Losing a job can feel like losing a part of your identity. It’s more than the end of a contract — it can shake your confidence, routine, and sense of security. But if you’re facing retrenchment, know this: You haven’t lost your worth. You’ve simply reached a turning point, and with the proper support, you can move forward stronger than before.
1. Allow yourself to feel, but don’t stay stuck
It’s normal to grieve the loss of a job. Whether it came as a shock or was something you sensed coming, the emotional impact is real. Give yourself space to feel upset, disappointed, or even relieved. But once those feelings settle, remind yourself that your skills, experience, and potential remain very much intact.
What you can do:
- Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
- Take a few days to rest and process, but set a precise date to start planning your next steps.
- Try journaling or listing out your strengths to regain perspective.
Take this quiz: Are You Ready for a Career Comeback?
Remember: Emotions are valid, but they don’t get the final say.
2. Reassess and reflect
Retrenchment can be a chance to pause and reflect on where you truly want to go next. Ask yourself: What have I enjoyed most in my career so far? What skills do I want to continue using or strengthen? Is there a new industry or job role I’ve been curious about but never explored?
Use this time to reset with intention, not panic. You may discover that this unplanned break is the start of a more fulfilling career chapter.
Tools like CareersFinder by MyCareersFuture can help you uncover roles that align with your skills and experience, even ones you may not have considered before. It’s a helpful way to explore fresh options based on real job market data.
What you can do:
- Reflect on your past roles — ask yourself: What about them energised you, and what drained you?
- Use advanced self-assessment tools to explore interests and strengths.
- List non-negotiables for your next job (e.g., flexibility, growth, alignment with values).
Remember: Sometimes, a setback is just a redirection.
Seeking employment help? Make an appointment to see a career coach to help with your job search.
3. Get practical support
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides temporary financial assistance of up to $6,000 over six months to Singaporeans who are involuntarily unemployed, helping you sustain your job search while aiming for roles that better match your skills and experience.
The second is, if you earned a gross monthly income lower than the amount listed in your past employment. You will receive an amount equal to your past gross monthly income instead.
For example, a jobseeker with a past gross monthly income of $900 will not receive more than $900 in the monthly payout.
The JS scheme provides temporary financial support, giving you room to focus on your next career move without the added stress of immediate financial pressure. It’s designed to motivate active job searching, engagement in career coaching, and continuous upskilling.
Remember: Support is not weakness — it’s what enables your next move.
4. Upskill with purpose
One of the best ways to take back control is to invest in your skills. Whether it’s a short digital marketing course or a full certification in project management, learning something new can re-energise you, while also showing employers that you’re serious about growing.
SkillsFuture offers a wide range of courses that allow you to pursue your interests or acquire the necessary skills to make a successful career switch. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or explore a new industry, the right course can help you take that next step with confidence.
Remember: The job market may change, but your ability to learn remains a constant advantage.
5. Stay open, stay active
Retrenchment might steer you toward roles or industries you hadn’t considered — and that could be a good thing. Many mid-career switchers discover that their skills are more transferable than they realised.
To support your journey, Career GRIT offers practical tools to help you job search effectively, boost your brand, and prepare for different hiring scenarios. You can also join virtual seminars and connect with employers through walk-in interviews, virtual job fairs, and more.
What you can do:
- Set a routine for job searching — treat it like a workday.
- Attend virtual job fairs and industry events to widen your network.
- Consider part-time, contract, or project roles to gain new exposure.
Remember: Opportunities may come disguised as detours.
6. Rebuild your confidence with a plan
Confidence doesn’t come from blindly applying to hundreds of jobs — it comes from clarity. With structured support like that from the JS scheme, you can chart a personalised career plan, work with a coach, and find roles that align with your strengths and interests.
When you move with intention, you stop feeling like you’re chasing jobs and start feeling like you’re choosing them.
What you can do:
- Set small weekly goals (e.g., update resume, apply to 3 jobs, attend one course).
- Work with a career coach for personalised career planning.
- Track your progress to stay motivated and see growth.
Remember: You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience. You haven’t lost your value, only your old role. Your future is still in your hands.
When one door closes, another one will open
Being retrenched is never easy, but it doesn’t define you. With the right mindset and support, this period of uncertainty can become one of growth, clarity, and new possibilities. Your next chapter is already waiting. All you have to do is take the first step.
