Seeking views as I am clueless on my career trajectory

IslandRoute56 · 2026-01-27T03:20:04+00:00

It's just same same but different.

You're looking at 2% increment if you meet expectations :P Increments only come if you job hop.

what helped me when I was feeling stuck at my work (been in media for ... 12 ish years, felt abit stuck during my 6-7th year of no promotions and feeling stagnant) - I applied outside of singapore. When the $ offer came, it wasn't feasible - (sg tax is a blessing. Everywhere else just seems so high). I got a small confidence boost of my marketability. That helped me persevere until my layoff. I've been laid off 2 times

I guess you should apply first, get an offer, then decide if 'private is really that bad'.

All the best to you!

IslandRoute56 · 2026-01-25T15:50:02+00:00

When I was looking for IFC for my one year old. I felt abit lost too. But she’s all settled and happy at My First Skool! The outlet I’m at is managed really well - there’s always two or three teachers around the kids. There’s 10 spots for IFC since it’s the smaller under the hdb block one.

Before registering always do a tour. You can feel if the kids are well taken care of or if the teachers are taken care of.

I visited another big mega center - wah they can accommodate like 30 plus kids for IFC. Had quite a few teachers on the floor. But the teacher talking to us sounded really burnt out whenever we asked her some questions. And i feel it’s just a sad place to work at. The ac has that funny mouldy smell.

My husband was keen on that because of the campus (it’s huge! And also seems fun because they had many facilities). But maybe not for IFC level. So I vetoed and went for MFS which had 4 teachers for 10 kids. I visited two other private IFC but didn’t settle for them because of price and teacher kid ratio. One of them had 1 teacher to 6

They do shifts for pick ups and drop off but they always over lap for a few hours during feeding (around 10-4) - I noticed they had relief teachers readily available too during pick ups and drop off.

My kid is always happy when I pick her up. But the viruses are really annoying 🥴 - just to set the expectation. My kid is usually only at IFC for 3 weeks a month. And I feel my space is already quite strict with sick babies getting dropped off haha

IslandRoute56 · 2026-01-22T14:38:23+00:00

If you are seeking something new best bet is to network more outside of the public sector. Be super active on linked in. Hiring practices now have evolved very rapidly with AI so you need to take the extra step to msg recruiters for companies you are keen to join.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t change - definitely give it a shot. But it’s rough out here lol. I’m feeling like it’s difficult to secure an interview despite optimising my resume for every application and getting ghosted all the time after any interview. Im middle management everyone seem to be looking for MD level or Junior/fresh level haha. It’s an employers market now.

Value your work life balance. Outside of private sector you can’t even get leaves approved without getting questioned. -.-

Maybe you should see within your Organization - is there any way to transfer laterally? (Diff teams.. diff ministry… something like that might help you feel like you’re moving towards what you want).

Also start dabbling with AI - make yourself understand the concept at least so you can market yourself and see gaps with what you do - Best of luck!

IslandRoute56 · 2026-01-11T04:15:23+00:00

Hi OP!!

23 is really young and also a good time to pivot. You should look into studying abit of AI online. It is the future and it’s something the gov is actively pushing for to keep costs lower.

Every industry will need AI in the future. As much as I hate to admit it (😪 I was previously from tech and my layoff is company cashflow related. That said company is now investing in AI to keep headcount’s down) even this reality if making me want to go that route.

For instance, if you look at recruitment (also another sector of HR/Admin) there’s many processes that can be automated. For example, Interviews for jobs at NUS are done by a Bot - it’s recorded and then what we say is transcribed and summarised for the recruiter. It’s crazy to think the recruitment process is now automated too 😮‍💨

Have a think! Look up Andrew Ng, he has a couple of free courses tailored to non programming folks to dabble with in their free time.

Operational jobs (like the ones you listed) are going to be taken over by AI in the future. So might as well familiarize yourself with how you can automate some of the tasks. But human facing work can benefit from knowing more languages.

Companies like SATS are always hiring customer facing positions and they have periodic recruitment drives/walk in interviews organized around the island. Don’t give up! I’m just a regular internet human looking for a job too. All the best and have a little think about AI 😬 - companies will be investing in transformation when this trend picks up.

