QI have a degree in mechanical engineering from a local university. After working as a production engineer in a manufacturing plant for 10 years, I was retrenched last year. I have not been able to find a job that pays what my previous one did: about $5,000 a month. All the offers are for less than $4,000. I do not want to sell myself short.
Most of my retrenched colleagues have become either property agents or stockbrokers.
There is no specific upgrading course I can take to help me break into industries I'm interested in as the sectors are very specialised.
I know the economy is changing. The manufacturing industry is not doing as well as before and I want to switch lines. I'm comfortable with numbers and want to get the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, but at age 35, I doubt if employers will give me a chance.
Now, I trade stocks for a living, but I don't really like it. I make just enough to get by.
What should I do? I feel I don't have the relevant skill sets for the new economy.
A BEING retrenched is always a difficult experience. With today's fast-changing economy, some companies need to retrench to survive. You have to remain positive about the future. Keep an open mind and maintain the right attitude as you explore your options.
Being retrenched at the age of 35 can be a blessing in disguise. The situation forces you to reflect on and review your career direction. It is still possible to seek new career options that will align with your passions. Take this as an opportunity for you to try something different; under normal circumstances, you might not want to take the risk.
Although you have a degree in mechanical engineering, your future career direction should not be limited by your degree or previous job positions.
You said there is no specific upgrading course you can take to help you get into the industries you're keen on.
I do not know which industry you are interested in but, with your experience in manufacturing, I believe you would be able to fit into the same industry by learning new or additional skills, though the role might not be exactly the same as the role you played before.
With your experience as a production engineer, you can explore other areas within the same industry: maintenance engineering, health and safety management, project management, process improvement management, to name just a few.
In addition, take this opportunity to think beyond mechanical engineering. Consider these questions:
- What am I really interested in?
- What kind of tasks do I prefer doing?
- What sort of working environment would I like?
Another option is to find a coach who can guide you with your new career direction. To learn more about how a coach can help, you can check out the website of the Singapore chapter of the International Coach Federation at www.icfsingapore.org
You mentioned your wish to study for the ACCA and your comfort with numbers. Do take some time to develop a deeper understanding of this profession. It is more than just dealing with numbers.
You can contact the Singapore branch of the ACCA at www.singapore.accaglobal.com to learn more about how to attain the qualification, as there are a few routes you can take. In addition, you can check out the opportunities available to you with the qualification. Age should not be a barrier if this is what you are interested in.
I noted your concern about remuneration. It is always challenging to balance what you expect and what employers are willing to pay for the value expected from you.
Changing professions or moving to a new industry can affect your perceived value where the new organisation is concerned, as you would still have to prove yourself in the new environment.
If you move into a new career that fits your passions and interests, be flexible at first where remuneration is concerned. If you work hard to prove your capabilities, I believe any employer will take the effort to reward you in accordance with the value you bring to the company.
Most importantly, you have to stay positive. As Buddhist nun and philanthropist Cheng Yen noted: 'The greatest success in life is to rise up from failure.'
Sam Chia
Managing Consultant/General Manager
HRnet Performance Consulting
Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to a1admin@sph.com.sg.
