10 valid concerns of young working adults today, and how we can solve them instead of complaining

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:53 pm

If you are in your first few years of work and have been trying to make your mark in your field of work, you would know how hard it is to actually do so. Many young adults enter the workforce with hopes and dreams, only to quickly become disillusioned and turn into 9-to-5 robots. However, even though there may be difficulties, it’s always better to do something about them rather than submitting to defeat.

The economy is on a decline.
Though this is true, it does apply to everyone else in Singapore. You are part of the economy, so the responsibility also partly lies with you to improve it, no matter how small your contribution may seem.

The job market is not very good.
There are actually more jobs than employees. It all depends on your flexibility. If you are not picky about what you do now, you can actually learn skillsets that will be helpful in attaining your dream job in future. You are still young, so you have the luxury of time to work towards your aspirations.

There is a recession now.
As long as you don’t get laid off, you are fine. However, you should be giving your 100% at work so that you know you have the capability to excel in your position, in any company.

Many people have the same level of education as me.
It’s no lie that almost every young adult has at least a Bachelor degree now. However, you can still constantly upgrade yourself, so as to make your skillset better than theirs. After all, knowledge is power but skills will get you the job.

I have no work-life balance.
When you start out, work is usually a lot more intense as you start to learn many new things. The work-life balance will work out once you start to get the hang of your stuff, and also when your superiors trust your ability to handle things on your own.

My boss is biased against me because of my generation.
Some of the people from the older generation have doubts about the younger generation’s ability to excel at tasks. However, you should show off your capabilities and initiative by actively engaging in conversations during meetings and providing insightful comments. Of course, this means that you actually need to have the capabilities, or your boss would have been right about you.

I have no motivation.
This either means that you need a change of job or jobscope, or that you need to recharge. Passion is the only thing that will be a constant motivator, so you should focus on finding something you love so that every weekday will be welcomed, rather than dreaded.

My work is so monotonous.
If you feel like you aren’t contributing much to the company, it’s time to review your jobscope with your manager. Be proactive in taking up more responsibilities.

Office politics.
This is present everywhere, so you won’t be able to run away from it by switching jobs. The best thing to do is to treat them as opportunities to work on your people skills and know how to diffuse awkward situations – a key skill in life.

My anticipated promotion does not come.
When you first joined the company, some people might have enticed you with promises of promotions every year. However, you have to manage your expectations and be realistic. Hard work comes along with rewards. So if you are aiming to rise through the ranks, you have to be prepared to sacrifice things like work-life balance.

 

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