Commenting on why “first jobbers” tend to be less satisfied with their job, progression and alignment with their aspirations, SMU Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Jared Nai said that this is fairly common and expected, as many first-jobbers experience a reality shock with their first full-time job. Assoc Prof Nai added that in the workplace, personal relationships, prior background and other intangible factors that do not directly relate to performance come into play, which can be a culture shock for first-job holders raised in a meritocratic education system.
