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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gen-z-young-workers-job-hop-career-switch-5217766 A CNA survey finds that on average, Singapore’s Gen Z workers prefer to stay in a job for 2.9 years – the shortest duration among their peers in Asia. SINGAPORE: When Ms Kumar, 27, told her parents she planned to leave her first job, her mother was taken aback and questioned her lack of “loyalty" to the company. Ms Kumar, who preferred to be known by her surname only, found this sentiment “quite ridiculous”. She left her job as a university administrative executive early last year. “You have to be loyal to yourself ... what you deserve and how you want to improve. If the company’s not serving you, it’s okay to leave,” she told CNA. Her point of view appears to be shared by working-age peers in Gen Z – loosely defined as the generation born from 1997 to 2012, and aged 13 to 28 this year. In a survey by CNA's Money Mind programme, Gen Z workers in Singapore aged 21 to 28 reported the shortest mean optimum period – 2.9 years – for staying in a job, compared to their counterparts in Asian countries. It was 3.5 years for workers in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines; 3.7 in Malaysia; and the longest of 4.6 in China. Staying for three to four years was the most popular option for Gen Z workers in most countries, including Singapore. China and the Philippines bucked the trend, with most choosing to stay for five years or more. In Singapore, 37 per cent of Gen Z workers would choose to stay for a shorter period of one to two years. This was higher than all other countries, particularly China, where just 5 per cent chose this option. Out of the 508 respondents in Singapore, only 14 per cent chose five years or more as the optimum duration in a job. This was by far the lowest proportion among countries surveyed. Gen Z workers have a strong desire for higher salaries and career growth, and changing jobs every two to three years is seen as an effective way to develop their careers, said Mr David Blasco, country director at recruiter Randstad Singapore. But individual motivations aside, structural reasons may also be a factor. “The pandemic and economic instability, marked by a surge in ‘revenge hiring’ quickly followed by global restructuring and a slowing economy, have made traditional job security feel less attainable,” said Mr Blasco. “As a result, Gen Z’s tendency to job-hop is better understood as a rational response to a more volatile market, not simply a lack of commitment.” NOT RESTING ON LAURELS Ms Kumar, now a programme executive in a non-profit, cited job satisfaction and personal and career development as her main reasons for switching both job and industry. The Money Mind survey found that in Singapore, work-life balance (65 per cent), high wages (62 per cent) and flexible work arrangements (53 per cent) were Gen Z workers’ top reasons for staying in a job. On the flip side, work-related stress (48 per cent), lack of career advancement (44 per cent) and unhappiness with a superior or colleague (44 per cent) were their top reasons for quitting in Singapore. Other Gen Z workers interviewed by CNA cited similar motivations as Ms Kumar. Mr Heng T J, 28, a public servant in healthcare who asked to be identified by his initials, has changed jobs three times in five years. Since he started working in 2020, his longest role has been for about two years in a university, while his shortest stint has been around half a year in a bank. Mr Heng said he did not intentionally set out to change jobs so frequently. But in the early stages of his career, learning is a priority. “(After) two, two-and-a-half years, if I’m not learning in my role, I guess the hesitation to leave will not be that high,” he said. “I don’t think I should be resting on my laurels.” His reasons for switching jobs include being a poor fit with the job and workplace culture; lack of growth potential; and dissatisfaction at his scope of work changing after a company reorganisation. Another Gen Z worker, a 29-year-old advertising and public relations account manager who did not want to be named for this story, has worked in four agencies since 2020. She stayed for about a year in each position. “At each step, I already know what exactly I want to do, and what I want to achieve out of this agency,” she said. For example, her goal could be to manage a marketing campaign budget of a certain size, or to run an offline campaign. “If I’ve already achieved it, whether it’s one year or less than a year, I’ve done what I came here to do. I’ll just move on.” Human capital experts said Gen Z workers’ priorities differ from those of older workers. Flexible work arrangements, learning opportunities and quality of management matter more to Gen Z workers, while older workers focus on pay and benefits, job security and job location, according to Aon’s head of talent solutions for Asia-Pacific Puneet Swani. Mr Blasco said professional and career progression are especially important to Gen Z. “They expect clear growth and development opportunities, seeing each job as a stepping stone rather than a long-term destination.” Job-hopping also presents an opportunity to negotiate for a higher salary, which was a consistent outcome for the Gen Z workers CNA spoke with. The account manager said the salary hikes from each job switch outpaced what she would have got from yearly increments if she had stayed put. Mr Heng, who also got a salary increment each time, recalled a senior’s advice that "the hiring budget at most companies is always higher than the retaining budget”, which he said shaped his thinking. Mr Swani stressed however that workers should consider job changes for the sake of learning and exposure rather than a salary boost to perform the same role. “Is it merely a 5 to 10 per cent salary increase, or is it the pursuit of new skills and competencies by transitioning to a different organisation? “Research indicates that employees who remain with one company tend to perform well, prompting the organisation to invest in their development, fast-track their career progression, and enhance their skills,” he argued. But organisations must in turn invest in their employees and support skills acquisition, or workers are likely to look elsewhere, he said. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR WORK Job-hopping is naturally a challenge for employers because of the substantial costs associated with training and acclimatising new workers, said Mr Swani. Employers can also see job-hopping as a sign of instability and lack of experience on the part of the potential employee, said Mr Blasco. “Rather than focusing solely on individual tenures, employers should focus on the clear upsides that Gen Z workers bring,” he said. “Gen Z’s creativity, comfort with technology and openness to new ideas can accelerate digital transformation, reinvent and strengthen existing processes, and introduce more collaborative, inclusive ways of working.” Employers should also think about retaining younger workers by aligning with their expectations for competitive salary increases, work flexibility, clear opportunities for career advancement and a “people-centric” workplace culture, added Mr Blasco. As for workers, “what matters more is being able to show that each job move was made thoughtfully and that you brought commitment and credibility to every role”, he advised. The Gen Z workers told CNA that although their peers have fears and worries over job-hopping, they themselves have not felt disadvantaged in their job searches so far. The account manager said that in her industry of advertising and public relations, employers collectively consider the amount of work, clientele and experience she has, rather than looking into how long she was in one company. This only changed when she was being considered for in-house marketing roles rather than agency ones, with companies in the former category questioning her short stints. “It says a lot about them as well,” she said. “It’s a two-way street – I am reviewing them as they are reviewing me.” Mr Heng felt the same. “If the hiring manager is of a very traditional and rigid kind of mindset, would you really want to join such a company?” Both however expect their attitude and approach towards job-hopping to evolve, with more time spent in the workforce. Mr Heng said his priorities will change as he goes through different life and career milestones, such as starting a family or becoming a manager. The account manager said changing jobs every year would not be sustainable in the long run, and believes this is probably “the last year” she can do this. “Moving forward, I would also like to find an environment that I will be happy with for two years,” she said. “It’s not that I want to leave every one year to earn more money or something. If I can do that in a comfortable place, why would I want to leave?”

