Retrenched at 25

yes as per anticipated, my company was sanctioned and boom we zup almost immediately

so like all my colleagues, I was retrenched. TT

sounds heavy telling everyone I have been retrenched, and people look at me with sympathetic eyes 😂 but is is the end of the world? for me, no. I have no mortgage, no car loan, no kids, no parents reliant on me, and a cushy amount of savings so I will be okay for a while.

But I’ve got to say, job market is really so so bad right now, theres not many jobs going around and too many job seekers competing it. My guess is that with AI taking up jobs of many, war oil prices driving up costs of living and uncertainty in the market, so most people are sticking to their safe pay-check jobs and that leaves us with lesser movement in the job market, less openings for the ever growing job-seeker population. (its probably worse for all the fresh grads out there :”) ,, so u all jiayou la hor)

i feel like this is my cue to say corny stuff like “upskill”, “learn AI”, blahblah but tbh I m lazy la so I wont ask whoever is reading this to do things i dont do myself.. so sorry no motivational talk here..im just a girl writing a money blog diary thing…

Maybe when i figure out what to do for myself, i will be able to give more insightful tips, until then, may we all survive in this economy 🤧🤧

6/3 Edited to

... Read moreBeing retrenched at a young age can feel like a huge setback, but it also presents a unique opportunity for self-reflection and growth. In my experience, maintaining a financial cushion made a significant difference in easing the initial shock. Without major financial commitments like a mortgage or dependents, it’s easier to focus on recovery and planning the next steps without panic. The current job market is undoubtedly challenging. Automation and AI continue to reshape industries, reducing certain entry-level job opportunities, while global events like conflicts and fluctuating oil prices increase economic uncertainties. These factors often cause companies to hold back on hiring, making it extra competitive for job seekers. Fresh graduates and young professionals might find it especially tough to break in, but patience and strategic actions can help navigate these obstacles. Although there’s constant advice about 'upskilling' and 'learning AI,' it’s honest to admit that motivation fluctuates. Sometimes, the best approach is to start small—explore online courses that genuinely interest you, attend virtual networking events, or even volunteer to build new skills without pressure. Additionally, maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing during this period is crucial. Talking openly about your situation with friends or communities facing similar challenges can provide support and encouragement. It’s okay to take time to process the change before making big decisions. Lastly, seeing retrenchment not just as an end but as a chance to reassess what you truly want in your career can be empowering. Whether it’s switching industries, starting a side project, or developing a passion into a profession, this time could be the start of a fresh journey. Survival in today’s economy is tough, but resilience, honesty, and a little flexibility can go a long way in turning a difficult chapter into a hopeful new beginning.

4 comments

Bear Tan's images
Bear Tan

That’s nothing … wait til you’ve reached 40s n out of job … that’s when everything seems like crashing down on you… and then you’ll find yourself fighting for a job with thousands of people

butterYuki's images
butterYuki

stay strong!

See more comments

Related posts

Retrenched right after a Promotion?!
I know that the economy is down and I don’t blame the company, but there’s 1 thing I know for sure. Jobs are no longer stable. It’s true, and with AI coming in, things are going to get worse. So for anyone out there who’s also retrenched, the best thing I did for myself was to do a career sw
Jt Jingting

Jt Jingting

31 likes

i got retrenched 🥲
It has been almost 1 month since I got retrenched as the company closed down the Singapore Office due to recording loses for 2 consecutive quarters. It was definitely a bittersweet moment as I left the company almost 2 years ago and rejoined March 2025 as they were supposedly expanding, little did
S.

S.

