SINGAPORE: A former employee of one of the prestigious Big 4 accounting firms has opened up about her life-altering experience after being dismissed from her job, a moment that led her down a path of despair and uncertainty.

In a candid post shared on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, the 30-year-old woman recounted her journey. She began her career at an early age, entering the accounting field shortly after graduating from a private university. Thanks to her tenacity, she secured a coveted position at a Big 4 firm with a commendable salary of S$4,500 per month. This achievement filled her with pride, marking the pinnacle of success for someone so young.

However, the pressures of the high-stakes corporate environment took their toll. The woman admitted her confidence morphed into arrogance, leading to strained relationships with colleagues. A pivotal moment came when her impatience culminated in a heated argument with her manager, resulting in an unexpected termination that left her reeling.

Reflecting on her dismissal, she expressed shock and remorse, realizing too late that her behavior had consequences. Unable to immediately confront the fallout, she chose to escape her reality by traveling for a month. Upon returning to Singapore, she began what she referred to as her "funemployment," which soon took another unexpected turn—she discovered she was pregnant.

After a few months of inactivity, the harsh reality hit her: she had been unemployed for over a year. Despite her extensive experience in the accounting sector, re-entering the job market proved daunting. Now facing the reality of being 30 years old, the prospect of securing a job had become increasingly challenging, compounded by the stigma of her dismissal and a challenging job market.

“I never thought finding a job would be this hard at my age,” she lamented, adding that the offers she received were far below her expectations—often around S$3,000. She felt disheartened as recruiters dismissed her capabilities or undervalued her experience, prompting self-doubt and frustration.

Not only did she grapple with accepting lower salaries, but she also faced the tough task of explaining her lengthy employment gap and her past termination during interviews. The anxiety of these encounters led her to question whether she would ever regain her footing in the corporate world, expressing vulnerability in her post as she sought guidance from social media users.

In the comments, many empathized with her situation, offering advice that ranged from accepting a lower-paying job to reestablish her credibility to cautioning against inflating her previous salary, which could jeopardize future opportunities. Several commenters encouraged her, reminding her that everyone encounters setbacks and that resilience could eventually lead to success.

Furthermore, the conversation surrounding mental health began to emerge as participants acknowledged her struggles. They reminded her of the importance of seeking support during challenging times. Depression is an insidious condition that can impact many people, especially during life-altering events like job loss. Symptoms often range from persistent sadness to physical fatigue, warranting the need for maintaining mental well-being.

For anyone dealing with similar feelings, support is available. Organizations like Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and Silver Ribbon Singapore provide crucial resources and counseling to help individuals navigate their mental health struggles.

In an age of rapid change and increasing job competition, the story of this former Big 4 employee serves as a reminder of the fragility of success and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Whether she finds a way back into the workforce and secures a fulfilling job remains to be seen, but her journey highlights the critical need for compassion and support as one navigates the unpredictable twists of life.