I REFER to the letter, "Jobs go to those who can adapt" (my paper, Nov 4).

While there are picky Singaporean jobseekers, it is also true that many here work in retail or other jobs with long working hours.

Foreign workers mostly go abroad alone, with the sole aim of earning more money.

But Singaporeans have added responsibilities with family commitments that require their time. Hence, those who need to care for their children or aged parents, or both, naturally prefer a five-day work week.

Hourly pay rates, which allow workers to earn extra for more hours put in, further highlight the disparity between Singapore and foreign workers, where the former can be at a disadvantage.

While foreign workers without family commitments would benefit from working overtime, Singaporeans may find putting in extra hours difficult.

Low- to middle-level executives who do not earn overtime pay hardly complain, for fear of losing their jobs. They put in overtime hours as required, and try to manage without compromising the quality of their family life.

This does not include the time these executives spend travelling, especially if their workplace is in a location far from their homes, such as in Tuas or Jurong Island.

The way these executives manage their career responsibilities is a sign of adaptability.

By taking into account the bundle of responsibilities that a typical Singaporean employee has - which affects the number of hours they can put in at work - and the fatigue that comes with juggling family commitments, it isn't hard to see why some are "picky" about jobs.

The playing field for Singapore and foreign jobseekers in the same category of jobs is far from level.

Ms Patsy Chan

For more my paper stories click here.