Hari Raya should be a fun and exciting time for families to catch up but every once in a while, you’ll have to answer some difficult questions from relatives who don’t quite seem to realise that their questions can be pretty inappropriate.
Still, a little invasion of privacy is worth it for a delicious plate of rendang right?
This year however, LinkedIn has figured out how you can navigate through these difficult questions with class and sophistication.
Relatives might want to find out if you can still receive the annual duit raya (green packet) which are reserved for children and non-working adults. Despite the fact that nothing has changed since the last Raya, they are likely to have forgotten what you said or even what you do.
LinkedIn’s Tip: Remember that they care about you and are genuinely interested to see you progress in your career, so explain in simple but memorable words. Think about your LinkedIn profile headline, for example. If you are an application developer for a game studio, try saying “I help design and build games to allow people like you and me play games on the smartphone”.
This can be an intimidating question especially if you’ve just entered the workforce or have recently started a new career. While some relatives tend to have unrealistic expectations of you, often times this is asked genuinely out of care.
LinkedIn’s Tip: This is the perfect opportunity to share your personal highlights since you last met – for example the new venture you have started, or a great assignment that gave you the chance to grow your team. You can share your aspirations, shifting the conversation from promotions and pay-rises to developing new skills and achieving other more meaningful successes. Don’t forget, success comes in many shapes and forms, and a high position isn’t the only way to measure success.
There are some career choices that are perceived as less prestigious than others. Our parents’ generation are more familiar with traditional professions like teachers, engineers, lawyers and doctors. It can be challenging to explain your career or industry to someone who doesn’t share the passion for your work or doesn’t understand it. Today, professionals also define success quite differently. LinkedIn’s recent study found that professionals in Singapore associate success with health and happiness over career progression, pay raise or a six-figure salary.
LinkedIn’s Tip: No matter how intrusive the questions may seem, start by sharing with them why you chose your profession and industry, and why you love what you do. If you are a chef, try and make them understand for example, that you have a role and responsibility to make delicious and healthy food. Use this question as an opportunity to share about your interest – “I earn enough to do the things that I like, let me share more with you!” This may inspire them, and at the same time, convince them that success comes in many shapes and forms, and earning a high salary is not the only way to be successful.
A common assumption upon the mention of recognisable brands or type of services is that you’d be entitled to amazing employee benefits. While this may be true for some, it can create a somewhat uncomfortable situation if relatives and friends request for similar benefits of you, even if in jest.
LinkedIn’s Tip: The keyword here is “assumption” and is best addressed by responding professionally as how you would explain it to a future colleague. Take the opportunity to speak of any career enrichment or upskilling program offered by your company, or how your work culture is rewarding to your personal growth.
This question usually leads to more questions about your relationship status, followed by well-meaning recommendations from your elders. It can be especially tough for those in their late 20s and early 30s, with many choosing to focus on their career at this age instead.
LinkedIn’s Tip: The best way to deal with this is to use this opportunity to emphasize how you are able to spend more time for self-improvement. Remember that everyone is at a different stage of their career, so don’t compare yourself to others.
- TAGS:
- celebration
- hari raya
- raya
- singapore