The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Your First Day at a New Job

Securing your first job out of college is a big milestone. You're grateful and relieved but also feeling a little anxious. You're confronted by the pressures of having new faces and personalities to deal with, new territory to explore and making a good impression without looking totally clueless.

I was extremely lucky to be employed even before I graduated. It can be a tough competition out there for fresh grads so I had to make a move early on. The company took me under training for two weeks before starting the actual work. I recall spending a weekend absorbing as much information as I can about the company to alleviate some of that stress. I know it's a lot to take in but this new chapter in your career can be exciting, almost bearable when you know how to survive the first day. 

Cafe Hunt: Yamanote Atelier

If there's one place I've been meaning to visit in Dubai for the longest time, it's Yamanote Atelier. A quaint cafe tucked away down the street of Al Wasl is known to have the most authentic Japanese pastries.

Yamanote Bear with chocolate custard filling | AED 11.50

How To Avoid Post-Vacation Blues

Think of the beach, soaking up the sun with margarita in your hand. Now imagine the first day of getting back into your daily life routine. This thought could instantly turn anyone's face in utter cringe. I had a rough start digging through unread work emails after my holiday in Maldives. That feeling of weightlessness wishing you could extend your trip will burden you for days. You would even start to compare your vacation lifestyle with the realities at home. Let's be honest, it's just so hard to drop everything and go back to the familiar. What was the point of having all that pleasure if it can cause you such distress after?

Not everyone wants to talk about post-vacation blues. Others may see it as a "first world problem" or being overly dramatic. But it's real, depressing and downright brutal. If you ever feel sad after returning from vacation, you're not alone. Here are a few ways I've done to beat post-vacation blues and bounce back smoothly to my happy place.

How Women Should Thrive in a Male-Dominated Field

When I was studying engineering in college, men disproportionately outnumber women in class. I remember we were only five women in a class of 40. Pool of students turned much smaller once you get to major courses until you realized you are the only female making you feel like the odd one out. Breaking into a male-dominated field is not impossible but staying in it is the real challenge. I took Computer Engineering because of my passion for technological advancement and innovation. When you love what you do, it becomes easy. But how can women compete in a man's field?

Recipe: Blueberry Muffins

Blueberries are my favorite option for an afternoon snack. I blend up some with yogurt, banana and almond milk for a glass of healthy smoothie. Blueberries may be small but they're packed with a lot of nutritional benefits. I love it so much even if they are tucked inside a muffin, pie or bread.

I'm going to show you a very easy blueberry muffin recipe that is just as good as the bakery ones. I added a subtle twist of fresh lemon zest making these muffins the perfect treats for any day - smells amazing as they bake too! These incredibly moist muffins bursting with juicy blueberries are a sure hit with the whole family.

Do's and Don'ts of Facebook Usage in the UAE

Social media is not only an absolute game-changer on how we communicate but how we interact with one another on a daily basis. UAE has one of the highest penetration rates on Facebook with over five million active users, which amount to more than 56% of the population. The number has tripled from 1.6 million over the past four years! Can you imagine?

As social media continues to be a highly influential and powerful medium in the UAE, so is the need to uphold moral obligation on content to be posted. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a white paper regarding Facebook usage. The document offers a set of guidelines and actions to be taken on social media issues. Users should be aware of the risk under UAE laws involving the use of social media especially for the expat population, particularly in places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is important to be educated about the general restrictions on Facebook usage, which are already similar to the existing laws in the UAE.

What goes on in your mind and how does it work?

My mind thinks infinite. Bursting with possibilities. It is a constant battle of juggled thoughts. Scribbled with memories, discoveries and paradoxical sentiments. It acts like the weather. Unpredictable in many ways. Beaming with ideas or clouded with indecisive choices.

My mind is a runner. Focused and determined. Passing through a vast tunnel, my consciousness knocks at the realm of my soul. Balancing on a stream of compassion. Perceptive of the aesthetics. As it bridges the gap that lightly touches my heart, it is when my mind finds peace. Slowly drifting into the ocean of my own universe.

Image source: iStockphoto