What brings you here today?

Every career journey has its moments. Tell us what you’re going through, and we’ll share with you how we support PMEs in navigating similar situations in Singapore.

"I've been retrenched"

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It's overwhelming. You're not sure what comes next, and the uncertainty is hard.

"My career feels stagnant"

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You've been doing the same thing for years. There has to be more, right?

"I'm worried about AI"

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Technology is changing fast. Will your skills still matter tomorrow?

"I'm facing workplace issues"

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Unpaid wages, unfair treatment, or contract disputes. You need someone to listen.

"I'm starting my career"

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Fresh out of school, and the job market feels daunting. Where do you even begin?

"I feel too old to be relevant"

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Age shouldn't limit you, but you're feeling the pressure. Is it too late to reinvent?

You're joining a community

They're real people who've faced what you're facing, and came out stronger.

SANDRA TEO, 39 Sandra Teo

I was terminated without proper notice and denied my leave encashment.

The company claimed they'd 'overpaid' me. NTUC's U PME consultant didn't just believe me—she did the math, drafted a formal letter and got me my $1,500 back. I want more professionals to know: you don't have to accept unfair treatment.

OUTCOME
πŸ’° $1,500 salary balance recovered
🀝 Fairer settlement achieved
MICHAEL*, 40s Michael

My supervisor made me practise smiling for 30 minutes in front of her.

Apparently she thought I had a "very condescending smile". I felt helpless and alone. NTUC's career coach didn't just validate my experience—they equipped me with knowledge, built my confidence, and helped me land a better role with 25% more pay. I didn't have to suffer in silence.

OUTCOME
πŸ“ˆ 25% pay increment
πŸ’Ό Career-aligned new role secured
ARULNATHAN JOHN, 58 Arulnathan John

After nearly 20 years in journalism, I was retrenched at 58 during the pandemic.

I felt lost. NTUC's career coach Harjeet didn't just help tailor my resume—he stayed with me for 22 months, through rejections and uncertainty. He taught me new media skills, kept me motivated, and helped me see my experience as strength. Today, I'm working as a corporate communications professional.

OUTCOME
πŸ” Re-employed after 22 months
πŸŽ“ Career pivot to education sector

Find what you are looking for

Here are the most common questions PMEs ask us. Whatever you’re facing, you’re not alone.

Questions? We’ve got answers

Here are the most common questions PMEs ask us. Whatever you’re facing, you’re not alone.

We understand the anxieties surrounding retrenchment exercises. Here’s what you need to know.

  1. Check in with your employer/HR Check if retrenchment is the last resort, and you can request not to sign the retrenchment letter immediately if you deem the terms unfair.
  2. Understand Your Rights Clarify all entitlements and benefits stated in the letter. Do not sign any document stating that the payment is a full and final settlement if you deem it questionable.
  3. Document Everything Keep all emails, letters, and records of what your employer told you. Contact NTUC PME pme@ntuc.org.sg if further assistance is required.
  4. Download Our Guide Our Retrenchment Guide covers everything from retrenchment benefit to bouncing back from a retrenchment.

You deserve to be paid for your work. Here’s the process to claim what’s rightfully yours:

  1. Under Employment Act: Your employer must pay your salary within 7 days after the end of the salary period. Delays beyond this violate the law.
  2. Document Everything: Keep records of: your employment contract, work performed, communication about payment.
  3. Talk to Your Employer First: Send a formal email requesting payment with a deadline. Keep it professional.
  4. Get NTUC Support: We’ll help you understand your rights, and if needed, represent you in your salary disputes.

This happens more often than it should. Know your rights.

No, they cannot force you to resign. If the company is downsizing and your position is redundant, it should be a retrenchment—not resignation.

Why This Matters:

  • Retrenchment: You get retrenchment benefits, notice pay, compensation
  • Resignation: You get nothing. You're leaving "voluntarily"

If your employer is pressuring you to resign:

  1. Don't sign anything immediately – Take time to review
  2. Document all conversations – Emails, meetings, verbal discussions

Contact TADM or NTUC (for NTUC members) immediately – We'll advise on your next steps

Have more questions?

We’ve got answers to everything from unfair dismissals to retrenchments.   
Learn more >

We're here to help you.

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"I've been retrenched"

You're not alone in this

Immediate support

Talk to career coaches who've walked this path with hundreds of PMEs.

Retrenchment guide

Step-by-step guide on your benefits, rights, and what to do.

Job matching with NTUC's e2i

17,000 PMEs placed in 2024. Direct connections to employers who value experience.

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"I'm worried about AI"

Stay ahead, not behind

AI Career Coach

A simple, smart, and secure platform, designed to support your career success.

AI for non-tech professionals

Visit NTUC LearningHub for AI courses. No tech background needed—start where you are.

Union Training Assistance Programme

UTAP grants up to $500/year. Learning doesn't break your budget.

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"I feel too old to be relevant"

Experience is your strength

NTUC LearningHub Career Mentorship Programme

Match with experienced industry professionals at the top of their game. Gain meaningful advice and resources to make strategic decisions to propel your career forward.

Mid-Career Pathways Programme

Earn while you train (up to $3,800/month allowance). Upon completion of programme, host company must hire you if performance is deemed satisfactory.

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"My career is not progressing"

Let's get you moving again

1-on-1 mentorship matching

Connect with industry professionals and experts who've been where you are with our NTUC Executive Mentorship Programme.

Networking opportunities

Join us for dedicated events for PMEs. Sometimes who you know opens doors.

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"I'm facing workplace issues"

You're not powerless

TADM@NTUC

Safe space to ask for advice and guidance on disputes, discrimination, contracts

Legal guidance

NTUC union members facing legal issues on employment may obtain assistance through Legal Assistance Panel (LAP)

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"I'm starting my career"

Everyone starts somewhere

NTUC AI Career Coach

AI-powered job matches, guided resume writing, and a safe space to practice interviews.

Youth Career Mentorship

Meet the career mentors, currently covering a range of 23 different industries and have your burning questions answered!

NTUC Youth Excel

2-day workshop to support your job search while nurturing leadership skills.

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