SINGAPORE:

A local man is in turmoil after learning that his job responsibilities will be significantly altered this year, prompting him to seek advice on social media about whether he should leave his position without having another job lined up.

In a post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, dated March 9, he disclosed that he works in the compliance department of a prominent bank. He recently received notice from his manager that his job scope would be shifting drastically. Instead of focusing on his usual responsibilities, he has been assigned to manage a different product, which he suspects is more about relegating undesirable tasks to him than fostering his development.

“It feels like a downgrade,” he lamented. “I’m being tasked with low-level ‘saikang’ duties that my colleagues don’t want to handle. My career progression could be severely impacted, plus this is out of alignment with my professional interests and career goals.”

Seeking insight from others who may have navigated similar predicaments, he posed three significant questions to the online community: Should he voice his discomfort and negotiate changes with management, remain silent while he looks for a new job, or resign immediately despite not having another position lined up? Although he has enough savings to last for about two years, he is apprehensive about how an employment gap would appear to future employers.

Responses from fellow Reddit users varied. Some encouraged him to have an open conversation with his manager to gain clarity on how this new role might benefit his long-term career. One user suggested framing the conversation not as a complaint but as a request for more details about potential career development opportunities linked with the new responsibilities.

Others cautioned against quitting without another job, especially in the current uncertain job market. “Having a job is better than being unemployed,” remarked one commenter, advising him to polish his resume while quietly fulfilling his current role. Another emphasized the positive angle: enhancing his skillset might make him more marketable in future job searches.

The reasons behind shifts in job responsibilities can be complex. Companies often adjust roles to adapt to market trends or changing business objectives. Sometimes, these changes can signal an increase in responsibilities that prepare employees for promotions. However, they can also result in employees being burdened with less desirable tasks, potentially as a way for companies to manage costs or maintain operations during economic downturns.

In summary, while the situation feels daunting, engaging with management, staying proactive in job searching, and focusing on skill development can help mitigate the tension of this difficult career juncture. As they say, "The best time to find a job is when you already have one.”