” a staggering 26,530 for the first three minds of this year.” should be “months”

anyway, without setting a clear target, they can argue that the jobs credit scheme “saves jobs”. even if there is a net loss in jobs, they can always claim that things could get worst without jobs credit

the ST snr POLITICAL correspondent said
“Thus the report has been useful in underlining one important truth : Any progress low-wage workers made from 2006-08 was due mainly to GOV help.

If that was true in the good years, it has to be equally true, if not more so, in the bad years. ”

sue-ann chia is now my fav political correspondent after the other 2. seems like a rising ’star’. got potential wor ……. heeeheheeee.

regards
invis-tshirt

The Labour market not recovering ?

Well, I got a job that pays me ‘very well’ , about $800. No, I am not a singaporean who shuns low wage, long-hour jobs. Many are like me.
Before the crisis, my salary is $7600 (up to you to believe).
About 10 times difference.

Upsize not the Downsize leh.

Can I say that Mr Leong’s article is based on STATISTICS from ‘them’?
Thats interesting. ;)

The Jobs Credit Scheme only help employers, including healthy ones. It hardly saves jobs. Would the Govt care to tell us how many jobs were saved and at what costs per job saved? The money could have been used to create jobs.

aiyoyo

not sure what this means?

“Low-wage workers better off…”

aiyoyo

I see there is no motivation for the Gov to help the unemployed PMETS because in terms of Cost Benefit Analysis is Not WorthWhile!
They rather spend time allowing more S-pass Work Permit holders to come in and earn Levy!

If you see an MP, he will push to CDC, then CDC will push you to E2i and you are Merry Go Round. CDC Consultants really got no Motivation whether you are help as long as they don’t made mistake and get their pay!

Gov will blame the Workers for Choosy and Workers will blame the Low pay Job
So let problem of Unemployment SnowBall till a Critical Mass is reach and SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN! Look forward to that D-Day!

some gal said you are not yet 1st wer.
I wonder what that implies?
kekekeke

when the economy is good, govt says is their credit.
when the economy is bad, govt blames it on other economies.

what nonsense is this!?

@ Trueblood Singaporean,

I have been to CDC to consult the administrative staff there for job assistance. The admin staff in CDC are not professional when it comes to helping PMET job seeker, since they are not training in profiling PMET job seekers to their clients. They used to provide job training services to the older workers to convert them to hawkers, cake makers, beauticians, cleaners and security officers, which are low skilled work. They don’t have much choices to cater for those PMET but were tasked to do so because of the severe economic crisis. The staff at the CDC and WDA ask me to seek help from E2I instead. E2I only knows how to collect my personal details and call me up to sign up for all sorts of crap workshops which doesn’t teach much useful skills.

#9, fyi, I heard that to apply job at E2i now needs to be registered with WCA work care agents else may be checked by the recruiters in the job fair. So, seems like 2 layers of checks. I wonder why?

well, the middle class is so large in the middle of the huge sandwich, so now kenna trimmed & tossed to the lower class loh.

rightly, those PMETs who lost their jobs should be the 1s who know better how to help those other PMETs who lost their jobs. the skillset, salary & jobscope should not be so far off the mark from the previous work.

hi Brembo Braka,

eh, you mean WDA not WCA?

maybe they want to weed out “choosey” jobseekers?

;)

I wonder what sort of government we have, with ministers still getting paid
millionaires private sector salary dishing out indequate and half-hearted efforts to so-called help citizens weather the crisis. With their sky-high salaries and cushy life, of course they can take it so easy as they won’t be able to feel the pain and anxiety that unemployed PMETs faced. I think singaporeans are basically left on their own to fight job loss, income loss, rising cost of living, etc.
You can’t depend on a government who although can feel the ground also not willing to do much to help citizens in distress.

aiyoyo

scary on jobs loss…

not sure how much elites helping commoners to cope?

since they take so high pay (commoners pay so much tax)

aiyoyo

When GDP contracted by 10% on an annualized basis in the first quarter, losing only 6,200 jobs in the same period is actually quite amazing. How to account for it? LZH has some in this article (switching from full time to part time, cutting hours worked, paying people to do less so productivity falls but jobs remain).

I think the job credit scheme is part of the last bit, and the fact that productivity has fallen more than GDP shows that jobs are indeed being retained even though output does not warrant it. But that is exactly what the job credit scheme was designed to do – pay employers to keep workers even though the demand for their output isn’t there.

