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From rejection to reinvention: Some fresh graduates, retrenched workers - Bigiron - 05-07-2025
From rejection to reinvention: Some fresh graduates, retrenched workers find their way out despite sluggish job market
Despite low unemployment, the job market in From rejection to reinvention: Some fresh graduates, retrenched workers find their way out despite sluggish job market
Despite low unemployment, the job market in Singapore remains highly competitive. Some graduates and retrenched mid-career workers have found success by embracing reskilling, career coaching and non-linear paths.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811
RE: From rejection to reinvention: Some fresh graduates, retrenched workers - Bigiron - 05-07-2025
To identify flaws and inconsistencies in the article "From rejection to reinvention: Some fresh graduates, retrenched workers find their way out despite sluggish job market" published by CNA, I’ve critically examined the content based on the provided excerpt and related web results. The analysis focuses on potential issues such as contradictory statements, lack of evidence, logical gaps, or biased framing, while also considering the broader context of the Singapore job market as described.
### Identified Flaws and Inconsistencies
1. **Contradictory Framing of "Low Unemployment" vs. "Highly Competitive" Job Market**
- **Issue**: The article repeatedly emphasizes that Singapore’s job market has "low unemployment" yet is "highly competitive." While these can coexist, the article does not adequately explain how low unemployment aligns with a "sluggish" job market where fresh graduates and retrenched workers struggle significantly. For instance, it mentions that despite low unemployment, landing a job feels like a "pipe dream" for many fresh graduates, which creates a paradoxical tone without sufficient data to reconcile these claims.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/uncertain-outlook-fresh-graduates-job-market-4729351)
- **Analysis**: Low unemployment typically suggests a robust job market, but the article’s focus on intense competition and widespread rejections (e.g., Mr. Dylan Sim’s four-month job search and Muhammad Nabil’s 80+ applications with no response) implies structural issues or mismatches in the labor market. The article lacks specific data, such as unemployment rates (e.g., MOM’s 2023 report cites a resident unemployment rate of ~2.8%, which is low but doesn’t address underemployment or job quality), to clarify this tension. Without this, the "low unemployment" claim feels like an oversimplification that downplays the challenges faced by job seekers.
- **Suggestion**: The article could have included labor market statistics, such as vacancy-to-jobseeker ratios (e.g., MOM’s 2020 data showing 71 vacancies per 100 jobseekers) or sector-specific hiring trends, to better contextualize why the market feels sluggish despite low unemployment.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/the-big-read-coronavirus-covid-19-jobs-graduates-719876)
2. **Limited Evidence for Success Stories**
- **Issue**: The article highlights "success stories" of graduates and retrenched workers who overcame challenges through reskilling, career coaching, and non-linear paths, but the examples provided (e.g., Ms. Sheryl Avery Tham’s entrepreneurial venture and Mr. Muhammad Nabil’s internship-to-job strategy) are anecdotal and not broadly representative. The article does not quantify how common these successes are or provide data on the effectiveness of reskilling programs.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)
- **Analysis**: While individual stories are compelling, they risk creating a narrative that reskilling or entrepreneurship is a universal solution. For instance, Ms. Tham’s success relied on a severance package and no dependents, which the article acknowledges as a "privilege" not available to all. Similarly, Mr. Nabil’s internship led to a job, but the article notes his 80+ failed applications, suggesting his success was an exception. Without broader data (e.g., success rates of reskilling programs like SGUnited Traineeships), the article may overstate the accessibility of these "non-linear paths."[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/the-big-read-coronavirus-covid-19-jobs-graduates-719876)
- **Suggestion**: Including statistics, such as the percentage of retrenched workers who successfully transition via reskilling (e.g., MOM’s re-employment rates for 2023 show younger workers re-enter the workforce faster), would strengthen the claims and provide a more balanced view.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/young-workers-retrenched-jobs-uncertain-economy-3615151)
3. **Vague or Unsubstantiated Claims About Employer Preferences**
- **Issue**: The article cites Ms. Tham’s experience of being "ghosted, automatically rejected, or told she was ‘too expensive’" due to her experience, suggesting employers prefer cheaper, less experienced candidates. However, it provides no evidence to confirm this as a widespread trend, nor does it explore why employers might favor less costly hires.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)
- **Analysis**: This claim aligns with anecdotal reports in other sources (e.g., retrenched tech workers facing salary barriers due to employment pass requirements), but the article doesn’t substantiate it with data, such as hiring trends or employer surveys. For example, it could have referenced MOM’s labor market reports showing increased contract-based hiring (7.2% of workers on fixed-term contracts in 2018), which often prioritizes cost over experience. The lack of such evidence makes the claim feel speculative and risks oversimplifying employer behavior.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/retrenchment-tech-layoffs-no-jobs-search-long-stressful-workers-3335986)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/headwinds-grow-fresh-grads-adjust-job-starting-salaries-gigs-11633968)
- **Suggestion**: Citing industry-specific hiring data or expert opinions (e.g., Dr. Kelvin Seah’s comments on corporate restructuring) would ground this claim and clarify whether cost-driven hiring is systemic or sector-specific.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/uncertain-outlook-fresh-graduates-job-market-4729351)
4. **Inconsistent Tone on Job Market Outlook**
