce, you can read more about why job-hopping can be good for you.

Discover your worth, literally

It’s not just about the salary; it’s about understanding your value in the market. Singapore’s dynamic job market can be overwhelming, but here’s how you can assess your worth and more importantly, enhance it.

Research is a great place to start – tools such as GlassDoor, Indeed and PayScale are at your fingertips. Use them to uncover the salary ranges of your potential roles and benefits that your potential employers offer. This can keep you safe from being lowballed and ensure that you receive fair compensation. You’ll naturally get better at negotiating your salary package the longer you are in the workforce.  

However, do keep in mind that comparison is the thief of joy. Singapore is a fast-paced society, and we tend to compare ourselves with our peers and loved ones. It’s best to not let your job and self-worth become intertwined, and exercise some self-compassion.

TLDR: Use tools such as GlassDoor, Indeed and PayScale to your advantage by discovering a suitable salary range and benefits package for you.

Building relationships and boundaries

Some say your network is your net worth, but it’s not just about making connections and acquaintances. Learning to break out of your shell and meeting new people can be a fun and rewarding challenge in your career and life.

Networking sets the foundation for future opportunities. Aside from company-organised events, there are plenty of avenues to meet like-minded individuals, such as professional associations, conventions and interest groups. You’ll not only meet new people whom you might work with in future, but you might also get wind of industry movements, trends and new skills to pick up, like UI/UX design.

In today’s economy, you never know if a layoff is around the corner, and the knowledge and opportunities gained through networking can come in clutch in times of economic downturns and global recessions. Another thing you’ll thank yourself for in the event of retrenchment or unemployment is having your own medical insurance. If you don’t already have personal medical insurance, you might want to consider Singlife Shield. With premiums starting at just S$0.28/day¹, it’s a budget-friendly way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for your medical bills, so you can focus on recovery – and never be caught off-guard.

As you go about building relationships and expanding your network, remember the importance of setting boundaries, and don’t expect every colleague or business partner to behave like your best friend. You don’t have to say yes or agree to every event and it’s perfectly fine to decline an invitation if you want to recharge or take a mental wellness break away from your devices.

Think of networking as an extra tool, a horizontal bridge. After all, enjoying success isn’t just about building vertical ladders for upward mobility, it’s also about the bridges you build along the way.

TLDR: Unexpected opportunities can arise from socialising and forging meaningful relationships with others, and this might prove useful in times of a recession and economic downturns. Network at a comfortable pace and take a break from it when needed.

Managing stakeholders and conflicts

Every workplace has its share of drama and challenges, from managing expectations with your boss to dealing with team conflicts, and it’s essential to navigate these with tact and professionalism. Here are some strategies to keep the peace and maintain a positive work environment:

• Manage your relationship with your boss

Proactive communication is crucial regardless of your boss’ personality. Project needs and requirements may shift, or you might be working with near-impossible deadlines and moving goalposts. If you face such a situation, it’s important to schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your concerns and approach the conversation with a problem-solving mindset for both parties to reach a mutual understanding – this helps to bring about positive outcomes.  

Another crucial aspect of relationship building is cultivating a mentor-mentee relationship with your manager. Our bosses aren’t just people who give us orders, they’re fellow human beings with stressors, emotions, wants and needs. Remembering this will improve your team dynamics and career advancement, as your boss is likely to be more invested in your professional development.

• Balance stakeholder interests

Imagine you’re leading a project with multiple stakeholders, each with their own priorities and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). For example, you’re part of a marketing team wanting to prepare ahead for a product launch and the product team is ready to bring their product to market early, but the tech team foresees some delay.

In such situations, organising a stakeholder meeting to discuss the project’s priorities and timelines might help in making better decisions with data-driven insights. Or it could just be a matter of communicating proactively with other parties, ensuring that everyone is aware of the potential pitfalls and challenges if they insist on having their way. Not every battle must be won, and sometimes a little compromise can go a long way.

TLDR: Everyone has a role to play in creating a positive work environment. You don’t have to be a people pleaser, but proactive communication is the key to forging a healthy work environment.

As you climb the corporate ladder, remember that it’s not just about reaching the top – it’s about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. Also, if you’re already planning for your getaways from the corporate life, here’s how you can get 32 days off by maximising your annual leave.

^Notes

^{1 Based on 31 Age Next Birthday (ANB) profile for Singlife Shield Plan 3, excluding MediShield Life premium.}

^{As this product has no savings or investment feature, there is no cash value if the policy ends or if the policy is terminated prematurely. Buying a health insurance policy that is not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future healthcare needs.}