Jobseekers’ Diaries: Out of work for nearly 10 months, I’m finally back on track

As jobs are a top concern for Singaporeans in the Covid-19 crisis, TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts from jobseekers in which they reflect on their experiences and what keeps them going.

In this instalment of Jobseekers’ Diaries, Mr Derek Joseph Sun, 36, recounts the stress he felt after losing his job last year and his relief at finding work again following a 10-month job search. 

Last year, as I was about to put down my option-to-purchase deposit for my matrimonial home, my ex-boss broke the news that my role at the multinational media company would be made redundant because of corporate restructuring.

This was only nine months after I joined the firm in early 2019. 

In January this year, after more than five unsuccessful rounds of interviews, multiple “mock briefs” — proposals that I presented as part of the interview process — and a short contract stint, I took a break from the intensity of job hunting to focus on my wedding preparations.

Entering married life without a job gave me added stress.

What if I remained jobless? How would my flight stewardess wife and I cope?

The image of an unemployed "man of the house" weighed heavily on me.

My worries materialised when Covid-19 hit the job market. With many flights grounded, my wife’s income was also affected.

To stay sane, I decided that I needed to keep my resume updated with more certifications, such as in digital marketing, through free courses offered by professional network LinkedIn, and technology firms The Trade Desk and Google.

Realising that I may not get a job offer after more than 20 failed interviews and over 200 applications, I started Dobes, an outdoor apparel brand. This has always been my dream. 

I figured that if no one wanted to hire me, I would hire myself instead.

Armed with little knowledge and no experience, I began designing my brand's first outdoor jacket made of self-healing fabric, which repairs itself if punctured. 

In the lead-up to the jacket’s launch on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, I worked on my own video production and digital marketing campaign for my promotions, with the help of friends and family for whom I am grateful.

Although my first attempt to raise funds did not work out well, I had enough global interest in my product, which has since motivated me to bring it to fruition.

Finally, after nearly 10 months searching for a full-time job, I was approached by a lady — my current boss — via LinkedIn in early September.

She came across my “open to work” profile and heard through mutual ex-colleagues of ours that I was looking for a job. 

I underwent a series of interviews before securing a role as an advertising sales director at iQiyi, one of China's leading digital entertainment media firms. It recently opened its doors in Southeast Asia.

After many months of uncertainty and rejections, there was finally light at the end of the tunnel.

For those still searching for work, keep calm and carry on. If no one gives you a chance, use this time to your advantage and write your own story.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Mr Derek Joseph Sun, 36, was retrenched in December last year from his role as a client strategist at a multinational media company. After almost 10 months on the job hunt, he was hired as an advertising sales director at iQiyi.

If you are a jobseeker with a compelling story or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.