I had to go into Vietnam last week for some work. Had to connect to a domestic flight at HCMC, which invloved a six hours layover in HCMC airport. Decided then to rent a car and get into the city for some sightseeing. Here is a pictorial report of the visit,... HCMC airport into city centre is only about 15 kilometers... car and driver for four hours cost me US$25.00. I had already check in my luggage and therefore only had a handcarry. The last time I was in HCM was in 1996, and boy have the city changed. More building, more traffic and more tourists...... Talk about Singapore traffic and motor bikes, well in HCM if you have a weak heart, would suggest you close your eyes when riding in a car....

Hi all, Anyone got a spare wheelchair lying around wife just finished knee ops and not steady/comfortable walking with clutches, just need to loan for about 4 to 6 weeks before she could start her physio therapy. Many thanks in advance

Arrived this evening On the way to hotel at river Arrived at hotel Went for a walk Respect this fella lifting up a bunch of cables for his truck to pass Why are bottle beers here costing $4 per bottle? Snails

At hotel lobby taking to lobby staff Me: Hi could you please recommend a good dimsum restaurant? Lady: Yes very good restaurant Me: Yea yes I like very good restaurant Lady: ok out of the hotel turn left one block down very good restaurant Me: ok thanks so name of restaurant please Lady: oh it’s very good restaurant you can’t miss Getting agitated by now Me: Yes its a very good restaurant but I need to know the name of the restaurant can you please tell me the name of the restaurant? I arrived at the restaurant finally :oops:

Greetings! Did a short getaway to Guangzhou, China with my wife a short while back. We were looking for a short getaway, and at first we looked at the region, but finally decided that it would be more fun to go to China instead. So we chose Guangzhou, which was a 4 hour flight (like flying to Hong Kong). It was a free and easy trip. We didn't cover very much, but hey, this was supposed to be for rest and relaxation. Before I jump into what we say, check out this new 'All Fours Movement' (coined by me). Elderly crawling up hill on all fours? This was at Yue Xiu Park, Guangzhou. Quite bizarre, but they seem to know what they were doing. Stay tuned for more.

Had a good 6hrs sleep on flight nice dinner too Starter Duck confit Cheese Breakfast chose pork porridge

hi, any recommendation for service apartment for 2 months stay. 2pax only. 1 or 2 rooms is fine. budget $2k to below $3k. preferably in the west. at the budget i guess cannot afford ccr right got a distant relative need to stay for 2 months in spore. thanks!