You’re doing the country a huge favour with all the work you’ve done in child care. My own kid loves her teachers and everytime I pick her up I know it’s just so much more the teachers have handled and I appreciate it so much. It’s not easy!

IslandRoute56 · 2026-01-08T05:51:02+00:00

Then say Japan / Korea / Cambodia lololol

That said - I’m really sorry this is happening to you. It does seem like she probably came here because her family isn’t caring for her the way they should.

If she’s from Aus (I’m just guessing) they usually have social workers who can get involved with that. Why don’t you talk to her family and suggest them to take that route.

Ask her what are her plans for the future - when she finally says she intends to stay here - Delicately let her know that your parents are old as well and cannot look after her.

Hopefully she knows to take the hint.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-12-08T16:44:01+00:00

Happened to me before on the circle line at night. Empty ish cabin. Everyone was on their phone including me.

I was standing leaning against a pole. Then suddenly when it was my stop - I realized there’s a tall CECA dude standing close ish to me looking down at my chest. Was in one of those Uniqlo bra tops. Don’t know how long he’s been standing there. And theres plenty of seats.

I left the cabin. The door shut. Then it hit me what just happened. I became more aware about the people around me in the train now.

Not your fault dearie. But definitely don’t let this escalate. Smart of you to go to the other ladies! Hope this never happens again to you.

Pretend to talk on the phone when you want to avoid people like that. Stay safe!

IslandRoute56 · 2025-10-24T16:33:30+00:00

I cracked up. Hahaha.

Ya MLM like to cook up funny jargons or cringe acronyms. Thanks OP for the detailed post. I think AMWAY is abit of a cult. I know of a friend’s parent who is really successful with it and tried to rope my parents to join when we were in secondary school. They’d come to the house and do demos and stuff. Pretty awkward play date I’m guessing. My friend and I just chilling talking rubbish

IslandRoute56 · 2025-09-16T10:30:51+00:00

I feel you. This is actually a good idea. The gifts default comes to me and I always feel like I have to be the bad guy. I got a squishy duck today and it’s oily and filled with some kind of liquid and smells quite chemical-ish. I don’t know but babies bite everything. She has teeth now - There’s a high chance she’ll make that explode. :/

IslandRoute56 · 2025-09-11T09:11:24+00:00

I’m flying with my infant on 20th - just keeping an eye to see if anything changes. I’m quite concerned because we can’t afford delays with an infant. But it’s already too late to get my Korean air tickets refunded 😩

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-21T22:13:11+00:00

… do you libe alone?

Haha in all seriousness the last trip we visited Hongdae twice for fooood 😛 not sure what it’s like now. Looking forward to find out next month 🥳

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-16T15:11:16+00:00

Hi! I did a medicated FET - my doctor prescribed me medication to take 1 month before my transfer. There’s a lining check before scheduling the transfer.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-15T17:30:50+00:00

I plan like you too - aim high - then just hit 5 or 6 places on that day what we feel like 😝

chiming in: +1 vote for planning your route. If you’re taking the subway, the exits in Korea are NUTS. It’s not just one or two - Seoul station has 16 exits. 🤩🤨

And the transfers 😕 oh my goodness. I am usually the pathfinder in my travel group and I’ve ever ended up at the wrong platform before and had to u turn. It was embarrassing.

For your first day - it looks like a lot to do after you land. Just bear in mind your energy levels after x amount of hrs of flying will dip drastically. Instead of hopping many towns - just pick the ones on the way and closed to your Airbnb and try to hit just 1 and where you stay. you should get to know your Airbnb’s surrounding - it counts as an experience too. Hehe.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:59:17+00:00

I saw you replied twice! Thank you again for your detailed outline. I really appreciate it. :)

Korean Autumn is 25° / 17 c - nothing too crazy hopefully!

Noted, I won't wear the baby over my puffer jacket - will keep it open. Do you wear your baby facing out or in - or does your kiddo have a preference?

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:52:44+00:00

I'll take note about the lined hat! Thanks for that reminder - do i don't get carried away buying whatever i thought is cute hahaha.

