Singapore’s job market, while showing some positive indicators, continues to be a source of frustration for many, particularly recent graduates. A recent online discussion highlighted a growing disconnect between perceptions of the employment landscape and the realities faced by job seekers, with many sharing anecdotes of receiving out-of-touch advice from older generations.
The conversation, which unfolded on the r/askSingapore Reddit forum earlier this month – specifically on – tapped into a vein of discontent among those navigating a challenging job market. The original poster initiated the thread seeking examples of “the most out-of-touch statement” heard regarding the current difficulties in finding employment, hoping to find some collective solace through shared experiences.
One common refrain, as recounted by the original poster, was the suggestion that unemployed individuals are simply “too picky” and should readily accept positions within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This sentiment implies a straightforward solution to the job crisis – a mass influx of workers into SMEs – that overlooks the complexities of skills matching, career aspirations, and wage expectations.
The responses to the initial post quickly revealed a pattern of dismissive or unrealistic advice. One Redditor shared an encounter with a retiree who confidently asserted that simply identifying as Singaporean would guarantee employment. Another reported being told to “upskill with AI,” a suggestion that feels particularly tone-deaf given the ongoing debate about the potential for AI to displace workers in certain sectors. The implication, several commenters noted, is that acquiring new skills alone will overcome systemic issues of job availability.
Further illustrating the disconnect, one user recounted being asked how they managed to live on a monthly income of S$6,000, a figure that, while seemingly comfortable to some, may not reflect the rising cost of living in Singapore. Another shared the disheartening experience of being told they weren’t “hungry enough” – a subjective assessment that places the onus of unemployment on the individual’s perceived drive rather than acknowledging broader economic factors.
The advice to “just get a degree” if struggling to find work also drew criticism, highlighting a potential misunderstanding of the value of higher education in a competitive job market. While a degree remains a valuable asset, it is no longer a guaranteed pathway to employment, particularly in fields facing saturation or disruption.
Despite the anecdotal evidence of hardship and frustration, official data paints a somewhat more optimistic picture, though one that still acknowledges challenges. Workforce Singapore reported a slight decline in the overall unemployment rate in , registering a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.9%. This suggests a gradual improvement in the overall employment situation.
the employment rate among fresh resident graduates rose to 51.9% as of , up from 47.9% in the previous graduating cohort. Importantly, 87.1% of fresh graduates were employed within six months of completing their studies, although this figure represents a slight decrease from 89.6% the prior year.
These statistics indicate that the majority of graduates do find employment within a reasonable timeframe, but the declining percentage and the persistent anecdotes of difficulty suggest that the path to employment is not always straightforward. The data also doesn’t capture the nuances of underemployment – individuals working in roles that don’t fully utilize their skills or qualifications – which is a growing concern in many economies.
The contrast between the official statistics and the lived experiences shared online underscores the importance of considering multiple perspectives when assessing the health of the job market. While macro-level data can provide a broad overview, it often fails to capture the individual struggles and frustrations of those actively seeking employment. The online discussion serves as a reminder that economic recovery is not always evenly distributed and that a significant portion of the population may still be facing considerable challenges in securing meaningful work.
The situation also highlights the need for more realistic and empathetic advice for job seekers. Dismissing their concerns with simplistic solutions or outdated perspectives is unlikely to be helpful and may, in fact, exacerbate their feelings of discouragement. A more constructive approach would involve acknowledging the difficulties of the current market, providing practical guidance on skills development and job search strategies, and fostering a supportive environment for those navigating a challenging employment landscape.
