SINGAPORE: A local Reddit user who recently returned home after earning her master’s degree in London is facing significant challenges in securing employment in Singapore.

In a heartfelt post on the r/askSingapore subreddit, the user, known as u/greentrisarahtops, sought guidance from the community on March 17, detailing her frustrations.

Career Transition and Challenges

After relocating back to Singapore last January, primarily due to the prohibitive living costs in London, she had hoped to leverage her advanced education and shift in career focus from marketing to sustainability and the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing model.

However, despite her qualifications, the lack of job opportunities in the sustainability sector has left her “genuinely so frustrated.”

“I have applied for every related job available, but I am barely getting any interviews here compared to London,” she explained, urgently seeking advice from others who might have faced similar predicaments.

Community Support

Since sharing her predicament, u/greentrisarahtops has received an overwhelming amount of support in the form of direct messages from fellow Reddit users. Many have offered referrals, job postings, assistance in refining her CV, and words of encouragement, proving that online communities can sometimes make a real difference in tough times.

“Turns out venting on Reddit can sometimes do you some good,” she noted, encouraging others in similar situations and expressing a willingness to assist those considering pursuing their passions abroad.

Responses and Shared Experiences

She also addressed the criticism from more cynical commentators, urging them to practice kindness in a challenging employment landscape. “We are all on the same team against this ruthless employer’s market,” she emphasized.

Other participants in the thread echoed her sentiments, commenting on the current state of the corporate scene in Singapore, where sustainability and ESG appear to be low priorities.

One user mentioned, “Companies are lowballing because they know it’s a job seeker’s market.”

Another Redditor who returned to Singapore from the United States shared their own journey, noting that finding a job in the current climate was equally challenging.

“I swallowed my pride and took a lowballed offer despite having a strong portfolio. I took a massive pay cut,” they admitted.

Current Job Market Trends

Others, too, have resorted to accepting contract positions without Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, continuing to search for better opportunities while making do for the moment.

The struggles faced by this recent graduate reflect a larger trend in Singapore’s job market, particularly in sectors that involve sustainability, which are still emerging in many industries.

As environmental concerns become more pressing, the hope is that demand for professionals in this field will rise.

Conclusion

The advice and support shared within the Reddit community may serve as a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of the job market amidst shifting economic conditions.

The narrative of perseverance continues as graduates seek to align their careers with their passions and values.