askST Jobs

askST Jobs: I’ve worked only in my family business. Can I still move into the corporate world?

Compensation in family businesses often reflects ownership, trust and long-term stewardship, rather than pure market benchmarks for a given role.

askST Jobs: Why are new hires sometimes paid more than existing employees?

Salary compression occurs when the pay gap between new hires and long-serving employees in the same team or role becomes unusually small.

askST Jobs: I’ve been with the same company for a ‘long’ time. Can I still switch jobs?

Employees who have spent a long time in one organisation may develop strong attachments to colleagues, culture and benefits, which can make the idea of leaving more complex, but not necessarily a disadvantage.

askST Jobs: Will a sabbatical hurt my career progression?

In most organisations, sabbaticals are supported in principle. But in practice, the work environment may have moved on by the time an employee returns from a long break.

askST Jobs: I think I am being ‘quietly fired’. What should I do?

In Singapore, the term "quiet firing " is not defined in law.

askST Jobs: My company offered me a more junior title with the same salary. Is it a step backwards?

Job titles are often less meaningful than people think they are, say HR experts.

askST Jobs: I struggle to say ‘no’ at work. How can I set boundaries?

Setting boundaries at work is fundamentally about prioritisation.

askST Jobs: I think I’m being gaslighted at work. What should I do?

In such situations, employees can set boundaries by stating their position and the facts firmly, and disengaging from inaccurate or invalid arguments.

askST Jobs: I’m known as a reliable and versatile employee. Will that affect my career?

Being reliable and versatile is positive as it signals that you can be trusted and can deliver under pressure.

askST Jobs: What is a good salary increment within the same company?

In Singapore, annual salary increments in steady economic conditions typically range between 3 per cent and 5 per cent.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Personal Data Protection Notice

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.