Julie

Are you always serious???

Helloooooo, I was about to write i trust you had a great weekend, then i remembered i ain’t sending a mail so lets relax in here a bit lol.

Ehmm, let me ask you something , do you find this question a bit weird when your friends or someone getting to know you ask: “what do you do for fun”. I don’t know but i just always feel they could probably ask what do you do with your leisure time or something.

But really time to rest and rejuvenate is vital to getting productive at work which is where fun comes in i guess or what do you think.

Anyway, i have a pool and i will love you to probably answer yourself when you a bit free as i know its the beginning of the work week.

It’s raining in here at 3:12 am and i am suppose to be sleeping as i had a long day. But i will go to bed once i am done so i can sleep well and know i have kept up today’s post lol.

I have a very short 8 question i compiled just for you.

Well, i just wanted you to be sure you really get the resting gist and some stuffs in between. I also want to get to know you personally and understand your career interest to interact and serve you better. So, enjoy while you sipping your cup of coffee/ tea.

Photo by Huseyn Kamaladdin on Pexels.com

Is the TGIF{Thank God Is Friday} people do meaningless to you. TGIf is a way to relax from the pressure of the week.
Do your boss/ line manager relate with you on a personal level or is it just work work work…. Do they ask questions like are you fine once they noticed you a bit down or something.
Is distance a big deal for you when choosing your place of work.
If you live in Nigeria, you will agree getting a great paying job can be challenging at times, do you think or expect your company to review their salary structure anytime soon?
If your answer to the above was yes, how often do you wish for this.
Are your opinion aired at your place of work.
Do you like where you currently working (your organization).
Take time out to remember your first day of work. I should probably see your big smile as you remember you know.

Photo by bongkarn thanyakij on Pexels.com

Do you want to share some of your answers with me, especially the last one. I will be glad to hear.

You can type them in the comment session, or to me directly on linkedin or to akinlabijuliana@gmail.com.

It will be a great pleasure to hear from you.

Until i come your way next week, stay Productive!

Is the amount you negotiated for what you get at the end of the month?

I can’t help but smile whenever people tell me what they got credited for as their salary wasn’t what they bargained for while on the negotiation table before they got the job.

Codedly, I feel the pain of employees and I understand what it’s like to have planned and allocated your income, only for you to see a deduction.

I don’t mean to laugh seriously. Ain’t making jest of you though. I am here to explain stuffs.

I also got a deduction from my former company and I felt really bad. My deduction wasn’t on net or gross issue but on a misunderstanding of my exam leave permission.

God now help you, you have a mean line manager who isn’t ready to understand why there is a discrepancy in your salary.

To be honest, employers and HR managers need to do more and spell things out even when they know their staffs are ignorant of these things.

Well top organisations clearly spell stuffs I believe because compensation has been know as the major cause of litigation and disagreement between employers and employees.

What is Gross & Net pay? No plenty HR jargons don’t worry I will make it very simple.

Your NET PAY is the amount you get at the end of the month. In simple terms, your salary that gets into your account.

While the GROSS PAY is your total package before you get credited. This includes your pension, HMO and other benefits depending on your organisation, level / position.

Let me trash out the mistakes you make that gets you to receive what you didn’t bargain for at the end of the month.

Now, this is where the mix up comes in. While negotiating your salary, make it clear that this is going to be your take home (NET PAY).

Recruiters are quite smart, they really might not bring it up while you are on the negotiation table. Like I always tell my sister, when asked do you have any question, it’s not the time to say NO. Get cleared on stuffs like this.

For me, even if they don’t say do I have any question, I ask.

So next time say you want to see 200k in your account as your salary, while negotiating, resolve to a higher amount or spell it out that 200k is going to be your net pay because sometime the PAYE deduction is not constant.

Also, check your employment contract well before signing it.

If you not clear on any terms and agreement on your contract, ask and get clarity before signing.

You can also send me a mail to help scrutinize your contract: akinlabijuliana@gmail.com

I hope you get the difference now. If you want me to have a post on how to negotiate better for a fatter salary, do let me know as I will also share from my experience.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to like and follow my blog.

Will you say a YES to consistent growth & development?

Oh yeah, I am back and I have a question for you. So I answered it before I even asked you and I will be sharing my thoughts and behind the scenes of my thought process also.

Consistent growth and making a promise to development is though especially when you are not seeing the results ASAP. But we forget that tiny drops of water like they say makes a mighty ocean. But let me burst your bubbles a little. If you not strategic enough your tiny drops of water will only fill a 5 liter bowl, nothing more.

Let me share why I think you should give an affirmative answer to the question I asked.

