Anyone jobless for a long time before?

Originally Posted by aspenx

Sure. I'll try to summarise since I tend to be a little long-winded.

I'm a local engineering grad from a local uni with only average grades.

Something different from my peers is that I had already got JLPT1 (the highest certification for written Japanese for foreigners) before I graduated.

I joined a small engineering SME then where I did everything from service sales, procurement, to PM (project management), and after services.

My cert was just collecting dust before I decided to make a move using it as a springboard. I got into manufacturing equipment (from retro-fitting production areas and installing equipment) with my PM experience and JLPT cert because the company wanted to venture into the Japan market.

I learned a lot in these two companies. My Japanese and PM skills got polished up. I also managed to get PMP certified (project management professional) while I was working at the 2nd company. I didn't bother with any more Japanese language certs.

I then used my new PMP cert to move to a bigger manufacturing company (and higher post). I found the work repetitive and I wasn't learning much from the work. I wanted a job that helps me grow and I was willing to work hard for it and not just the money.

So I told my boss about my decision. I gave more than 1 month's notice as a courtesy for them to find my replacement (while I saved up to make my next big move).

I then left the company (and Singapore). Concentrated on full-time job search in Japan. With my qualifications (degree + JLPT1 + PMP) and experience (construction and manufacturing), I found a company in Japan that made and installed their own systems and they needed someone to manage throughout the entire project lifecycles.

I attribute my "success" to continual self-upgrading and working hard for what I wanted. That meant saving up for a gamble overseas with my own savings and no income.

At each new company, my gross monthly salary was ~20% more than what I last drew at each previous company. I suspect I wouldn't have been jobless for this long if I had not stick to this principle.

I'm just glad that my efforts, qualifications, and luck all finally aligned. Many of the people I know either think I was crazy or really "courageous". Thinking back, I realised I was neither. I don't think I can ever do such a "stunt" again.

If I _do_ have to do it again, I would take better care of my health. Cooping yourself up at home and just waiting by your phone/computer for interviews is no good for the mind nor the body. It really took a toll on me and I regret it because I could have performed better for all those interviews if I was healthier.

At the end of the day, nothing is as important as taking care of yourself really... Finding a job is just a matter of time and how much you can be contented with so you shouldn't be that hard on yourself. To rest is to prepare for a longer journey, or something like that.

Thanks for sharing and congrats again for getting the job you wanted.

I think the jobs market is still very tight and challenging. Hopefully there will be more opportunities from beginning of the year?

Hi for those jobless for months, when you went for interviews, do you ask for last drawn pay or will you discount it? What are the chances of getting job offer with last drawn pay? If were to ask for lower pay, how much lower do you think is acceptable?? $500?

Hi,

How is the jobs markets so far?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi,

How is the jobs markets so far?

Seems to be slow and quiet!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi,

How is the jobs markets so far?

Dependa on what kind of job are you looking for. There are tons of opening in retail, f&b and hospitaility industry.

[hnnbllctr]

Originally Posted by aspenx

Sure. I'll try to summarise since I tend to be a little long-winded.

I'm a local engineering grad from a local uni with only average grades.

...

At the end of the day, nothing is as important as taking care of yourself really... Finding a job is just a matter of time and how much you can be contented with so you shouldn't be that hard on yourself. To rest is to prepare for a longer journey, or something like that.

Congrats, bro. My kudos to you for persevering through the difficult times and I am happy that you won out in the end. Respect!

I am currently working in a terrible environment with temptation to quit everyday. But seeing these posts, will need to hold on till I can get another job..

PRAY and hang in there everyone!

Romans 8:31 KJV
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

And the people say, Amen!