SINGAPORE: A young man has sparked a lively debate on social media after revealing his dilemma about job offers and salary expectations. In a heartfelt post on Reddit's ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, the 24-year-old shared his frustrations about the low starting salaries in his field of study, which ranges between S$2,200 to S$2,600 per month. After being offered a starting salary of S$2,200 due to a lack of experience, he began contemplating a switch to a career as a security guard, where positions start at around S$2,600.

Highlighting a key insight, he noted that the security industry not only provides better initial compensation but also allows for salary increments according to rank, which could lead to greater financial stability in the long run. “I’m so worn out after months of job hunting with no success, and considering the long hours in security shifts, the pay still seems more appealing than what I've been offered in my field,” he lamented.

Mixed Reactions from Redditors

The Reddit community had mixed responses, with some warning him about the lack of career progression in the security field. A comment from a fellow Singaporean expressed concern that security roles often become stagnant, stating, “If you plan to move up, think again. Those who have spent years in this job often earn barely anything by the time they retire.” This sentiment was echoed by others who characterized security work as a short-term fix rather than a sustainable career choice.

In contrast, several users encouraged the man to accept the S$2,200 position to gain experience in the workforce. One user recalled their own experience, writing, “I took a lower-paying job at first, and it has helped me in my long-term career growth.”

Alternative Career Paths

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, many other Singaporeans have resorted to exploring varied alternative gigs. From delivery driving to freelancing, job seekers are diversifying their income sources while searching for permanent positions in their respective fields. For instance, individuals have taken up roles as baristas or warehouse workers to make ends meet, while others have made significant shifts in their careers; a former IT support engineer transitioned to a RedMart delivery driver out of boredom in his previous job.

What Should New Graduates Do?

The conversation begs the question: Should recent graduates consider taking on jobs in entirely different fields, even if they appear unrelated to their studies? Career experts suggest evaluating the full job offer beyond just the salary, including potential growth opportunities and whether the role aligns with long-term career goals.

Indeed, experts recommend that job seekers conduct thorough research on salary averages within their industry and arm themselves with this information to better negotiate their worth during hiring discussions. If an offer falls short of the market rate, it may be prudent to walk away and seek positions that provide better alignment with one’s financial needs and career aspirations.

With the job market continually evolving, young professionals must navigate these challenging waters, weighing their immediate financial needs against long-term career ambitions. The journey may be fraught with difficult decisions, but gaining insights from fellow job seekers and harnessing available resources can illuminate the path ahead.