1. The first on my list here is your thought level. I believe that the quality of our lives is as a result of our thought level. What’s the quality of your thought? I am working aggressively on my own because I know I have a lot to catch up with and I need to do so as fast as possible. I know slow and steady wins the race, but personally, I can be laid back with this so I move without looking at my weakness and move ahead with quotes and thought pattern that kills my mediocre mentality which shows up at any point.

You should purchase a word jar from my business (Kits& Packs) you know. It contains some affirmative words, quotes and grateful list to keep you going because what you’ve built overtime will keep you when though time comes.

2. It helps with your networking: You are better informed and will be greatly equipped to bring greater value to your network which will greatly improve openings and opportunities to you.

Value and strategic positioning is the new gold to networking in the 21st century. So you have no choice than to commit to this.

3. You doing it for yourself: Showing off your new knowledge or sharing what you just learnt with your friends is really great, but you know what’s better is when you decide or settle it within you that any commitment to growth you doing is for you.

You owe yourself , your future life to be successfully and achieve all your goals as I know you have ambitions and stuffs you want from life.

If you will ever want to talk to someone about some of your challenges with your personal development growth, commitment to growth, and few setback you facing, you can always reach out to me on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/juliana-akinlabi-3a861014b

Or send a mail to akinlabijuliana@gmail.com. I will be more than delighted to reply.

Did you find this helpful? Don’t forget to like and share with me the part that struck with you most.

By the way I hope you’r starting the week on a great note already. Until I come your way next week.

The Relaunch

Well well well, I can’t even lie I have missed writing in here and documenting stuffs, taking you through my process and sharing my knowledge. Life happened as they say but I am back nowwww🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

I need to say welcome everyone as it’s fresh breeze for me in here.

Reasons why I have been away

Too much noise: I can’t even explain this properly, I just knew I had to get lot of things of my head and create space for the next thing I want to do. It wasn’t all that easy for me like no super woman in here at all 😃😃 I had to tell myself the truth even though it was very bitter to hear sometimes. I read something that says: If a conversation is hard, it’s probably the one worth having.

One thing I can say I did that helped tone down the noise was to put structure to whatever I was doing, like so I allocated time properly. Example was in my business. I should know the time I am spending on every client. Once I am exceeding it, my charges and professional fee increases.

Direction & Clarity : I needed to be clear on my next step, went back to the drawing board to see if I was still on track and check if I was drifting from the focus. I also needed to know if I was just going to be sharing my space with my followers for fun or take you guys seriously. I went back to the drawing board and of course I had missed road 😂😂😂😂 I won’t even lie for you guys at all oh I had to seek for help haaa God. I spoke to friends, coaches and mentors I knew could help out. I also increased my prayer level because I needed to be strong which brings me to my next point.

Rejuvenation: I needed this and doing it helped me fuel better. I did this by increasing my knowledge base, subscribing for programs and smashing my personal development goals. I remember one of my community leaders said to me: “Don’t loose focus of the bigger picture”. Life happened and it was easy for me to keep staying on the average or below average because I wasn’t ready to go the extra mile anymore to be honest. I had used up all my energy if that’s the word lol.

I know this is weird to say, but that was how I felt ( I wasn’t ready to go the extra mile and you couldn’t blame me because I was tired and frustrated). I admitted it and asked myself why I felt that way. Took some notes down and improvement points on how to work on them so I named them goals that are tied to my chop life and enjoyment. Don’t mind me chop life to me is just a time where I get to enjoy myself not thinking of work or anything.

So I pointed out how I was feeling, what I needed to do differently to bring me out of it and I will rewarded myself if I get to do them.

I am here to create content that helps professionals under 5years navigate the early years in their career journey and make smart career decisions for global visibility and recognition. I will be dishing out topics and demystify HR concepts that guides your employment.

You can also follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn as I will be sharing information in there on subsequent days asides Monday’s.

https://instagram.com/juliana_akinlabi?igshid=1pe678lcjdbku

If you still reading till this point you and I need to network on a personal level.

If you enjoy reading this, please like this post, share and if you want me to share more topics or HR concepts that bothers you, just let me know.

Tips for Applicants.

Hello, the struggle to stay consistent in posting is real 😂 I literally didn’t want to post anything today because I have been feeling I am not being strategic with blogging. But whichever way I got this up💃

I know I just started my career path, a year now, but it’s being lots of experience. So sure I will be sharing better contents in the coming years based on the experience gained. Like when I am already 5 or 6 years in the industry lol 😆

The following are the mistake I see in applicant as a Recruitment Associate.

1.Understand that life is more than the four walls of school.

“Don’t go through school, let school go through you” I know this sounds cliche though but it’s really the truth. Be an extraordinary BSC holder.

