What No One Tells You About Careers And Adulting: Gen Z Spills The Tea
Forget Glassdoor – Gen Z in Singapore reveals what they wish they knew and the advice they'd give their younger selves.
As the tassel moves from one side to the other, the journey from student life to professional life comes with its share of startling revelations. The party animals among us may find ourselves heading to bed at 10 pm, wondering who we've become, while others might be humbled when the corporate lingo they once mocked slips into their daily vocabulary. We chat with Gen Zers about the biggest surprises they encountered upon entering the workforce, the character arcs in progress, and the advice they wish they could give their younger selves on graduation day – because the realities of professional life are an acquired taste.
WYONA PANG, 25
Wyona Pang
Started working in:
2022
Currently working as:
Marketing executive in fashion PR and communications
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I had a major flashback to CNY when I read this question. If they are young-ish, I tell them I’m Emily in Emily in Paris (Disclaimer: I’m referring to her role at work only – it’s really not a common thing to meet Gabriels and Alfies in Singapore). If they’re slightly older, I say I’m kind of like Andy in The Devil Wears Prada. If they own a PAssion Silver Concession card, I will explain that I do marketing in a field related to my major (Fashion Design). Well, I need to explain that I’m no longer sewing and making garments, but still happy and very fortunate to be in fashion! (And that I’m surviving okay and have money to buy food and toys.)"
What about working life surprised you the most?
"Adulthood is so real, I did not know I had to file taxes? There were too many surprises in the beginning, and I actually wish school taught me how to be an adult. I knew things were about to get serious when I joined the workforce, but the sudden switch of identities from a student to working adult really left me in a daze (for just the first three months, in case my boss is reading this)."
Wyona Pang has transformed her work desk into a personal sanctuary, complete with tchotchkes and quirky collectibles — proof that even in the chaos of deadlines, there’s always room for a little joy.
How has working life changed you?
"I was a bit jaded in the first year, but I’m really proud and pleased to share that I’m no longer so. I would say I’m beaming with joy and walking with a spring in my step, with more maturity (I hope) and stability. I’ve grown a lot and the hardships have taught me to always take things in stride. I also had the honour of working with colleagues who are total enablers – they make me feel like stepping out of my comfort zone is an easy feat. I think working life really made me a #baddie."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Explore the world while you still have all the freedom to do so (without a fixed number of annual leave days). You actually have everything that you need to become the person you want to be!!! You go girl <3"
SHARLYN SEET, 23
Sharlyn Seet
Started working in:
2023
Currently working as:
Founder of social media agency DFRNT Shark
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I run a social media marketing agency specialising in short-form videos. In simple terms, we help businesses and personal brands grow their online presence through engaging, viral-worthy content."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"Running your own startup is incredibly fulfilling but also a little crazy at times. My laptop is basically an extension of me. I started as a solopreneur, but over time, I’ve grown the business into a team of seven. I didn’t realise it at first, but how you lead is how others will follow. I used to think leadership was just about making decisions, but I’ve learned that people don’t just listen to what you say – they watch what you do. If I want my team to be proactive and driven, I have to show up that way first. You really have to walk the talk."
For self-described solopreneur Sharlyn Seet, her laptop is basically an extension of her.
How has working life changed you?
"I used to travel a lot and lived more freely, but now, my focus has shifted to growing my business. I spend much more time in Singapore to ensure things run smoothly, and as a result, I haven’t been traveling as often. My priorities have expanded from just myself to making sure my business thrives and my team is taken care of."
Write a message to your younger self.
"You’re doing an amazing job chasing your dreams, keep going! Grab onto every opportunity, because why not? Never doubt yourself, and most importantly, be your own biggest believer."
JOY OU, 26
Started working in:
2022
Currently working as:
Creative at The Paper Bunny
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"Most of the time I just whip out the brand’s socials or website and say 'I took that.'"
What about working life surprised you the most?
"I entered the workforce wide-eyed and excited to finally dedicate my time to doing what I love (while earning adult money), but was instead hit with an identity crisis and insecurity about my chosen path. The sheer number of options available to me was quite crippling, and I started to compare myself to my peers in higher-earning industries with seemingly more successful job titles.
That camera is an essential part of joy on the job for a creative at homegrown lifestyle label, The Paper Bunny.
I’m glad to report that after almost three years, I’ve finally gained a clearer sense of direction and made peace with the uncertainties that previously weighed on me. I’m also surprised that I’m still at my first job. Most of my peers are onto their second or even third job by now. I got lucky on my first try with great colleagues and bosses."
How has working life changed you?
"I used to be able to meet friends for dinner every single day, but I value time to myself much more now. I try to limit myself to a maximum of two after-work activities a week."
Write a message to your younger self.
"You’re not on a linear path, and success doesn’t necessarily look like what was taught in school. And as cliché as it sounds, comparison really is the thief of joy."
ASHNA VERMA, 25
Started working in:
2022
Currently working as:
Associate product manager at biopharma company GSK
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"As a product manager at GSK, I am responsible for promoting and selling my portfolio of products. I figure out how to make the product known to doctors, healthcare institutions, and patients, often by creating advertisements, educational materials, and campaigns. I also conduct market research to figure out what people need or want in healthcare, and then help the company position their product in a way that stands out. My goal is to make sure my products are trusted, chosen, and used by the right people."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"The most surprising thing is that the learning never stops because there is a new challenge every day. The moment you master something is when a new curveball will be thrown at you, which keeps things exciting, I guess.
I’m also surprised by the number of meetings that could have been emails, and how the phrase 'fake it till you make it' is so real. You just have to truly believe you know what you’re doing until you actually do."
