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What the Year of the Rat holds for your career and finance

With Lunar New Year just two days away, the team at Human Resources Online decided to find out what the Year of the Metal Rat holds for your career and finance – according to your Chinese Zodiac Sign.

Calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the signs are based on a 12-year cycle with each year pegged to an animal sign. For example, 2018 was the Year of the Dog; 2019 was the Year of the Pig.

As with all forecasts, do take this with a generous helping of salt!


Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

While 2020 is expected to be a challenge in many areas, thankfully success will flourish in the workplace. Your hard work will be rewarded and your clever skills, quick thinking, and optimism will drive you forward. Working professionals born in the first half of the year may find exclusive bonuses coming their way while those born in the later months may have to push a bit harder to achieve their goals.

Individuals born in the Year of the Rat should not let financial debt burden their worries. Set priorities and resist the temptation of impulse spending.

Lucky months: March, September, and November

Unlucky months: April, July, and October

Lucky colours are pink and yellow. Avoid black.


Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Professionals born in the Year of the Ox can expect extra praise in the form of promotions and compliments. With your best character traits visible to all, your hard work will finally pay off and success will be on the horizon. Don't waste your good luck and embrace the opportunity to start something new. However, be mindful of colleagues and choose your work friends wisely.

Be wise when it comes to money and finance especially for those with substantial investment in the share market. People born in the Year of the Ox are also advised to be moderate with their spending.

Lucky months: February, April, July, August, and November

Unlucky months: January, March, June, and September

Lucky colours are fuchsia pink and cream tones. Avoid green.


Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

This is your lucky year! Expect promotions, raises, and all kinds of rewards throughout 2020. Colleagues and bosses will think highly of professionals born in the Year of the Tiger. However, professionals shouldn't let success go to their head - so don't slack off on your work. At the same time, maintaining food relationships in the workplace can always be beneficial.

For professionals in media, telecommunication, investment markets, or information technology, income from your career may be on the decline. However, fret not, as long as you are flexible enough to improvise and adapt, you should not be facing financial hardship in the short term.

Lucky months: March, June, September, and October

Unlucky months: February, April, July, August, and November

Lucky colours are grey and purple. Avoid Cyan.


Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

To reap the benefits of 2020, professionals born in the Year of the Rabbit will need to work on their social skills with their colleagues and superiors. Good fortune will come with maintaining good relationships in the office and and hard work. It is up to you to manufacture your success. Guard your back though, you may encounter a backstabber this year.

When it comes to finance, remember that good times will not last forever and do not let greed be the downfall of your past achievements. The good news is, business owners should be able to survive much longer as long as they are willing to adapt to market changes.

Lucky months: January, May, June, October, and December

Unlucky months: March, April, August, and November

Lucky colours are pink and yellow. Avoid red.


Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Professionals born in the Year of the Dragon can expect to do well in their careers this year. A promotion may be round the corner if you keep up the good work and show off your talents. Embrace new ideas as small business plans could just turn into profitable corporations. The key to your success will be working well with superiors and colleagues. That said, be wary on your intensity in work relationships as it may sway them in the opposite direction of your goals.

For finance, do not let expenditure cause worry for you will be able to recover some outgoings in a short time. However, that does not mean you should continue spending lavishly.

Lucky months: February, July, August, and November

Unlucky months: April, May, September, and December

Lucky colours are ruby red and grey. Avoid orange.


Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Success should come if you use your smarts and quick thinking to reach your workplace goals. Professionals born in the Year of the Snake should continue working hard to see improvement. Thankfully, 2020 may bless you with a guide in the form of a colleague or associate - take all the help they can give. Significant career changes are not advisable, so work to make progress in your current position.

You may encounter a few hiccups when it comes to money and finance. Hence, spend wisely, only on things that are most important or necessary. Make sure to stay within the law to avoid anyu unplanned expenses.

Lucky months: April, July, August, and November

Unlucky months: February, March, June, and October

Lucky colours are bright yellow, sky blue, and peach. Avoid black.


Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

It is advisable for professionals born in the Year of the Horse to exercise caution. Steer clear of things that may irritate you and try hard to keep your cool. When in a sticky situation, remember to speak clearly and with compassion. The key to your success this year is working well with your colleagues. Ensure you keep legal issues in check so as not to hinder your overall success for years to come.

There are ups and downs in life, so don't worry unnecessarily if your income has dropped from the previous month. As long as you are far sighted enough and exercise some control, things should turn out fine.

Lucky months: March, June, and September

Unlucky months: January, April, May, July, November, and December

Lucky colours are white, silver, and vanilla. Avoid green.


Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

Fortune will favour professionals born in the Year of the Goat. Success is on the horizon and your best character traits will aid you in your journey. Embrace opportunities, for promotions and bonuses will be yours for the taking in 2020. Your hard work is the key to your success.

You may be spending more due to various functions or invitations which are difficult to turn down. Hence, try to make the best of these occasions and consider them as investments to enhance your public relations.

Lucky months: January, February, May, September, and October

Unlucky months: March, July, and November

Lucky colours are grey, blue, and black. Avoid pink.


Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

This year will be a tough one for you. However, with your intelligence, play your cards wisely and you will be able to overcome obstacles. Professionals born in the Year of the Monkey - especially those in leadership positions - are advised to channel their persuasiveness and enthusiasm. Remember to manage your temper and be mindful of the impact positive relationships can have at work.

Money wise, individuals are advised to remember the difficult times, though things are going well now. Most things don't come easy in life and if you do not treasure your rewards, you may lose them within a short period.

Lucky months: March, June, and November

Unlucky months: January, February, May, August, September, and December

Lucky colours are yellow and bright pink. Avoid red.


Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

Make smart decisions and welcome support from your colleagues, and success will come your way. Professionals born in the Year of the Rooster are expected to shine this year, with their earnest and decisive character. The best outcomes come with working with colleagues. Hence, it is crucial to take stock of others' feelings and consider the situation. Avoid talk about controversy or politics, keep taking points light and friendly and success will come your way.

Money wise, while you may wish to channel your extra wealth into charitable causes, do remember to retain some for your own personal or emergency needs.

Lucky months: January, March, April, June, August, and December

Unlucky months: February, May, September, and October

Lucky colours are pink, blue, white, and silver. Avoid purple.


Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

2020 brings growth and renewal to professionals born in the Year of the Dog. Building on last year's fortune, hard work and extra effort will pay off. While you may be presented with an abundance of opportunities for advancement, be sure to choose wisely and weigh the benefits and consequences. Avoid abrupt decisions. At times, it may be better to stay in place and let the steady flow of work propel you to your end goals.

You may have survived the turbulent financial crisis, however, don't count your chickens before they are hatched. Live within your means, be wise with your spending, and resist the temptation of luxury items.

Lucky months: February, May, July, August, September, and November

Unlucky months: October and December

Lucky colours are Indian red, yellow, and white. Avoid green.


Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

Opportunities abound for professionals born in the Year of the Pig. Hone in on your goals this year. Deploy your positive energy and enthusiasm and you should see real change. Throughout the first half of the year, dedication and hard work will be required and the first few months may test your limits. However, build a strong foundation during this period and the promise of success will be yours. Keep your eyes on the prize, but be wary of stress and take small breaks for a refresher once in a while.

Money wise, refrain from expanding on the business front as things may change dramatically. While you may not attain your target this year, that itself may be a blessing in disguise.

Lucky months: February, June, September, and December

Unlucky months: January, March, April, August, October, and November

Lucky colours are bright red and yellow. Avoid other shades of red.


Photo / iStock

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