‘No luck even after a SkillsFuture course' — Woman asks for help after two years of unemployment
Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Tuesday (May 27), she wrote, 'I have been unemployed for more than two years. My previous jobs were mainly in administration. I have a degree in sociology. And I have not been working due to personal reasons, which I prefer not to disclose.'
She also mentioned that although she has been actively trying to get back on her feet, such as sending out numerous job applications and taking up a digital marketing course through SkillsFuture in late 2023, none of them have panned out.
With her confidence waning and the job market remaining uncertain, she turned to the online community for support. 'What should I do now?' she asked. 'I heard the job market is really bad.' 'Take on any job that is available and don't be choosy…'
Her post quickly drew responses from fellow Reddit users, many of whom related to her struggles. Some encouraged her to stay open to any kind of work, whether full-time or part-time, as a way to get back into the workforce, regain some confidence, and start building up her resume again.
One user suggested, 'Just apply for jobs! The worst they can do is ghost you or say no. Keep an Excel sheet of where you applied and what you sent for your resume/CV.
During interviews, when asked about your gap, share your digital marketing course and any other self-improvement things you did. There are always jobs, just whether it fits your expectations or not.'
Another commented, 'The job market is usually bad, and I don't foresee it going better. Have to just try and apply. Upskill and apply; even internships are also good.'
A third added, 'Take on any job that is available and don't be choosy. Approach employment agencies. They tend to have jobs of various natures but are in industrial estates. Some pay market rates. SkillsFuture courses are meant to complement or add to your existing skill sets to make you more competitive in the industry. They are not courses that you take and can straightaway enter that industry.'
In other news, a troubled worker took to social media to share how his demanding job has pushed him to the brink, causing him to develop anxiety just from the thought of going to work.
'I started to develop anxiety even to go to work. It's almost like I don't even have time to breathe once I step into the office,' he wrote in a post on r/askSingapore.
The worker shared that in recent months, several of his colleagues have quit, and with no new hires brought in to replace them, the remaining team has been forced to take on the extra workload.
Read more: 'I don't even have time to breathe' — Singaporean worker says his burnout has led to daily anxiety
Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
40 minutes ago
- Straits Times
New Zealand sees most citizens leave since 2012 as economy cools
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Some 71,851 citizens departed the country in the period, the most since June 2012. WELLINGTON – New Zealand recorded the most citizen departures in 13 years in the 12 months through June, reducing the net gain through immigration to the lowest in more than two and a half years. Some 71,851 citizens departed the country in the period, the most since June 2012, Statistics New Zealand said Aug 15 in Wellington. There were 25,353 returning citizens, resulting in a net exodus of 46,497. Many citizens have opted to look overseas – particularly to Australia – for better paying jobs amid a cooling economy and rising unemployment at home. Foreign workers are also increasingly reluctant to head to New Zealand when work is scarce, resulting in a steady decline in net annual immigration to 13,702 – the lowest since November 2022. Net annual immigration is down from a peak of 135,529 in October 2023. While citizen departures have increased, it is the slump in arrivals that has mainly driven the overall decline in net immigration. The economy is struggling to recover from a deep recession last year, with unemployment rising as businesses curb investment and hiring. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No service on Sengkang-Punggol LRT due to power fault: SBS Transit Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Asia Johor seizes four Singapore-registered vehicles for illegal e-hailing Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength Some local economists predict growth stalled in the three months through June while the Reserve Bank has projected annual average growth of just 0.7 per cent in 2025. About 59 per cent of all citizen departures were to Australia, the statistics agency said, citing data for the year ended December that is the most recent available. Citizen departure rates tend to be concentrated in younger age groups, with 38 per cent of those leaving in the year through June aged between 18 and 30, the statistics agency said. Bloomberg
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: Creative couple's dream BTO flat in Tampines
