SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man's frustrations about job challenges

A Singaporean man has voiced his frustrations about the challenges of securing a job upon his return home after spending two years in London’s competitive financial services sector.

In a recent post on the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, he detailed his background in Compliance roles within asset management and broking. Armed with this robust professional experience, he initially believed that transitioning back to Singapore’s job market would be a relatively smooth process.

Harsh Reality Upon Return

However, since August, when he returned due to family commitments, the reality has been harsh. Four months later, he is still searching for a job, and his optimism has turned into despair. The man drew comparisons with his time in London, noting he never went without work for more than a month back in the UK.

“The persistent reports of Singapore having lower unemployment rates compared to the UK feel misleading,” he shared. “I’m facing overwhelming feelings of depression and self-doubt.” His post struck a chord with many, prompting a wave of support from fellow Reddit users who echoed his sentiments and shared their stories of similar struggles in the current job market.

Echoes of Shared Struggles

One user pointed out that their friends in the tech sector took nearly a year to land new jobs after being laid off. Others advised him to stay resilient, saying that the difficulties in the Singapore job market are widespread and not an indication of personal failure.

Deceptive Employment Statistics

Furthermore, several users highlighted the deceptive nature of Singapore's low unemployment statistics. Many job seekers, they explained, are forced to accept temporary or low-wage employment outside their field, such as working in food and beverage service or driving for ride-hailing apps like Grab. This phenomenon can create an illusion of a flourishing job market, while the reality is that many qualified individuals struggle to find suitable positions that match their skills.

Increasing Alternative Job Search

In fact, a search for alternatives is becoming increasingly common among Singaporeans facing unemployment. As the job landscape tightens, many are turning to side gigs to manage their finances. A recent survey by ManpowerGroup indicated that hiring sentiment in Singapore has been on the decline for three consecutive quarters due to companies cutting back and outsourcing operations to save costs.

Larger Questions About Economic Resilience

With the job market showing no signs of relief, this Singaporean’s poignant experience raises larger questions about the true state of employment within the city-state. As more locals resort to part-time work or freelance opportunities, the struggle for meaningful employment continues, driving conversations about economic resilience and the anxieties faced by job seekers today.

Follow the Ongoing Plight of Job Seekers

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and the ongoing plight of job seekers in Singapore amidst a tightening market.