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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
SG worker ‘fed-up' of his S$6K job because he's ‘not appreciated' by the company; he's willing to take a pay cut of S$4K to work in a better company
SINGAPORE: Despite drawing a monthly salary of S$6,000, a Singaporean employee recently shared on the 'Ask Singapore' subreddit that he is seriously contemplating leaving his job due to burnout and a lack of recognition. In his candid post, he revealed that although he is performing 'really well' at his current company, his contributions often go unnoticed. This persistent lack of appreciation has taken a toll on his morale, and he admitted to feeling increasingly 'fed up' with his work situation. Frustrated and emotionally drained, he said he is now considering a complete career switch, even if it means taking a significant pay cut. Seeking advice from others, he asked, 'Does anyone know what kind of jobs pay around S$4,000 now with eight to nine hours a day? For people with almost zero experience in that field. My maximum pay cut is back to S$4,000.' 'Find things that are positive about your job. Negativity attracts negativity…' In the comments section, instead of offering job recommendations, many users cautioned him against leaving his current high-paying role. They argued that switching to a lower-paying job doesn't necessarily guarantee a better work environment, and he could end up facing similar levels of stress. See also Meet XPhone, a blockchain-enabled smartphone by PundiX One Redditor also highlighted the potential financial strain of such a move, writing: 'Bro, taking a 33% pay cut will give you even more stress. You will have less savings/month. If let's say you saved S$3,000 monthly last time, now you can only save S$1,000 monthly. If you saved less than S$2,000 last time, now you must struggle to find out how to save even a dollar. If you have any payment commitments, then you're gonna have to cut down on a lot of other (stuff). Huge quality of life drop. You have to start adapting your (expenditures) to your S$4,000 budget rather than your S$6,000 budget.' Another wrote, 'Taking a 33% pay cut just because you feel like you are not appreciated? Why would you think you will feel more appreciated when you are paid less for your work? Haha.' A third advised, 'No job anywhere will appreciate you as much as you would like to be. That is adulthood. That is like being a dad and expecting children to say thank you for everything every day. It will never happen. Find things that are positive about your job. Negativity attracts negativity. Compartmentalise. Go through the things you don't like so much; don't let it affect the things that you do like at your job.' In other news, a jobseeker was left shocked and unsettled after a virtual interview with a local IT company took a deeply personal and inappropriate turn, prompting her to exit the session midway. On Friday (Jun 6), she shared her experience on Reddit's Ask Singapore forum, detailing what she described as 'the worst interview' she's ever encountered. According to her post, the interview was conducted online by someone who identified herself as the company's 'business advisor.' 'It started off alright,' the jobseeker recalled. 'Then came personal questions asking me to speak and describe my family.' Read more: Job applicant walks out of interview after being asked, 'Do you support your parents?' and other personal questions Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
30-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singaporeans dish on how to know when it's time to quit your job
Photo: Freepik/ (for illustration purposes only). SINGAPORE: After a local Reddit user who's been wanting to resign for the past few months asked how a person knows when it's actually time to leave a job, others on the platform quickly swooped in with their advice and experience. Earlier this week, u/Negative-Berry-50 wrote in a post on r/askSingapore that they've been wanting to leave their job since February. However, since that point, two of their colleagues have already quit, even without new job offers lined up. Therefore, with the current hiring freeze in the company, the post author wrote that they 'foresee chaos during peak periods' due to the smaller team size. 'As wonderful and supportive as my remaining teammates are, I really don't see myself staying with them this year, but I won't be leaving without a new offer,' they added. Commenters on the post outlined a list of 'signs' that are a pretty good indicator of when it's time to leave one's job. 'Basically, when: You feel like you're not learning anything anymore, or this job isn't fit for your career goals anymore It's getting more and more difficult to find a solid reason to get to work/You're not motivated at all, and it's been that way for 6+ months. You have a burnout You have a better offer somewhere else,' wrote one. See also 'Am I in Bedok, Ponggol or Hougang?' — Confused netizen asks 'No increment for that year,' another added. 