So, I think these latest stats show that the scheme is working as intended, and working pretty well. It may not be enough to help those hit hard, and LZH’s call for reviewing policies is alright, but I think the sub-headline is erroneous.

Why GDP contract by 10% and job lose is only 6200? Cause those on Spur Programs employed or unemployed are counted as employed and this reflect good in their datas!

Why Job Credit was not in Workers Pocket but in MNCs employer pockets is Gov don’t trust the Workers able to manage the money! Employer can always terminate the workers after taking the Job Credit and what if JC run out 1 day?

Let face the Economic Reality the sooner the better rather than the artifically reality now!

#15

Agree with Jason that JCS appears to have fulfilled its promise to save jobs. One reason why PMETs appear to have been hit harder could be because their salaries are usually >$3500 and are therefore not as well-covered by JCS. Nonetheless, we should be thankful that the low-income families are being buffered from this recession.

We should also applaud employers for their socially responsible behaviour, in not taking advantage of the loopholes in JCS. Even the local banks deserve praise for their part in unfreezing the credit crunch here.

To Jason and Panache. At $4Billion, if 10000 jobs are saved by the JC scheme, the cost of saving each job is $400,000. Even at 20000 jobs saved, the cost is $200,000!!!! Take your pick. This underlines the studipity of this scheme.

How do you justify spending national reserves for it? With increasing unemployment, how many jobs can you say have actually been saved just by the JC scheme? It will be much much cheaper, say, to give every unemployed and underpaid local worker direct money aid for 12 months till situation improves. Just to give you an idea, giving even as much as $10,000 to 100,000 workers will cost only $1 billion, ie., 25% of the total cost of the JC scheme. And it will still breakeven if the aid goes on for 4 years!!!!, not that it should.
Tell me, tell me please.

Hi Panache #17

You said: Even the local banks deserve praise for their part in unfreezing the credit crunch here.

Come on. After the Singapore Government announced the risk-sharing scheme for bank loans in Budget 2009, our local banks converted many existing commercial loans into government-backed loans. Unfreeze what credit?

Gan Kim Yong does not know how to read and analyse his ministry labour statistics. Otherwise he shouldn’t lie about JCS and $20bil help. Luckily we have our analyse Leong here to force him to his knees and show his true color. I cannot stand a person like Gan should lie thru his teeth and try to influence vote in this manner. It really has bad consequences for the people and the economy of this country. A country will not prosper with lies abound.

To be honest.

You CANNOT give $ direct to the jobless, YOU WILL ENCOURAGE MORE WORKERS TO VOLUNTEER TO BE RETRENCHED. OK ?

give it to the company that employ the retrenched, may be for minimum of 6 months, may be half half, employer and employee each collect from the government.

THIS SHOULD THE METHOD TO HELP THE RETRENCH !

Companies just refused to employed PMETS! Reason pay >$3500 and their Age are >35yrs. If I were to employed XXX, sure you will stay!

Why not employed S pass <25yrs with degree or diploma and will follow instructions!

If Gov are Sincere, they should take use JC to employed Older Singaporean but it seem they want young and fresh expect LKY!

This is life in Singapore!

We can say this.
They can say that.
There is an infinite shades of grey, technically speaking.
In short, only the Low Wage workers , including myself knows the answer.
Suggestion : Conduct a poll on ALL if not 90% of the low wage workers. Why so high percentage? well, I only trust this kind of poll. Statistics compiled based on small or selective population is not as convincing nor scientifically impressive than the high percentage participation polls.
Its like voting.
My 1.01 cents

22) TrueBlood Singaporean on June 18th, 2009 9.59 pm
“”"Companies just refused to employed PMETS! Reason pay >$3500 and their Age are >35yrs. If I were to employed XXX, sure you will stay!”"”

I used my smaller qualifications that met the requirements.
I, a singaporean, am offered $850 per month as a Technician. Technician also part of pmeT right? see that ‘T’??

I suggest lowering the expected salary to make ourselves competitive with foreigner workers to increase our chances. I know, we citizens have a lot more to pay and pay but what to do? Even citizen employers are happy to hire as many foreigners as possible or as necessary or as they could or should. They say like this we get to keep our jobs wor. really a wonderful solution wor.

