In a March 3 Instagram post, Cherlyn Lim, a 40-year-old Singaporean, shared her experience of being laid off from her technology sales job in November 2025. Her video, in which she says, “I’m 40 and I’m honestly freaking out,” resonated with many viewers, leading to a wave of similar posts from other mid-career professionals.
Lim’s post highlighted the emotional and financial stress of losing a job at an age when re-entering the workforce can be challenging. She mentioned that her termination was communicated in a brief three-minute call, a detail that struck a chord with others who have faced similar impersonal layoffs.
The trend has sparked conversations about age discrimination and the difficulties of job hunting for older workers in Singapore’s competitive tech sector. Several commenters shared their own stories, creating a supportive community where people can openly discuss the often-taboo subject of unemployment.
Career experts advise that while sharing on social media can provide emotional relief and networking opportunities, it is important to maintain a professional online presence. They recommend focusing on skills upgrading and leveraging personal networks to navigate the job market after a layoff.