'When the toxic culture becomes too much for you to accept, especially when colleagues start to shirk responsibility after teaching you,' a Reddit user contributed. 'When you have a manager who can't seem to work with you no matter how much you try to accommodate their whims and fancies,' wrote another. A commenter urged the post author to wait until they have the next job in the pipeline, writing, 'When a good job offer lands… that's when it's time.' However, another quipped that it's time to quit 'When you have to ask on Reddit.' One wrote that when someone even begins to think of quitting, this is already somewhat of a sign. 'Usually, if you start thinking about quitting, it's probably time to leave. There must be a reason why you even had this thought, so … Quitting is a skill, lah. Have to overcome all the cognitive biases and sunk cost fallacy and fear of the unknown, etc., not everyone is in a position to leave when they want to, but if you have this thought, I think it would be a good idea to start looking out,' they wrote. See also Singaporeans dismayed at 9th Giant closure this year 'Quitting a job can feel like a big decision, and many reasons might lead you to decide it's the right time. You might want to explore another industry or take on a new challenge, or you may feel unsatisfied with your current role. It may be time to quit your job when you're no longer motivated to complete your daily tasks, feel overworked or burnt out, or want to move beyond your current position into a more advanced one. These are a few signs that it may be time to quit your job and get a better one that more effectively meets your needs,' reads this piece from Coursera. /TISG Read also: 2 in 5 Singaporeans quit jobs that lack time and location flexibility
Irish Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
One in five workers feels underappreciated and two-thirds are eying a job move
One in five Irish workers feels underappreciated in their current position, employee benefits consultants , Aon has said. But a more significant two-thirds of those who responded to its Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study said they were considering changing jobs in the next 12 months. The study of more than 9,000 employees across 17 industries and 23 countries, including Ireland, looks to identify the workforce initiatives that are most valuable to professionals in a competitive market for talent. Aon said one way of better engaging their staff is to reassess the benefits they offer. The most valued benefit from Irish respondents to the survey was paid time off – eg better holiday arrangements. After that, the benefits most valued were company contributions to a pension , medical insurance, work/life balance and remote/flexible work arrangements. READ MORE [ Which of these four types of leader are you and why will it help you to know? Opens in new window ] Globally, medical work/life balance ranked second only to medical cover and before pay, career development and retirement benefits. The good news for employers is that 54 per cent of Irish employees believe their compensation is fair compared to similar roles in their industry. However, one in five believes there is still a gender pay gap in their organisation. The 67 per cent of Irish workers looking at changing jobs is noticeably ahead of the 60 per cent figure across the global report. In Ireland, results show that younger Generation Y workers – those born between 1981 and 1996 – rank paid time off as the most valuable benefit, while for older Generation X colleagues born between 1965 and 1980, retirement savings are considered the top benefit. 'Our results show that employees are putting an increased focus on meaningful benefits such as paid time off and flexible working in the workplace,' said Aon's head of human capital in Ireland Mairead O'Mahony. 'As employee expectations evolve, personalising benefits programmes can better support employers to meet the needs of an increasingly multigenerational workforce. She said the results of Aon's survey show that 66 per cent of employees would be willing to compromise on existing benefits for a better choice of benefits. In terms of career development, the report says that just over a quarter of Irish employees say their employer does not offer sufficient upskilling and training. Just three in 10 workers are engaged in developing new skills to support and enhance their role. One in five employees is unsure of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their jobs, indicating a growing need for greater communication and engagement around the use of automation and AI in the workplace, Aon said. However, globally, there is limited enthusiasm to enhance artificial intelligence skills, with just over a third of those who took part in the survey feeling compelled to adapt to this new technology. 'Organisations are only as strong as their people. As firms face heightened volatility this year, their success will depend on developing an agile and resilient workforce fit for the future,' said Ms O'Mahony.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Toxic environments are pushing workers to speak up. Here's what to know.
