Whether due to a global pandemic or an economic downturn, the job market can face serious repercussions and cause people to lose their jobs.
Maybe you’ve lost your job too, or you know someone going through the painful effects of job loss. The aftermath can be shocking, stressful, and even confusing. How does one bounce back from getting retrenched or being made redundant?
Here are some locals who have experienced retrenchment and job loss in one way or another. They share important lessons that they’ve learnt from their experiences, how you too can take a step forward to bounce back from this temporary setback and how the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme can help.
1. Use this time to recuperate and recharge
Ken Tan, a father of two primary school-going children, lost his job weeks before COVID-19 hit Singapore.
The harmful effects of not taking a break have been proven time and time again by science. Imagine a marathoner who doesn’t stop running or a car that drives at race speeds non-stop — they’re both bound to break down sooner rather than later.
A USC and MIT study showed that our brains aren’t idle when we take breaks — they are actually working hard to process our memories and help us make sense of what we have experienced.
“I wanted to ease off from a hectic routine that had seen me put in almost 60-hour workweeks (including night conference calls and weekends) for several years. Now, I can fully recharge to be ready for the next chapter, both physically and mentally. This means exercising more regularly and catching up on recreational activities I didn’t have time for, such as reading, assembling plastic model kits, and solo motorcycle rides.”
You could take this time to engage in a helpful bit of self-reflection and see how you may be able to improve for the future. Here is a positive writing exercise you could try.
2. Take the time to strengthen your skills
Mrs Pauline Leow, a 44-year-old Singaporean who left her corporate job in 2016 and strike it out on her own to become a learning facilitator.
While Pauline wasn’t retrenched, she is a great example of how upskilling is equally important, whether or not one is employed.
There are plenty of SkillsFuture courses available for Singaporeans to upgrade themselves, but interestingly only 20% of the resident labour force in Singapore have utilised their credits.
Pauline was originally eyeing a baking course that piqued her interest but decided to instead train in skills that would take her nearer to her career goals. She used her credits on an advanced certificate in training and assessment course and now teaches effective communications at Republic Polytechnic.
3. Use it as an opportunity to seek out opportunities
Leong Yew Wah was made redundant at 55 but continued to improve and upskill himself.
Yew Wah is someone who understands the phrase “time and tide wait for no man”. Instead of waiting for a job to come his way slowly, he sought opportunities.
Launching himself into Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme (CCP, previously known as Professional Conversion Programme) for 12 months, he also sought the help of WSG’s appointed Career Matching Provider AKG (formerly known as Maximus).
He eventually joined Modern Beauty Wellness Pte Ltd, an SME in the beauty and wellness sector, as a Management Operations Officer.
4. Ask for help when necessary
Alan Tang retrenched from a 28-year management career.
For 15 months, Alan was out of work and at a loss for what to do.
Seeking an upturn in fortunes and help to move in the right direction, he approached a career coach at Ingeus, a career matching provider of Workforce Singapore (WSG). What a career coach does is to help workers, including many retrenched individuals, find their footing and develop a game plan for their next role. This may include recommending career programmes to try, skills to learn, practise interviews, and more.
With the advice and assistance provided by his career coach, Alan soon found employment in a new industry as a product and market development manager at StarHub.
More inspiring stories of career comebacks
Tough Times, Tough Singaporeans: How We’ve Bounced Back Despite Career Challenges
Can’t Find a Job and Feeling Depressed? Learn How This Singaporean Surmounted His Challenges
Overcoming Adversity: Advice From a Visually-Impaired Artist
There is help. There is hope
In April 2025, the Singapore government rolled out the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme to help involuntarily unemployed individuals in their job search. The scheme provides temporary financial support for those who have lost their jobs due to retrenchment, business cessation, dismissals or termination due to illness, injury or accident.
While the scheme does not replace your income, it provides temporary financial support of up to $6,000 over six months to keep you financially afloat during your job search and ease the stress of the journey. It also encourages active participation in job-seeking activities where points are awarded when you complete eligible tasks, such as:
- Attending career coaching sessions
- Using CareersFinder to chart a career path
- Attending job fairs, seminars, or workshops
- Updating your resume on MyCareersFuture
To qualify, you must:
- Have earned an average gross monthly income of $5,000 or less in the past year
- Have been employed in Singapore for at least six months in the last 12 months
Don’t be afraid to talk about your problems
The JS scheme doesn’t take away the emotional toll, even though it is a meaningful buffer to keep you moving forward. If the stress of job huntingbecomes overwheming— which could be very possible — it is crucial to seek the help you need.
According to Dr John Lim, President of The Singapore Counselling Centre, he shared that there has been an average 30% year-on-year increase in older Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) seeking counselling due to retrenchment. He himself has helped many such individuals get back on their feet through counselling.
“Remind yourself that one setback does not mean you are doomed to be at rock bottom for the rest of your life. Dealing positively with your emotions lays the foundation for personal growth.”
Dr John advised, “If you feel overwhelmed by these emotions, don’t hesitate to speak with a qualified counsellor, coach or therapist. When one door closes, another will always open. Keep an open mind and an open heart – be receptive to new obstacles and opportunities that will come your way.”
Remember that you can — and you will — get out of this cycle of emotions.
