I was around 21 and fresh out from NS looking for a job in 1994.
Realising that I am just armed with an ‘O’ level cert and job
opportunities are limited I decided to go for an apprenticeship
with an engineering company for an ITE cert in NTC 2.
The apprenticeship runs for 3 years and I was supposed to serve
another year bond. I was earning a base salary of $600.Better than
nothing. I also concurrently underwent an electrical engineering
diploma course at SP on my own time and expenses. After completing
my apprenticeship I was promoted to technician. My last drawn pay
in this company was $1200.
Around 2000, I left for another company with a remuneration of
$2500. My post then was a project supervisor. Life was looking good
for me and I was looking forward to receiving my diploma and a
possible promotion. Alas my diploma came but the promotion no,
though in all fairness to the company I did receive a slight pay
increment. In 2004 I left for another company and drawing a base
salary of $4000 as a project engineer. I was on a two year contract
with this company and my contract was extended for another two
years. I was very happy there and getting along nicely with
everyone. Unfortunately in 2008 my contract was not renewed as the
company claim that it had lost out on a major tender, though some
of my foreign colleagues are still there till now.
I started looking for a job after a few months break as I
thought I need a break after working nearly 13 to 14 years. Still
had some savings left.I am also not unduly worried as I had
received my taxi licence a few years back. Till now I always think
that this is the best course I had ever went to.
As my skill developed over the years was specific and
specialised, and with more than 10 years in the industry, I was
quite confident of landing a job.Meanwhile I drove cab. I started
applying for jobs in 2009 and received numerous offers. Duly I went
for interviews. Nearly very company offered me a position. But none
of the them can match my previous pay or at least be close to it.
This is the latest two offers that I got $1900 and $1700 for the
same position as project engineer. That was about 1 year ago. The
reason they told me is that it is the market rate. What market
rate? This is worse than a fresh poly grad. Then it dawn on me is
also the FT rate. I gave up competing with them.
I’ve got a mortgage to settle and a family to feed. I had given
up applying for a job now. I am still happily driving my cab. Who
says that Singaporeans are afraid of hard work. So I don’t
really know what is the govt talking about upgrading. I believe I
had done my fair share of upgrading and my pay seems to be
downgrading. What is that upgrading for? As you can see I am no
slouch at following the PAP command of upgrading. Look at these
records, NTC 2, diploma, construction supervisor cert and numerous
other certs all obtained while working and raising a family. Just
felt that my life and time had been wasted on all this nonsense
course except the taxi one. This is just nonsense from the better,
cheaper, faster minister who had been spouting the upgrading
mantra.
As the GE is coming, I have been thinking that if the MP comes
to my house for visits, I will paste all my certs on the front door
and ask him what is the worth of all these certs that I have worked
so hard for. If he replies salary is based on market rate, I will
then give him all my certs to be used as toilet paper.
By the way, my Kaki Bukit ward had been moved from Marine Parade
to Aljunied. Gerrymandering or not, I definitely know where my vote
is going to. And I will still rather drive my taxi.
Jobless Joe
Courtesy of taxiuncle.com
