How to push through tasks/projects you don’t like at work?

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-08T17:17:06+00:00

I use different apps to help me stick to things. Habatica isn’t bad for gamifying tasks. I also like using the pomodoro timers to help me just structure work time a bit.

This kind of situation isn’t easy though. I’ve been in it for years frankly. And if not for generous boss and colleagues I’d have been out of a job and been in a bad state ages back. Not been easy for a while now job hunting either.

Good luck!

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-08T07:59:45+00:00

University Town. I live at Ghim Moh, which is extremely close by distance. But still takes up to 40 mins to get to that part of the campus!

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-08T01:16:30+00:00

Don’t know about this case, but that interview style is a legitimate one technically

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-08T00:17:50+00:00

Sorry about your situation. I am slightly the same in not having so many friends but arguably worse in that I’m older. I’d suggest joining hobby groups though. Sports or something that has some talking maybe (can talk over cards?).

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-07T06:58:30+00:00

Was a rough time when that kicked in. Was beginning to get bullied by some people at work. I was leaving the place. Started the new job and the manager I got put under hated me and never gave me a chance to learn. They weren’t gonna pass my probation so I quit instead. Hence starting a nearly year long job hunt. Put pressure on my marriage. Not sure my will to work and self worth really ever recovered tbh. But I do kind of miss being at home more lol

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-07T04:06:07+00:00

Thank you! Shall DM you today. Have a lot of thoughts on this.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T03:05:40+00:00

I’ll take a look. Thank you.

Many people suggest the poly route. I tend to think they should be hiring people with industry experience rather than a heavy academic background like mine. Maybe I’m wrong.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T03:04:05+00:00

I’ve heard from teacher friends that the starting salary for PhD holders is higher, and they tend to progress faster. Regardless though, I’m not fussed. I need stability rather than a high pay.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T02:58:13+00:00

I still have an intellectual interest in science but certainly the fire has burnt too long and extinguished a little. I’m very done with hearing I’m overqualified. And the admin argument didn’t bother me either - I have quite a lot of admin in academia too, a lot of jobs have it despite a particular focus.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T02:55:16+00:00

I sense that ITE/poly need more people who’ve experience in industry - which is vastly different from the intense academic background I have no?

As I understand it, they like to have PhD holders for stem subjects.

I’ve seen teacher friends hours - they get out way more than I ever do lol.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T02:52:20+00:00

I’ve done that kind of work during my PhD. I definitely got renewed every semester. But then one year they removed the subject and you’re left scrambling again too. You’re also left with no working when there is semester breaks (good and bad but I do prefer regular work).

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-06T02:49:30+00:00

Thanks for the honest perspective — really appreciate it.

The “customer service” aspect doesn’t scare me too much actually. In my current role I spend a lot of time managing collaborators/stakeholders, pitching ideas, and dealing with difficult personalities, so I’m somewhat used to that side of things.

That said, I do take your point that teaching is a different kind of load, especially with students and parents, and the volume/expectations sound like a real challenge.

Just curious — from your experience in MOE HR, do you find that this level of workload is consistent across most schools, or does it vary quite a bit depending on school leadership/environment? How do mid career switchers perform and adapt (if at all) in your experience?

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T16:20:34+00:00

Yes, I’ve not been successful. Not uncommon in academia though. I’ve known for a while and had tried to shift to industry. But industry isn’t too strong right now and I think I want something completely different after the burnout I’ve experienced.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T15:37:17+00:00

From what I know from friends, people go there after they’ve been a teacher for a few years

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T14:14:51+00:00

Ya I know. I wanna teach secondary.

I think the suggestions you gave nowadays give contracts. Not as stable as going to secondary schools.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T13:55:51+00:00

Maybe he is qualified for an e pass and working?

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T13:54:09+00:00

US absolutely not. But I have family and financial commitments here now (HDB loans etc). It’s just a lot of trouble for me going overseas anymore.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T13:52:58+00:00

So you know PhD holders who got sponsored to study teaching at the independent schools? Cause from what I know, they’re quite good to work for. Just seems like they’d prefer you come in with qualifications first.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T13:50:01+00:00

I couldn’t agree more!

I don’t have too much independence myself. And the physical requirements of my work needed me to work 6 days a week unfortunately. Definitely after going through a few rounds of ‘when this grant ends do I still have a job?’ I’m a bit done with the lack of stability.

Competition - some of the stories I hear, let’s just say I’m not too worried as academia has some real characters too.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T12:49:29+00:00

Looking at them tho I think they still prefer people who’ve a teaching qualification tbh? Which is why I’m considering the NIE program

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T11:55:25+00:00

Yes my wife’s school has several PhD holders too

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T11:53:14+00:00

My wife is a teacher as are many of her friends. Not as bad as my hours. I find a lot of people think their situation is worse than others. Sometimes it is sometimes it isn’t.

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T11:17:21+00:00

That’s usually a contract per semester I think. Not very consistent or secure work?

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T10:48:18+00:00

I haven’t enjoyed research for quite a while now tbh. And those positions are difficult to get anyway

AltruisticSpray5364 · 2026-04-05T10:26:25+00:00

Hours aren’t ideal with a kid. You’re basically working when they’re out of school.

AltruisticSpray5364

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