SINGAPORE: A front-end engineer in Singapore is facing deep feelings of despair after spending an entire year sending out over 600 job applications in search of employment.

Feeling “helpless, demoralized, and depressed,” he shared his distressing journey on the Reddit forum r/askSingapore.

“Since last October, I have been applying for jobs—mainly in software engineering—interviewing, but facing relentless rejection,” he revealed, illustrating the monotonous cycle of his job hunt: waking up, turning on his laptop, and submitting applications day after day. “One year has gone by just like that.”

While focusing primarily on software engineering roles, the engineer also broadened his search to include project management, business analysis, and tech sales positions. However, many of these new opportunities have strict experience requirements, posing additional challenges to his search.

To stay relevant in the fast-evolving tech industry, he has enrolled in a specialist diploma course during his unemployment. “I still have some savings to help me get by, but I worry about the gap in my employment history that might raise questions among future employers,” he admitted.

In a moment of vulnerability, he reached out to the community for advice: “Is anyone else in the same situation or has experienced it before? What strategies did you use to maintain your sanity? I genuinely could use some guidance.”

Despite his attempts to stay positive and hopeful for the end of his job search, the weight of uncertainty looms heavily over him. “I keep telling myself not to give up, but at this point, I wonder how long I can hold on. Will I be unemployed forever?”

Numerous supportive voices replied to his plea for help in the online discussion. One user shared a story about their own husband, who had faced a similar struggle after losing his job nearly a year ago. They encouraged the engineer to engage in physical activities to improve his mental wellbeing, reminding him that “bad things don’t last forever.”

Another user offered an uplifting message, stating, “Good luck, fellow Singaporean! Don’t give up.” Many took the opportunity to remind him that unemployment is often temporary and encouraged him to consider taking on a part-time job to maintain structure and focus.

One Redditor suggested, “Consider looking for a side job or part-time role while you continue searching for your desired position. I have heard of people with PhDs accepting administrative work while waiting for better job prospects. You’ve got to make ends meet regardless of the market situation.”

Moreover, some users advised looking beyond Singapore's borders for opportunities, citing international roles that could provide additional prospects. One commenter noted, "I received more responses for overseas roles than local ones. You may also want to attend upcoming tech events, like Stack Conference or Splash Forum, where you can network with other tech professionals."

Another user added, “The Singapore job market is quite small, so it’s essential to explore every avenue. Countries like Japan are actively seeking IT talent and may offer positions, especially to those with a bit of experience. While the suitability of these opportunities may vary, it’s certainly worth trying out—after all, the worst they can say is ‘no.’”

In today’s competitive job market, this engineer's experience sheds light on the emotional toll unemployment can bring.

As companies continue to navigate workforce challenges in a post-pandemic economy, seeking support and exploring diverse opportunities may help others facing similar struggles regain their footing.