Job jitters: Why do some worry about jobs when the S’pore labour market is strong?

The Increasing Uncertainty in Singapore’s Job Market

In recent years, Singaporeans have faced increasing job insecurity, despite the nation’s traditionally low unemployment rates. From seasoned professionals like Ray Tan, a human resources expert who had to navigate through 12 months of job searching after her layoff, to the 34% of respondents in NTUC’s 2025 survey expressing concerns about job loss, it’s clear: uncertainty looms large over many.

The Discomfort of Permanent Change

Global trends, including rapid technological changes and a more volatile economic environment, have accelerated job uncertainty. The likes of Lazada and Shopee conducted extensive layoffs, spreading unease across industries. For example, data showed high-profile layoffs in tech companies creating a domino effect, leading workers to question the permanence of their employment positions.

At a broader level, high unemployment and strong job insecurity sentiments can paradoxically coexist. Contract and gig work have become prevalent as companies lean towards non-permanent positions to manage costs. Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences emphasized, “You can conceptually have both high job insecurity and low unemployment”.

Effects on Mid-Career Workers

Mid-career workers, those aged 35–54, are among the most affected by job insecurity. They face hurdles in staying updated with evolving skills while juggling family responsibilities, and experience bias, as older workers are often seen as less adaptable. Reports showed they remain unemployed longer, even when qualifications are higher. For instance, over 5,000 workers aged 50 and above remained jobless for over a year, compared to under 2,000 among younger demographics in 2024.

Government Initiatives: Balancing Act

Rising concerns of job security feature prominently in fiscal policies and political agendas. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted this in his 2025 speech and has instigated substantial support frameworks like the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, offering up to $6,000 for training and career coaching. These efforts aim to bolster Singaporeans’ professional capabilities amid shifting job landscapes. “The People’s Action Party Government’s historical social compact with Singapore’s population will likely maintain focus on job security,” political observer Zulkifli Baharudin suggests.

Simultaneously, legislation such as the Workplace Fairness Bill and frameworks like the Complementarity Assessment Framework (Compass) have been instituted to ensure equitable employment practices, adding another layer of protection for workers.

Personal Stories of Resilience

Individual stories shine a light on resilience and adaptation. For example, Christopher Lim, once a managing director at a multinational company, and his wife, Ms. Lim Geok Keng, after retrenchments, embarked on a business venture — Chateaux, combining creativity with entrepreneurial spirit to brew kombucha, resulting in successful expansion. Similarly, transitions coach Masni Goh, after facing retrenchment, founded Mindcoach.sg, helping others navigate their career shifts.

Future Trends: Preparing for Change

As Singaporeans and employers alike face an evolving work environment, continuous learning and reskilling are paramount. Skill development programs are essential, but they should be tailored to different demographics to maximize effectiveness, stated IPS senior research fellow Laurel Teo.

Emerging technologies, like generative artificial intelligence, disrupt traditional career paths, necessitating a ‘pause and adapt’ approach, as noted by Laurel Teo. This highlights the need for dynamic, adaptive educational and training strategies.

FAQs on Job Insecurity in Singapore

What indicators suggest increasing job insecurity in Singapore?
Trends such as high-profile cuts at major companies, an increase in contract and gig work, and sentiments from surveys conducted by NTUC point towards increasing job insecurity.

Why are mid-career workers experiencing more job insecurity?
Pressures such as skill obsolescence, age discrimination, and the misalignment of skills with evolving job landscapes contribute to the heightened insecurity faced by mid-career individuals.

How is the government addressing job insecurity?
The Singaporean government has launched various support initiatives — from financial aids for reskilling to legislation ensuring fair workplace practices — to mitigate job insecurity.

Defining the New Normal

The landscape of employment in Singapore is transforming amidst global shifts, making a nimble approach to upskilling and continuous learning more critical than ever. As businesses and individuals adapt, it’s vital to remain informed and proactive about evolving opportunities.

Considering the possibility of economic disruptions becoming a norm, having a plan for professional development and adaptability will be crucial. So, what’s your personal plan for adapting to the future of work?

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