I work as a shipper after changing jobs 4 times in one year

About a week later, I started a new job as a project manager, but the company’s projects were already in trouble. After a four-month probation, they told me I could only stay if I accepted a 20% pay cut.

With Lunar New Year approaching and few options available, I agreed.

After the holiday, the company took on more projects and the workload grew, and I felt it was time to change direction, so I resigned.

With no preparation, I was unemployed for a month despite sending out many applications. My CV and portfolio were polished, but I received few responses.

By the end of March, three companies reached out for an interview, and I was lucky to receive job offers from all of them. The problem began when I chose the one closest to home without proper research.

I worked there for three months, but even after completing two months of probation, they never mentioned a permanent contract. Then, one morning in late June, Human Resource and my manager called me into a meeting to inform me they would not extend my contract. I was speechless.

A Grab delivery driver. Photo courtesy of Grab

Since then, I have been unemployed, sending out dozens of CVs with no response. I tried working as a shipper and taking on freelance jobs, but the income was unstable. After going through this many times, I learned some lessons I hope others can avoid.

First, pick the right time to switch jobs. Leaving a job after three to five years can be worth considering. But you need to be mentally prepared and consider the risks carefully to avoid ending up uncertain and lost while applying for new jobs.

Second, research companies carefully before joining. The employee-employer relationship should be mutually beneficial. Make sure you understand labor laws and get everything in writing to avoid being in situations like mine, working without a contract and being let go without notice.

Third, and most importantly, focus on your skills and attitude at work. Work hard, take your job seriously, and develop a strong skill that makes you stand out.

My mistake was playing it too safe and having no special skills, which made both my job applications and work experience unsuccessful so far.

Unemployment is on the rise right now, but there are a lot of opportunities for skilled workers. Being out of work for a long time often means insufficient skills or qualifications.

I have passed interviews at two companies and hope it would be different this time, as I already know too well the struggles of changing jobs too often.