Hi Guys, Got a little break from shooting reviews of Mahindra SUVs, The last one was a bit of a short notice cancellation. So I did a short review on my 2015 Renault Megane 1.6 DCi This video is a bit shorter so I need feedback please guys. 1) I need to know if you prefer the short videos or longer +- 6min videos. 2) should I skip the in depth walk around and go straight into the fun performance part and only after that do a quick walk around? Will appreciate any feedback. Here's the Megane 1.6DCi:

Breakfast Sunrise the tiny spot beside the sun is Mt Fuji Landed at Chitose https://youtu.be/U1Bxyx0P-pA

New research says short people are angrier and more violent than tall people Researchers at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, recently quizzed 600 men aged between 18 and 50 on the perception of male gender, self-image and behavior in relation to drug-taking, violence and crime for a government-led study. The scientists found that men who feel the least masculine are most at risk of committing violent or criminal acts. According to the study, men who considered themselves less masculine, also known as "male discrepancy stress," were nearly three times more likely to have committed violent assaults with a weapon or assaults leading to an injury. A few years ago, a team of researchers at Oxford University also claimed "Short Man Syndrome" is a real thing. They reported that reducing a person's height can increase feelings of vulnerability and also raise levels of paranoia. Also known as the "Napoleon Complex." As modern society becomes more superficial and focused on the body standards for both sexes, height is becoming a taboo topic for many men. It is very possible that these studies included too small of a test group to accurately describe the behavioral tendencies of someone based on their height. Just for clarification, Napoleon was actually 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is basically the average height of our time. And for some perspective, that's an inch taller than movie star Jet Li! Source: https://www.higherperspectives.com/research-short-people-angry-2603541093.html Not i say one hor

http://buzz.viddsee.com/gift-daniel-yam/

https://youtu.be/JBwoqL3AqiA While my kids were having a nap after playing with the Sylvanian Families toys today, I made this short film of daddy coming home from work.

Hi Any contacts for above rental? Or anyone willing to help? Just need like half hour or so at your convenience anytime tomorrow to transport just 1 bulky but very light item (my new roof headliner so can't fit into my small car) for a short distance from spare parts shop to my home nearby. Tks

Bros.. And Sis.. Suddenly I remembered my favourite childhood book series.. The Bookworm Short Stories.. Filled with some lame , some funny and some learning point stories.. I wonder if anyone here also used to read them.. If I am not wrong.. There was a stingy guy called Louie.. One Smarty,, then a Sam Seng.. Sorry.. This one for those born in 80's and above I think.. Just random memories since I saw one of it lying of the floor..

The Last Of The Woodlands Centre. A Tribute Short Film to Singapore's Iconic Location In The North. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79B5mMfDLfs&t=4s

anyone wants to translate it into English without losing too much of its touching content?

A short film made in Penang Enjoy and do give me your honest opinion. Happy Lunar New Year ! https://youtu.be/afV44Lz8QO8 Why so many Penang filming ? Because I always travel to Penang.

Just wondering what are the chances of all family members who drive separate cars being summoned by TP within short period of time on separate occasions within the last 2 months Been okay for the last many years. Even extended coe. Just received first time letter for speeding and also my family member first time speeding Or probably there’s a step up in activity in speed traps?

Hi, i am new here. my business with my biz partner just started. And recently just bought a proton Savvy (left 6 months) to drive for short term. But I will not wait till i drive till the tail end and then exploring which other option to go for. I would probably go for cars that is left 1-2 years, something that doesn't need me to fork out too much cash and tie over for the next 1 year and once my biz become stabilized or has the ability to upgrade to better car, then we will change. OR, buy a commercial van which is way cheaper to drive thru this short period...... any expert?

hi guys. my baby birthday in august. was thinking of bringing her and the family for a short getaway to celebrate. maybe my parents/inlaws also joining us. biggest issue is that the birthday is over the national day long weekend. hopefully don't jam too much. lol got any suggestions? couple of ideas we are thinking of. 1) lotus desaru resort - can eat seafood - can go the fruit farms / farms etc to see animals - can go beach 2) port dickson thinking of eagle ranch resort relaxing time. abit far for a 2yr old on her first road trip any other farm stay type resort nearer to sg? preferable within 1-2 hr drive. any comments or other suggestions? thanks in advance.

Over in Nusajaya and filled up with petrol at the last service station before Tuas. Bought durian at the stall there before and just got a craving. So bought 1.5kg. Had it opened there and ate 3 pieces from 1 segment straight away, but asked that the remaining pieces be wrapped up to take home. Got home opened the package and found just another 3 pieces from 1 segment. Should have checked that I'd been given the whole amount not just part. Fuming

Need a 1-2 month rental car, but cheap. Any lobang ? Thanks in advance.

Hello.. Need some advices. One day, I off my car engine for a while (maybe around ten minutes) to buy some things, and when I push start the engine, it shows a weak cranking and the dashboard lights up showing the battery and the oil warning light. Try second pressing the start switch and the car engine starts. This happens twice and the second time is after a fuel pumping. This car is now 168000km. What can be wrong? The battery and starter switch is checked OK. Thanks for the help

Been seeing this 3 times in a row on news. Is it really that bad? During my time, nobody even cares about IT people. The only IT people around are foreigners let in by our generous system and all the locals were kicked out of the market.