I can now boast that i am as competitive as a foreigner, cost wise.
I not sure to laugh or cry.

JB IDR successful already not? I wait….

Ministry Of Manpower Double Standards.

Issue 3228981

Read The Truth At : SGCOMPLAINS.COM

second stimulus package ,, third stimulus package……..
Minister Gan , Stop pretending tat this JCS works. You are throwing tax payers money onto employers pockets.

Jobs Credit only benefits companies and bosses.

Some of my Transitioning members have told me that they will be fired by end July and I dont know how many others will be in the same position.

Many bosses just take in the July Jobs Credit in July and then fire the workers after that.

Healthy companies will definitely be the ones that will benefit most from the Jobs Credit policies.

No prizes for those who guess which are the comapnies that are currently still standing intact from the current financial crisis.

allow me to digress to give readers some tips : upgrade to IE8 and use its InPrivate function that can prevent websites access to your cookies.

#18 To Indignified

Nope, I didn’t say that the money was used efficiently. I myself was a great critic of JCS when it was announced. However, at least in terms of saving jobs for low-income workers, it seems to have worked. At what cost? Is it worth it? Very likely not. I still consider JCS a bailout for businesses rather than for the workers. It is also expensive and unsustainable in the long term if the global recession drags on.

#19 To smallvice

Yes, the govt has become the ‘lender of last resort’ by guaranteeing these loans. The scheme is definitely a bailout for banks and businesses. But at least businesses that depend on revolving credit for cashflow do not go bankrupt, thereby creating more unemployment. Again, this is unsustainable in the long term. Perhaps some of these businesses should also be allowed to fail in the interest of creative destruction.

Actually there’s more than 1 ministry (not just MOM) having to face the heat isn’t it…..
In the good days, we had EDB (under Ministry of Trade and Industry) bringing in huge enough investments, and therefore job creation opportunities. Today, I no longer hear spectacular news, including how many jobs created with which incoming investment.
Looks like the unofficial “EDBs” of other countries have taken companies away from Singapore, or the terms offered were so attractive that Singapore has been bypassed from the start on investments.

Where are the Foreign investments we seen in the past , EDB?

#13,

agree with you. whatever helps given now from government is only temporary. priority now they should review most policies esp got to do with FTs, CPF, HIGH COST AND JOBS, JOBS, JOBS…not all these craps of statistics shown to gain credit worth on their performance. the people are NOT STUPID!

in retrospect, when government insisted on ahead with such hugh inhuman raise on their salaries, have they thought of ‘what is situation gets worse like right now’?

so it is fair that they should really look into solving problems since they are getting fat pays not just like usual ‘always justification on thier claims all the time’.

it is time to act and acts fast!!!!!

IMHO, JCS is a good idea in adverse situation like this financial tsunami triggered depression (hopefully it will end by 2009). I guess a tweak in the rule will make it work better and more to the benefit of Singaporeans (Employers and Employees). If there is a second stimulus plan, I hope whatever help the government is dishing out, please set in this rules to ensure the benefit goes directly to Singaporeans:

1) Employers can only claim JCS for employees that are native Singaporeans and those who had become PR of SIngapore for at least 3 years. the ratio is 1:2 (for every two native born SIngaporeans, 1 PR).

2) Employers who claimed JCS for employees need to keep them for at least 12 months in the company.

3) JCS should only be offered to Singaporean registered and owned businesses.

4) Any breach of these rules, previously claimed JCS will have to be returned. This is to ensure this scheme is not abuse.

This will ensure and encourage employers to hire or retain SIngaporeans or PR who had live as PR for at least 3 years or greater.

As to whether this JCS is effective, I would not say it doesn’t help but I believe it did not reach its potential it originally aimed for. THe government need to know, foreign workers too are protected but I think they need to send a strong message to employers that native Singaporeans come first. The reason is clear, foreign workers are at will to leave Singapore for greener pasture, native Singaporeans (particularly those who are at lower income level or are less fortunate), we have only one place to live under. If Singapore government do not help Singaporeans, do not expect foreign own businesses or employers to help. If Singaporeans do not help Singaporeans, do not expect others will (they are not oblige to so ).

If our infrastructures and policies are as sound as the government made out, I do not believe we need to worry about future FDI by companies who sees great value within. I would encourage the government to support local businesses more and create our very own branding. You have asked Singaporeans to have a sense of belongings and be patriotic to the nation, it cuts both ways. It is the people who voted you in and give you the mandate unless you want this change.

