Unemployment

SINGAPORE: “Unfortunately, this is a reality for me, so I am looking for some inspiration.” An online user took to a forum on Monday (March 31) to ask Singaporeans what to do with his “newfound free time” after he was laid off.

After being let go from his job, he turned to Singaporeans for advice on what to do with all the time he has on his hands now that he is jobless. “I’ve been rotting away at home playing games and I want to change that,” he admitted.

While some Singaporeans suggested looking for a job straight away, others gave the writer ideas on staying productive. “I’d probably look at some job listings to better understand how to tune my resume for the current time,” said one.

“Then I’d see what I actually want to apply to, what they are looking for, to see if I can work on a project to gain some experience with a tool they use. I’d give myself some time before applying so that my application would stand a greater chance. I’d [also] hang out with my loved ones and friends more. Of course, I’d make sure to rest too.”

Others suggested taking advantage of the free time to do things he has been wanting to do but couldn’t because of work, such as going to the gym.

There were also people who empathised with the writer, sharing that they, too, experienced being retrenched. “It’s never an easy feeling being laid off,” said one. “I’m not if there is a rush to find another job, but regular exercise, meeting up with friends, and even doing some social work help a lot in mitigating one’s mental and emotional health.”

A common theme that came up was to consider his financial status —whether he could afford to take his time, or if he should prioritise finding a new job to replace his source of income, to act accordingly, but also take the time to do things that contribute to his well-being. From exercising to reading books, or making time for another hobby, many Singaporeans encouraged him to take care of himself to avoid feeling down.

“You should be looking for a new role or finding a hole you can fill with a product and or service and go at it alone,” said one, who encouraged the writer to turn the setback into an epic comeback. “Use the time to upskill, fix things long overdue around the house or generally in your life and develop good habits. Get your sleeping pattern back on track, stop eating garbage and put time into learning to cook healthy meals. If you have kids, spend more time with them. Learn something new that compliments your existing skills and profession.”

Prioritising self-care after being laid off

According to Indeed, there are several ways you can help turn a setback into success in finding a new source of income. Once the layoff is confirmed, filing for unemployment can help ease the financial burden. It is also crucial to practise self-care and to allow yourself to process what is happening. It’s a good time to prioritise relaxation and de-stressing activities. From a clear headspace, make adjustments to your budget, and create a timeline that will help you in your decisions. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the time to reassess your career path and gain a new perspective. Being laid off can be an opportunity to switch careers, which can be an advantage, especially if this is something you have been considering for a while. It can also help to look for a mentor you can draw inspiration from.