- **Issue**: The article’s tone oscillates between optimism (highlighting "success stories" and reskilling as solutions) and pessimism (describing a "turbulent" and "sluggish" job market with widespread rejections). This creates a mixed message about whether the job market is improving or worsening. For example, it contrasts low unemployment with a "challenging job market" but doesn’t clarify if this is a temporary or structural issue.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)[](https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/cna-from-rejection-to-reinvention-some-fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-find-their-way-out-despite-sluggish-job-market.7141082/)
- **Analysis**: The inconsistency may stem from the article’s attempt to balance human interest stories with broader economic commentary. Other sources indicate ongoing volatility (e.g., rising retrenchments in 2023 at 3,820 in Q1 and AI-driven job disruptions), but the article doesn’t engage with these trends to explain the market’s state. This leaves readers unclear on whether the "success stories" are outliers or indicative of a recovering market.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/young-workers-retrenched-jobs-uncertain-economy-3615151)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/generative-ai-disrupt-jobs-prepare-5027576)
- **Suggestion**: A clearer timeline or context (e.g., referencing post-COVID recovery in 2022 when hiring was buoyant vs. 2025’s uncertainties post-U.S. elections) would help reconcile the optimistic and pessimistic tones.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/big-read-jobseekers-2022-apply-jobs-opportunities-2727031)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/uncertain-outlook-fresh-graduates-job-market-4729351)
5. **Lack of Depth on Systemic Issues**
- **Issue**: The article mentions reskilling and non-linear paths as solutions but glosses over systemic barriers, such as the impact of AI/automation, global economic uncertainties, or sector-specific declines (e.g., tech layoffs). It briefly notes Ms. Tham’s burnout and Mr. Nabil’s lack of practical experience but doesn’t explore how these reflect broader issues like workplace mental health or education-job mismatches.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/generative-ai-disrupt-jobs-prepare-5027576)
- **Analysis**: Other sources highlight AI-driven job losses (e.g., 54% of banking jobs at risk of automation) and corporate restructuring favoring short-term contracts (), which exacerbate competition. The article’s focus on individual resilience risks implying that systemic issues can be overcome solely through personal effort, ignoring structural challenges like hiring freezes or preference for foreign talent with specialized skills (). This creates a gap in addressing why the job market remains tough despite low unemployment.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/generative-ai-disrupt-jobs-prepare-5027576)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/uncertain-outlook-fresh-graduates-job-market-4729351)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/big-read-jobseekers-2022-apply-jobs-opportunities-2727031)
- **Suggestion**: Discussing government initiatives (e.g., the 2023 retrenched worker support scheme) or industry trends (e.g., tech sector layoffs) would provide a more comprehensive view of the challenges and solutions.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-day-rally-2023-retrenched-workers-financial-support-reskilling-scheme-3711476)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/retrenchment-tech-layoffs-no-jobs-search-long-stressful-workers-3335986)
6. **Potential Bias in Highlighting Entrepreneurship**
- **Issue**: The article emphasizes entrepreneurship as a viable path (e.g., Ms. Tham’s wellness studio), but this option is presented without acknowledging its risks or accessibility for most job seekers. The narrative may implicitly favor entrepreneurial success stories, potentially skewing perceptions of realistic outcomes.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)
- **Analysis**: Entrepreneurship requires capital, networks, and risk tolerance, which Ms. Tham’s severance package and lack of dependents facilitated. Most retrenched workers or graduates, especially those with financial pressures (e.g., 150,000 workers faced pay cuts in 2020), may not have this option. The article’s focus on this path without discussing its limitations or failure rates could mislead readers into thinking it’s a broadly viable solution.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/the-big-read-coronavirus-covid-19-jobs-graduates-719876)
- **Suggestion**: Balancing the entrepreneurial narrative with data on startup success rates or alternative paths (e.g., government traineeships) would provide a more realistic perspective.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/the-big-read-coronavirus-covid-19-jobs-graduates-719876)
### Additional Notes
- **Contextual Gaps**: The article doesn’t address how global trends (e.g., U.S. election uncertainties, China’s recovery) or technological shifts (e.g., AI displacing jobs) specifically impact Singapore’s job market, which could clarify the "sluggish" label.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/uncertain-outlook-fresh-graduates-job-market-4729351)[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/generative-ai-disrupt-jobs-prepare-5027576)
- **Lack of Diverse Perspectives**: The article focuses on a few individuals (e.g., a valedictorian, a mid-career professional with a severance package) but lacks voices from lower-skilled workers or those in non-tech sectors, limiting its representativeness.[](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-job-market-5217811)
- **Forum Critique**: A HardwareZone forum post describes the article as “talking in circles” and using “contradictory words,” reflecting reader frustration with its unclear narrative, which aligns with the inconsistent tone identified above.[](https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/cna-from-rejection-to-reinvention-some-fresh-graduates-retrenched-workers-find-their-way-out-despite-sluggish-job-market.7141082/)
### Conclusion
The article’s primary flaws lie in its contradictory framing of the job market, reliance on anecdotal success stories without broader evidence, vague claims about employer behavior, and inconsistent tone. It also under-explores systemic issues like AI-driven disruptions or global economic factors, focusing too heavily on individual resilience. To improve, it could incorporate labor market data, discuss systemic barriers, and balance optimistic narratives with realistic challenges. These gaps make the article feel incomplete and potentially misleading about the ease of navigating Singapore’s job market in 2025.