Hi Gilbert!
I came across your site whilst surfing the web for a support site for the unemployed.
Briefly about myself … I am 36, Malaysian Chinese, female and resigned in April 2009 from my MYR150k / annum job. Reason being that I needed a break and the work culture of the organisation was doing me no good.
I am still looking for a job (albeit a good job, although in times like this it is hard to even say that). During the course of my unemployment, I have done 4 papers and gotten 4 certs, worked at MalaysiaKini briefly for about 3 months (but felt I didn’ have the knack for journalism) and am currently working at a marketing job (that’s paying 1/2 of what I used to get). At the same time, I am sending out my CV to scores of companies (both within KL and Singapore) for jobs within my area of specialism.
So far, I have one interview and up to about 5 leads (though the leads did not lead anywhere). I learnt one thing during these tough times and that is to remain positive, to keep my chin up and to believe in myself. I also realised in tough times like these, who my friends really are! I have also discovered that helping out unfortunate women is therapeutic and these people are more worthy than the people I used to mix with.
Sometimes I wonder if I am overqualified and overpaid (in my previous roles). With 2 degrees and 4 certs under my belt, I am not sure if I present a threat to potential (small) companies and being overpaid gives doubts to MNCs.
I would very much love to have a copy of your eBook to find inspiration. I am human after all and tend to do the ‘odd slip’ although I do bounce back again after a while.
I do look forward to a copy of your eBook.
Thanks,
Judy (name changed)
PS: This post first appeared here in January 2010.
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Maybe, the issue of the writer is that she does not know what she really wants as a career?
She mentioned that she worked as a journalist and marketing, so obviously, it’s not her qualifications.
She will find it harder to find gainful and meaningful employment if she do not find what kind of motivation she needs to find a career that she wants.
I couldn’t help but read the comment above. I am the said person in the article above.
Yes you were spot on that my qualifications are not in the field of journalism / marketing. However my advance degree does dabble a bit in marketing! I only did journalism (and with the said organisation) because I was curious to know what it was like working in a field helping other people.
When I resigned from my high-paying job I did it on grounds that it was not a job that would push me outside of my comfort boundaries.
As for your last para, I completely disagree. I have always known what I wanted to do for a living but the field where my qualifications are held in high esteem is a male-dominated field. So, altho I do get demotivated during the job application process, I always remind myself what are my ultimate goals in life.
To Anon says: June 4, 2010 at 3:19 pm
May I ask, have you taken a personality test to see if you are suited for which career? And will you be willing to start over if you discover your qualifications do not match your personality and career of your choice?
Once we know, what you really want, it would be easier for us to help you focus on the industry of your choice.
Hi! When I first wrote in to Gilbert, I’d originally wanted a copy of his e-book. I’d also access his website because I found it comforting to know that I am not the only one who’s out of work! I’d never thought of asking for help from anyone (other than hoping to see what I can get from Gilber’s e-book). As explained in my earlier posting, I’d already known what I’d want to do for a living (and as well as when I retire!). I sat for the MyersBriggs test during my postgraduate studies and found out I was very much suited to the field of studies I chose for my first degree!
So, what sort of help would you like to offer me?
I am assuming your first degree is Journalism?
But, yet you say, you lack the knack for journalism.
Please understand, I am not trying to knock you down. I am trying to understand what your personality is really like. So that you can focus on a career that you can find true job satisfaction.
With not much to go on but only with your letter.
I feel you are more suited to work with an NGO.
Examples:
http://www.unifem.org/about/employment.php
http://mymalaysiainfo.com/govagency/non-goverment-organization/index.htm
I am puzzled as to your last para. Why do you ‘feel’ I am more suited to work with an NGO?
There are so many mid-age people like me out there in this small world who left their jobs and do voluntary work as something to take time away! Voluntary work is something I have always been doing even before I left my last appointment.
And no, you don’t get paid MYR150k in Malaysia for having a degree in Journalism unless you were so bright and you managed to get into one of the Big 4′s based on high scores in psychometric tests!
I worked a good part of my young years in Europe before returning to Asia as that was where I got my 2 degrees. I do have regrets over returning back to Asia but did it on domestic grounds.
So, you still have not mentioned what help you would like to offer!
Hi Anon,
Are you employed yet?
It has being quite awhile since we last corresponded.
Cheers.
Gilbert
Dear Judy,
Although I fully sympathize with your current predicament, I hope you will refrain from looking for jobs in Singapore as it is already a very tight market here. I think it is unfair for true blue Singaporeans to have to compete with a Foreigner like yourself for jobs. This is the main problem in Singapore at the moment.
It’s best if you work in your Malaysia and contribute to your own country. Wish you all the best.
Employ Singaporeans First ! Always.
The job situation in Singapore is terrible for the native citizens, becos of our govt’s silly immigration policy that have imported in – 36% of the population are now foreigners, way too high as we do not have so many jobs for every one of u. But employers in order to increase profits, hire lower-waged foreigners, thereby omit the native citizens. Not the foreigners’ fault but our govt’s fault !
NS for Singaporeans, Jobs for Foreigners:
employers in singapore won’t employ you just because there is lesser competition in the job market, they will tell the government there is no talent in the country and start bringing in expats (on the high end), or low cost barely qualified candidates from the SEA region (on the low end).