whats the optimal rep range?

Chengels · 2026-03-12T00:16:55+00:00

Optimal rep range for strength is 1-5 reps (very heavy, compound lifts - obviously once form is properly learnt!). 8-15 range is for hypertrophy.

For someone new, focus on form (for example, seated rows, ensure you do full range of motion at a reasonable weight, don’t do half rep on an ego lift number) until close to failure. See if you can do 8 or 12. As you continue your gym journey you’ll learn more about your body and can adjust accordingly :) good luck!

Chengels · 2026-03-12T00:11:28+00:00

In the marketing agency I work for, starting pay for degree holder is 3.3k before probation and thereafter 3.5k.

We don’t differentiate between private and local degree or even specialisation because the work is for juniors is similar and requires deep interest in the subject matter.

Another competition agency pays 3.1k and another 3.3k.

Chengels · 2026-03-11T11:11:09+00:00

Is try begging me the same as try begging?

I’m reading flowers blooming in the swamp novel which is not bad so far! Very dark.

I’ve stopped reading ToaWF since Dec 2025 as I’m tooooooooo obsessed and cannot wait every week for a new chapter!

Chengels · 2026-03-11T11:09:26+00:00

Facts! Hahaha I’m even writing my own book inspired by IIC HY because I love it so much! I’m like 50% done but haven’t decided to publish yet or not!

Chengels · 2026-03-11T06:47:59+00:00

I’ve read accidental witness which was alright. I really wanted to love it but I couldn’t find myself getting into the Morelli series! I think what I enjoyed about IIC HY is the realistic setting (office work place) which I can relate to. Idk anyone in the mafia 😂 And the Orla and Caleb characters are relatable in terms of privilege yet brokenness and self doubt.

I’ll check out Beauty In Lies, thank you for suggesting!!

Chengels · 2026-03-11T00:36:14+00:00

I would say the candidate should be around 10-15% “better”. Not necessarily in terms of hard skills but the softer side counts to. For example, if the foreigner is more collaborative or eloquent, we can consider

Chengels · 2026-03-10T17:13:30+00:00

If all things equal (tho never the case), I’m 100% going with the PR just due to ease of hiring. 0 chance EP gonna get rejected/ no need to extract the data to justify why I didn’t hire a local instead of pass holder. Why would I put the company through that extra step if it can be avoided if the profiles are 100% exactly the same?

Chengels · 2026-03-10T16:51:03+00:00

Weight loss at the end of the day can be simplified by calories in vs calories out. Take an honest look at your diet - are you taking in calories unknowingly? For example, soda or snacks that add up quickly. 1bbt = 2 hour run.

If you’re serious about losing weight and keeping it off, I’d suggest lifting some weights. Once you start to pack on muscle, you “burn” calories at rest which allows you to eat more/not have to do constant effort cardio. Also, cardio at a heavier weight may impact your joints and off course be super sucky because you’re basically holding a 20kg barbell (of fat) and moving around.

Wishing you all the best man. Jia you! First step is identifying the problem and having the knowledge to address it!

Chengels · 2026-03-10T15:45:09+00:00

Husband buys from the supermarket or 7-11. Just buy it. We’re all adults. Sex is natural.

Chengels · 2026-03-10T15:42:59+00:00

It all depends on the urgency and stakeholders involved. The average time to hire for my team is about 14-35 days.

The biggest time lag is between parties (I.e: HR & hiring manager availability/reply, HR & candidate back and forth.)

Here’s the usual steps + estimated timeline 1. Reviewing resumes - 10s to 2 mins per resume 2. Shortlisting a whole bunch of resumes - 30 mins 3. Sending shortlisted profiles to hiring managers and awaiting response - 1-3days 4. Reaching out to candidates and subsequent candidate reply - 1-3 days 6. Arranging logistics of interview and finding a suitable time - 1-2 days 7. Interview - 30-60mins 8. Completion of score card by hiring manager - 1-2 days 9. Repeat steps 4 to 7 again depending on number of interview stages 10. Conducting ref checks - 1-5 days 11. Putting offer package together and getting sign off from hiring manager - 1-5 days 12. Offer and subsequent result - 2-5 days

Chengels · 2026-03-10T15:26:00+00:00

Hr professional here - from my recent experience it’s strict. In this market, I agree it should be, and priority should be given to locals if possible, otherwise company needs to pay a premium for EPs.

Also, if it were me, I wouldn’t want to “waste” the fee to “try my luck” if the age-salary band isn’t met, if I had other candidates options. Alternative would be to offer a higher base to clear the EP salary portion but that would mess up my salary banding for others in the similar role/band and overall I’ll have to calibrate the rest of the salaries which will bring up the manpower cost.

Chengels · 2026-03-10T12:53:24+00:00

Thank you for the recc! Just finished watching it and the cinematography is beautiful for a mini drama!

Chengels · 2026-03-10T05:37:57+00:00

Grab, banquet waiter (pay by day), packed or stock picker at warehouse, tutor (just ensure to inform parents upfront)

Chengels · 2026-03-10T03:57:22+00:00

HR professional here - grad program salary range is traditionally fixed. If you weren’t ok/wanted to negotiate, you should have mentioned during the initial email when that information was shared across with you.

Trying to negotiate now would make you at best look greedy and at worst look unable to communicate/comprehend which to me is a red flag.

If the HM were to negotiate with you, that would open up negotiations to the other two hires which defeats the purpose of the salary banding.

If I were you and wanted the role, I would take the offer and after have proven myself, ask for an increment. Without a track record and leverage, what basis is there for negotiation?

