Will I be just a cog in the wheel at a Big Four accountancy firm?
I work as an auditor at a medium-sized CPA firm. I have learned the ins and outs of the profession over the past decade and have worked on a number of significant projects. I have recently been headhunted by one of the Big Four for a role that’s not more senior but is better paid. My natural instinct is to take the job, but I am also concerned that I might lose a certain degree of autonomy working for a bigger company and that, in turn, I might find it unstimulating. Are my worries well-founded or am I simply being over cautious?
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Is networking a necessity or work-life nightmare?
I’ve reached a certain level in my current role where I’m being regularly called upon to attend outside events as a representative of my company. At first I was happy to, but now I’m being asked to go to more and more functions and it’s eating up a considerable chunk of my spare time. I’m beginning to think my company is taking advantage of me, but at the same time I’m admittedly building up a better network. Should I just go with it or is there a point where I should draw a line?
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When starting up in events management, use temporary staff to get your small business off the ground
I have been working in events management for the last six years, and am now keen to start my own business in the same industry — but with a focus on personalised events, such as weddings and high-profile birthdays. With few resources, I am unable to hire many people at first, but I know I can’t start up without help. I am unsure which kind of people to choose for an initial core team. How do I best select my first few employees?
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Exaggerating in your resume won’t get you that top job in Hong Kong, says recruitment expert
I’m in the process of updating my CV and I’ve come to realise that many of the jobs I’ve held are unimpressive on paper. I’d really like to make an impact in my next job application. Is it OK to take some creative licence and embellish a little when describing my previous roles? I’ve heard it’s commonly done. I was once the “Acting Head of Department” for a large supply chain firm. Would it do any harm to drop the “acting”?
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‘Employee engagement’ can break down barriers between staff and human resources practitioners
I am just starting my career in HR and I am finding it a bit bewildering. I have no problem dealing with the administration side of things, but I have difficulty engaging with non-HR staff, who mostly have more experience at the company and treat me with a level of distrust and condescension. Is there any way I can break down the barriers and show them I am on their side? I have asked my manager about this, but she says this can only come with time put into the job.
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Life’s a pitch in the advertising world
I have been in Hong Kong for over a decade and am thinking of leaving. Apart from the usual gripes – pollution, high rents, political uncertainty – I feel my career is going backwards as my industry, advertising, becomes more dumbed down here. The problem is I feel I have become dumbed down at the same time. Would it pay for me to take a refresher course to fire up my expertise and enthusiasm again before I leave, or just jump back into the deep end when I go?
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Out of the corporate frying pan into the teaching fire
I am thinking more and more about giving up corporate life and what seems like an endless rat race to become a teacher - good hours, long holidays, less stress … Yes I know that the money will not be great, but I can survive and I am thinking it is worth it for quality of life. Do you have any experience of people doing this? Are they happy, or do they end up missing their previous lives (and salaries)?
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