Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, a former IT professional in Singapore has found himself at the wheel of a Gojek vehicle, driving up to 14 hours a day due to an overwhelming job crisis. This poignant story highlights the harsh realities faced by many in the competitive job market today.

Background

After quitting his IT role just weeks ago, the individual took to the Reddit forum r/askSingapore to share his struggles. The stress from his previous job had become unbearable, leading him to seek other ways to make a living. “Now I’m jobless with loans to pay, and a car I can’t sell—the outstanding loan is way more than it’s worth,” he reflected on his dire circumstances.

The Job Market Challenge

Despite boasting six years of experience in the IT field, including proficiency in Python, software development, and networking, the job seeker is finding it challenging to secure a new position. He has already sent out more than 80 applications with little to no feedback, despite attending numerous career fairs and consulting a career coach. “I only have an ITE cert and have reached out to everyone I know, but so far, no luck,” he expressed in his post.

Competition in IT

The job market for IT professionals has grown increasingly saturated, with many employers favoring candidates with formal degrees. Some Redditors pointed out that due to the influx of degree holders and retrenched professionals, the competition for jobs is fierce. 'Even with 6 years of experience, if you don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree, your resume might not even make it to a real person,' one user noted.

Emotional and Physical Toll

As he grapples with the emotional toll and physical strain of working long hours as a private hire driver, he remains hopeful and is exploring options in fields like DevOps and software engineering. Additionally, he is open to accepting internships, but he fears that his lack of a formal qualification is hindering his progress.

Community Support

“I’m really feeling the pressure. It’s wearing me down,” he appealed to the Reddit community for advice. Suggestions poured in, with some recommending that he enhance his resume by detailing specific achievements at his previous workplaces.

Job Market Recovery

In a surprising twist to the narrative, recent statistics from the Ministry of Manpower indicate a strong recovery in Singapore’s job market. Over 24,100 new jobs were created in the third quarter of 2024, resulting in an unemployment rate dropping to a historic low of 1.8%. This resurgence is largely attributed to growth in the services sector, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Conclusion

However, the tale of this former IT professional is a stark reminder that while the job market is improving overall, significant barriers remain for those without formal education in an industry as competitive as tech. As the narrative unfolds, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope—encouraging others in similar situations to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.