Sincerely,

Observer (SG-HK)

IMHO, JCS is a good idea in adverse situation like this financial tsunami triggered depression (hopefully it will end by 2009). I guess a tweak in the rule will make it work better and more to the benefit of Singaporeans (Employers and Employees). If there is a second stimulus plan, I hope whatever help the government is dishing out, please set in this rules to ensure the benefit goes directly to Singaporeans:

1) Employers can only claim JCS for employees that are native Singaporeans and those who had become PR of Singapore for at least 3 years. ratio is 1:2 (for every two native born Singaporeans, 1 PR).

2) Employers who claimed JCS for employees need to keep them for at least 12 months in the company.

3) JCS should only be offered to Singaporean registered and owned businesses.

4) Any breach of these rules, previously claimed JCS will have to be returned. This is to ensure this scheme is not abuse.

This will ensure and encourage employers to hire or retain Singaporeans or PR who had live as PR for at least 3 years or greater.

As to whether this JCS is effective, I would not say it doesn’t help but I believe it did not reach its potential it originally aimed for. The government needs to know, foreign workers too are protected but I think they need to send a strong message to employers that native Singaporeans come first. The reason is clear, foreign workers are at will to leave Singapore for greener pasture, native Singaporeans (particularly those who are at lower income level or are less fortunate), we have only one place to live under. If Singapore government do not help Singaporeans, do not expect foreign own businesses or employers to help. If Singaporeans do not help Singaporeans, do not expect others will (they are not oblige to so).

If our infrastructures and policies are as sound as the government made out, I do not believe we need to worry about future FDI by companies who sees great value within. I would encourage the government to support local businesses more and create our very own branding. You have asked Singaporeans to have a sense of belongings and be patriotic to the nation, it cuts both ways. It is the people who voted you in and give you the mandate unless you want this change.

Sincerely,

Observer (SG-HK)

I have commented in #18 that the JC’s unit cost of saving a job is just so ridiculously high if it is meant to save jobs. But of course it does an excellent job as a scheme to gift national reserves to both struggling and thriving commercial businesses regardless, something the govt doesn’t even do for its citizens. Hence as Leong pointed out, recent employment data do not support adequately the intended results of JC.

JC is doomed to ineffectiveness from day one with such major leakages:
1. no commitment that company-receipients of JC momey will not retrench, cut pay or implement no-pay leave. Ends up it is the owners who benefit most.
2. thriving and financially healthy companies will still employ or retrench according to their plans with or without JCs – that’s our money down the drain as far as the JC objectives go. And collectively these companies including GLCs, banks and MNCs which constitute a major hirer of workers simply say “thank you very much” and pocket the money and improve their balance sheets.

$1 billion has been disbursed and the next $1 billion will follow in July. Does the govt have the moral authlority to go through the motion out of pride and dole out the full $4 billion of national reserves by year-end without turning some wheels in the meantime?

#33 To Observer

Totally agree! What most Singaporeans find hardest to swallow is that JCS does not discriminate between Citizens and PRs. I actually know a friend who got laid off but his Indian PR colleague was retained… Yes, he has been going back for reservist every year for the past 8 years.

To Panache on June 19th, 2009 3.52 pm

I think the reservist is to our citizens’ disadvantage, if both the PR and Citizen doing the similar job and performance, the employer will retrench the citizen first because citizen has to perform reservist and disrupt his assignment/work.

aiyoyo

see cna news :

Lim Hwee Hua urges nations to be mindful of recovery patterns

when economy going to be good/recover?

commoners how? got solutions, elites? scared scared..

aiyoyo

We should import another 1 million foreign talents into Singapore, so that Singaporeans will have 0% unemployment, since they claim that foreign talents provide jobs for Singaporeans. *snigger*

35) Panache on June 19th, 2009 3.52 pm
{{{#33 To Observer

Totally agree! What most Singaporeans find hardest to swallow is that JCS does not discriminate between Citizens and PRs. I actually know a friend who got laid off but his Indian PR colleague was retained… Yes, he has been going back for reservist every year for the past 8 years.}}}

What is the use of complaining? The majority did not show their disapproval on JCS, at least there is no clear poll (based on at least 90% citizen) data to indicate this ( polls based on a few people is not meaningful nor useful).

