More people may be out of work as the economy
matures.
But even as the Government works to find replacement
jobs, workers must brace themselves for change, said Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong in his annual May Day message.
His remarks came as the Manpower Ministry said that
unemployment rose to 2.3 per cent in March, up from 2.2 per cent in
December.
Mr Lee said: "Our workers must be adaptable, keen to
upgrade and re-skill themselves, when necessary changing careers to
secure good jobs."
Professionals, managers, executives and technicians
(PMETs) looking to switch industries can consider positions in the
manufacturing sector.
It has two new initiatives - eight new Professional
Conversion Programmes and a pool of veterans under the SkillsFuture
Career Advisors Programme - to assist in the crossovers.
For those wondering if they should make a sector
switch, here are five telltale signs of when to do so.
You have not advanced to the highest position in the
company but see no more room for yourself, whether it is because of
others holding long-term positions or because you have been told
you can go no further.
With technology driving change at an unprecedented
rate, it is critical for you and your company to invest in ongoing
learning to keep your professional skills sharp. But your company
does not offer it.
Not every job will be replaced by technology, but if
automation is diminishing the value of your professional skills,
find an employer who still values them or retrain and change
careers.
When the job change and career goals collide - for
example, you are moved to a quota-based section that does not play
to your strengths as a people person - it is time to venture
elsewhere.
Your interest in the job is waning. When you have lost
your passion, go and find it again.
To do so, run this self-appraisal. Firstly, with the
skills you have, what jobs do you qualify for? What jobs are a good
fit for your personality?
Next, survey the labour landscape: Is there a sector
that is easing the way for PMETs making crossovers? What room for
advancement do these jobs offer in the long term?
Also, talk to people who are in the jobs you are
considering to understand the realities about the companies and
industries.
Now, take your final step: Make the move.
This article was contributed by Right
Management (www.rightmanagement.sg),
the global career experts within United States-listed HR consulting
firm ManpowerGroup.
