Sometimes, less is more

AS A final-year tertiary student, I certainly follow media reports about the current economic turmoil with much anxiety.

With the financial climate as fragile as it is unpredictable, what the local job market will be like next year is anyone's guess. Wage inflation may be a concern, but I'm unlikely to be carried away by this sentiment and demand a higher salary.

The reason is simple: In the light of current economic conditions, we should worry more about the availability of jobs than wage levels.

Sometimes, less is indeed more - that is a reality check for all graduating students.

Wiliam Tham, 24, is a final-year business student at the Singapore Management University (SMU)

Passion over money

PROSPECTIVE investment bankers in my university are often chided for 'selling their souls' - trading personal lives for lucrative pay cheques.

I cannot agree with this materialistic career mentality.

With the inevitability of economic booms and busts, a life spent chasing money is more than likely to come to grief.

For lasting personal satisfaction, one's career choice should instead reflect one's passions.

For me, that trade is journalism. It is just as well that there isn't much money in it. My soul is mine to keep.

Wong Chun Han, 22, is a final-year history student at the London School of Economics

It pays to think long term

SOME of my friends who have just graduated and are starting to pay the bills are understandably concerned about shrinking real wages, but it pays to be optimistic about the future.

Since the economy traditionally follows a predicted business cycle of bust and boom, I will think long term when I enter the job market in two years' time.

Rather than be overly driven by wage considerations, it is wiser to focus on getting a job that is aligned with one's interests.

At the same time, for greater financial security, I will also reduce unnecessary spending and expand my investment portfolio.

Kenny Tan, 22, is a third-year economics student at SMU

Pay attention to pay

THROUGHOUT my life, I have been exhorted by my family, teachers and society that education is the ticket to the best jobs.

By pursuing an undergraduate degree, I am already investing a good amount of time, effort and money, with the expectation of a comfortable job with good pay.

It is reasonable for me, as well as my peers, to expect wages to rise in tandem with the escalating cost of living. Otherwise it simply means we are valued less for the same amount of work.

Yet, we do not see this happening, leading to heartache all round.

If the Government prides itself in taking care of its people, it is this area that should draw the most attention from policy-makers. Otherwise, the likelihood of my peers and I heading for greener pastures overseas is high.

Christel Gomes, 20, is a second-year literature major at the National University of Singapore

A bleak future awaits

I WILL be the first to admit that I am a miser, yet even I feel the bite of that growing beast called inflation whenever I pay for my meals or top up my ez-link card.

I am but 17, and inflation is already going through the roof. When I graduate from university, will a simple bowl of noodles cost $10 then?

Even with a higher starting pay, I maynot be able to fend off inflation. But that is assuming I can get a job first.

Beyond that, who's to say employers will not choose cheaper foreign talent over local graduates who demand higher salaries?

The straight and narrow academic path used to guarantee stable career success. Now, I'm not so sure any more.

Chong Joe En, 17, is a humanities student at Anglo-Chinese Junior College

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 29, 2008.