The news said , the poor are better offf.
Mr Leong pointed out some cause for concern with very solid and convincing statistics from ‘them’.

The only way is to hear it from the horse’s mouth – Conduct a poll on this sub population of say bottom 30%.

This is the most Scientific, Accurate, Honest, Unchallengable record to show anyone in the world. This will be the IRREFUTABLE Truth.

Likewise, ALL voters should vote in the coming election. There should be no fear about having a Referendum on their popularity and find out the people’s level of confidence in them and see is there room for them to improve in terms of Transparency, Accountability and View Diversity .

TOC, what is the point of having all QUESTIONS posed without any Formal or Direct reply?

Question Marks all over the net.
? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ? ?

How would this government fund the second stimulus package, now that Temasek has realised its billions of paper losses. I’m voting for a change of government so as to check the books!

Don’t they already have their people checking?

I wonder how their LOGICAL, UNBiased, FAIR MINDED supporters feel about how the books are being checked?

I wonder do they base their support on Trust or something else?

Do we support a party more or a nation more?

I support only the nation.

That is why there is election.

supporters do respond. But I am pessimistic based on historical evidence.

There was a super market by ‘them’ that said it is employing a assistant.
Being a non-choosey singaporean who can accept salary as low as FW,
I filled up a form and approached the manager, a young bloke about 30 years old.

A day before, I asked him for the application form.
He told me he very busy, not that day. so , he said maybe 1 or 2 days later . Then he said, 2 days later better. It gave me impression that he not urgently getting the position filled.

On the day of interview, a short 5 minutes, heres what he told me:
1. Erm, this is a low pay job you know? I said no problem. Any salary you pay , i take.

2. Next, he told me, we only have a part-time position you know ? I said, ok no problem.

3. Then he said, to start with, it will be only a temp job you know? After temp job, see if you good enough, then give you part-time job. I felt , hmmm, why he changed his words saying its part time and then now temp job? I said, yes, no issue.

4. Next, he said, this job pays very little, about $4.xx bucks per hour only leh. I said, can, that is good pay already. He looked at me like not sure what will deter me. kinda teeny bit frustrated like that but kept to himself.

5. Then, he said, how about work in wee hours shifts? I told him, your household name super market got operate at midnight or wee hours wan meh? He got stunned, he stammered and said, oh, no lah just asking.

6. Next, he even more frustrated like that (low profile), and asked me if ok to work in other branches they have on the island. I said, of course, no problem. Anywhere. He looked at me, kinda no sure what to say, a bit surprised that nothing will deter me. The funny thing is, next he told me all other branches on the island positions all filled already. No more vacancies. Which means only 1 vacancy here in this branch.

7. Then, he told me, the job requires carrying heavy loads leh. I said, no problem. Though not like teenager, I still fit.

At this point he seems like run out of questions.

Then the meeting ended.

My impression was that he somehow has Reservations of hiring me, though the requirement is anyone can apply basically, as shop assistant. I was well dressed , decent and polite and spoke in clear simple english.

I wonder would he employ me? I told him I live next door only and can work any hour they want me to work at any pay under any work terms and conditions.

Technically speaking, there is no reason he should reject my application.
But the reality is something unknown for now – the decision lies with him.

After telling my family members this episode, they said, if they are the manager, a young prolly O Level qualified guy, seeing my kind of profile would NOT employ me for sure as I threaten his rice bowl. I told the manager, I just want to earn a simple living. Not asking much. I also said, I no physical disability, illness etc.

Lets see if I am employed. Pls comment what reason could you think of that will lead to his rejection of my application. Thanks.

email : wheresmycheese2009@yahoo.com.sg

sincerely
LFY

i forgot to mention : I put down my highest qualification is O Level.

>I filled up a form and approached the manager, a young bloke about 30 years old.

basket, this manager got so many patterns, maybe he scared u are higher qualified than him will one day take his manager job, after all supermarket manager only need o’level & some store experience

>We should import another 1 million foreign talents into Singapore, so that Singaporeans will have 0% unemployment, since they claim that foreign talents provide jobs for Singaporeans.

ya, whos paying these FT? our income tax?

46) I went for interview on June 25th, 2009 3.32 pm ,

why dont you try to ask his boss who said do all what he can to make you lesser mortal stay employed no matter, you who i refer, rite?

