Survey Findings Reveal Career Preferences & Expectations of Singapore's
Workforce of Tomorrow: 'What Our Children Think!'
SINGAPORE, /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
The results of a survey of 60 children conducted by Adecco Singapore, the
Singapore subsidiary of the world's leading human resource and staffing services
company, reveals that 88% of Singapore's workforce of tomorrow believe that it is more
important to spend time with family than to make a large salary and lots of money, thus
making family a priority over salary when considering work/life balance. An interesting
finding when more children are seeing their parents working longer hours than they may
have done in previous years.
The survey asked 60 children in Singapore, aged from 7 to 14, about their career and
salary expectations. The most popular career choices are for becoming a Doctor,
Lawyer, Teacher or joining the Singapore Police Force. One child that wants to become
a Doctor, so that he can 'help treat people', expects to receive a monthly salary of
S$200. However, these worthy career choices compete with a wide array of other
interesting possibilities, such as Violin Teacher, Forensic Scientist, Game Designer or a
'person that grooms pets'.
One child surveyed is hoping to earn S$24,000,000 per annum as a Rugby Player,
whilst another wants to become a 'Food Taster' as they 'love to eat' and hope to get
paid $2000 a month for doing so. Another hopes to develop a career as a Pathologist
as they have always 'been interested in dinosaurs' and plans to earn enough to 'buy
computer games'.
Many children intend to go after the coolest job they can imagine, whilst others think
the coolest jobs in the world, although not right for them, include being a Road
Sweeper, Subway Sandwich Artist, Commando, Magician or a 'job that you don't need
to train at and can just be yourself'. One young child thinks that being the 'Boss Of
Computers Like Bill Gates' is the best job going.
Since being prime minister of Singapore is such an important job, the children were
asked about the first 'three things they would do' if they became prime minister.
Recurring themes included continual improvement of the environment and helping
those most in need. Many children gave serious thought as to what they would do if
they became prime minister:
-- Ban 'holiday homework' on 'holidays'
-- Ensure that everyone has food
-- Cut everyone's salary and give it to me
-- Ensure severe punishments for animal abusers
-- Build more shopping centres
-- Put an end to the financial crisis
-- Buy lots of Pokemons
-- Implement an island wide smoking ban
-- Donate money to charity
-- Give toys and money to my friends
-- Save our natural habitats
-- Give S$180 to teenagers every month to go shopping with
Many children were knowledgeable beyond their years about how as Singapore's
Prime Minister they would influence taxes, education, government and society in
general. The country would be in good hands!
The most poignant parts of the survey were the 'Family' answers to the question
"What is more important -- to make lots of money or to spend time with your family?"
The children surveyed clearly understand family values and the importance of the family
unit -- possibly influenced by conversations around the dining room table about the
global economy and what lies ahead. Some of the more thought provoking responses
to this question included:
-- Money can't buy time with my family
-- I love my family more than money
-- Because they are my family
-- Family can last you a lifetime
While this may not be the most scientific survey of the year, it comes at a time when
the topics of jobs and careers are very much on the mind of Singaporeans. The survey
shows that thoughts about work, responsibilities and quality of life, begin early on in
children.
Lynne Ng, Regional Director for Adecco South East Asia, commented, "In as much
as there is always humour in a survey like this, we are amazed at just how responsibly
minded the surveyed children are. I was touched to see so many of the children
choosing family over money and deeply appreciating the family that surround them.
This to me was a reminder of the increasing need for work/life balance.
Based on the survey results, Adecco forecasts that our future workforce, with their
foresight and creativity, will contribute significantly to the Singapore of tomorrow".
About Adecco
Adecco S.A. is a Fortune Global 500 company and the global leader in HR services.
Established in Singapore in 1985, Adecco Singapore offers a comprehensive range of
services that includes temporary & contract staffing, permanent recruitment,
outsourcing, executive search, leadership development, career management and
outplacement. Services are delivered through a network of 17 offices and specialist
divisions.
CONTACT: Citrus Public Relations
Ian Grundy
Tel: +65-8322-6890
Email: ian.grundy@citrus-pr.com
Adecco Personnel Pte Ltd
Jessica Chew
Tel: +65-6836-4555
Email: jessica.chew@adecco-asia.com
SOURCE: Adecco Personnel Pte Ltd
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