Dear Gilbert,
First of all, thank you for setting up this website. It sure helps especially to those affected workers in this recession.
I am 27 and have been retrenched last month. I have tried looking for work in all sorts of form (had applied thru wda, govt job opening, recruitment agencies you name it.. i have applied.. even reducing my asking salary to $600 below what i was earning) yet there have been no calls since 3 wks i have out of job not even a single call for an interview..
i have tot of attending part time courses to upgrade my self and to past the time away but was told by ntuc income that i need to be employed in order to take up any courses with them.. what the hell?? in this difficult situation where work is hard to find.. cant they gave leniency and help those retrenched like me who really wish to upgrade ourselve now??
Gilbert, its really isnt easy in this depressing time.. so many things in my life requires money.. bills to pay, parents to support, loans.. but all people can say is to be patient.. its really stressing me out..worst reading up the news all was stated was the numbers of unemployed people.. it sure doesnt help..is the goverment doing anything to help us financially..
The other day a company call me up to know more abt my past experience and everything was fine because what she was asking for, i have all the qualities and experience to contribute but why when i mention i was retrenched she hang up the phone! is there a stigma of retrenched personnel? i am an executive with 5 yrs experience in the filed so why the negative reaction..
My motivation to keep searching the job market is drawing thin every single day that went aimlessly..cant go to sleep at night worrying about my future and my “ricebowls”
stressing out
Andy
PS: Name changed to protect identity of client.
Counsellor’s Response
Hi Andy
I am one of the online counsellors. Am glad you are willing to share your feelings and frustrations with us.Being retrenched must be a blow to you and your family. I am sure your company had to make the tough decision of reducing the staff count to stay afloat and unfortunately you are one of them.First, I must applaud you for being proactive in seeking another job and for being willing to take a drastic pay cut. And it’s great that you have considered upgrading yourself by attending part time courses.Have you tried talking to the officers at NTUC or perhaps your MP so that the criteria can be waived?
Yes, it is indeed tough when so many things in life requires money. That’s the reality. Everyone is getting “bad-economic-crisis fatigue”.
Perhaps, for now, you can focus on the things you can do that do not require much money. For example, taking up an exercise regime or joining the CC to network. These can help you keep yourself physically fit and your mind sharp.
There are some government agencies out there who offer financial assistance. Will try and check it out for you.
In the meantime, keep up your spirit. Talk to your family, share openly with your loved ones. You may be surprised how much support they can give you 
Wishing you all the best.
Betsy
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