Introduction

In a heart-wrenching post on the popular Reddit forum r/askSingapore, a son recently turned to the online community seeking assistance after his 63-year-old father lost his clerical job in Singapore, where he earned S$2,800 monthly. The father, who has dedicated his life to supporting his family, now finds himself in a difficult situation trying to navigate the job market at an age when many are approaching retirement.

Challenges Faced

The son detailed that despite his father's determination and relative good health, finding new employment has proven to be a daunting challenge. "This is a desperate plea for help. My dad is still relatively healthy. He’s only a PSLE cert holder, but able to speak conversational English and Chinese, read and write to be understood. However, he does not hold a driver’s license," the son explained, revealing the obstacles his father is facing in his job search.

Family Responsibilities

With the elder man's job loss, the responsibility of supporting the family now rests solely on the shoulders of his son, who is a fresh graduate. He is currently supporting his family of four, which includes not just his parents but also relatives who cannot work anymore due to their age.

Seeking Suggestions

Desperation set in as he posed the question to the community: "Do you have any suggestions on how we can help him seek employment, please? We are considering low-entry roles such as office pantry cleaners or building security guards, but he prefers a non-cigarette environment because he suffers from emphysema."

Community Response

The Reddit post sparked a wave of compassion and support. Community members quickly chimed in with suggestions and job leads. Many recommended roles in security, administrative positions at community centers, and opportunities within the food and beverage sector, recognizing the increasing need for seniors in the workforce.

Job Recommendations

One user suggested that security roles often pay around S$2,800 a month, stressing that the position may require basic licenses but is generally accessible due to high demand. Another shared their experience of a family member being hired as an admin at a community center, prompting suggestions for the son to explore openings at the People’s Association, which caters specifically to community engagement and support.

Flexible Opportunities

Additionally, a few participants brought attention to flexible job opportunities that may allow for better work-life balance. Options included working in airports, hotels, malls, or even as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Grab—a role which could provide more control over work hours.

Support Programs

For those in similar positions, Singapore offers programs like the Employment Support for Seniors aimed at helping individuals aged 50 and above find meaningful job opportunities. Administered by the Centre for Seniors, this initiative focuses on helping seniors become job-ready, equipping them with the resources and connections needed to re-enter the workforce.

Conclusion

The urgency behind this post highlights a growing concern within Singapore's aging population and the need for systemic support and resources. As the landscape of employment continues to evolve, it's crucial for both job seekers and society to adapt, ensuring that senior citizens can find fulfilling roles that respect their experience and skills. This story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many as they seek employment later in life, and the importance of community support in navigating these realities.