Latest news with #AskSingapore
Independent Singapore
27-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘I can't stop comparing my salary with others' — Fresh grad opens up about pay gap among peers
SINGAPORE: Salary comparison among peers is something many fresh graduates quietly struggle with, especially when everyone seems to be starting their careers at different speeds and pay scales. For one young man, this quiet struggle became overwhelming enough that he turned to Reddit to ask: 'How do I stop comparing my salary with my peers?' In a post on the r/AskSingapore subreddit on Monday (May 26), the man shared that he had recently graduated from university and secured a full-time job that pays a median salary. He rents a unit with a group of friends who, like him, have just entered the workforce. While he acknowledged that he earns enough to sustain himself and even save a little, he admitted that living with housemates who bring home noticeably higher salaries has made it difficult not to compare. 'I earn less compared to my housemates and can't seem to stop comparing my salary to them,' he wrote. 'I know I'm supposed to be grateful, but as a high-achieving student, it feels upsetting to be at the 'bottom' now, relative to my friends. I worked just as hard, studied just as hard, yet the outcome is different,' he added. Turning to the Reddit community, he asked others if they've ever experienced the same thing and how they managed to cope with the pressure of measuring up. 'Has anyone struggled with the same feelings? How to deal/cope with them? Advice is appreciated, thank you,' he wrote. 'Use it as inspiration for you to work harder.' Under his post, many users advised him to stop comparing himself to others, pointing out that career paths are rarely linear and that salary differences, especially early on, don't necessarily reflect long-term success or personal worth. One user stated, 'Everyone runs their own race! There isn't a need to compare. Just work hard to reach your own goals and be contented.' Another wrote, 'Comparison is the thief of joy. No point comparing. You get S$4,000 salary now, you'll think S$8,000 shiok. Then you get S$8,000, then you see people earn S$12,000, you get sad. What's the point?' To make the man feel better, a third user said, 'I suggest you not compare. For someone who started as a poly grad and has been in the workforce for 20 years. My starting pay was low compared to my friends in university. However, now at 42, I'm earning more than most of them.' Others, however, suggested that the man use this as motivation to improve his career prospects. One said, 'Use it as inspiration for you to work harder, or in strategising your way into a different industry, or in pursuing a side hustle.' In other news, a 31-year-old Singaporean woman who accepted a lower salary in hopes of gaining experience is now regretting her decision, less than a week into the job. In a post on the r/askSingapore forum on Friday (May 23), the woman shared that she had accepted a lower salary during the interview process because she believed this 'would help her secure the job, gain experience, and get higher negotiating power in the future.' Read more: 'Should I just leave this job?' — Woman regrets accepting lower salary in less than a week into the job, as her assignment turns out to be different from what she applied for Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
06-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Employee says she felt 'insulted' after layoff, as colleague lacking basic tech skills was retained over her
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean woman took to social media to express her frustration and confusion over her recent layoff. Posting anonymously on Reddit's AskSingapore forum, she shared that her termination wasn't due to poor performance, but simply because she was the newest member of the team. She explained that her manager had been tasked with selecting the lowest performer during performance review season, and since she had only been with the company for a relatively short period, she became an easy target. '[They said] something along the lines of 'others had worked the full 12 months of the year and you have not.' At that point, I had been a full-timer for 10 months,' she wrote in her post. 'My colleagues are all saying, 'It shouldn't have been you,' and 'You're still young; You can find a better job out there,' but in the end, I still have to go, and not on my own terms.' What added to her frustration was that she had to hand over her work to a male colleague who she claimed lacked basic technical skills. '[He's] been in the same role for over 10 years, and honestly, it was insulting that he got to keep his job over me. He still needs to open the formula table just to use v/xlookup in Excel.' 'I had to spell out =sum for him like S-U-M. I was more efficient and was involved in more critical projects, but I got let go because I was the easier one to justify being a low performer,' she said. While the company offered her a chance to return in six months as a contractor — the same way she had started before being converted to full-time — her family and friends have urged her not to take it. 'They don't want me going back. But I hate job searching. I HATE INTERVIEWING. I feel so drained and defeated. I don't want to 'chase' a better job right now.' 'My sense of stability, my confidence, my routine, it's all gone. And I feel like I'm about to lose myself,' she wrote. 'The market is bad; it isn't your fault.' In the discussion thread, many Redditors chimed in with supportive and encouraging messages to lift her spirits. Some urged her to take a break and focus on herself for a while, reminding her that it's okay to feel 'devastated' and lost after such an unexpected setback. They also encouraged her to spend time on hobbies she enjoys and to be gentle with herself during the healing process. One said, 'Do your favourite activities. I understand the frustration you are feeling. I understand the anger and injustice you are feeling. But such is life. The process of healing will start soon, but not before your mental health has gotten a lot worse and then recovered. So be nice to yourself.' Others reminded her that even though work plays a big role in life, it's not the only thing that matters. One commented, 'Jiayou! If I may, work is not everything in life, and unfairness is part of life. Some things we can control, while others are beyond our control. I hope you have enough savings to tide you over this period. Take the time off to do happy things and hang out with