Singapore social enterprise helps older professionals find jobs

Ultimately, she took that leap of faith. In November 2023, she started The Courage Chapter, initially taking a sabbatical with her director’s blessing before finally resigning in September this year.

THE MIDLIFE PAUSE NO ONE PLANNED FOR

The Courage Chapter was created to champion inclusive employment, specifically to help midlife and older professionals overcome age-related barriers at work, said Lim. The co-founder was selected for this year’s National Council of Social Service’s annual 40 Under 40 leadership programme, which recognises outstanding young leaders in the social service sector.  

One of Lim’s members is an ex-GM who got retrenched in his late 50s during the pandemic.

When his search for a similar role failed, he looked for managerial roles. And people questioned why a former GM would take a step down and huge pay cut.

He then tried a different industry, still with no success. He even applied for an administration job but was rejected on grounds that he had no administrative experience.

“It was mind-blowing because there is literally no option for him,” Lim said.