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – With their design backgrounds, married couple Theresia Lee, 39, and Ardhian Satrya, 41, relished the opportunity to create their own home. 'We put together our own design, drew up the layout and took it to Casa Interior Design to turn it into reality,' says Ms Lee, a designer, photographer and influencer. Her husband is a digital experience designer. The couple – who have two boys aged 12 and five – adopted a modern minimalist design for their 1,216 sq ft five-room Build-To-Order flat in Tampines. They like simplicity and versatility, and opted for loose furniture instead of built-in fixtures so they can adapt it to their sons' changing needs as they grow. Most of the home is decked out in a neutral palette, but there is colour in the children's playroom – where half of the wall is painted blue – and common bathroom. Half of the wall in the children's playroom has been painted blue. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Upon entering, one notices that the household shelter beside the main entrance has been discreetly concealed behind a built-in cabinet with full glass doors. The living room is a cosy and inviting space, with light filtering through the day curtains that lend it a dreamy quality. The wood accents from the television console and flooring complement the off-whites of the three-seater sofa from Singapore brand Castlery, as well as the side table and rug. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No service on Sengkang-Punggol LRT due to power fault: SBS Transit Singapore Owners call for stronger management rules in ageing condos, but seek to avoid being overburdened Asia Johor seizes four Singapore-registered vehicles for illegal e-hailing Singapore More families in Singapore using childminding and elder-minding services Business US Treasuries a draw as yield gap with S'pore govt bonds widens, but analysts urge caution Asia Attack on my son is a 'warning' to silence me, says Malaysian MP Rafizi Ramli World Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength The boucle upholstery of the swivel armchair from local brand Castlery adds texture to the living room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'We like designs with a strong character, especially the swivel armchair,' says Ms Lee. A 2m-long dining table from Soul & Tables features natural, untreated oak, and is perfect for hosting friends as it can seat up to eight people. The dining table can seat up to eight. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Ms Lee is passionate about cooking and baking, so she wanted a big kitchen island. But this almost did not materialise due to a column in the middle of the kitchen. 'After much brainstorming and creative problem-solving, I was able to design a layout that not only accommodated the island, but also turned the pillar into a feature rather than an obstacle. We ended up having a big island table measuring 2½m by 1½m,' she says. The kitchen island is built around a column that could not be moved. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA By building the island around the column, the island is separated into two zones: one with bar stools where the family can enjoy breakfast and the other for baking and food preparation. The island doubles as a breakfast space for the family. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The master bedroom was designed with relaxation in mind, so the couple can unwind before sleep. A warm tone sets the mood and slows down the pace. It is also where two of Ms Lee's favourite items can be found: a vintage Tutu floor lamp from a thrift shop and one of her own paintings, titled Hope. A warm tone in the master bedroom promotes relaxation. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Each of the two bathrooms has a different style. The master bathroom is classic and elegant, with white marble and gold accessories. The common bathroom has a feature wall made up of subway tiles in green – Ms Lee's favourite colour – that give it a fresh and airy feel. The common bathroom's feature wall is made up of green subway tiles. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA In Ms Lee's opinion, having design knowledge helped her and Mr Satrya realise their dream home. 'I had a clear vision of how the place would look from the very beginning, which made the entire process much smoother. From the concept and overall design direction to the furniture and accessories, I knew exactly what would best fit the theme. Every detail – colours, measurements, materials and finishes – was carefully chosen to align with the vision,' she says. The family moved into their new home in June 2024 after a three-month renovation. The couple are thinking of converting an empty corner of the living room into a nook for reading or relaxation, and may soon redesign the playroom for their older son as he approaches his teenage years. They spent about $40,000 on the renovation, excluding furniture and furnishings. They took about a month to look for an interior design firm or contractor who could give them the most affordable quote. Designer Chris Tan from home-grown studio Casa Interior Design was able to meet the couple's cost and timeline requirements. 'We requested that Casa work within our budget, as we firmly believe that a nice home does not have to be expensive,' Ms Lee says. The master bathroom is classic and elegant, with white marble and gold accessories. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Keeping the renovation to a minimum and focusing mainly on the kitchen, bathrooms and lighting also helped to keep costs down. 'Chris was very proactive and willing to give us tips along the way,' she adds.
