SINGAPORE: In a world where the daily grind is often considered the norm, a growing number of young Singaporeans say unemployment can be fun and a time for self-discovery. This phenomenon, dubbed “funemployment,” is taking social media by storm, with young adults sharing their carefree lives as they break away from work.
Jonathan Chan, a 26-year-old former Olympic diver, is one of these funemployed individuals. Unlike his peers who rush to the office each morning, Chan revels in an extra few hours of sleep. He has been unemployed for five months and doesn’t hesitate to document his daily activities on social media. His Instagram video showcases a life of leisure, including high-intensity workouts, experimenting with spray paint, dining with friends, and evenings at the theatre, The Straits Times reports.
Chan’s video is just one of many emerging on TikTok and Instagram, collectively forming a growing collection of content under the hashtag #unemploymentlife. While this trend initially gained traction in the United States and the United Kingdom in 2020, it has also found a following in Singapore.
@j0nbon1_1 Funemployment!!! I’m actually so busy!!!
Initially, these videos depicted individuals navigating the challenges of involuntary unemployment during the pandemic. However, an increasing number now feature young people who have willingly left their jobs, even if they’ve only been in the workforce for a short time. Jonathan Chan, for example, departed from his fabricator job after ten months as he aspired to become a designer.
“It’s amazing. Every day is different and my life is so spontaneous now. I’ll find a job again, just not now,” Chan confidently stated.
Zachary Tan, another 26-year-old, left his marketing agency job of five years in search of more fulfilling work. “I’m taking time to figure out what will make me happy in the long run – a job that doesn’t feel like a job,” he shared. His unemployment-themed TikTok account quickly gained popularity, attracting nearly 220,000 views on his first video alone.
@heys2ach What does being unemployed in Singapore feel like? #hustleculture #unemploymentlife #jobhunt
Career services experts point out that this rise in early career breaks among Generation Z demonstrates the changing work landscape. Young people today are less afraid to quit their jobs without a safety net because they have more opportunities to monetize their skills, often through gig work or content creation.
Vivek Iyyani, founder of Millennial Minds, commented, “Anything that can go on the Internet and be offered as a service can keep them afloat.” For instance, Zachary Tan’s online presence has earned him freelance marketing assignments, providing financial stability during his break.
Content creator Kirsten Ong left her job in June to explore a career as a full-time influencer. “Honestly, you can earn more as an influencer than in a normal job,” she revealed. During her funemployment period, her following on social media platforms grew significantly.
@kerstinong Not everything is sweet & happy. 6 months ago, I was struggling so badly I constantly thought of just ending everything. Honestly, just not worth it. Prioritise happiness & health over everything else. 🤘🫶❤️ #sg #sglife #worklifebalance #funemployed
However, she eventually decided to return to working full-time in a marketing role after receiving an ‘irresistible job offer’.
While funemployment offers newfound freedom and opportunities, those who engage in it often face judgments from older generations and concerns about falling behind in their careers. Nevertheless, this emerging trend of ‘funemployment’ gives a shifting perspective on work among young Singaporeans who prioritize meaningful employment, mental well-being, and pursuing passions.
As Vivek Iyyani notes, “After all, the world has changed.”
As the world continues to evolve, funemployment may be more than just a temporary break; it could be what work means in the 21st century.