I am jobless for the second time since I graduated from university in 1998, during the Asian financial crisis.
Then, it took me eight months and hundreds of job applications before I secured my first job. At job interviews then, interviewers commented that I was either inexperienced or too highly educated for the job.
After 10 years in the workforce, I was retrenched when I was two months pregnant. I was told that I was too 'senior' for the job.
I had been upgrading myself with new skills every year, but my former company felt that saving costs through retrenchments was the best solution to its problems.
This time, I have to overcome new obstacles in my job hunt. Most companies hang up on me immediately when I tell them I am pregnant.
When I go for interviews, the interviewers remark that I am overqualified (they want a person with one to two years of working experience); have too many family commitments (pregnant, with two young children); or have been previously retrenched and am too old (25 is too young but 35 is too old for some, it seems).
I get depressed thinking about the situation but do not allow it to get the better of me. I have picked up hobbies I did not have time for previously, and am looking for short courses to keep myself busy.
Having a family helps a lot. I also pay more attention to my family and plan the household budget carefully. My kids have learnt to appreciate what they have and understand the difference between needs and wants.
I am sure there are professionals, managers, executives and technicians (especially pregnant ones) who are facing the same situation as me. To them, I say: Don't give up, although you may feel humiliated at some interviews.
Don't let yourself slip into depression, as it will be harder to recover from it than you think. Continue to look out for opportunities in all industries.
You never know - if you summon the courage to step out of your comfort zone, you might find even greater success!
