After a few years of hard struggle, the region’s manufacturing sector is finally showing signs of rebound. In today’s rapidly evolving environment, change is the only constant and manufacturers must stay current to stay competitive. Restructuring and reassessing resources and assets is critical, given rapid change in design and technology.
Likewise, industry professionals also need to change and evolve. Gone are the days when one could join a company and expect to retire from a senior position in the same place.
Fifteen years ago, John Lee graduated as a mechanical engineer. Straight out of school, he was hired as a management trainee in a reputable US firm operating out of the Pearl River Delta. He received good training and was assigned to carry out unique roles in different departments and functions. He was well regarded and progressed to a senior role. But in 2014, an M&A took place, and he was made redundant. He started looking for a new job, but soon realised that the need for people like him in the local industry had almost completely dried up.
As a result of market conditions in the manufacturing sector over the last decade, there exist many Hong Kong-born engineers like John Lee who spent years forging careers in the mainland manufacturing sector only to be left high and dry at a critical time in their career. Most people personally know of someone who was made redundant due to an M&A or company closure. The economic downturn, rising costs of manufacturing in China, restructuring – the cause varies but the outcome is often the same: mid- to senior-level managers, at the most critical stage of their career, left stranded with few employment prospects.
A person can experience many things when made redundant – negative emotions, lack of confidence, financial stress, a loss of direction – and it takes time to accept reality, especially for those who felt defined by their jobs. External factors such as age discrimination, fewer jobs at the same level, and unrealistic expectations of getting a similar or even higher package add to the pressure.
Professionals in such situations usually react in one of two ways, each of which lead to opposing outcomes. Some panic, apply for a wide range of jobs and accept the first offer they receive, often at a much lower salary. Later, they realise that they are not happy and start looking around for other opportunities. They end up frequently switching jobs, and are ultimately left feeling demoralised about their career direction.
The second approach is where the candidate takes a step back and looks to create a better long-term solution. In John’s case, he found he was enjoying the extra free time to reconnect with his children, and he realised that he did not want to let go of this with whatever he did in the future. He identified his strengths and weaknesses, and decided to lever the insights gained from his manufacturing background to open a consulting firm. This gave him work-life balance as well as professional satisfaction, recognition and a decent income.
There is no simple solution that fits all and making a career change is easier for some people with manufacturing or engineering backgrounds than others. Family circumstances may dictate short-term pragmatism, particularly if there are financial considerations to take into account.
Nevertheless, there are a few good guiding points. First is to properly deal with the emotional aftermath – for example by talking to close friends, mentors or counsellors. Next is to take stock of the situation: identify the limitations and pressing needs, such as finances.
Finally, strengths and skills have to be honestly assessed and CVs need to be updated. At this stage, people need to decide if they wish to remain on the same career path, or to consider a new career. Either way, they should consider if they require training courses to update their skills. Such courses may also result in opportunities to meet people who could be instrumental in their job search. Networking and joining communities in the relevant area is a solid step in the right direction. Most important is to remain flexible and positive.
One other path is to explore opportunities with Hong Kong manufacturing companies outside of China or Hong Kong. However, this is up to the mobility of the individual candidate. Southeast Asian countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, and South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are offering ample work opportunities for manufacturing-related engineers. However, we are finding that few local Hongkongers are open to develop their careers out of their comfort zones.
In today’s world of rapid economic and technological transformation, everyone needs to be open to the reality of their role becoming obsolete at short notice – even if they appear to be comfortable. Keep up with market developments and stay prepared by continuously updating skills and having a plan for any sudden changes. By being prepared and positive, these unexpected turns could lead to a very satisfying second innings.
This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as The truth of fabrication.