153 likes

POV: Your quarter-life crisis arrives on your actual 25th birthday 😭
Getting retrenched on your birthday is one thing. Getting retrenched on your 25th birthday feels like the universe has a sense of humour. 💀🎂 At that time, I thought I had just unlocked the quarter-life crisis achievement.Now looking back, it was simply a detour that led me somewhere else.
Qi Wen

Qi Wen

12 likes

Thinking of working government jobs?
Public Sector (a.k.a. Government Jobs) Most people have probably heard about the common benefits of working in the public sector, such as job stability and consistent, on time pay. In this piece, I want to take a deeper look at the public sector from the perspective of someone who is currently w
Boombling

Boombling

183 likes

Craziest HR Leaked Our Interview?!
Hi Zesties!! I couldn’t find justice for this because this whole thing is just too ridiculous. Back in 2023, I had an interview with this Taiwan company, which honestly felt quite sus. I had just been retrenched because my previous company closed down. I already had a trip planned, and I was
Fooodiee

Fooodiee

347 likes

Part 2: POV Retrenchment Day When you thought you were going into office for a normal work day…. And left unemployed a few hours later Still processing this whole experience honestly #retrenchment #corporategirlie #careerreset #adulting #lifeinyour20s #corporatelife #careerjourne
Sg.girlie

Sg.girlie

29 likes

My retrenchment story - how it went
I’m on Week 3 of unemployment now. Job market seems tough. Lots of applications but 0 callbacks. I kept telling myself that it’s okay, take it slow, I’ve enough savings. But, it’s a strange paradox: I have the time I always wanted, but after a decade of career momentum, inactivity feels like a wast
Fatties home

Fatties home

28 likes

Jobless for A YEAR until I found my path as a ✨FREELANCER✨
Want to share my journey as someone who got retrenched in 2024😭 I was working as a Content Strategist in an interior design firm for almost 2 years when I got retrenched due to a very stupid reason (will get into that another time)🤨 I got retrenched in September 2024 and was looking for a ful
Gwendoline Lai🧜🏻‍♀️

Gwendoline Lai🧜🏻‍♀️

28 likes

Retrenchment doesn’t have to be scary
So a while back I got retrenched - not a surprised, it was something I kind of saw coming as the company had been unstable for a period. I was initially sad but glad that at least I got a severance package. After working for years, this was the first time I got retrenched. In the past, we thoug
Popiah ☁️

Popiah ☁️

7 likes

23 LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED AT 23 💚
Since 2025 is coming to an end, here are 23 lessons that I have learned this year! 1. Sleep and self-care are non-negotiable: Learned this the hard way in 2024 where i always slept at 3/4am and i ended up fall sicking multiple times, no joke it was hell 💀 2. Nothing changes if nothing change
felz

felz

129 likes

Part 1: POV Retrenchment Day When you thought you were going into office for a normal work day…. And left unemployed a few hours later Still processing this whole experience honestly #retrenchment #corporategirlie #careerreset #adulting #lifeinyour20s #corporatelife #careerjourne
Sg.girlie

Sg.girlie

19 likes

Just got retrenched? Read this!
Just got retrenched 1 month ago.. emotions aside, these were what I did from a practical perspective (some of it I’m still clarifying with the relevant authorities). Currently enjoying my #funemployment 😊 Gotta say this came pretty timely since I can focus more time on renovation now. Obvious
Fatties home

Fatties home

6 likes

Part 2: Retrenchment Diaries: Week 1
Week 1 After Retrenchment Felt So Weird Nobody really prepares you for the first week after getting retrenched. Everyone thinks you’re just “job hunting”, but honestly, it feels like so much more than that. It’s waking up without your old routine. It’s feeling guilty when you rest. It’s
Sg.girlie

Sg.girlie

12 likes

I was retrenched the day after my Wedding!
I was retrenched on Feb 2023! The exact next Monday after my wedding dinner on Sunday. I was literally just nothing to say. At that time I was 29yo. I married early but the wedding ceremony was in 2023 due to COVID. We bought a HDB, Renovation and Wedding Bills…. Let me tell you, it was crazy
Cho Zin

Cho Zin

114 likes

Things i wish i knew about Union Support
Corporate life really teaches you things nobody prepares you for until it actually happens 🥲 Sharing some things i learnt about trade union support after retrenchment in singapore — hope this helps someone else too ♡ https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uportal for sg union info Would love to hear your
Sg.girlie

Sg.girlie

7 likes

For Anyone Between Jobs: Maybe We Don’t Have to Restart Alone
Between Jobs? Feeling Lost? Let’s Regroup Together. Lately, I’ve been thinking about something that many people go through, but not many people talk about openly. When someone is between jobs, retrenched, resigned, burnt out, or unsure what to do next, it’s not just about finding the next j
KayzerLee