positive friends!' A few also gave practical advice for her next steps. One wrote, 'The market is bad; it isn't your fault. Find local companies, not SMEs or government-linked ones, or government agencies. These provide slightly more job security.' Another said, 'I strongly suggest you strike while the iron is hot. Ask your colleagues to write LinkedIn recommendations for you, and tap into their network aggressively. Ask them directly if they know any friends who are hiring, or make a post on LinkedIn. NEVER badmouth the company that laid you off. The worst part about interviewing, in my opinion, is getting past the screening stage. Referrals and networking help you greatly with that. You've got this.' Steps to take after being retrenched Getting retrenched can be tough, but you're not in it alone. Here are nine tips from Indeed to help you get back on your feet and move forward. Know what's going on: First, figure out if you've been retrenched or temporarily furloughed. This is important because if you're furloughed, you could go back to work soon. Next, check whether your company will offer outplacement services. Look for financial help: Retrenched employees with over two years of service are eligible for retrenchment benefits, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). Those with less than two years of service may request an ex gratia payment, although employers are not obligated to provide one. Take a break: Losing a job can be devastating, so give yourself time to process everything. Talk to your friends or family, take a break, and do things that make you feel good before jumping back into the job hunt. Make a budget: Keep your spending in check since severance pay might be delayed. Rethink your goals: This could be a great time to reflect on what you really want in your career. Think about what direction you want to go in next and what kind of job would make you happy. Get support: You're not alone in this. Find a mentor who can guide you, or check out retrenchment counselling services like those from Workforce Singapore (WSG) or e2i. Consider a new industry: This might be a good time to explore a new field. Look at your skills and see what else could work for you. Get references: Reach out to former supervisors or managers for references while the relationship is still fresh to improve your chances of landing a new job. Focus on job hunting: Set aside time each day to search for new opportunities, update your resume, and apply for jobs. Remember, it's all part of the process, so be patient with yourself as you work through it. Read also: Employee claims boss wants to deduct his salary over lateness without proof or proper records Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
27-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Are job vacancy postings even real?' — Jobseeker questions whether SG companies are truly hiring after he applied for ‘many jobs but only got a single HR call back'
SINGAPORE: A frustrated jobseeker took to Reddit to ask if companies in Singapore are truly hiring, after experiencing months of disappointing responses to job applications. In a post on the 'Ask Singapore' forum, he explained that he had applied to numerous job openings over the past few months and, on many occasions, received an initial call from HR. However, after that first contact, he would often hear nothing for weeks. Assuming that the companies had selected other candidates who were a better fit, he initially thought this was just part of the highly competitive nature of the job market. But his perspective changed when he started noticing a pattern: many of the same companies that had contacted him earlier were now re-advertising the same roles weeks or even months later. Seeking insights from both job seekers and those involved in recruitment, he asked, 'Anyone aware whether this is just a tactic to make it look like the organisation is still hiring? Or hiring managers, do y'all really have to conduct a ridiculous number of interviews and then wait months before HR approves a candidate you already really need on your team?' 'If you see the same job reposted again and again, chances are it's stuck internally.' In the comments section, many Singaporean Redditors agreed with his observations, stating that some job advertisements are likely posted more for show than for actual hiring purposes. Some pointed out that companies might be 'fishing,' meaning they post jobs to build a pool of potential candidates or to create the impression that the company is expanding, even though they have no real intention of hiring. Others said that certain companies are simply waiting for 'unicorn' candidates, where they interview a few people but continue holding out for someone who fits every requirement perfectly, causing the role to remain open for a long time. There were also comments mentioning that in some cases, expired job postings are automatically renewed every 30 days by the system, even if the company is no longer actively hiring for the position. In light of these frustrations, other Redditors stepped in to offer the original poster some advice on how to spot and avoid such listings. One wrote, 'Some tips: In LinkedIn, avoid reposts with 100+ applicants. In my career future, copy and paste in Google search and see if a similar post has been posted.' Another commented, 'If you see the same job reposted again and again, chances are it's stuck internally. No harm applying once, but don't keep circling back—move on and focus on roles with clearer traction.' A small group of Redditors, however, disagreed with the majority, suggesting that some companies repost jobs because the employees they hired weren't satisfied with the conditions and ended up quitting. Based on his own experience, one Redditor shared, 'Many junior candidates, despite having minimal experience and limited technical knowledge, come in with high salary expectations and strong demands for work-life balance.' Another added, 'Some jobs have a high turnover, so they are constantly on the lookout, just not for you.' In other news, a 33-year-old woman teetering on the edge of burnout recently asked netizens if she should quit her job and take a one-year break. Posting on a local forum, she opened up about the immense toll her high-paying job was taking on her mental health. Read more: 33 yo woman earning S$15k/month says she's burnt out and thinking of taking a year off Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
26-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
NITEC grad who was offered $2K/month for an internship asks, 'Am I getting underpaid?'