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
More Singaporeans under 30 going for plastic surgery; number of botched jobs also on the rise
SINGAPORE: Five years ago, Georgina Poh wanted a new smile. She sought out an aesthetic clinic she considered 'safe' – it was well known among social media personalities. But the recovery after turning up the corners of her lips was tougher than she expected. 'I could not open my mouth for weeks. There were bruises all over, and my face was super swollen,' said the 31-year-old. Today, the scars still remain. But because she signed a waiver prior to the procedure, she was unable to engage the help of lawyers. As more young people go under the knife in the pursuit of physical enhancement, the number of botched jobs overall has also climbed in recent years, said lawyers and doctors. However, like in Ms Poh's case, some do not get reported and even fewer go to court. In fact, most cases that involve lawyers are privately settled with clinics. This is because it is not easy to prove if a doctor has failed to perform duties up to standard, noted law practitioners who handle disputes over such medical treatment. Mr R Shankar, managing director of Advox Law, said there is a need to engage an expert – usually from overseas – to go through clinical notes and determine if a doctor has been negligent, before clients can build up a case. 'I've seen greater awareness by the general public that they have their rights to be protected … and more are turning to legal advice,' he said. 'Not all treatments go well. Some lead to severe consequences like blindness. Do your due diligence. Go to a proper registered practitioner.' He added that authorities have passed additional safeguards such as putting in place guidelines and requiring further licensing for more invasive treatment. Lawyer Jacqueline Chua said: "Medical negligence can occur in a variety of ways – there could be breaches of the duty of care in respect of the diagnosis, advice or treatment, or consent taking." For aesthetic clinics, a breach of duties could arise when they improperly delegate procedures to those who are not trained or offer treatments that are not covered under guidelines, she added. UNLAWFUL PROCEDURES Between 2022 and 2024, the Ministry of Health (MOH) investigated about 90 cases involving unauthorised people carrying out acts of a medical practitioner, practising dentistry, or both – a 50 per cent increase from the previous two years. Such unlawful procedures can be carried out in various non-medical setting locations such as residences, shops, hotel rooms and other premises. Some plastic surgeons have reported that one in 10 botched jobs come from overseas or unregistered practitioners. But even for veteran consultants, some said they feel pressured to keep up with the field's rapidly evolving nature and adopt new procedures and technologies, especially as clients often refer to what they see on social media. 'There's a lot of new treatments that are constantly coming up. It's a very competitive field,' said consultant dermatologist Dr Evelyn Tay, founder of Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic. 'Sometimes, it's good to just pull back a little bit and let the treatment launch in the market first. See what the general feedback is like, get a bit more experience and the feel of the product before launching it in your own clinic.' PATIENTS GETTING YOUNGER Plastic surgeons in Singapore are reporting a 30 per cent jump in demand for cosmetic works compared to a year ago, driven by younger clients. They said that in the past, clients were typically above the age of 40 as they sought ways to reduce ageing features and look more youthful. But these days, doctors are seeing more under 30 at consultations. The more common procedures in Singapore include upper and lower eyelid surgeries, nose reshaping and body contouring. "They believe (such procedures) will help with their self-confidence and self-esteem,' said Dr Rachel Ho, medical director of LA Clinic, adding that social media plays a huge part. 'We're seeing a lot of people glamourising cosmetic work or openly sharing their cosmetic treatments,' she noted. 'That has normalised certain perceptions that used to have a stigma around them. That has sort of urged people to seek intervention or treatment of certain conditions.' Doctors say the actual number of people getting plastic surgery could be more, especially as it is easy to travel abroad to get beauty at a budget. One of the most popular procedures is rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping. It costs between S$5,000 (US$3,900) and S$25,000 in Singapore but in South Korea, it can be as low as S$2,900. 'Singapore is one of the costliest countries in the world to live in. As doctors, we face cost pressures as well, so unfortunately, that may sometimes translate to the patient,' said Dr Adrian Ooi, medical director of Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. CONCERNS ABOUT ADDICTION As such enhancement procedures become more common, doctors have raised concerns about the possibility of addiction to plastic surgery. Currently, doctors rely on a patient's motivations and medical history to make that call as there are no official guidelines for that assessment. Some have turned down patients when they spot underlying psychological conditions, such as those who obsessively worry about perceived flaws in their appearance. "You want to prevent a younger population from being addicted to plastic surgery,' said Dr Janna Joethy, a senior consultant at Nassim Plastic Surgery. 'The only way to do that is by proper education – tell them these are the risks involved … set the boundaries right from the start … and if need be, further evaluation by another healthcare worker,' she said. According to Singapore Medical Council guidelines, doctors are encouraged to take reasonable care to ensure that patients do not have psychological or psychiatric illnesses involving self and body image before providing aesthetic procedures to them. They must also not exploit patients' vulnerabilities and insecurities about self-esteem and perception of body image. When advertising or advising on aesthetic procedures, doctors must recognise patients' expectations and give objective and comprehensive information to patients about the procedures as well as what outcomes may be reasonably expected. They also must not feature 'before-and-after' or only 'after' visuals in advertisements, only during consultation and with proper context. Ultimately, experts said the safest move for patients is to do their homework and be sure of their choice before committing to any procedure. Deejay and online personality Jade Rasif, who often shares her experiences with plastic surgery on social media, echoed the sentiment. She was just 19 when she first went for a breast enlargement procedure in Thailand. She has since gone through other treatment including lip fillers and botox. While she is happy with most of the procedures, she regrets one that changed the aesthetics of her nose. 'My father is Middle Eastern and Slavic, and he had this really amazing big nose. Now, when I look at old pictures of myself, I feel kind of sad that I no longer have that ethnic feature. I wish I held on to my ethnic features and that I didn't dislike it so much (when I was younger),' she told CNA. When asked if she had any advice for those contemplating plastic surgery, she said it should not be seen as a 'quick fix' for body image issues, and should be properly thought out before going under the knife. 'When people get surgery, especially at a young age, including myself, you are sort of trying to make yourself fit an ideal, and that ideal is somebody else's ideal,' she said.
