SINGAPORE - A shocking revelation emerged on Reddit, where a man described the emotional turmoil he is experiencing after being unemployed for over a year. He shared that his wife threatened divorce following yet another rejection from a job application, intensifying the pressure he feels as he struggles to regain employment.

In his candid post on the r/askSingapore forum, the man expressed his frustration and concerns, stating that his wife suggested changing their children’s surnames to hers and implied he might be better off gone, insinuating that his life insurance money could better support their children. This left him feeling cornered and unsupported.

"I'm handling all the childcare and housework while still managing to pay for utilities and groceries," he complained. "It's frustrating to be judged by both her friends and mine who are comfortably employed, as if I'm simply a deadbeat."

The man revealed that since being retrenched in early 2024, he has actively sought employment, submitting an astounding 263 job applications and attending over ten interviews. He even pursued a master’s degree in hopes of improving his prospects, particularly for positions in government agencies. Unfortunately, his efforts have largely led to rejection, with many potential employers seemingly biased against his age.

"I find myself applying for basic roles like executive assistant or research assistant, yet I receive instant rejections. It's as if life ends for those over 40 without a job," he lamented.

Despite his qualifications, including a master's degree and experience in healthcare and biotech operations, he noted that job placement agencies directed him toward menial roles, such as warehouse assistant positions. This desperate circumstance was complicated by his wife's objections to working long shifts that would disrupt their childcare routine.

"It seems my wife believes that if I take a job that pays less than half of her salary, it diminishes my value in our home. She insists I handle all domestic chores to compensate for our pay gap," he explained. In a perplexing twist, he added that pursuing opportunities abroad could result in divorce, as his wife would prefer to hire a maid than bear the full brunt of domestic responsibilities herself.

Amid his ongoing struggles, the man's sense of helplessness grew. "It feels like the world is conspiring against me, just waiting to push me out," he remarked, asking for advice from the Reddit community.

The online response was swift and heartfelt. Many users pointed out that his wife's behavior was adding to his distress, with some labeling her as a "huge red flag." Comments highlighted the unfairness of her expectations, emphasizing that it seemed she viewed him merely as a household worker rather than a partner.

Advice poured in for the desperate job seeker, with suggestions ranging from temporary gig work, like becoming a driver for ride-sharing services, to strategies for tailoring his job applications to avoid the pitfalls of being seen as overqualified. One user even proposed that he omit details about his master's degree from his CV to increase his chances of being considered for roles.

This case brings to light the complex challenges faced by unemployed individuals, especially those over 40, while also highlighting the strains that financial difficulty can place on personal relationships. The man's plight serves as a reminder of the pressures many face in today's job market and the need for support systems during challenging times.

In another thread, a woman shared her internal conflict about moving back to care for her aging single mother, underscoring the diverse challenges individuals face in Singapore's evolving societal landscape.

As the job seeker continues his search amidst personal turmoil, only time will tell how these matters unfold and what support systems could be implemented to assist him and others in similar situations.