14-05-2025
Forum: Gen X needs fair chance to continue to mentor, innovate and serve
I agree with the points raised in the Opinion piece 'Spare a thought for X – the 'forgotten' generation'' (May 11) and Forum letter 'Improve livelihood of Gen X-ers before they become a lost generation' (May 13).
Gen X-ers were born in an era of transition, raised to be resilient, taught to follow rules, and quietly shoulder responsibilities. Many of us built our lives on the belief that hard work, loyalty and patience would be rewarded with dignity and security in our later years. Yet, many of us today find ourselves displaced, overlooked, and struggling to remain relevant.
We entered the workforce before the digital age, adapted along the way, and stayed employed through discipline and hard work. Yet now, at a time when we should be at the peak of our professional contribution, many of us find ourselves sidelined – too old to be seen as agile, too young to retire, and quietly left to navigate this red dot alone.
During job interviews, I have faced age bias, despite decades of experience, willingness to take on new challenges, upskilling, adjusting expectations, and offering flexibility.
I know I am not alone. Many of my peers have quietly resorted to part-time jobs and freelance gigs, or volunteering, just to stay active and feel useful.
Singapore cannot afford to waste this valuable human capital, especially in today's climate of economic uncertainty and global disruption.
Are we under-utilising a generation that still has so much to offer?
How will policy direction ensure that we are not left behind economically, professionally and socially?
While much has been said about empowering the young and supporting seniors, Gen X remains under-represented in discourse and support schemes. We remain eager to contribute, mentor, innovate and serve, but we need a fair chance to do so.
Ho See Ling
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