One week into a new job, Lisa Grouette discovered something missing come Sunday night: the sinking feeling of dread she used to experience before going to work every Monday. Grouette spent 10 years at an insurance agency with a boss whom she alleges screamed at her, slammed his hands on the desk, insulted her appearance and punched things. He falsely accused her of taking money and threatened to withhold an employment recommendation if she quit, she says. Fearing she wouldn't land another job if she left the toxic workplace, she stayed. "It was this implied, 'You're stuck,'" Grouette, 48, recalled. Indeed, despite the unemployment rate still hovering at a historic low at 4.2%, for an increasing number of out-of-work Americans, it's taking longer to find a new job. Meanwhile, the gap between what Americans earn and how much they need to bring in to achieve a basic standard of living is growing, according to a new report by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity. Grouette, however, eventually found a way out of her toxic workplace. When a full-time job opened up at a newspaper where she was working a part-time photography job, she resigned from the insurance agency. The new position paid $400 less per month, but Grouette reduced her expenses to make it work. "You can't put a price tag on it," she said. "It was the best 400 bucks a month I've ever spent, worth every penny. I was a little tight at first, but it didn't matter because I was happy." As mental health awareness increases, so are conversations about about what constitutes unhealthy behavior and the kinds of treatment people will not — or should not — tolerate for a steady paycheck. "We're developing language now around things like toxic workplaces," said Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, a professor of organizational behavior at Babson College in Massachusetts. Disagreement vs. abuse Younger generations entering the workforce, including millennials and members of Generation Z, are less willing to endure bullying behavior from colleagues and managers, and better at establishing boundaries, she said. At the start of her own career, "if I encountered toxicity in the workplace, I had more of a 'Suck it up' attitude," said Tosti-Kharas, who identifies as a member of Generation X. "I don't think we were as vocal about taking care of our mental health as we should have been." Conflicts and difficult relationships may be inevitable in any work environment. But there's a difference between an occasional disagreement and persistent abuse. "What makes something toxic: It's more pervasive, more consistent over time," Tosti-Kharas said. "You may have tried some things and it's not getting better. ... It's very deeply entrenched." Possible indications of an emotionally harmful workplace include a widespread lack of trust and fear of being shot down if you speak up, she said. Loud screamers aren't the only kind of toxic co-workers and supervisors. There are quieter forms of toxicity, such as passive-aggressive behavior by leaders who use sarcasm, backhanded compliments, indirect criticism and exclusion to control their employees, according to Alana Atchison, a clinical psychologist based in Chicago. "It is a relationship where you can't communicate clearly or directly, so you have to silence yourself. You can't say truly what you need to say and feel safe," Atchison said. Follow your gut To spot a potentially toxic environment when applying for a new job, follow your gut instincts and consider warning signs. For example, frequent ads for the same position may reflect high turnover resulting from a negative environment. You can also search employee reviews online. "I'm reading Glassdoor reviews like crazy to see what the environment is like, what the culture is like, on anyplace I'm applying to, because I can't lose my hair again over a job," said Grouette, who recently was laid off after several successful years at the newspaper. When on the receiving end of toxicity, consider whether the offending behavior says more about the person perpetuating it than the recipient. "It's almost like a smokescreen to hide their deficits," Atchison said. "If someone feels insecure about their role or fears being overshadowed, they might resort to undermining others, gossiping or sabotaging projects to regain a sense of control or safety." More complaints since COVID-19 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Atchison's clients have increasingly complained about toxic work environments. She attributes that in part to the social isolation that accompanied lockdowns and restrictions on public activities. "Socializing is a skill set, and that skill set has declined," she said. If you find yourself in a toxic work situation, talking about it with a trusted friend or professional therapist can help you process what is happening and develop a plan to deal with it, instead of letting it fester in your mind. Stephanie Strausser, 42, a video production manager, said she sought support from friends and family members when she worked under an extreme micromanager who made her feel unsafe and whose decisions she considered unethical. Document your concerns "Don't hide it or keep it in. Talk to people. Even if you're talking