Stuck in a job that’s draining you dry, slogging OT till you see stars? Thinking of throwing in the towel but scared of ending up kiasu and jobless? You’re not alone, lah! Many Singaporeans face this dilemma. Let’s break down what to consider before you hand in that resignation letter.
Current State: OT Culture
- Singapore’s work culture often involves long hours, especially in MNCs.
I work as an engineer at a MNC and most employees here are foreigners who seem to be fine with OT culture (working during the weekends, during sick leaves, after work, even calling during holiday, etc) at a relatively low wage without extra pay.
- The pressure to work overtime, even without extra pay, can lead to burnout.
- The job market is volatile, making the decision to quit without another job lined up risky.
- Many Singaporeans are feeling the strain, with some considering drastic measures.
Challenge: Jobless Anxiety
- The biggest fear is financial instability and the stress of unemployment.
being jobless will just bring another form of sadness and depression, calculate your commitment and whether your savings can tide you through several months of unemployment.
- The competitive job market makes finding a new role challenging and time-consuming.
- There’s a risk of landing in a similar situation at a new company.
You didn’t know about what it was like before joining this company, and you will not know what it will be like after getting into the next company. It could very much be the same.
- Committing to a job search while still employed can be mentally taxing.
Resolution: Smart Quit Strategy
- Assess your finances: Aim for at least 3-6 months of savings to cover expenses.
But make sure you have at least 3++months savings to tide through. Job market is not in your favour
- Consider “Quiet Quitting”: Do the bare minimum while actively searching for a new job.
You can Quiet Quit. Start looking for jobs now, do the minimum to stay employed, then quit when you get a new job.
- Explore backup plans: Look into government skills conversion programs or freelance opportunities.
- Prioritize your well-being: Don’t be afraid to take a break to recharge before starting the job hunt.
leave, take a break. in case the next company is like the one you are in now, at least you have given yourself a break. u gotta be kind to yourself
- Remember to be kind to yourself during this potentially stressful period.