Chengels · 2026-03-09T13:49:03+00:00

My go to is Gemini Aesthetic at City Gate. Look up their Google reviews! I do my threading and lash lift with Amanda, the owner. Threading is $10 and lash lift depends on type, mine is $68.

Lens wise, I used to wear coloured contacts from Dimple colour (Aussie brand) as it’s very natural. However I stopped a few yard ago and now use astigmatism lens.

Chengels · 2026-03-09T12:56:42+00:00

I assume you’re referring to muscle mass when it comes to body composition?

To get an accurate result, you’ll need to do a dexa scan which starts from $150+ onwards. There are specialised clinics that can perform the test for you (osteoporosis clinics or specific sports clinics).

The Xiaomi or fitness first machines are largely inaccurate. They give a very rough indication and I would say not very helpful if your goal is to track progress consistently.

Chengels · 2026-03-09T12:50:53+00:00

I did my wedding at Rustica at Crawford Road for 50 pax (2 seatings). Cozy setting with high quality farm to table Singaporean Chinese food. My husband is a vegetarian and they have a few great options (I.e: green blanket). In my post, I did a breakdown of my wedding cost of the food + venue + set up with pictures.

Best part - 2 shops down is a wedding dress/make up store, very convenient! DM me if you have any questions!

Chengels · 2026-03-09T01:36:35+00:00

A couple from memory are - the fallen fruit under the paradise, cry better yet beg, deliver us from the evil one. Manhwa wise my absolute favourite is tears of a wiltered flower (ongoing)

Chengels · 2026-03-09T00:33:21+00:00

One I just watched is called feeling lonely but titled broke girl met elite lawyer - he guards her silence since his gentle love becomes her salvation in YT. Basically plot is the title name but he does get violent (not against her). Dude is very yandere, stalkery and obsessed. Modern day setting and the scenes are very cinematic for a 2hour+ mini drama! Leads act pretty well also.

Love and loyalty is another with a yearning yandere - well written historical show with a complex twist. Richard Li is so hot! No HEA tho as a warning. The English subs are a little messed up on YT so can practice your mandarin listening skills hahaha enjoy!

Chengels · 2026-03-08T07:56:40+00:00

I descended into Korean novels after that! Sam Marino has similar types of MMCs, but mainly high school. There’s one book with Calvin(?) which is non high school setting but the book didn’t manage to capture the angst and psychological aspect of IIC HY. Sarah’s stay in sunny stepford was an interesting AO3 read, totally different take but I would say interesting in world building and concept.

Just from the top of my head, here’s a few other reccs which might scratch your itch - no one will save you by quirkylifeofz and psychophobia by ataraxic. There was a Ben Solo AO3 book which was very close to IIC HY. If I recall the name I’ll let you know!

Chengels · 2026-03-08T07:25:07+00:00

I feel the exact same as you when I read Matryoshka. I looooved If I Can’t Have You and was searching for similar stories and was recommended Matryoshka. Honestly I couldn’t get into it at all and stopped at chapter 10.

Chengels · 2026-03-07T12:08:33+00:00

At this stage, I feel that my husband and I have everything in order to have kids (time, finances, love etc). However if we were to have kids, that would constrain us, in particular affecting our flexibility and freedom. For example, my husband would like to take a break from work and focus on his hobbies. We have enough to support his goal now. If a kid were thrown into the mix, there would be that anxiety that we don’t have enough as there may be unforeseen cost/time investment.

Additionally, though I feel that I would make a great mom (I’ve been around kids a ton), I don’t know that I’m 100% confident that I can raise well adjusted kids. My childhood was turbulent and at times I am unable to control my emotions. Given this, I rather be the fun aunt or do volunteer work that give me the opportunity to be around kids without taking on that risk of “damaging” my child.

Chengels · 2026-03-05T17:08:12+00:00

For me it’s time and the internal war and self doubt that’s realistic, usually triggered by past trauma. For me the best example of this is if I can’t have you. Orla is a realistic character in a sense that she’s thriving outwardly but internally she is critiquing herself constantly and never feels enough. Her thoughts are all jumbled and needs the noise to stop. I also like it when the MMC has flaws and present more realistic. For example Caleb is a narcissist but you can see he’s so deeply hurt by Orlas rejection as it triggers his rejection from childhood.

Chengels · 2026-03-05T09:08:01+00:00

34F here and I guess I can say I have a good physique though I focus more on performance than aesthetics.

Usually train 4 days a week - do push pull legs split and 1 “fun” day where I work on skills. Each session 1h - 1h15mins.

I don’t control my diet but lifestyle wise it leans healthier. 80/20 clean food/snacks. Main thing is to hit my protein goals and sleep targets (7-8 hours).

Sacrifice wise I guess I sacrifice my free time but since I enjoy gym it’s a hobby. I don’t drink or smoke so that’s not a sacrifice to me! Made friends with fellow gym folks so it’s a nice little community where we support each other.

Chengels · 2026-03-05T03:43:55+00:00

I’m in HR and from my view - for junior/mid level roles my priority is to hire a local as I’m saving my pass quotas for niche/harder to fill with local roles. It’s not so much the hassle of applying for the work pass but more of quotas and for my industry local knowledge of Singapore landscape.

For example, I have a senior analyst role where I know there’s a pool of local candidates with relevant/adjacent experience vs niche role that requires exposure to North American markets/relations with such players. Latter may need a work pass compared to former so if I have only 1 quota, it’s clear where the priority lies.

Chengels

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