Hmmm, I wonder? Should I shift to become a low wage worker instead? At least they have jobs…

50) mike on June 25th, 2009 4.53 pm

But I am quite sure, his boss will never know who came and went.
Those may be living in ivory towers hor?

When the emperor is far away, the generals can do what they want.

48] toiletmatter : Precisely what I feel. To be honest, I really sensed that he sort of afraid of me like maciam wary or feel threatened like that. The lesson learnt this round is that when in a recession, in an interview, do appear to fit the role for the kind of qualification required. Else, the interviewer, who is more concerned about his RICEBOWL than the Company getting higher qualified candidates, may purposely find reasons not to hire someone who can pose a threat of replacing him.

singaporeans fight with singaporeans for jobs. There is no compassion in job market. Case in point, singaporean employers would be more than glad to hire as many cheaper labor as he is allowed so that he can profit more to buy his next lambo. And remember what they say, “no one owes you a living”.
Its a brutal world and a vicious cycle.

hi I went for interview,

////singaporeans fight with singaporeans for jobs. There is no compassion in job market. Case in point, singaporean employers would be more than glad to hire as many cheaper labor as he is allowed so that he can profit more to buy his next lambo. And remember what they say, “no one owes you a living”.
Its a brutal world and a vicious cycle.////

its ugly & its so true, i’ve experienced that not just once. local employers… sigh.

cannot even secure own ricebowl serve NS protect what, other people’s ricebowl?

“13) mice is nice on June 18th, 2009 3.13 pm

hi Brembo Braka,

eh, you mean WDA not WCA?

maybe they want to weed out “choosey” jobseekers?”

Can you entirely blame some for being choosy?

Take this scenario into consideration:
PMET buys a typical 4 room flat after getting married. Due to the high cost of public housing here, he is committed to a 30 year loan of about $420k for that 4 room flat.

Have two kids. Put them thru school. High cost of child care. Tuition to ensure kids can keep up with the competitive school environment.
Earning the average $3000 a month, it is enough to get by on a day to day basis.

Now, company retrenches. Minimum compensation. Go to govt agencies for these so call work schemes only to be offered jobs that pays $1000-$1200. After CPF deductions, which is not even enough to service the HDB loan for the home due to the drop in income. So to ensure there is a roof over head, have to top up with cash.

So tell me, can you afford to just take up a job that pays so much less, so much so that it is not even enough to make ends meet?
And you call them choosy?

And I am just referring to those average singaporeans who is earning an average salary. So think about it, for those singaporeans who is earning and living in the below average range, how are they going to cope if the next job offer they get are not at least the same level as the one they just lost?

So, don’t brand people who are choosy about their jobs with a single broad paint brush. They have reasons to do so!

I agree with mice is nice–singaporean employers and the job market itself can be cruel.

Searching for a job is really tough. I don’t know if I’m being choosy but, at the risk of sound arrogant, I believe I’ve somehow earned it. Having come from the US and working at one of the top banks there for 3 yrs, I naturally want to top or at least match my previous job (in pay at least). But no, Singaporeans won’t have any of it.

It is either you get a low paying job or, they won’t even touch you at all. I’ve seen ads by recruiters offering jobs. but when you contact them, it seems as if these posters are non-existent. Not even a “thanks for sending in your CV” or something. And that’s just for starters. What bout companies who never seem to answer your response to their job postings? Let’s not even go there…

What gives?

Searching for a job…and the meaning of life itself: http://bit.ly/3wmLeV

For Jackson, I learned something from Singapore Gahman.
There is nothing wrong with them.
Everything that is wrong is you, the Singaporean. They always setup good system, it is always u the Singaporean that screw up.
As a Singaporean I am pissed by all the BS published by the media.

Just check SAF, how many Officers you think can pass IPPT?
Yet, NSMen must pass if not RT u go.
Singapore pledged for EQUALITY, regardless of RACE, LANGUAGE, RELIGION.
Do you really think there is equality? Is time to wake up everybody.

The Monarch is trying to secure the Monarchy. We have to wake up now.
If not, all will be marginalized.

hi PMET,

yes i mean WDA, not WCA. it was a typo error…

////Take this scenario into consideration:
PMET buys a typical 4 room flat after getting married. Due to the high cost of public housing here, he is committed to a 30 year loan of about $420k for that 4 room flat.

