Late 30s and Still Rejected: The Harsh Reality of Upskilling in Singapore

[jinsadndepress]

moi recv a resume from FT
26yo with 10yrs experience asking less 3k only

jin satki...start working at 16yo. true or not no one can confirm

how u beat that?

Jskm ...

Sinkie male barely just graduate ...

Put 2 year ns as work sexperience can ?

 

[Mr Totoro 38]

TS,

Keep trying and trying no matter how tired you are.

Hope you can find the silver lining soon.

 

[dambio]

I’m writing this because I need to be honest about something that’s been weighing on me for a while.


A few years ago, I bought into the dream that upskilling would change my life. I signed up for project management modules, took data analytics courses, and spent countless evenings and weekends learning new things. I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, if I kept improving myself, I’d eventually land a better job or maybe even start a new career.


But now, after sending out hundreds of job applications—each one painstakingly customised, every cover letter rewritten for the role—I’m still stuck. Most of the time, I don’t even get a reply. When I do, it’s another polite rejection. It’s hard not to take it personally after putting in so much effort.


The truth is, upskilling in your late 30s or beyond isn’t the magic solution it’s made out to be, especially if you are a local. I’ve realised that age really does matter in the job market for s Singaporean, no matter what people say. Employers talk about valuing experience and lifelong learning, but when it comes down to it, they still prefer someone younger, someone who fits neatly into their expectations.


It’s not that I regret learning new things. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I know I’m more capable now than I was before. But the reality is, all these new skills haven’t helped me break through the invisible wall that seems to go up once you hit a certain age. My years of experience in a different field are suddenly “irrelevant,” and my new certificates don’t seem to matter.


I’ve tried networking, reaching out to people, even offering to intern or volunteer just to get a foot in the door. Still, nothing changes. The advice always sounds so simple—“just keep trying, keep learning”—but it’s draining to keep putting yourself out there and getting nothing in return.


I’m not writing this to discourage anyone from learning. But I do think we need to be honest about how tough it is for mid-career Singaporeans in Singapore. Upskilling is important, but it’s not a guaranteed ticket to a new job or a fresh start, especially when employers aren’t willing to take a chance on someone older.


If you’re going through the same thing, I just want you to know you’re not alone. I’m frustrated, tired, and honestly, starting to lose hope. Maybe it’s time we have a real conversation about what mature workers actually need—not just more courses, but real opportunities.

Sorry 2 hear abt Ur experience in tis area. But truth be told. U cannot fight d village n tribal mindset of foreigners in sg alr.

Even if u did get an interview. D whole set up might just be a legit show to prove d process has alr been done n gone thru.

To justify n validate the hiring of d candidate they alr hv in mind.

 

[4Dluckystrike]

as a employer i want to hire young, cheap, impressionable, high-energy staffs.
i prioritize loyalty, initiative, leadership, character, ability to work in a team more than simi upskilling.

i have had many experiences with people that collect certs think they're holier than thou, only to send them packing after probation. while those got no cert ones put in much more effort and can put those with certs to shame.

You prioritize loyalty and send your staff packing after probation lol.. you are certainly more humble than thou.

 

[firsttimebuyer]

You picked data analytics - the one of the hottest and most competitive industries, what did you expect?

You know your competition? Straight As local grads, some with masters and PHDs. What's more, are you aware of the recent hiring freeze for CS grads due to over-hiring during covid, bad economic forecasts, and AI advancing enough to replace many junior devs?

In my company, a MNC, the entire ASIA analytics team got laid off. Officially, we are supposed to rely on the GLOBAL analytics team but the backlog is -forever-. So the local business teams saved one or two guys by pulling them in to do analytics/ops.

Unfortunately, I have no solution for you. Maybe try another industry. If this is meant to be a political thread, voting opposition isn't going to get you anywhere. Neither they nor PAP nor any other party have any solution.

I am not applying for pure data analytics role though........

 

[dgeralds]

Welcome to the real world! Just don't vote for slogans and blindly give mandate!

You will have another chance soon! Vote wisely or get screwed again!

 

[4Dluckystrike]

TS,

Keep trying and trying no matter how tired you are.

Hope you can find the silver lining soon.

Notice “they” ask others to upskill but seldom discuss how effective upskilling is ..

 

[eternalxiii]

I am not applying for pure data analytics role though........

Then what are you applying for?

 

[dambio]

Welcome to the real world! Just don't vote for slogans and blindly give mandate!

You will have another chance soon! Vote wisely or get screwed again!

Many ppl still wun wake up after going thru it 1 la

 

[NextDoorAuntie]

I think 30s is when one has the best mix of youth and experience. In many cases, realistically, it will only go downhill from thereon. If you still keep in contact with ex-colleagues and ex-bosses, I think these contacts will come in more useful than upskilling. When these contacts move on to new roles, sometimes they need suppork in the place where they work at. Upskilling is to get yourself ready when the opportunity arises, but where to get this opportunity is not covered in your upskilling class.

 

[tomsss]

upskilling benefits you more personally rather than financially

 

[jacko123]

You prioritize loyalty and send your staff packing after probation lol.. you are certainly more humble than thou.

not loyal spend my money on the bugger for what? same as dating women.
many fishes in the sea.

 

[buttbERry]

not easy for some indeed

need to up the right skills

 

[Mr Totoro 38]

Notice “they” ask others to upskill but seldom discuss how effective upskilling is ..

NOTHING is effective la when the hiring practice or system that are NEVER in favour for the locals first!!!

That's why TSL, minister of manpower, he never willing to relieve the true data on FTs working as PMETs....

 

[Overture1928]

To be honest, I feel that mid-career switches can be quite dangerous, especially when you are entering an industry where employers have a huge pool of foreigners and younger people to pick from.

 

[zueinder]

if we have to follow our ministers examples, hustle talk works wonders. Upskilling is just an illusion.

 

[Prime 13]

upskilling benefits you more personally rather than financially

In other words ish chiu are skilled to do more for boss but not expected higher pay.
Lo lz.

 

[4Dluckystrike]

To be honest, I feel that mid-career switches can be quite dangerous, especially when you are entering an industry where employers have a huge pool of foreigners and younger people to pick from.

Mid career switch should be pivoting to careers that is suitable for locals and not chase after fads or trends ..

AI or coding is a in demand skillset but does it demand locals to do it ?

 

[Overture1928]

Mid career switch should be pivoting to careers that is suitable for locals and not chase after fads or trends ..

AI or coding is a in demand skillset but does it demand locals to do it ?

You are right. And I think the way it was being promoted set unrealistic expectations too.

 

[Overture1928]

can u do sucking up, OT, obedience, taking the blame in order to make yr boss look gd? these are soft skills that most sinkies dont hv

Sounds like you can conduct courses and let Sinkies spend their SkillsFuture on them!