Let’s talk about career health—something that’s as important as your physical and mental well-being. It’s about being in a place where you feel fulfilled in your work while being equipped with the skills and adaptability to grow in a rapidly changing world. A sustainable career isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving.
Here in Singapore, the workplace is evolving fast. Industries are transforming with digitalisation, green goals, and global competition, reshaping employers’ needs. There’s a growing focus on skills-first hiring, and it’s opening new doors for people like you to shine—not because of what’s on your degree certificate, but because of what you’re truly capable of.
What is skills-first hiring, and why does it matter to you?
You’ve probably heard about the shift towards skills-first hiring. As Singapore’s economy rapidly evolves, driven by technological advancements and changing work dynamics, traditional hiring methods relying heavily on academic qualifications no longer fully meet the demands of today’s job market. There’s a growing recognition that technical and soft skills are the actual markers of employability.
For you, this means an opportunity to step up. You don’t need a perfect CV or fancy titles to prove your worth. Platforms like MyCareersFuture are helping job seekers like you identify the skills you need and match them with roles based on what they can do, not just what’s on paper. What matters is whether you’re ready to invest in your growth and show employers what you bring.
How sustainable is your career?
A “sustainable career” is not just about earning a paycheque. It’s about staying relevant and engaged in work that aligns with your aspirations and the market demands. But what does that look like for someone like you?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
1. Are your skills aligned with the future?
Take a hard look at where your industry is heading. Are you keeping up? In Singapore, staying future-ready could mean learning about emerging fields like green technologies, digital marketing, or AI. Tools like the Skills Tagging feature on MyCareersFuture can help you determine what’s in demand and what gaps you might need to fill.
2. Are you committed to learning?
Be honest—when’s the last time you took steps to upskill? Whether using your SkillsFuture credits to take a course or exploring free online resources, lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant. The market rewards proactive people, and Singapore’s emphasis on reskilling means plenty of opportunities to keep growing.
3. Are you open to change?
Sometimes, staying sustainable means leaping. Maybe it’s time to explore a new role, industry, or mid-career switch. Adopt a growth mindset instead of a fixed one. Skills-first hiring is not bad; it makes it easier for workers to pivot, as employers increasingly value transferable skills and adaptability over rigid experience requirements.
4. Do you have a support system?
Nobody builds a career in isolation. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and peers who challenge and support you. Networking isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about connecting to opportunities and ideas that keep you moving forward.
How employers can support your career health
Your career health isn’t entirely on your shoulders. Employers also play a significant role in helping you stay on track. Many companies in Singapore are rethinking their recruitment strategies to focus on skills and potential rather than credentials. That’s a win for you because it means more pathways to grow on the job.
Keep a lookout for companies that offer opportunities to upskill or reskill, support career development, and value your potential. For example, employers embracing the insights from reports like LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023 are already investing in talent for future industries like renewable energy. These companies understand that when their employees thrive, so do they.
Take charge of your career health
So, where do you go from here? Start with some honest reflection. Think about your current skills, the trends in your industry, and where you want to be in the next few years. If there are gaps, that’s okay—you’re not expected to have it all figured out. What matters is that you take steps forward.
Your career health is like a garden—it needs care, attention, and the right environment to flourish. By staying proactive and embracing opportunities to grow, you can build a sustainable career that meets today’s demands and prepares you for the future. So, take a deep breath, reflect, and take the next step—you’ve got this.
Click here to try out this light-hearted quiz and have a glance at your career health!