to ChatGPT," Strausser advises those who find themselves in similar circumstances. "Don't internalize it. And don't take someone's perception as fact." Amanda Szmuc, a Philadelphia lawyer who considers some of her past work environments to have been toxic, recommends documenting your concerns in case it becomes necessary to escalate them. Writing down the details of troubling interactions as they happen and keeping copies of inappropriate messages or approved meeting recordings may come in handy if the human resources department gets involved, for example. Maintaining a record may also help you avoid gaslighting and reinforce your determination to protect yourself. If leaving a toxic environment isn't financially possible or you want to try to make your circumstances more bearable, think about exploring ways to limit your interaction with the difficult party may be an option. Possibilities may include negotiating a role that puts distance between you and the toxic person, such as working different shifts or on different projects, Tosti-Kharas said. You can also set deadlines for yourself to keep things from deteriorating, according to Szmuc. Examples: "I'm going to give this two weeks. Is there any improvement?" she said. "Is there a way internally where I can maybe change my circumstances or get someone else's opinion?" Human resources may or may not help Ideally, an employee who feels mistreated could appeal to someone from human resources or the offending employee's manager with evidence to show a pattern of conduct violations and disciplinary action would be taken, Tosti-Kharas said. But that doesn't always happen, leaving the reporting party in close proximity with the person they reported. "In the real world, you may realize they are unlikely to go anywhere, and it's you who has to go somewhere," Tosti-Kharas said. In extreme situations, it's best to look for another job, she said. If an inspector found radon in your house, "you wouldn't say, 'Let me try to work with the radon,' or 'How can I keep it there but maybe lessen the effects?'" she said. "You would get the toxin out of the situation or you would get yourself out of the situation." Most people can't afford to leave their jobs without another one lined up. Carving out time to apply for different jobs is difficult when you feel under assault but also is empowering and may lead to a better situation. "If somebody gives you an impression that you're not able to leave this job, that's just not true," Grouette said. "Those sorts of people don't have the reach or respect that they claim to have, because if they're volatile to you, they're volatile to others." ____ Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ Follow AP's Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Dealing with a toxic workplace? Talk about it, write it up and if all else fails, leave it behind
One week into a new job, Lisa Grouette discovered something missing come Sunday night: the sinking feeling of dread she used to experience before going to work every Monday. Groutte spent 10 years at an insurance agency with a boss whom she alleges screamed at her, slammed his hands on the desk, insulted her appearance and punched things. He falsely accused her of taking money and threatened to withhold an employment recommendation if she quit, she says. Fearing she wouldn't land another job if she left the toxic workplace, she stayed. 'It was this implied, 'You're stuck,'" Grouette, 48, recalled. But eventually, she found a way out. When a full-time job opened up at a newspaper where she worked a part-time photography job, she resigned from the insurance agency. The new position paid $400 less per month, but Grouette reduced her expenses to make it work. 'You can't put a price tag on it,' she said. "It was the best 400 bucks a month I've ever spent, worth every penny. I was a little tight at first, but it didn't matter because I was happy.' Growing intolerance of toxic behavior As mental health awareness increases, so are conversations about about what constitutes unhealthy behavior and the kinds of treatment people will not — or should not — tolerate for a steady paycheck. 'We're developing language now around things like toxic workplaces,' said Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, a professor of organizational behavior at Babson College in Massachusetts. Younger generations entering the workforce, including millennials and members of Generation Z, are less willing to endure bullying behavior from colleagues and managers, and better at establishing boundaries, she said. At the start of her own career, 'if I encountered toxicity in the workplace, I had more of a 'Suck it up' attitude," said Tosti-Kharas, who identifies as a member of Generation X. 'I don't think we were as vocal about taking care of our mental health as we should have been.' How do you identify a toxic work environment? Conflicts and difficult relationships may be inevitable in any work environment. But there's a difference between an occasional disagreement and persistent abuse. 'What makes something toxic: it's more pervasive, more consistent over time,' Tosti-Kharas said. 