1. SPEAK YOUR MIND
Communication is just as vital in the workplace as it is in a relationship, so don’t keep your opinions to yourself. Voice your ideas and feedback so your supervisor can get to know you better. And don’t worry about sounding dumb.
2. DON’T REST ON YOUR LAURELS
Constantly working on your relationship helps keep the spark alive; the same goes for your job. So constantly challenge yourself – for instance, by taking on new projects – and always seek to improve your daily performance.
3. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
If you’re single, venturing out of your usual circles will gain you new friends – and potential dates. Likewise, taking on tasks outside the scope of your role at work will help you grow both personally and professionally (and stand you in good stead for a promotion!).
4. ACCEPT THAT PERFECTION DOES NOT EXIST
Just like how it’s near impossible to find a Mr Perfect who checks all the right boxes, there is no such thing as a perfect job. So stop searching for it; instead, identify your work values that can’t be compromised – be it job satisfaction or a high salary – and look for a job that is in harmony with them.
5. ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Like a first date, a job interview is nerve-racking. Since you would do some research (Facebook! Instagram!) on your blind date beforehand, do the same with your potential employer by trawling the company website, reading up on the industry and, if possible, speaking to a few of the company’s employees about what it’s like to work there.
6. BE POSITIVE
Couples in happy, stable relationships tend to have a positive outlook on life. How you can apply this to your job: Instead of being jealous or critical of your colleagues’ successes, support and encourage them. Why? You want to work in a genuinely happy, harmonious team. We know we do.
EXPERT SOURCE: Violet Lim, CEO of Lunchclick and co-founder of Lunch Actually
This story was originally published in the November 2015 issue of Her World magazine.