SINGAPORE: A Reddit user recently shared their struggles upon returning to Singapore after earning a master’s degree from a prestigious London university.

In a heartfelt post on the r/askSingapore subreddit, the user, known as u/greentrisarahtops, expressed her disappointment at the challenges she faced while looking for employment back home.

Having made her move back to Singapore last January to escape the exorbitant living costs of London, she found herself grappling with an unexpected reality: finding a job in her new career focus of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has been more daunting than anticipated. "The opportunities in the sustainability sector here are scarce, and despite applying to numerous positions, I'm barely securing interviews compared to my experiences in London," she lamented.

Support from Fellow Redditors

However, there was a silver lining. After sharing her story, she received an overwhelming wave of support and guidance from fellow Redditors. Many reached out through direct messages offering job referrals, sharing relevant postings, and even offering assistance in reviewing her CV. She noted how therapeutic it was to vent her frustrations on Reddit, stating, “Turns out venting on Reddit can sometimes do you some good.”

Encouragement for Others

In an encouraging twist, she also offered her support to others facing similar trials in the job market. "To those in the same boat, don’t lose hope," she urged. However, she had a word for the more cynical commenters: "Please learn to be kind. We’re all facing this tough employer's market together."

Stark Reality of the Job Market

The tough reality of the job market in Singapore was echoed by others in the thread. Some commenters suggested that sustainability and ESG roles are not prioritized in the local corporate landscape. One user pointed out that companies are offering lower salaries, fully aware that job seekers have limited options in this competitive market.

Personal Anecdotes

Another Redditor, who returned to Singapore after a stint in the US, shared a personal anecdote about how the challenging job landscape forced them to accept a lower-paying position despite having a strong portfolio. "I had to swallow my pride and take a pay cut," they admitted, reflecting a common sentiment among returning graduates.

Calling for Support and Resilience

This thread raises crucial questions about the job market dynamics in Singapore, especially for fields like sustainability that are still in developmental stages. The experiences of these users hint at a growing concern in the job-seeking community and call for greater emphasis on supporting sectors vital for the future of our planet.

As job seekers navigate these turbulent waters, they might need to be more adaptable, consider broadening their skills, and perhaps even think about aligning their job search with the current trends in the local economy. With collective support and resilience, there is hope yet for a brighter job market.