SINGAPORE: A 24-year-old new graduate has been applying for what he describes as a “countless” number of jobs. And while he’s attended many interviews, he’s had no luck so far, having been rejected at various stages of the interview process.
Though he is in a good place financially, as he was able to accumulate some emergency savings over several years, naturally, he still wants to get employed.
In a post on r/askSingapore on Thursday (May 15), u/winnest01 sought advice as to whether he should take a break from jobseeking for the time being, saying that he’s feeling “Job Search Burnout” and that he’s “so close to losing it.”
“Honestly, the rejections have been causing me distress personally,” he wrote, adding that he has even lost sleep as he received two rejections within hours of each other.
The post author explained that he majored in Communications and Marketing at a university overseas, but is considering making a move to Public Relations, and asked other Reddit users if he should shift to an entirely new industry.
“I would love to hear your stories and opinions on everyone here struggling with unemployment, whether retrenchment, mid-career switch, or fresh grads,” he added.
A commenter who has been in the post author’s shoes gave this advice: “I’d do what I did, 10 in the morning, 10 in the afternoon. Yeah, being jobless does mean finding a job is your ‘full-time job’. But, there are only so many quality applications you can send out.
After you’ve hit your 20, take a break, hit the gym, go for a walk, unwind whichever way you like. It’s tough out here, so maybe like others have said, lower the expectations. Just be consistent, remain optimistic and opportunistic. It’s never easy, but it’s a journey and you just gotta ride that wave.”
Another who agreed added, “In the meantime, get involved in the community – e.g., volunteer. This helps you build a network.”
Others also told him to relax, take a breath, and not pressure himself too much.
“Don’t stress too much about the perfect role or company just yet. The 1st year of working is just about learning how to be an adult. Learn to juggle friendships, family, a romantic relationship, your well-being, and a job. It is about figuring out how to manage upwards, downwards, and sideways. Learn how to navigate expectations. You will pick that up in any role, and those skills carry across any field,” a Reddit user advised.
“Trust me — you are just emotionally exhausted. And at your age, be open to getting a job first and then, search for a better one. The market is brutal, and it takes a lot of starts to align and bring something financially okay is a blessing.
I sympathise with you for the burnout, but please understand that at your age, do try to apply for even internships that could potentially lead you to a role in the next six months. If I were you, I would do that right away,” wrote another. /TISG