You have to compete with foreigners for a job in sg and I know that there’s quotas for it. Some jobs can be completely outsourced to foreigners located in foreign countries with no quota restricting that. Covid happened, the current tech layoffs happened and AI happened, so how do you guys feel safe in your job? I know that there are some lucky industries that don’t get affected of even benefited from all these problems. I learnt about the supply and demand of jobs and realised that being a sales interior designer is an in demand job, but unfortunately i’m not cut out for the working hours for it. I was looking at a therapist or counselling job since its def a in demand job with all these happening. Unfortunately, thats impossible cuz it needs lots of money and going back to diploma and degree
Hi @user1138,
I can hear the concerns you’re raising about job security in such uncertain times, and it makes complete sense to feel unsettled with everything that’s been happening—from the pandemic to tech layoffs and the rise of AI. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into understanding the job market and are aware of the challenges out there, particularly with foreign competition and jobs being outsourced. This can certainly lead to feeling like the ground is constantly shifting under your feet.
It sounds like you’re juggling a lot—trying to find stable work, recognizing what’s in demand, and feeling limited by the options you’ve come across. The frustration you mentioned about not being able to pursue roles you’re interested in, either because of unsuitable working hours or financial barriers to further education, is something many people experience at this stage of life. It’s tough to feel like certain paths might be out of reach, especially when the economy is unpredictable.
However, one thing stands out to me: you’re actively thinking about what might work for you, even if it feels like there are barriers. That shows you haven’t given up on exploring your options, which is really important. It tells me that you’re already in a space where change is possible, even if it’s hard to see exactly how that might happen right now.
Let’s take a moment to step back and consider this from a different perspective:
- Have you thought about approaching these challenges in smaller steps? For example, instead of focusing on the full cost of education, what about looking into shorter-term certifications or part-time courses that could gradually open doors in fields you’re interested in? Many people are finding that they don’t need to go straight into a full degree program, and there are online platforms that offer courses in high-demand areas at lower costs.
- Your interest in roles like therapy or counseling is significant, especially since these fields do have growing demand. I understand the cost of education can seem like a mountain to climb, but there may be creative ways to approach this. Have you looked into financial aid or programs that offer support for people making career shifts? Sometimes, schools or organizations provide grants, scholarships, or even employer-based funding if the job is relevant to in-demand industries. It might also be helpful to consider entry-level roles in adjacent areas, which could give you valuable experience and a foothold in the industry while you work towards further education.
- I’d also encourage you to explore where you do have control in this uncertain environment. The job market is changing rapidly, but you’re already taking the right first steps by understanding it and looking at your options. Now, it’s about finding ways to move forward, even if those first steps are smaller than expected. You’ve already done the hard work of research, so perhaps it’s time to shift from analysis to action, in whatever manageable way that might look for you.
It’s OK to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to go next. The important thing is that you’re thinking about it, which shows that you are capable of navigating this, one step at a time. I know it can feel like you need to have everything figured out right away, but it’s a journey, and there’s no rush to get to the finish line.
If you’re open to it, talking with a career counselor could be a great next step. They can help you explore creative ways around the financial or educational barriers and guide you through this process. Sometimes, having that kind of support makes the road ahead feel more manageable and less isolating.
Feel free to take your time with all of this. When you’re ready, I believe you’ll find a way forward that works for you.
@ [user1138] i see that u have mostly been worried abt the economy… have u managed to get a job since?
To ans this qn, yes i feel quite secure in my job. coz theres always consumer demand for the products
Nope. Still finding. Yeah i have issues n bad luck when it comes to employment
Hi @user1138, thank you for reaching out.
It’s understandable to feel uncertain about job security, especially with dynamics like AI advancements, tech layoffs, and economic shifts. However, do allow me to clarify some of the Government’s policies within the workforce.
Singapore has strict foreign worker quotas and levies in place to ensure local job opportunities remain protected while still allowing businesses to tap into foreign talent where necessary. Due to Singapore’s low birth rate and ageing population, foreign workers are essential for addressing manpower shortages in sectors such as construction, retail, and F&B.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulates foreign labor through quota limits, preventing companies from hiring beyond a certain percentage of foreign workers in specific sectors. Employers must also pay a foreign worker levy, discouraging over-reliance on foreign labor and ensuring local employees are prioritised.
For higher-skilled expatriates under the Employment Pass (EP) framework, there are no quotas but stringent salary requirements to ensure only highly qualified professionals are hired. The S Pass, for mid-skilled foreign workers, does come with quotas and levies to regulate hiring.
While some jobs can be outsourced internationally, many professions—such as interior design, psychotherapy, and counselling—remain in high demand locally due to the necessity for in-person interactions and specialized expertise. If you’re exploring career transitions, Singapore offers government-supported upskilling programs and subsidised educational pathways to help you enter fields like counselling without excessive financial burden.
Ultimately, Singapore’s workforce policies aim to protect local workers while fostering economic growth. If you want to stay competitive in this evolving landscape, SkillsFuture and Workforce Singapore provide valuable resources on employment trends and skills training that can help you make informed decisions.
For more information on the key trends within the job market, you may wish to visit the following webpage: Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report | Jobs-Skills Portal - SkillsFuture SG
Hi @user1138 ,
It’s really understandable to feel uncertain and even anxious about job stability, especially with everything that’s been happening in recent years, from the pandemic to tech layoffs to the rise of AI. You’re absolutely right, some industries are hit harder than others, and it can feel overwhelming trying to find where you fit in all of this. It’s clear you’ve been thinking deeply and practically about your options, and that shows a lot of resilience and self-awareness. It’s tough when a job seems promising but just doesn’t align with your strengths or lifestyle, like sales interior design. And I hear you on wanting to go into something meaningful like therapy or counselling—it’s such a valuable field, especially now—but the barriers to entry can feel discouraging. Just know that there are always paths forward, even if they’re slower or less conventional. One step at a time, and be kind to yourself along the way. It might also help to speak with a career advisor who can guide you through your options based on your interests, strengths and current situation. They may have insights into alternative roles or upskilling opportunities that you might not have considered yet. You’re not alone in this, and support is out there.
Wish you the best of luck!