2.Be updated about the current happening in your field of interest. Building a career requires you knowing the industry very well. I can’t say I want to build a career in management and I don’t know the dictators, or professional body in that space. It literally shows that I am interested in the field. Get skilled and be able to communicate and interpret your skills and interest. This is the fundamental of you being successful in the interview

3.Clearly specify what you want and know what level you currently are in your career: I know we all must blow, but somethings takes time, and the career ladder can’t be jumped. I still feel it’s when you are ready to take the lower position and give it your all that opportunity for a bigger one comes.

4.Sweep them off their feet: Leave recruiters amazed about your personality. Clearly show your self in the most charming way ever. Wao them that’s how I say it.

If you will love me to share more about interview tips and other HR policies,my d.m is always opened.

I work with Cr8careers as their Recruitment Associate, HR faculty. However, we will be having a free CV review for business communities.

You can hit me up for more information.

Random thoughts

Hy guys , so I will love to say a very big thank you for reading up on my blog. As I have been working on my gratitude level because I noticed once I am done with a task, I always look out for another one, another levels which sometimes can make me less appreciative of what I have.

So I will love to address something about people who are multi talented. I may go further in next week post, but let’s have the intro this week.

I actually know it’s not easy to be know as a jack of all trade master of none. Let me give an example I practically tried my hands on a lot of things before I resolved to starting and sustaining something that has my highest interest. This doesn’t mean I won’t still do other things of interest. It wasn’t easy turning all these talents or things I believe I like doing though.

So firstly I took stock of my interest, like, ambition and all

I also made up my mind that whatsoever happens on the journey to really knowing me, will lead me to somewhere. This mentality has helped me a lot in seeing beautiful things even when others don’t. Trust me it isn’t as easy as it sounds, you will be stressed and disgusted as you will see most of your mates going ahead before you, but every sacrifice to knowing what brings your interest is worth it.

-No one has it all know. Everyone is still getting to know more about themselves. The thing is that the more you keep your talent in use, the more you keep unfolding like a wrap of gift I keep unwrapping till I am tired lol

-Lastly trust in God chai, this is number one oh God is the one who puts his ultimate blessings in the work our hands.

Do you have several interest or conflicting ones. I will love to know how you balance things up as you can always connect with me on Instagram or via email at akinlabijuliana@gmail.com

Thank you 😊

Why I need to be cheerful

Hy guys, so I learnt some couple of stuffs on Sunday which I will love to discuss with you as I know that there is lots of tension in young people seeing that goals haven’t been achieved as the year is coming to an end.

So let’s just dive in as I am hyper today 😊😊

In a very difficult situation is when you have to render praises to God. Praise don’t have to be done at the beginning of prayers alone, try singing songs during trials and tribulations. Do you know that even when you going through hard times is when praises is the go to call help?

If anyone ever said once you become a Christian, all your trouble is over, that’s a big lie because when Christ said it is finished; what he meant was the work/assignment he is to do; which is to die for us on the cross. If not he won’t still be sitting till his enemy is made his foot stool. But you know why I am so excited even when I get broke, it’s because even in life’s tribulations I am assured of a safe landing plus I know I have all the blessings and riches I will ever need; I practically just need the right information on how to get it which will require I go through the personal development phase. I know you will say I have come with growth, learning and development again 😊😂

So when going through financial hardship, whatsoever challenges or if things aren’t going as planned; the first thing is to know that God really wants to help us; asking for mercy and confessing our sin is important.

So when you hear confessing your sin I know you rolled your eyes like My business isn’t booming you saying I should confess my sin what sin julie are you sure you not religious lol

So this is what I meant by confessing your sin even if you know you haven’t done anything wrong since you were born haaa !!!!

Surrendering to God and making know your own will that hasn’t been productive is what I meant so it’s more like saying lord I know I have being doing this business on my own term and wisdom(teach me to prosper) it’s practically the wisdom of God we all need to prosper. You know how you can get stuck when you don’t have the necessary information; that’s how it is. Above all, God wants to lead us and tell us to do things in another way so as to yield result,

So you surrender to God, by confession and maintain a cheerful attitude as a result of this, God gently whispers his wisdom (as you have acknowledged all the things Christ did for you on the cross of Calvary)either which ways: books, people or mentors to get you out of your current fix.

The second thing I got to know is that they have to be will against sin before deliverance can occur; the don’t confess sin God has ever forgiven you is not true. God loves a broken and contrite heart check out the story of david.

Now I feel I am talking too much. Let’s take what we learnt together in bullet points:

1. Whenever I am going through stuffs people don’t even understand; I don’t blame others.

2. I rejoice in my situation.

3. I listen to the wisdom of God( I believe we know the basic of how to hear from God).

4. I will confess the right words and hold firm to God’s word.

5. I will acknowledge that even though I wasn’t there physically when Christ died, I am connected to everything that his blood saves, delivers and brings to my life.

We good now right 😊I just want you to maintain a cheerful attitude all through the month of September and beyond because that’s what will release God’s wisdom for productivity. Plus don’t forget to put in the work also.

