Late 30s and Still Rejected: The Harsh Reality of Upskilling in Singapore

[josexfiend]

I’m writing this because I need to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me for a while.

A few years ago, I bought into the dream that upskilling would change my life. I signed up for project management modules, took data analytics courses, as well as spent countless evenings and weekends learning new things. I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, if I kept improving myself, I’d eventually land a better job or maybe even embark on a new career.

But now, after sending out hundreds of job applications — each one painstakingly customized, every cover letter rewritten for the role — I’m still stuck. Most of the time, I don’t even receive a reply. When I do, it’s another polite rejection. It’s hard not to take it personally after putting in so much effort.

The truth is, upskilling in your late 30s or beyond isn’t the magic solution it’s made out to be, especially if you are a local. I’ve realized that age really does matter in the job market for Singaporeans, no matter what people say. Employers talk about valuing experience and lifelong learning, but when it comes down to the crunch, they still prefer someone younger, someone who fits neatly into their expectations.

More at https://urlr.me/2ajNBk

 

[batman1]

Seriously,U need a new govt to prioritize jobs for Singaporeans in Singapore.

 

[ftan42]

If you believe that the $5,000 SkillFund can give you a competitive edge in the job market against foreign talent, think again. Government support and assistance would be more effective in helping citizens secure jobs than relying solely on upskilling through this fund.

 

[syed putra]

I’m writing this because I need to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me for a while.

A few years ago, I bought into the dream that upskilling would change my life. I signed up for project management modules, took data analytics courses, as well as spent countless evenings and weekends learning new things. I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, if I kept improving myself, I’d eventually land a better job or maybe even embark on a new career.

But now, after sending out hundreds of job applications — each one painstakingly customized, every cover letter rewritten for the role — I’m still stuck. Most of the time, I don’t even receive a reply. When I do, it’s another polite rejection. It’s hard not to take it personally after putting in so much effort.

The truth is, upskilling in your late 30s or beyond isn’t the magic solution it’s made out to be, especially if you are a local. I’ve realized that age really does matter in the job market for Singaporeans, no matter what people say. Employers talk about valuing experience and lifelong learning, but when it comes down to the crunch, they still prefer someone younger, someone who fits neatly into their expectations.

More at https://urlr.me/2ajNBk

You gotta start from The bottom. And work up if no experience. Nowadays, it's all about the " Cable" As malays call it. No cable, forget it.

 

[cockie]

I’m writing this because I need to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me for a while.

A few years ago, I bought into the dream that upskilling would change my life. I signed up for project management modules, took data analytics courses, as well as spent countless evenings and weekends learning new things. I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, if I kept improving myself, I’d eventually land a better job or maybe even embark on a new career.

But now, after sending out hundreds of job applications — each one painstakingly customized, every cover letter rewritten for the role — I’m still stuck. Most of the time, I don’t even receive a reply. When I do, it’s another polite rejection. It’s hard not to take it personally after putting in so much effort.

The truth is, upskilling in your late 30s or beyond isn’t the magic solution it’s made out to be, especially if you are a local. I’ve realized that age really does matter in the job market for Singaporeans, no matter what people say. Employers talk about valuing experience and lifelong learning, but when it comes down to the crunch, they still prefer someone younger, someone who fits neatly into their expectations.

More at https://urlr.me/2ajNBk

Ha ha ha the so called skill future, or WSG is a joke…
Employers want younger, cheaper and hard working people… when you are old, slow and not cheap, no matter you upskill to PhD also no used lah.

 

[batman1]

Go see your MP for help now before polling day 3-5-25.

 

[k1976]

Seriously,U need a new govt to prioritize jobs for Singaporeans in Singapore.

Or u need to learn Hindi

 

[k1976]

You gotta start from The bottom. And work up if no experience. Nowadays, it's all about the " Cable" As malays call it. No cable, forget it.

Jiuhu Kia call it 6g 无敌天地线网络

 

[tobelightlight]

CECA take ur job. Cos HR also CECA. This is due to PAP.

 

[ftan42]

CECA take ur job. Cos HR also CECA. This is due to PAP.

There is a growing concern among local job seekers that some foreign HR managers, particularly those from the same nationality, may have a preference for hiring individuals from their own country, leading to perceptions of ethnic favoritism or clique hiring practices.

 

[batman1]

There is a growing concern among local job seekers that some foreign HR managers, particularly those from the same nationality, may have a preference for hiring individuals from their own country, leading to perceptions of ethnic favoritism or clique hiring practices.

