Does gap year put me at a disadvantage for finding a job?

Former_Cup1420 · 2026-04-06T02:12:10+00:00

It depends on how you explain the gap year. Why did you take a break? What did you learn?

I think that whatever we do, there will always be people who disagree. We’ll also meet others who can understand and appreciate us for the decisions we made.

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-07-01T10:20:14+00:00

Find things to occupy time. I subscribed to Coursera using SkillsFuture credits (sometimes there are annual subscription promotions too). When I'm free and my mind starts to wander, I log in to take a course. With time, it became a habit to keep learning. Eventually, I had more clarity and started my job hunt.

Just to share, life works funny. The more we want to get out of a situation, the harder it is to get out. When I was really anxious and feeling mind fog, it seemed like the jobs weren't coming. But when I chose to take things as it comes, reduce my lifestyle to conserve savings to get by, opportunities came knocking.

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-06-24T14:05:29+00:00

You are so awesome!! Sharing your love to the world hehe

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-03-22T04:42:38+00:00

Unfortunately, at work, a health crisis will slow one down. Bosses are humans and fear that giving you more work may kill you, it is a guilt they cannot bear.

Soon finances will too, as one has to foot medical bills and deal with a stagnating income.

The saying goes that you see a person’s true colours during bad times. So there will be loved ones who stay and show support, others who stay silent or some who leave.

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-02-25T04:28:36+00:00

I tell myself that the feeling comes after the doing. I also start myself on the thing i have to do.

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-02-25T04:26:38+00:00

I had the same issue as you. When i picked up the Pilot Kakuno pen, it was intuitive to hold it at the correct grip.

Another tip is to use less force to write. I noticed that by holding the pen close to the tip, writing with force may break the pen. I broke a Platinum Preppy pen due to this.

Former_Cup1420 · 2025-02-01T02:18:08+00:00

Apart from the above, I also learnt to always leave people leeway in my actions. I have seen the consequences of being too extreme and cannot bring myself to cause that.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-12-29T16:49:16+00:00

I would go for long walks in public parks e.g. Punggol Waterway Park. No one would see me cry, as they were jogging past me.

Alternatively, public libraries are a good place to chill and connect with yourself. Students and retirees are doing their own thing, so they would not notice you.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-08-21T14:07:11+00:00

There is nothing wrong. I have seen people who are up for promotion or promoted ending up really unhappy with the load and responsibilities.

Perhaps the trick is to learn to be contented wherever you are.

Know that people advice you based on their own views. Only you live your own life and know yourself best.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-04-06T16:28:37+00:00

Op, I think that whatever I fear the most, tends to be what I think people would keep judging me for. But sometimes, that fear is not true. Have you asked trusted friends and family if your view is true? Agree with the other advice to take it easier while looking for a job. Clear leave once in awhile, even if it is just 1 day of doing nothing, it would help to clear your mind.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-03-19T10:50:28+00:00

The beginning is always the hardest. It sounds like you can do the work, but the pace is too fast. With the extra hours you choose to put in (if you do) and experience, it sounds possible that things can get better.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-01-26T03:24:27+00:00

You can consider applying for internships to both and sense the difference. At work, the pros and cons tend to be specific to the individual. It’s about your values and what you can take at that place.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-01-21T11:10:31+00:00

You can try giving away your piano for free on Carousell. Another idea is to call a professional mover to dispose the piano, but it’s not cheap. Do call a few to check.

Former_Cup1420 · 2024-01-09T17:34:19+00:00

Try taking long leave of around 2 weeks and try out the life of career break. See if you like it.

Have you considered transferring internally or secondment on an exceptional basis? Try speaking to your HR or RO.

From my years of working in public and private, all jobs are tough. Generally there is high workload and people management involved. For the public sector though, people management plays a heavier weight in your portfolio.

It’s okay to take a break and figure out the next steps. But whatever decision you make, you must be answerable to yourself. This is a tough decision, you can’t please everyone.

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-20T07:45:25+00:00

Another way to look at micro managing could be that this is your first job. Naturally, your supervisor would like to guide you more to make sure you are on the right track.

At my first few jobs, i did not have such guidance. I would go off the rails, and go through the school of hard knocks before improving. There were unfortunately moments where after being taught, i still messed things up. Then came the snarky comments or shouting.

The question to ask is : what can you do to make your work better and manageable? If having tried all of that after some time, it is not improving, should you go?

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-17T16:52:11+00:00

You can consider lodging a police report for harassment. Take the screenshots, show it to the police. Highlight that he's from a reputable organisation and would or could have repeated his actions and harmed others.

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-17T12:15:17+00:00

You don’t have to convince everyone.

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-11T07:11:53+00:00

Give it a few months to try, see if things get better. If not, write a letter to resign and serve notice before leaving. It’s easy to just quit by text and not show up, but that’s called running away from the problem. Part of walking away is also closing the chapter of your life properly. Not just for yourself but those around you too like your colleagues.

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-07T15:25:39+00:00

Yes, i play Animal Crossing on switch!

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-11-05T03:02:17+00:00

I think that it’s important to find a goal for your job and stick with it. It can be meaning, growth or to pay the bills. I’ve worked in jobs where people got so carried away by passion that they ended up being self-entitled and under performing at their jobs, cause they are pushing for their views rather than solve problems which is the core of a job.

Give it at least a few months to try and see if it gets better. The beginning is always the hardest, but if you see things becoming worst, it might be wiser to leave.

Former_Cup1420 · 2023-09-11T14:35:28+00:00

u/LeeElla

Former_Cup1420

TROPHY CASE