SINGAPORE: A 22-year-old woman who graduated with a private diploma in IT (Network Defence) took to social media to share that she now regrets taking up a legal administrative job that pays below S$1,500 a month.
Sharing her experience on Reddit’s AskSingapore forum, the woman explained that she accepted the position only because she was unable to secure a role in her chosen field. “I accepted it because I was desperate for a full-time job,” she said. “I couldn’t find a job in that line, so I decided to apply for any admin-related role, and now I’m stuck with my current one.”
After seven months, however, she realised that the job might not be the right fit for her because, in addition to the incredibly low pay, it also offers no benefits or opportunities for career progression.
“There’s no certainty that my pay will increase if I continue to work here for the next three years…and I dread going to work,” she said. “My social and communication skills are also slowly declining, plus I am sun-deprived. I’m stuck in an office building for 8 hours every day.”
Despite her frustrations, the woman said she cannot simply resign, as she is bound by a three-year contract and is also worried about how her family might react if she decides to leave.
“I’m not sure if I should suck it up, gain experience for the next three years, then move to a better firm with better pay and benefits, etc., or do a career switch (from admin/legal to outdoors or other fields in general),” she said.
“Any advice from anyone who has been through a similar situation? Thank you!”
“Legal admin has no future.”
In the comments, many Singaporean Redditors were struck by one particular detail in her post, namely that she was tied to a three-year bond.
One asked, “Why do you have a bond for three years, and it pays you so little?”
Another commented, “Why did you even sign a bond with this company in the first place? Even working at McDonald’s would pay you more.”
A third pointed out, “Why is there a bond? What external training with certification did you have to take for a legal admin job? If the law firm didn’t send you for any certified training, you’re basically being treated like a long-term intern with low pay.”
Several Redditors also advised her to start searching for a new role, ideally in her chosen field.
One said, “Legal admin has no future. You will be stuck with the S$2500 to S$3000-plus range for a long time. I would advise you to continue interviewing for roles, at least in IT firms.”
Another added, “Keep your options open. If there is something with better pay, grab and go.”
In other news, a domestic helper from Myanmar was allegedly told to pay S$1,000 after she accidentally broke a drinking glass that her employer claimed was a limited-edition item.
The case has sparked online criticism, especially after it emerged that the same glass is being sold at a local retailer for just S$60 for a set of two.
Read more: Employer allegedly wants to charge S$1k after helper breaks drinking glass
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