Foreign Worker Advised to Turn Down Lower Salary Offer in SingaporeForeign Worker Advised to Turn Down Lower Salary Offer in Singapore A recent graduate from overseas has sought advice on whether to accept a job offer in Singapore after the company withdrew and then reduced the initial salary offered. The employee was first offered a position with a salary of S$3,000 per month. However, the company later withdrew the offer, citing inability to obtain an Employment Pass. Days later, the company re-offered the same position with a reduced salary of S$2,400 per month, explaining that they would apply for an S Pass instead. The employee expressed concern over the significantly lower salary, which he fears may not be sufficient to cover rent and living expenses in Singapore. He turned to Reddit for advice from Singaporeans. Most commenters advised the employee to listen to his gut and turn down the offer. They argued that accepting the lower salary could set a precedent for future negotiations and limit his earning potential. Some commenters noted that the company’s budget may have remained the same, with a portion of it now being allocated to the S Pass fee of nearly $600 per month. However, they advised that the employee should prioritize his financial needs and not feel obligated to accept the offer. Others suggested that the employee should assess his employment prospects and make a decision based on how confident he is in finding a higher-paying position. The employee indicated that he is confident in his job search and has other sources of income, so he is not in a rush to accept the lower salary. Ultimately, the employee will need to weigh the advice he has received and make a decision that aligns with his financial and career goals.
SINGAPORE: A foreign worker who wanted to work in Singapore has been advised to turn down a job offer. His job offer was withdrawn and he was offered a significantly lower salary.
The employee, a 23-year-old recent graduate, took to Reddit and revealed that he was offered a job in Singapore with a salary of S$3,000 per month, but that he withdrew the offer on the pretext that they were unable to get him to apply for an Employment Pass.
A few days later, the company offered him the same position again, with a reduced salary of S$2,400 per month. It was also explained that they would apply for an S Pass instead.
The young man said he will probably turn down the offer because the salary might not be enough to pay the rent and high cost of living in Singapore. However, he sought advice from Singaporeans before officially turning down the role because he is “quite desperate to get a job.”
Most commentators urged the young man to listen to his gut and turn down the job.
One comment, with over 100 upvotes, advised: “Don’t take it. Think of the impact a 20% haircut will have later when you’re negotiating a raise or another job.”
Another top comment was: “Don’t talk down to yourself bro. They’re testing you to see how low you’re willing to stoop for them.”
However, others pointed out that the company may be able to offer a lower salary, as they would have to pay nearly $600 a month in the S Pass fee if they were to hire him.
One commenter, kwpang, said: “The company’s budget hasn’t changed. Part of it just went to your SPass monthly charge. They’re not undercutting you. You don’t have to force yourself to accept it either. Just explain to them nicely that the drop in money is too big and you won’t accept it. It’s not really anyone’s fault.”
Others advised that the young man should base his decision on how scarce he thought employment opportunities were.
One commenter said, “How confident are you in finding a position with a higher salary? If you are confident, decline the offer and keep looking or negotiate your way out. If you are not confident and have no money, I say go for it. Take the job, gain experience, and try again next time when there is a better opportunity.”
The young man indicated that he is confident that he can find another job with the salary he is looking for. He also said that he already has another freelance position and that he is not in a hurry to find another job as soon as possible.
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