SINGAPORE: After receiving an internship offer that paid S$2,000 per month, a 26-year-old man took to social media to ask netizens if he was getting lowballed by the employer. Posting on Reddit's Ask Singapore forum on Friday (April 25), the man admitted that he felt like the offer was a 'little low' because about a year and a half ago, a healthcare company offered him a job with a salary of S$3,500. However, he ultimately rejected the deal because he thought 'he was at least worth S$4-5,000.' Reaching out to the community for advice, he asked, 'Am I getting underpaid as an intern? I understand that the job market is extremely brutal right now. However, I still have to pay for the bills and food. It's been extremely depressing and tough for me.' 'These days, most internships don't go above S$2K.' The post sparked a mix of empathy and confusion among Singaporean Redditors. While some understood his frustration given the rising cost of living, others pointed out that S$2,000 is actually a generous amount for an internship. One Redditor said, 'If I'm not mistaken, even university tech interns are averaging $1,000. You're earning twice that. How are you underpaid?' Another wrote, 'Lol, I'd take S$2,000 for intern responsibilities (which are nothing) in a heartbeat. What's happening with today's generation—so much entitlement?' A third added, 'You should be thankful for getting offered $2K/month as an intern. Intern pay is mostly about the learning, not just the work output. Even if you're working full-time hours, your main role is to grow and gain experience. These days, most internships don't go above S$2K—if it's higher, that's already pretty decent. At the end of the day, it's still an internship, not a full-time or contract role. But if you really feel it's too low for your skills or situation, then go ahead and try to find something that better matches your expectations.' As of April 2025, data from Indeed shows that interns in Singapore earn an average of about $1,217 per month. In other news, a Singaporean man is seeking advice online after he and his fiancée started having second thoughts about spending S$20,000 on a small wedding slated for late 2026. With whispers of a potential recession on the horizon, the couple is debating whether it's wise to splurge on a celebration or redirect the money towards something more future-proof. In a post on r/askSingapore, the man shared that while they've already made some practical choices, such as securing 'kind vendors [who] will charge them with the 2024 price catalogue', the overall uncertainty of the economy still weighs heavily on their minds. Read also: Should they spend S$20K on a small wedding in late 2026? Man and fiancée worry about a possible recession Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
25-04-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
Man severely affected by long stretch of unemployment, says his applications only yield a 5% hit rate for HR or first-round interviews
SINGAPORE: Five months after being laid off, a 34-year-old man took to social media to candidly share how the prolonged stretch of unemployment has taken a serious toll on his mental well-being, motivation, and outlook on life. In a heartfelt post on Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum, he explained that he has been actively trying to get back on his feet since losing his job, but the results so far have been downright disheartening. 'My applications are yielding around a 5% hit rate for HR or first-round interviews, but from there on, it's 0% so far. Constantly questioning myself… where am I going wrong?' he wrote. He also reflected on a deeper societal issue—how, from a young age, many of us are taught to focus on building a career and setting long-term professional goals. Ironically, just before the layoff, he had been contemplating a career switch to pursue something more aligned with his aspirations. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of unemployment has shifted his priorities. He now admits he would take 'the first job that pays the bills,' no matter what it is. He further shared that, in an attempt to stay engaged and mentally occupied, he took up a new hobby during his downtime, but the novelty quickly wore off after just two months. 'Turns out, no matter how much you wanted to pick up a hobby when you were busy and employed, once unemployed, you realise you don't like it enough to do it full-time,' he admitted, shedding light on the unexpected emotional struggles of having too much free time. Hoping to find some comfort, support, or even useful suggestions, he reached out to the online community, asking, 'How's my unemployed/funemployed gang coping? Any low-cost, sustainable activities that help to pass the time with some degree of entertainment or pleasure?' 'Hang in there. The job for you might just be around the corner.' His post resonated with many who are in similar situations, sparking a conversation about the mental and emotional impact of prolonged unemployment. One user shared, 'Same here. I'm currently going through the worst job market in my life so far—almost four months of active applying. I admit it's not good for our mental health when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm lowering my standards for now and going for PT (part-time) jobs so that I can prove to myself that I am still useful.' Another wrote, 'I haven't been working since January this year, and this is starting to get me nuts. It's not that we are tight with money or anything urgent, but the idea that I am not contributing much to the financial situation bothers me a lot. Especially, when I think about my aging mom and sister living overseas, who are not doing very well lately.' Meanwhile, several users who had gone through extended unemployment themselves also offered practical tips to help the man manage his anxiety. One user said, 'What I did during my unemployment outside of applying for jobs: had a part-time job, volunteered at a pet shelter, and played computer games. I avoided going out so I didn't have to spend money. At the time, I had no interest in hobbies or learning things for fun, so that was a cost-saving too. Anecdotally speaking, for myself and for people I know, a job search lasting about six months, give or take, is not out of the ordinary. So hang in there. The job for you might just be around the corner. All the best.' Another added, 'I did Grab for a few months, fun-employed. Took night shift, was pretty relaxing, and had interesting passengers.' In other news, a woman has triggered a discussion on the r/askSingapore forum after claiming that her company terminated her while she was on sabbatical leave. In her post, she explained that she received the email about her termination the day after she informed the newly hired supervisor that she was five months pregnant. She also mentioned that the sabbatical leave was not her idea, but rather the company's. Read more: 'Is this even legal?': Woman on sabbatical terminated by company after learning she was pregnant Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