How has working life changed you?
"I used to be a pretty spontaneous person. Being an ESFP, I was the type of person to start packing for a flight three hours before I had to go to the airport. But after I started working, I feel like I have gotten a lot more structured and organised. I recently caught myself being so detail-oriented that I even knew the specific outfit I would be wearing on each day. And oh, working life also helped get my sleep schedule in check."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Continue whatever it is that you are doing, because you are doing a great job! You are enough, and you don't have to be so hard on yourself. Trust me, everything did work out in the end. (Also, don't take that coding module.)"
ANNABELLE MOU, 24
Started working in:
2024
Currently working as:
Marketing executive in the luxury jewellery industry
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I storytell about the design inspirations behind our collections and encourage our customers to explore different forms of self-expression through jewellery."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"I thought I would be able to put together super nice outfits every day, but soon realised that sometimes, I only have the energy to wear whatever I pull out of my closet. (I recently pulled out my high school uniform sweater vest, but it worked out quite well!)"
How has working life changed you?
"I’ve definitely become a lot more conscious of my spending and budgeting now that I’m financially independent and paying the bills. Adulting hasn’t been easy, but it’s a journey of growth!"
Write a message to your younger self.
"If you feel like going off to try new things, just do it. Don’t worry about not having a direction, everything will work out in the end."
FATIN FATHIAH, 23
Fatin Fathiah
Started working in:
2023
Currently working as:
Staff nurse, Mount Alvernia Hospital
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"If I can recall, what I told them was, 'I’m just helping patients get better.'"
What about working life surprised you the most
"Probably the fact that the lives of these patients are in the hands of a mere 20-something who can't even clean her room right. On a more serious note, I didn't expect the mental, physical, and emotional toll it would take on me. I took a lot of time to get used to the pace, environment, and working hours. Until recently, I felt like I didn't have enough time for my personal life."
How has working life changed you?
"I feel like I’ve started to communicate and listen to others around me more effectively. Working in this industry has also made me appreciate all the little things in life because we don't know how quickly things can change."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Don't stress so much about the future – it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. Remember to be kind to yourself, prioritise self-care, and never stop learning. Most importantly, never lose that spark of compassion and empathy."
LISSA SPENNINGER, 24
Lissa Spenninger
Started working in:
2023
Currently working as:
Junior creative strategist at digital creative agency Beastcorp
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I work in social media marketing and events," or "My job is basically Instagram," when I don’t feel like elaborating much.
What about working life surprised you the most?
"How little I use social media for leisure, now that it has become my job."
Lissa Spenninger's work situation: an antique dresser that doubles as the perfect work desk for an artistic soul like hers.
How has working life changed you?
"My posture has gotten worse. I don’t feel like I’ve changed that much (though people have said otherwise), but my horizons have definitely broadened and my understanding of people has deepened."
Write a message to your younger self.
"There are no upsides to being shy, so learning how to speak to people and share your perspective is incredibly important. Oh, and don’t get rid of your work desk at home."
BELINA LIM, 28
Belina Lim
Started working in:
2023
Currently working as:
Public relations executive
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I tell my friends that I do PR for beauty and lifestyle brands. To my parents, I just say, 'something like marketing and events' because it’s easier than explaining what PR is, and it also leaves some room for imagination."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"There are simply not enough hours in a day! 'I’ll settle this real quick' will quickly become a two-hour effort."
A cutesy company sits on Belina Lim's desk, adding a playful touch to her creative space.
How has working life changed you?
"I now find pure joy in the simplest moments, like having a completely blank mind for five minutes or sharing a quiet moment with a loved one – no words needed."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Don’t think, just do."
CHEW JING, 29
Chew Jing
Started working in:
2021
Currently working as:
Content strategist in financial services
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"I’m the brain behind the ads, TikTok videos, and sometimes even the emails you receive – making sure everything hits the right note and drives results."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"I was honestly surprised by how fast the days go by. Blink, and suddenly it’s time to wrap up for the day. The next thing you know, it’s already the weekend. This made me appreciate the weekends so much more – having that time to relax and recharge feels like a real treat after such busy, fast-paced weeks."
How has working life changed you?
"Working life has really taught me to be more intentional with my time and to focus on what matters, like carving out me-time intentionally."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Don’t stress so much about figuring everything out right away – life has a way of working itself out. Embrace the learning process and don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they seem a little out of your comfort zone. You’ll be surprised by how much you can grow!"
JENICA MOURE MARIANNE, 26
Jenica
Started working in:
2017
Currently working as:
Marketing executive in F&B
How do you explain your job to family and friends?
"To be honest, I prefer to keep my personal journey to myself, so most people aren't aware of what I'm currently working on or where I am in my growth. I'm not one to openly share my progress or the details of what I'm up to."
What about working life surprised you the most?
"What truly surprised me when I entered the corporate world was the prevalence of office politics. Having worked across various sectors – from corporate environments to small businesses and startups – I’ve gained valuable insights into how dynamics can differ between organisations.
In particular, the flexibility and fast-paced nature of startups and small companies stood out to me. I was surprised by how quickly decisions are made and how team members adapt to changing circumstances."
How has working life changed you?
"Working life has had a transformative effect on me, both personally and professionally. It has empowered me to evolve into a stronger, more confident individual, with a deeper understanding of my capabilities."
Write a message to your younger self.
"Start gaining work experience earlier. Many of the skills I’ve developed in the workforce weren’t taught in school. While education is important, practical, hands-on experience is far more valuable in shaping your career. Take every opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow – you’ll discover your strengths and interests along the way."