Making a Mid-Career Switch Without Financial Stress
Many professionals dream of a career change but hesitate due to financial concerns. How do you upskill without breaking the bank? How do you manage without a stable income?
Norita Binte Nurdin had the same worries when transitioning from engineering to elder care. But with the right support, she successfully made the switch. Here’s how she did it—and how you can too.
Step 1: Affordable Training Options for Career Switchers
After working in engineering, Norita wanted a career that was more meaningful. She was drawn to physiotherapy and elder care, but the thought of going back to school seemed financially daunting. She discovered the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare (Therapy Support) offered significant financial support.
“I found out that my course fees were subsidised, and I could use my SkillsFuture Credits to reduce my expenses even further. Knowing this gave me the confidence to pursue my new career path,” Norita shares.
💡 Key takeaway: Upskilling Can Be Affordable
- Norita benefited from the 90% course fee subsidies through SkillsFuture Singapore.
- By using SkillsFuture Credits, she further reduced her out-of-pocket expenses.
- She also secured a training bond with SPD, which provided additional financial support.
For many mid-career switchers, these options mean that retraining can low out of pocket cost —making career transitions more financially accessible.
Step 2: Managing Temporary Income Loss
Like many mid-career switchers, Norita worried about income stability during training. While training was a short-term commitment, she needed a plan to manage her expenses.
Here’s what helped:
✅ Used her savings to cover personal expenses
✅ Received a training allowance, which eased her financial worries.
✅ Took advantage of the hybrid learning, balancing study and life
💡 Key takeaway: Plan ahead and tap into financial aid.
From April 2025, the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance will offer up to $3,000/month for eligible trainees, making career transitions even smoother.
Why the Career Switch Was Worth It
While switching from engineering to elder care was a big shift, Norita found it deeply rewarding.
“This course has given me insights into the ageing process and how a person’s health, behaviour, and character change over time. It’s a learning experience that will benefit both my career and my personal life,” she says.
For Norita, the career switch allowed her to do meaningful work, engage with seniors, and contribute to the community—proving that financial concerns shouldn’t be a barrier to finding fulfilment.
💡 Key takeaway: A Career Switch is an Investment in Your Future
✔ Meaningful work with job satisfaction
✔ Stable career progression in healthcare
✔ Opportunities to make a real impact in people’s lives
Your Action Plan for a Smooth Career Switch
If financial worries have been holding you back from a meaningful career change, take inspiration from Norita’s journey. Here’s how you can start:
✔ Check your eligibility for SkillsFuture subsidies and training allowances.
✔ Plan your finances and budget for temporary income changes
✔ Explore training options like the SCTP programme at HMI Institute.
✔ Seek support— talk to career coaches, peers, and family
Take the First Step Towards a New Career
HMI Institute’s SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme provides:
✅ Up to $3,000/month SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance for Singaporeans 40 years and above (T&Cs apply)
✅ $4,000 SkillsFuture Credits (Mid-Career) Top-up Claimable
✅ Up to 90% course fee subsidies for Singaporeans, PRs, and LTVP+ holders
✅ Offset your course fees with your SkillsFuture Credit
✅ Structured learning and hands-on training
✅ Job placement support to help you secure employment in the Care Economy
