After months of unemployment and a painful dismissal, WT’s confidence was shattered. Hiding her struggles behind closed doors, it wasn’t until a chance encounter during a career advisory session that someone saw past the surface—and offered her a lifeline.
Through counselling at EMCC, WT began to understand her inner wounds and take her first steps toward healing. Read on as she shares her journey of rediscovery and resilience.
When WT graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s Degree, she was hopeful about building a stable career. However, like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the trajectory of her plans. She found herself moving between several short-term contract roles before securing her first permanent position. Yet, after just over a year, she was asked to leave — a blow that shook her confidence and left her feeling deeply adrift.
“I hit rock bottom,” WT reflects. “Every day during my unemployment, I didn’t dare step out of my house for fear of having to dip into my savings.” Despite attending many interviews, rejection after rejection chipped away at her spirit.
It was during a career advisory session at Workforce Singapore that someone noticed what she had been struggling to hide — her low spirits and fragile self-esteem. Encouraged by her advisor, she was referred to EMCC through the EMCC-Barclays LifeSkills Programme, where she was connected to a counsellor and offered complimentary one-to-one sessions that would go on to support her healing journey.
“After attending the sessions, I began to understand myself better and realised the trauma deeply embedded within me,” WT shares. “This triggered a shift in my perspective — I learnt that hitting rock bottom is not the way to live.”
With the support of her counsellor, WT picked up simple yet powerful tools to manage her anxiety and rebuild her self-esteem. “My counsellor taught me little tricks to improve my anxiety and my self-image. This allowed me to mentally prepare myself to portray a better, more positive version of myself during interviews,” she says.
Counselling was not just a temporary balm — it was the start of true healing. WT slowly found the courage to believe in herself again. Her resilience bore fruit when she secured a role with an employer who genuinely believed in her potential.
Quoting Napoleon Hill, she says, “‘Remember, too, that all who succeed in life get off to a bad start, and pass through many heartbreaking struggles before they ‘arrive’.” WT holds on to the hope that the difficult season is behind her, and that more goodness lies ahead.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares a message to others who may be struggling silently:
“Please don’t give up on seeking help. I am extremely and deeply grateful for the healing sessions I received. I hope my story encourages others to take that first step towards healing as well.”
WT remains thankful for the support she received and hopes to continue her counselling journey when her circumstances stabilise further.
Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how heavy the struggles may seem, healing — and hope — are always within reach.
If you feel you need professional help and emotional support, please reach out to EMCC. Help is available, and hope is always within reach.
To ensure that our services remain accessible, subsidised counselling is also provided. For more information, click here.
