Free Online Courses (Other than Google) to Upgrade Yourself

As a continuation from my previous post on Free Google Courses Recommended, I have researched and tried out the free courses available online. I cannot stress on the importance of continuous self- development be it career related or not. Not only is it stimulating to your mind as you get exposed to unfamiliar things, you will be able to utilize some of the points read in your daily life. Besides, it never hurts to know more right! You can also use these pointers as a conversation starter. For example, I am currently going through the Digital Garage by Google which teaches you about marketing in the digital age. Even though this subject is totally different from what I am doing in my line of work, I still find it interesting because I can now better appreciate the elements behind selling a product or service and the promotion efforts behind it.


Note that this post is geared towards an individual who is keen in development in Analytics, Marketing and SEO, Finance and Programming Languages. Skills which are set to get a stronger foothold in years to come. This list is definitely not exhaustive as I only recommend those I have tried before.

How to Avoid Getting Retrenched

As you readers may know from my profile page, I am from the financial services sector where hiring and retrenchment can happen within a short time frame. The concept of having the same job till you retire is no longer relevant. In the beginning of this year, I receive news that the firm I was with had been acquired by a US private equity firm. Recently (9 months later), we received the dreadful news that some of us had to be let go.


The axe fell fast and swift, there was no time for handover. Those impacted had to leave on the same day, or given till end of week to exit. Although I am not impacted by this round of restructuring, I am sad and shocked to reveal that my line manager was. I decided to write this article because I had witnessed for the 1st time how crude reality can be. Brief background about my manager, she has been with the firm for more than 20 years, gaining extensive experience in her industry. Granted, she is an expensive hire but no mercy was shown when the parent firm decided to retrench her and the rest.


I will share what I have learnt from this experience and how can we survive being jobless/ unemployed in Singapore.