Singaporean Finds It Tougher to Secure Employment at Home Than in the UK

A Singaporean man who returned home after working in London for two years has shared his frustration at the difficulty of finding a job in Singapore, claiming it is harder than in the UK. Posting on the r/askSingapore Reddit forum on December 21, he explained his experience of working in the financial services sector in London, specialising in Compliance roles within asset management and broking.

With a solid professional background, he expected securing a job in Singapore to be straightforward, especially given his experience in one of the most competitive job markets globally. However, after relocating to Singapore in August due to family commitments, he has struggled to find a job. Four months later, he remains unemployed, a stark contrast to his time in London, where he never faced unemployment for more than a month.

He expressed his frustration at the disparity, highlighting that Singapore’s lower unemployment rates, often reported as better than those in the UK, seemed misleading. “I find it so much harder to get a job here, even compared to when I was a fresh graduate in the UK,” he added, revealing the toll it has taken on his mental health, with feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. In his post, he sought advice from fellow Reddit users, mentioning that while he had considered upskilling, the cost of further certification courses was financially draining.

Many Redditors responded by sharing their own experiences, reassuring him that he was not alone in facing such challenges. One user mentioned that their friends in the tech sector, after being laid off, spent nearly a year looking for new roles before either transitioning to freelancing or leaving the industry altogether. “You’re not alone! All the best!” they wrote.

Others noted that Singapore’s low unemployment rates might not paint an accurate picture, as many people, unable to find work in their field, end up in part-time, temporary, or lower-paying jobs such as driving for ride-hailing services or working in the food and beverage sector. This creates the illusion of a healthy job market, while many job seekers struggle to find roles that match their qualifications and experience.

Some users pointed out that the current job market is challenging for everyone. “It’s not you; it’s the Singapore job market,” one user reassured, urging him to stay persistent. Another added, “Many are resorting to side gigs like Grab driving. That’s why unemployment statistics seem so low.”

As the job market grows more competitive, many Singaporeans are turning to side jobs to make ends meet. A recent survey by ManpowerGroup revealed a decline in hiring sentiment over the past few months, with companies streamlining operations and outsourcing to reduce costs. This trend is making it even harder for job seekers to secure stable employment.