Jobseekers’ Diaries: I landed a contract job after a stroke, more than a year of finding work

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 Mohamad Rafie Abdullah, 51, recounts having to take on temporary jobs after becoming unemployed in 2019. He was later dealt several health blows, including a stroke. Then Covid-19 hit, which meant an arduous job search — but he refused to give up.  

I have faced many valleys in life. 

After failing my A Level exams, I pursued a fine-arts diploma since I love drawing.

After graduation, I started my career as a merchandiser with department store owner CK Tang. 

I spent the next 30 years largely in sales and business development at retail companies. 

I also had a chance to take part in creative photography and filming work, dipping into my innate passion for the arts.

Things went downhill as I approached my 50s. 

My employer was facing financial trouble and I left in April 2019.

I went to Indonesia and Malaysia to explore job opportunities with my friends, but nothing materialised.

In October 2019, I returned to Singapore and took up a food-delivery job. 

I also accepted a packer job with a retail firm. One day, I realised that my back was sticky and found it soaked in blood. 

In November 2019, I had a migraine and pain in my left ear. 

At Changi General Hospital, I was hospitalised for cerebral venous thrombosis, a type of stroke, after doctors found bleeding in my vein on the right side of my head. 

The medical staff found other problems, such as a small tumour growing in my spine and anaemia, a deficiency of red blood cells, due to piles. 

I am single and, throughout the process, I was alone in hospital.

Thankfully, I regained my strength and was discharged about a week later.  

After a few days of rest, I returned to my food-delivery job while searching for permanent work. Without fail, I submitted more than 20 applications daily.  

I received nothing but rejections because employers were concerned about my health. 

Covid-19 made things harder, but I resolved not to give up.

In June last year, a social worker from the hospital referred me to government agency Workforce Singapore’s Careers Connect centre for help. 

I was put in touch with career coach Noel, who was a pillar of support, and continued to encourage me despite my many unsuccessful attempts at landing a job. 

With the agency’s help, I started work at Republic Polytechnic as a digital content creator in January — more than a year after I began my search for a full-time job. 

I felt so lucky to land this job that is in line with my interests. 

I create video content to aid lecturers in teaching the curriculum.

My bosses and colleagues have been incredibly supportive. Even though my contract is for six months and will end in mid-July, I have had a good learning experience. 

Going forward, I will be looking out for suitable opportunities where I can use my skills meaningfully.

I was never alone on this journey, thanks to many good-hearted people. 

They include my younger stepbrother Danish Qaiser Lim, who never failed to spend time with me and lend me an ear.

No matter what happens, I will tell myself and other jobseekers to be strong. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

ABOUT THE WRITER: 

Mr Mohamad Rafie Abdullah, 51, spent nearly 30 years in the retail industry, mainly in sales and business development, before becoming unemployed in April 2019. After taking up several temporary roles, he landed a contract job with Republic Polytechnic as a digital content creator in January 2021 — more than a year after he started his search for a full-time job.

If you are a jobseeker with an experience to share 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.