Jonathan | Singapore

A 20-Year Career in the Arts

Jonathan committed decades of his life as a working performer and actor in the arts and as an arts educator. He loved his career, but knew a change might soon be necessary. “I’m 40, I have a mortgage, and I should maybe start saving a bit more. My parents are in their seventies and I wish that I could provide a better life for them.” 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and theaters closed, his decision to retrain for a growth industry grew that much stronger. “It made me think, as I get older, I need to look for something a bit more resilient,” he said. He was ready for a new challenge. 

The Ageism Obstacle 

Jonathan had his sights set on tech, but making a switch like this midway through his professional career took gumption. “Ageism was something I really faced. I could see that there was a lot less interest in me compared to my younger peers,” he told us. 

Jonathan was surprised at how up-front some employers were about seeking to hire someone in their twenties or thirties, perhaps because they would be cheaper or easier to mold. “You can go, woe is me. Or you can go, I understand that this happens. What am I going to do about it?” he told us, exemplifying the growth mindset that is part of the Generation curriculum. 

A New Approach with Generation 

SkillsFuture Singapore had connected Jonathan to a variety of reskilling programs and bootcamps. He chose Generation in large part because of its relationships with prospective employer partners, which he anticipated would be a huge advantage. He also benefited from a mentor seasoned in the industry, access to networking events, and support to craft his LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and CV – enabling him to weave a powerful story about how his past experience and new skills-set could be of value to prospective employers. 

Jonathan also commented on the warmth, care, and regular follow-ups he received from Generation. “That’s something that makes the program very special,” he told us. 

The Tech Opportunity

Today Jonathan works as a Data Evangelist at DBS Bank. One of the most gratifying aspects of his new role is his ability to bring in his decades of prior experience into the mix. Even though the arts seem like a far cry from banking, it turns out that his experience as an educator and his knowledge of how to communicate with an audience made him uniquely successful in his new role. “I could not have asked for a better fit. And to be now in a place that appreciates what I can bring to the table in terms of my past experience and the new skills I’ve learned is amazing,” said Jonathan.

Jonathan now has the security and financial stability he was looking for. “​​I can look after my parents in a way that I haven’t been able to before. We can travel. The whole family is a lot more comfortable. That’s something that I’m really, really thankful for.”