Heartbreak in the Tech World

SINGAPORE: A front-end engineer from Singapore has found himself in a seemingly endless cycle of rejection and despair after submitting more than 600 job applications over the past year. He describes his current state as “helpless, demoralized, and depressed.”

“I’ve been applying mainly for software engineer roles since last October and attending countless interviews, but the rejections just keep piling up,” he revealed in a candid post on the Reddit community r/askSingapore. "Every day feels like Groundhog Day—wake up, turn on the laptop, apply for jobs, and repeat. A whole year has slipped by without a breakthrough."

Seeking Opportunities Beyond Software

While the engineer remains focused on software roles, he has also attempted to enter various fields such as project management, business analysis, and tech sales, only to find that most companies are looking for specific experiences he lacks. "During this challenging year, I enrolled in a specialist diploma course to keep my skills fresh. I have some savings to get by, but I worry about how employers will view my employment gap," he expressed, echoing the fears of many in similar situations.

The Impact of Isolation

Feeling increasingly isolated, he sought support from the online community, asking for advice on how others have coped with prolonged unemployment. “I’m trying to remain positive, but at this point, I’m unsure how much more I can take. What if I end up unemployed forever?”

Community Support and Suggestions

Fortunately, the responses from fellow Redditors were heartwarming and supportive. Many shared their own stories of job loss and offered encouragement. “You’re still young; this bad phase won’t last forever,” one commenter wrote, while another suggested incorporating exercise into his routine as a way to improve his mental health.

Others encouraged him to consider part-time or temporary roles to stay active while searching for full-time positions. One user suggested, “Take on a side job while you continue applying for desirable roles. I've known people with PhDs who have done admin work just to keep their heads above water financially.”

Looking Beyond Local Opportunities

Some even recommended looking beyond Singapore's borders for job opportunities. “Consider applying for roles overseas. I had better luck with international positions compared to local ones," a Redditor advised, highlighting the growing demand for tech talent in countries like Japan. “Whether it's beneficial for your career or work-life balance is another question, but it beats being jobless.”

A Broader Challenge

As this engineer navigates the tough job market, his story reflects broader challenges faced by many seeking employment in the technological sector today. With the economy changing and job openings becoming increasingly competitive, resilience and adaptability could be the keys to finding hope amid despair.

In the meantime, the job seeker’s quest for a breakthrough continues. Could the tide turn for him? The collective wisdom and shared experiences of community members may just hold the answers.