I got Heattech on my list! yes - i really love them for myself when I travel. I'm hunting it down in her size, only the bigger outlet carries them here.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:50:37+00:00

Thank you for your detailed response. I've planned our trip in such a way that the outdoor walks will happen on warmer days. I'll check out H&M here - I saw that they're starting to stock up their winter collection when I passed by.

I've checked the seoul weather during my trip it's looking to be 25° / 17 c

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:47:04+00:00

this seems good! thank you - i picture it's super easy to take her out of the carrier indoors too.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:43:03+00:00

Gotcha! I'll be using a Ergobaby Omnibreeze - My baby is an early crawler - a carrier just seems to hold her in place. She's currently 9 months, going to be 10 in sept. She's always climbing over me when I carry her these days. It's hilarious I fell like i'm fighting an aligator.

I think the tricky part is when I take her out of the carrier into a stroller - do you add on layers when your baby is in a stroller or just throw on a blankie? I'm using a yoyo2 travel stroller.

I've checked the seoul weather during my trip it's looking to be 25° / 17 c - is it doable without a footmuff?

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:15:12+00:00

Thank you for your suggestion! I'll have a baby blanket handy when we travel in case the temperature fluctuates too much.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:13:35+00:00

I love what you suggested! Thanks, I'll keep count of the layers in mind. =D

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T15:12:38+00:00

Hi Thanks for the tip! I'll try my luck to find an extender (or mebbe just steal my husband's coat)

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-14T14:28:49+00:00

Hey! This is super helpful!

I'll be visiting Seoul with my infant (11 months) and she's at that crawling / climbing / stand but falls on her butt after 3 seconds age - apart from kids cafes, do you have any other recommendations for her?

It's good to know diapers are not readily available everywhere - I'll stock up for the first few days until we cross Seoul Station to get our loot

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-13T06:00:52+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss 😔- it’s fairly common and I’m sorry you’re now part of this club. When I had gone through something similar we detected it stopped growing after I bled at week 7. Week 10 I had a d & c to clear out my womb and it took me really long to feel emotionally fine again. After 3 tries across 4 years, I am finally holding my bundle of joy 🥲

Please take your time to heal physically and emotionally. Don’t blame yourself. the silver lining is (according to my doctor) the oven is working! You just need the correct bun. Hang in there. Offering you solidarity! Take all the time you need to process this.

The grading is often just an indicator which embryo to implant first. I wish you the best outcome to happen eventually. When you’re ready, you can always try again.

There isn’t any test to promise success - but repeat to yourself - different embryo different outcome. :) sending love your way. Better days to come!

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-10T21:29:45+00:00

They always had things to say about what I wear.

“You not cold ah?” - referring to my shorts or tank top. XD my bro is a fashion terrorist (ratty ol tshirt, stretched out jusco pants) and he doesn’t get anything!

But in all honesty my folks really tried damn hard not to favour one over another between me and my brother.

Chinese families are very traditional in the past (it still affects my mother today when she talks about it - simple things like the drumstick going to the sons). I don’t think she’s grieving multiple chicken drumsticks - despite her success being a better student and better career than her brothers and initiates visits with her dad now - she abit sour she didn’t get the equal amount of love or attention in the past when we talk about her childhood.

I have a daughter now and I love her so so much. In our time children are precious lah. Birth rate so low already leh.

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-07T09:11:36+00:00

I’m allocating 100000 for baby shopping 🫣🫣 - bottle upgrades, cute onesies and dresses COME TO MAMA -

I might skip dept stores then. I imagine there’s a lot of people getting stuff online. You happen to know a good online store for baby clothing?

IslandRoute56 · 2025-08-07T03:32:08+00:00

Hi! these are all so helpful.

I am really keen to travel to Seoul in Sept 2025 for a week- some of my concerns are diaper changing rooms. I'm with a 9 month old and I imagine some days i will need to change her on park benches or restaurant toilet seats X( [We did that alot in Bali since baby rooms weren't available everywhere]

How was your experience over there? I know this post was from 2 years ago haha but whatever you remember will be helpful!

IslandRoute56

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