'You may have tried some things and it's not getting better. ... It's very deeply entrenched.' Possible indications of an emotionally harmful workplace include a widespread lack of trust and fear of being shot down if you speak up, she said. Loud screamers aren't the only kind of toxic co-workers and supervisors. There are quieter forms of toxicity, such as passive-aggressive behavior by leaders who use sarcasm, backhanded compliments, indirect criticism and exclusion to control their employees, according to Alana Atchison, a clinical psychologist based in Chicago. 'It is a relationship where you can't communicate clearly or directly, so you have to silence yourself. You can't say truly what you need to say and feel safe,' Atchison said. To spot a potentially toxic environment when applying for a new job, follow your gut instincts and consider warning signs. For example, frequent ads for the same position may reflect high turnover resulting from a negative environment. You can also search employee reviews online. 'I'm reading Glassdoor reviews like crazy to see what the environment is like, what the culture is like, on anyplace I'm applying to, because I can't lose my hair again over a job,' said Grouette, who recently was laid off after several successful years at the newspaper. What might explain toxic behavior? When on the receiving end of toxicity, consider whether the offending behavior says more about the person perpetuating it than the recipient. 'It's almost like a smokescreen to hide their deficits,' Atchison said. 'If someone feels insecure about their role or fears being overshadowed, they might resort to undermining others, gossiping or sabotaging projects to regain a sense of control or safety.' Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Atchison's clients have increasingly complained about toxic work environments. She attributes that in part to the social isolation that accompanied lockdowns and restrictions on public activities. 'Socializing is a skill set, and that skill set has declined," she said. Voice your concerns If you find yourself in a toxic work situation, talking about it with a trusted friend or professional therapist can help you process what is happening and develop a plan to deal with it, instead of letting it fester in your mind. Stephanie Strausser, 42, a video production manager, said she sought support from friends and family members when she worked under an extreme micromanager who made her feel unsafe and whose decisions she considered unethical. 'Don't hide it or keep it in. Talk to people. Even if you're talking to ChatGPT," Strausser advises those who find themselves in similar circumstances. "Don't internalize it. And don't take someone's perception as fact.' Amanda Szmuc, a Philadelphia lawyer who considers some of her past work environments to have been toxic, recommends documenting your concerns in case it becomes necessary to escalate them. Writing down the details of troubling interactions as they happen and keeping copies of inappropriate messages or approved meeting recordings may come in handy if the human resources department gets involved, for example. Maintaining a record may also help you avoid gaslighting and reinforce your determination to protect yourself. Set boundaries If leaving a toxic environment isn't financially possible or you want to try to make your circumstances more bearable, think about exploring ways to limit your interaction with the difficult party may be an option. Possibilities may include negotiating a role that puts distance between you and the toxic person, such as working different shifts or on different projects, Tosti-Kharas said. You can also set deadlines for yourself to keep things from deteriorating, according to Szmuc. Examples: 'I'm going to give this two weeks. Is there any improvement?' she said. 'Is there a way internally where I can maybe change my circumstances or get someone else's opinion?' Find a way out Ideally, an employee who feels mistreated could appeal to someone from human resources or the offending employee's manager with evidence to show a pattern of conduct violations and disciplinary action would be taken, Tosti-Kharas said. But that doesn't always happen, leaving the reporting party in close proximity with the person they reported. 'In the real world, you may realize they are unlikely to go anywhere, and it's you who has to go somewhere,' Tosti-Kharas said. In extreme situations, it's best to look for another job, she said. If an inspector found radon in your house, 'you wouldn't say, 'Let me try to work with the radon,' or 'How can I keep it there but maybe lessen the effects?'' she said. 'You would get the toxin out of the situation or you would get yourself out of the situation.' Most people can't afford to leave their jobs without another one lined up. Carving out time to apply for different jobs is difficult when you feel under assault but also is empowering and may lead to a better situation. 'If somebody gives you an impression that you're not able to leave this job, that's just not true,' Grouette said. 'Those sorts of people don't have the reach or respect that they claim to have, because if they're volatile to you, they're volatile to others.' ____ Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ Follow AP's Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at