This is the truth.555

 

[WangChuk]

sorry ... no fellow sinkies will bother to sympathise or worry the same happening to themselves or their families .... they will continue to embrace the FTs and prolong the rule of the leaders in the erection .... RIP

 

[k1976]

Trump tariffs shake up Singapore’s manufacturing sector​

Singapore is among nations subject to a baseline 10 per cent tariff rate, which came into effect on April 5.PHOTO: ST FILE

Grace Leong
UPDATED APR 22, 2025, 02:53 PM


SINGAPORE - In the weeks after crippling tariffs were unleashed by US President Donald Trump, American customers of Singapore-based Watson EP Industries asked the contract manufacturer to shift its production of consumer electronics from China and Vietnam to its Singapore factory.

Singapore is among nations subject to a baseline 10 per cent tariff rate, which came into effect on April 5. In addition, so-called reciprocal tariffs of between 11 per cent and 50 per cent were imposed on imports from more than 90 nations that run trade surpluses with the US. Asian nations found themselves facing some of the highest tariffs, with Cambodia at 49 per cent and Vietnam at 46 per cent.

​

Trump tariffs shake up Singapore’s manufacturing sector​

Singapore is among nations subject to a baseline 10 per cent tariff rate, which came into effect on April 5.PHOTO: ST FILE

Grace Leong
UPDATED APR 22, 2025, 02:53 PM
SINGAPORE - In the weeks after crippling tariffs were unleashed by US President Donald Trump, American customers of Singapore-based Watson EP Industries asked the contract manufacturer to shift its production of consumer electronics from China and Vietnam to its Singapore factory.
Singapore is among nations subject to a baseline 10 per cent tariff rate, which came into effect on April 5. In addition, so-called reciprocal tariffs of between 11 per cent and 50 per cent were imposed on imports from more than 90 nations that run trade surpluses with the US. Asian nations found themselves facing some of the highest tariffs, with Cambodia at 49 per cent and Vietnam at 46 per cent.

 

[Pinkieslut]

JLBs can’t create jobs don’t want to work sit there whole day expecting good jobs.

I prefer to hire smart FTs who really create good jobs.

 

[batman1]

Go and sell BBQ pork.

 

[sbfuncle]

A pm course is just a piece of toilet paper.
You only do that when you are a current pm and take the course to Pls your boss.
It is not a paper to get a pm job unless you are already a existing pm.

3 key success factor
1. Define clearly your project objective statement
2. Always leemember this rule of thumb. 2 owners becomes no owner.
3. Do milestone check

Bonus to sarkar people to get the job done. Those people don't leeport to you most of the time.

 

[myfoot123]

I’m writing this because I need to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me for a while.

A few years ago, I bought into the dream that upskilling would change my life. I signed up for project management modules, took data analytics courses, as well as spent countless evenings and weekends learning new things. I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, if I kept improving myself,

If it is so easy, Ng Chi Meng wouldn't be sticking around in PAPPY backyard.

 

[syed putra]

There is a growing concern among local job seekers that some foreign HR managers, particularly those from the same nationality, may have a preference for hiring individuals from their own country, leading to perceptions of ethnic favoritism or clique hiring practices.

Shell marine turned ceca a long time ago. It even spread to Brunei

 

[Willamshakespear]

You gotta start from The bottom. And work up if no experience. Nowadays, it's all about the " Cable" As malays call it. No cable, forget it.

The mistake that many made with the uplifting SKILLFUTURES credit funds borne by taxpayers, is that with that certification, it WOULD BE AN AUTOMATIC promotion to the job & salary one desires. Such only works in a high employment environment where workers are CRITICALLY needed.

However, in low employment environments, Employers will pick & choose the best, & critically, those with EXPERIENCE, even for someone to manage hygiene toilets at Malls whom had worked their way up, to cut down the management involvement in dealing with newbies to resolve issues. And there would be MANY to choose from...

Thus, in order to get the job one desires for, which a SkillFuture cert that entitles one, one only just need to apply ONE or TWO levels below the job requirement, & with such cert, PROVE oneself to the employer that one is FAR MORE CAPABLE than the minor post one holds, & for sure, will be given the opportunity within a mere short period to do so, as Employers are not morons as they would need the BEST to further their company & ambitions.

Such methods had work for many, but as the writer is not the ThreadStarter, there will be no validation of this proven method in this post, but hope that it may help someone or others whom are facing similar issues as the one that the ThreadStarter had brought up. All the best.

 

[eatshitndie]

no uptron no hope in sg.