Introduction

SINGAPORE: A 26-year-old finance professional, who has struggled to find employment since losing his job in March, recently shared his distressing experience on social media, revealing the desperate lengths he turned to in order to make ends meet.

Background

After being a part of the banking and finance industry for six years, he found himself unemployed following a department restructuring. “I have attended numerous interviews but have received nothing viable. The job offers I’ve gotten are shockingly low—around S$1,500,” he disclosed on a Reddit forum, r/askSingapore.

Challenges Faced

Recognizing that his lack of a university degree may be a barrier to securing better opportunities, he stated, “I only have a diploma, and despite applying in various sectors, I suspect employers are looking for more qualified candidates.”

Desperate Measures

The financial strain of unemployment has been overwhelming for him. Seeking advice from friends led him down an unanticipated path: gambling as a side hustle. Unfortunately, this choice exacerbated his troubles, plunging him into S$20,000 worth of debt instead of providing the relief he sought.

Seeking Help

He reached out to organizations like e2i and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) for assistance but to no avail. “I received no response from either. What can someone in my situation do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated,” he pleaded.

Social Media Response

Commenters on the forum and fellow Singaporeans were quick to empathize and criticize the low job offers he was receiving. Many expressed that with a diploma, he should not be settling for such low wages, especially given the current economic landscape in Singapore.

“Honestly, if you’re a Singaporean, you should be making at least S$2,000,” one commenter remarked, highlighting the disparity in expected salaries. Others mentioned that fresh graduates typically start around S$2,500, casting the low offer he received in an even more unfavorable light.

Proposed Solutions

Amid the discussions, several suggestions emerged, ranging from upgrading his skills through further education or certifications to considering part-time work in various industries such as food and beverage services.

“You should think about taking on part-time or temporary roles while you search for a job. Dealing with S$20K in debt is incredibly stressful,” one participant advised. Another echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of addressing living expenses promptly to prevent the debt from becoming unmanageable.

Conclusion

In a city known for its high living costs and competitive job market, the story of this young professional serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of gambling and the harsh realities many face in today’s economic climate. How long will it take for him to recover, and what will he learn from this harrowing experience?

Could this story be a wake-up call for others in similar situations? What strategies will he adopt moving forward to ensure he doesn’t fall into the same trap again? Stay tuned for updates on his journey to recovery.