Have two kids. Put them thru school. High cost of child care. Tuition to ensure kids can keep up with the competitive school environment.
Earning the average $3000 a month, it is enough to get by on a day to day basis.

Now, company retrenches. Minimum compensation. Go to govt agencies for these so call work schemes only to be offered jobs that pays $1000-$1200. After CPF deductions, which is not even enough to service the HDB loan for the home due to the drop in income. So to ensure there is a roof over head, have to top up with cash.

So tell me, can you afford to just take up a job that pays so much less, so much so that it is not even enough to make ends meet?
And you call them choosy?////

i get your drift, but unfortunately, do bosses care? that is my point, they person who points finger at others should look into the mirror. in this case its the employers, are they not choosey?

of course, the condescending term was coined then echoed to insult our intelligence. because throughout the decades post independance we have been encouraged to aim high & work for our dream & turn them into reality. now that the bubble of the boom years has passed, they powers that be needed a buzzword that is easy to remember & echoed….

there are 2 words being repeated rather often to thumb the already down throddened “business sense”.

govt say, business also use this convenient term…. S’pore INC Pte Ltd?

come to think of it does anyone here share the sentiment that the large (low, mid + high) middle class (coined as fat sandwich) is being trimmed drastically?

looks like we really are back to square 1 when S’pore achieved independance. the middle class boom of yesteryear, seem all but bust, now….

hey singapore,
after all is said here, any progress?
not in my opinion.
TIME is our only solution. tick tock.

46) I went for interview

///5. Then, he said, how about work in wee hours shifts? I told him, your household name super market got operate at midnight or wee hours wan meh? He got stunned, he stammered and said, oh, no lah just asking.////

Actually there are stocktakers who work thru the night to stock up the store for the next day at the “household name super market “

hi KopitiamApek,

//// Actually there are stocktakers who work thru the night to stock up the store for the next day at the “household name super market ////

true, but its a little known fact for majority of shoppers. never see, never know.

this is a good example of gross job mismatch.

jobseeker profile:
- middle age
- with high overheads, like family commitment
has to content with,
- low salary (not sustainable income for the long haul)
- odd hours (impact of family commitment, time spent)
- gross mismatch in qualification

from the HR point of view, he is not the ideal candidate. reason not to hire- possible high chance of turnover, resulting in the need to find replacement again. will reflect poorly on the HR who made the decision if the fear of turnover comes true.

61) mice is nice

///from the HR point of view, he is not the ideal candidate. reason not to hire- possible high chance of turnover, resulting in the need to find replacement again. .///

true.
and the post here who said that he did not tell the truth about his qualifications during interview, I think most bosses can read thru these lies by the way the candidate speaks and his body language

I know of a young person with a degree in psychology. Upon graduation, immediately grabbed by a foreign bank and was given the job in personal banker, targetting high value clients, made easy money, moved out of parents home to live on his own, and life was going just great, then kaboom!!! subprime came along, outta a job.

But he is stuck with this high expectation of good pay good life, when he was just a lucky shot for being at the right time at the right place

He has completely no experience in his field of study (psychology) and is not really a banker but really a salesman exploited by the bank, and during the banking boom, a monkey can sell finacial products

this is an example of a PMET went wrong

hi KopitiamApek,

////and the post here who said that he did not tell the truth about his qualifications during interview, I think most bosses can read thru these lies by the way the candidate speaks and his body language////

yes, non verbal communication counts.

post #63, on July 13th, 2009 10.31 pm

eh, let’s be fair. this downturn has forced many PMETs out of job. besides, the more 1 earns the more 1 spends. even in difficult times MSM is encouraging everyone to spend like the boom years. how many can really lead frugale lifestyles? there is subtle pressure from co-workers, friends, family, & society at large to “live it up”.

back to the topic, we cannot pin all the blame on select individuals. “when the music is playing we have to keep on dancing”. those who do live their lives contrary to society’s expectation run the risk of being ostracized for the worse, being wierd, a little queer. at work, impressions matter.

also, KopitiamApek, whenever you tell your little stories, you risk offending others who you do not know, & your little stories may not accurately portray the poster’s experience. i will not be surprised if the poster takes you to task for that (as i have in the past).

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

KopitiamApek,

consider this. everyone at an informal office party drinks wine, beer or alcoholic fruit punch. how would others think of 1 “oddball” who insist on sticking to milk, or plain water?