Much love ❤️

HOW FAR CAN YOU GO?

When it comes to you, how far can you really go?

Personal development has been my major focus in this season of my life. I keep asking myself to what extent can I go in making sure I keep improving on my skills, abilities and talent. I know that the world will always stand for people who know their craft so well.

I saw a question on my coach Instagram page and I couldn’t help but munch it; it was talking about if one should pay for a fellowship program or not.

So, bringing it to the average youths mentality we all like free things which is very good I mean freebies are sweet, but getting knowledge, information and experience from mentors that have gone ahead of us can’t be quantified. Even if opportunities of exposure shows up, the monetary value so to say is the exchange for experience.

They are programs I have gone all out to pay for, certificates which wasn’t comfortable for me to, but I just had to pay because it’s a sacrifice made for the future. And it was really worth it trust me. The connection, networking, knowledge and clarity I got can never be gotten in the next 5 years. I am still going all out looking for trainings to aid my growth.

So, next time when an opportunity relating to your field of interest, career or business shows up, instead of being put away by the price ask: Is it truly worth it, how do I get to pay.

Investing in yourself is the best gift you can ever give yourself.

Give yourself this token. Like you spoil yourself, take yourself out and all of those stuff please, complete the self care thing as per minister of enjoyment gang 😊

What do you think, is it okay to commit to personal development by paying for trainings relating to one’s field of interest?

HELP, LEARNING IS BORING!!!

The theme of this year’s international youth day: TRANSFORMING EDUCATION.

I am of the believe that learning should be fun. I don’t appreciate the fact that examination has to be taken as a true test of one’s abilities. The major claim of examination being inclusive in schools is to help build the formal system which is quite understanding, but the current educational system is making learning boring for youths.

Students primarily purse good grades and not knowledge or clear understanding of subject anymore.

I wasn’t aware of the extent students fail in school until my project topic made me research on students failure and causes. Failure in school generally causes the basis of youth psychological imbalance with a defect in thinking resulting to them not being recruiters favorite due to lack of soft skills.

The 83% failure rate can be reduced if students understand every topic taken in class. Understanding is far more important; it literally stays with the students even after the examination.

I believe in attending classes to increase knowledge base.

The curriculum, teaching and learning system can be more structured and all-encompassing for all types of learners (auditory, visual and kinesthetic).

Owning to the fact that subjects like mathematics may not be realistic; the problem and theories propounded may not be applicable to real life situations. The teacher has a role to play by making theories relatable to familiar problems hereby making learners anticipate classes for the fun of it.

Can we have more practical test based exams for all courses where communication skills are tested; series of training for teachers on how to manage and effectively communicate, impact and nurture the skills and potentials of youths?

All these thoughts, statistics of failures, lack of basic soft skills and my personal experiences(I will share them some other time) are what led me to start AFRICAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT where we see to creating a world where every young African youth is exposed to quality education and technology for decent work; we are currently present in four schools in two states in Nigeria and we are targeted at reaching 7,000 children by the end of 2019.

What are your thoughts on transforming education? Do you think the current educational system needs to be a review?

Pick one: Job Enrichment or Job Enlargement.

Job enrichment is increasing duties and responsibilities of an employee and a rise in reward/motivation. However, employees are saddled with more challenging responsibilities and less supervision of work.

Job enrichment is when more job load is added to what you currently do in your organization with an increase in reward.

Motivation plus influence.

Job enlargement is a horizontal addition of job duties. Extra task to the same work on the same job.

It’s main focus is to influence employees to take up more job role.

Motivation in job enlargement is not of an importance than employees productivity.

Let me explain job enrichment and job enlargement with an illustration:

Feyi is in the legal department in her organization; she is the company’s secretary to be specific. The management had a meeting with her after her performance appraisal on her expanding her job function and responsibilities which is in line with her skill set. She was advised to take up the role of a PA/LEGAL which is also inline with her function as the company Secretary. She has to be trained in administrative function as she will be doing more of that with her new role. However, the motivation for this new role is higher than when she was the company secretary(an increase in pay and reward).- this scenario is JOB ENRICHMENT.

Second senairo explaining JOB ENLARGEMENT:

Feyi the company secretary; has two other colleagues in the same department; Bola and Femi. They both perform the same function in the company; but share their work duties as the company’s legal filing system takes a long process because of the size of the company.

Femi had to go for a surgery and would be absent for a month.

Bola on the other hand picked up a study leave form from the HR as she will be having to write her ICSAN exams. Feyi has no option than to carry out duties and double for her two other colleagues and was advised by the HR to learn how to multi task incase her other colleagues don’t return back to the organization.

Hope it’s clear now.

Which scenario have you been in or assuming you are faced with this two; which will you want to be in.