KayzerLee

2 likes

Why I left Design to become the thing I distrusted most
Why I chose to stay 🧡 As a former skeptic, I realise how being closed up, led me to a lot of missed learnings and opportunities that could have helped me to better protect my money and grow them in safer, less risky ways. Good financial planning isn't easy. It takes constant learning, long-
Jt Jingting

Jt Jingting

2 likes

9 Financial Mistakes I’ve made over the years.
Hey SGFC Fam! Happy Tuesday 🫶 During the last AMA, quite a few of you asked me about the financial mistakes I’ve made over the years. I tried replying then realised Walan, it’s way too long for an AMA box 😂 So I decided to put it all into a proper post. And honestly - This list still isn
SGfirecouple

SGfirecouple

46 likes

Finding out my retrenchment while on maternity
Just got back from Malaysia, and guess what? I got RETRENCHED while still on maternity leave. (big sobs) [Don't want this to become a platform for me to vent/ complain. Instead, thought it would be good to document my thoughts and actions during this rather turbulent period of my life.]
Mum of Dou (Cas)

Mum of Dou (Cas)

21 likes

Part 1: Retrenchment Diaries: Week 1
Week 1 After Retrenchment Felt So Weird Nobody really prepares you for the first week after getting retrenched. Everyone thinks you’re just “job hunting”, but honestly, it feels like so much more than that. It’s waking up without your old routine. It’s feeling guilty when you rest. It’s
Sg.girlie

Sg.girlie

1 like

We Paid Off Our 30-Year HDB Mortgage In 10 Years!
When my wife and I bought our new HDB flat in 1999, we took out an HDB loan at 2.60% for 30 years. The purchase price of our 5-room, 121-square-meter flat was $258,000 (totaling $258,910.75 after including the stamp fee; if you're wondering why it was so cheap, remember this was over 20 years a
Yao

Yao

160 likes

Day 2 of TNTY
Sis, let me tell you something that happened to me. A few years into being in Singapore, I was cycling at East Coast Park. I had an accident. At that point, I had no personal accident insurance. No individual hospitalisation plan. Just my company insurance, which I had always assumed was enou
Mei

Mei

1 like

MOONSHINE

MOONSHINE

0 likes

Retrenched After 40? What’s Your Backup Plan. 💭🧐
No one plans to lose their job. But in today’s world, good performance doesn’t guarantee job security. For working mums, 40+ is when responsibilities peak with kids, parents, finances. Yet this is also the age where re-employment quietly becomes harder. Here’s the truth most people avoid: R
Juliana Soong

Juliana Soong

22 likes

i was asked to leave my job after 4 years
disclaimer: it was a mutual decision and i left on good terms :) timeline: sep (appraisal) > oct (discussion/negotiation on my resignation) > nov (serve notice period and left the company) during my appraisal, my boss asked me what’s my career plans like do i want to remain my current j
xkittya

xkittya

91 likes

The lastest retrenchment saga. what ur thought?
Could This Happen to You? I want you to picture this for a moment. You walk into work one morning, same routine, same desk, same colleagues. But today, the mood feels different. Managers are calling people into rooms one by one. When it’s your turn, you’re told the words no one
Xueping Goh

Xueping Goh

24 likes

Restarting my life at almost half a century…
Part 1: history I always believe everything happens for a reason. Decided to pen down my thoughts to remind myself life is not easy, and I have made the right decision, so I need to continue to stay strong and think positive! TLDR: Married for 20+ years, with 2 lovely kids. Finally pluck up c
LuvYrSelf

LuvYrSelf

13 likes

I Hinted to My New Boss: I'm OK To Be Retrenched
For some, financial freedom means traveling the world or lounging by a beach or hotel pool. My version? I hinted to my new boss that I’d be happy to get retrenched, if needed. First, some context. I’m in my 50s and have worked happily at a European company for over 17 years. The job has been low
Yao

Yao

9 likes

See more