Singapore social enterprise helps older professionals discover jobs

What struck her most was his sense of hopelessness and she or he wished she may do one thing.

That feeling stayed along with her all through her profession in human assets at Unilever. Then, in 2023, after coming back from an 18-month-long job posting to South Korea, Lim discovered herself at a crossroads.

“I was 28 years old. I asked myself if it was crazy to give up the best years of my career (to start a social enterprise). I was very torn and cried frequently about it,” she informed CNA Women.

Ultimately, she took that leap of religion. In November 2023, she began The Courage Chapter, initially taking a sabbatical along with her director’s blessing earlier than lastly resigning in September this yr.

THE MIDLIFE PAUSE NO ONE PLANNED FOR

The Courage Chapter was created to champion inclusive employment, particularly to assist midlife and older professionals overcome age-related limitations at work, mentioned Lim. The co-founder was chosen for this yr’s National Council of Social Service’s annual 40 Under 40 management programme, which recognises excellent younger leaders within the social service sector.  

One of Lim’s members is an ex-GM who acquired retrenched in his late 50s in the course of the pandemic.

When his search for the same position failed, he regarded for managerial roles. And individuals questioned why a former GM would take a step down and big pay lower.

He then tried a unique trade, nonetheless with no success. He even utilized for an administration job however was rejected on grounds that he had no administrative expertise.

“It was mind-blowing because there is literally no option for him,” Lim mentioned.