“I wish I could turn back time” – M’sians Who Skipped SPM Exam Share Challenges in Finding Jobs

Dear students, if you believe that SPM does not determine your future success, this should change your mind. 

In a report by Berita Harian, many of those who skipped SPM examinations in the past regretted their actions and agreed on one thing—it has been tough to find a job.

They admitted that they did not foresee the tough life ahead when they decided to sit SPM out, but when life hit them hard, they could do nothing but regret their past decisions.

26-year-old Amzar, who lost his motivation to continue his studies following his parents’ divorce, said he did not experience the consequences of dropping out of school until he needed to look for a job.

“Many years after skipping SPM, I realised it was tough to land myself a job.”

In the meantime, 20-year-old Adam said he never thought he would someday regret his decision to skip SPM. The sense of guilt and regret kicked in when he saw his peers furthering their studies at university, which caused him to feel a lingering sense of envy,

Adam dropped out of school in 2020 when he was only 15 due to personal reasons. Since then, he has worked different jobs, but unfortunately, none of them have lasted.

“I didn’t think of the long-term consequences of dropping out of school.”

While securing a job without an SPM certificate is still possible, 21-year-old Mimi, a clerk, said the journey was not easy for her. Mimi admitted that the lack of an SPM certificate was the most significant obstruction in planning a future for herself.

Mimi, who only completed her UPSR, said she had never furthered her studies in the secondary school.

“I have a job now but I have to admit that it has been tough for me to find a better job, despite having many work experiences.”

“Many employers are looking for candidates with at least an SPM certificate. I wish I could turn back time and sit for SPM,” Mimi expressed.

Career is, no doubt, important, and so does education, which begins before everything else. What advice do you have for those who are skipping SPM to become influencers? 

Also read: Nearly 1,000 Students in Johor Skip SPM as They Believe “they can secure high salary jobs in Singapore”