When a Dream Internship Turns into a Disenchantment
Picture this: you’re a young designer, fresh out of school, hoping to land an internship with a boutique agency. You nail the first interview, score a “yes,” and day‑three, you’ve already quit your previous gig because the bosses were more like zombies than mentors.
Now, meet Jeffrey Koh, the proud owner of a flour‑powered design shop who thinks generational clashes are the cause of modern workplace drama. Yesterday, he took to Facebook to vent about the latest up‑and‑coming intern—well, that is, “intern” since she hasn’t even stepped inside the office yet.
She’s a One‑Day Wonder
“Call me a boomer but I seriously think our future is f.” That’s the headline Jeffrey chose for his rant. He explained that the candidate had dropped out of her first internship after a single day, citing a toxic environment and that she was now on the hunt for a fresh start.
In a twist, 19 minutes after tentatively agreeing to meet, she texted him asking if a virtual interview would be possible. Jeffrey, being the “sensible human,” replied, “Don’t think so. It’s ok if you don’t wanna come down,” and then, three minutes later, waved a cheery goodbye.
The One–Minute Decision
- ► 19 min in: “Can we do a Zoom?”
Jeffrey: “No.” - ► 3 min later: “Let’s cancel. All the best.”
- ► Echoed in his post: “Sarah is the very reason why I absolutely welcome foreigners who are hungry and hardworking to work here. F all these rules and laws protecting entitled Singaporeans.”
Why would someone give a friend in the industry such a short, sweet “no?” The discouragement seemed to come from Jeffrey’s frustration with bureaucratic red tape—answering the call of the “old glory of the Singaporean talent bubble.”
Calling Out the New Norm
“What’s wrong with a simple online interview?” some readers asked, pointing to the global shift precipitated by the pandemic. After all, a Zoom call is as close to a face‑to‑face chat as it gets, especially when the world is stuck on a diet of pass‑through cameras and heated coffee mugs.
Jeffrey does react: “F all these rules.” He’s preaching the rebellion of a “workplace that can no longer keep up with generations.” Maybe he thinks rule‑no‑breeze should be a brand for the agency.
How It Ends
With a big, modern “no” tossed in the air, the budding designer was left adrift. Some saw it as a missed opportunity—others thanked Jeffrey for his brutally honest stance on the current state of work in Singapore.
One can only wonder: do you fork (or fillet) the distance between traditional in‑office expectations and this new, “Ask for a Zoom?” Most of us would happily sign up for a long‑term job rather than a short‑term “one‑day” internship that satisfies the satiety of a younger generation’s expectations.
At the end of the day, the post reminds us of the importance of community: “All that is left is the passion that takes us through the organism that will last after this disorder partnership.” And that’s all. Just keep your creative juices flowing, whether it’s on a sweaty floor or on a video chat.
When Virtual Vibes Meet Real‑World Realities
Picture this: a hiring manager politely asks for a virtual interview, only to meet a snapped back from the other side. “You only do face‑to‑face, not online!” the manager snapped, brushing off the candidate’s request as if they’d built blocks of shame around a digital phone.
Why the Backlash?
- Many viewers called out Koh for being petty and not showing the adaptability we all need in today’s hybrid work culture.
- Critics urged him to “move with the times” and embrace the convenient comfort of a Zoom call instead of frowning at a screen.
- He did not respond when asked why the candidate needed a virtual session, missing the chance to explain the obstacles and necessities that led to the request.
What’s the Takeaway?
In a world where work‑from‑anyplace is as common as coffee, refusing to meet candidates where they are can feel like a barrier—unnecessary and a bit rude. Instead of dismissing a virtual request as a “mistake,” a thoughtful reply can turn a tense moment into a smooth transition toward collaboration.
Why Skipping That Interview Could Have Been a Lifesaver
*When the buzz about a high‑stakes interview blew out, a few folks sounded the alarm: maybe—just maybe—it was better that the interview never happened.
“Thanks for helping her dodge a bullet there. That bullet is you,”
*One emoji‑filled comment summed it up. The “bullet” isn’t an actual projectile; it’s the shadow of that interview—an ominous cannonball that could have shattered careers if left unchecked.
What went wrong?
*- Mind‑blowing questions that seemed designed to trip anyone up.
- Unclear expectations that left candidates guessing.
- Timing gone wild—the interview happened after a scramble, Thursday night, no wonder the vibes felt off.
Why the sidelines felt safer
*Instead of firing hot shots, the comrade that stepped in held back, giving the candidate a chance to breathe. In the grand scheme, avoiding that interview was like pulling a plug before the water flooded in.
Bottom line
*Sometimes the best way to avoid a bullet is to steer clear of the shooting range altogether. A little detour, and the bullet—real or metaphorical—gets redirected. Hence, a relief for everyone involved.
Let’s Set the Record Straight on Koh’s Quick Counter
When rumors began painting Koh as a bit of an over‑reactor who’d misread the interviewee, he shot back with a no‑frills reply that put all that chatter to rest.
- “If I had really let my imagination run wild like some of those ‘geniuses’ were hinting at, why would I even bother wasting time asking her to drop by for a chat?”
Her quick retort made it crystal clear: Koh had it all figured out from the start, and there was no room for misinterpretation.
‘Not just one Sarah but a whole generation or two of them’: Koh
Why a 49‑Year‑Old Designer Still Wants Face‑to‑Face Interviews
When AsiaOne reached out, 49‑year‑old Koh explained that the only reason he insists on meeting candidates in person is to read their body language and pick up the little nuances that cold calls and emails just can’t reveal.
One Intern’s Wacky Email Saga
- Our story starts in June, when a hopeful intern slid an email over asking about the official internship that kicks off on September 12th.
- Koh didn’t reply right away—he waited a week or two—then got no response. He assumed the girl had either lost interest or found another gig.
- Fast forward to Thursday, and there’s an even more puzzling email: “Are you still hiring interns?”
- Koh, finding this odd, called her that night. She opened up about the company’s legal hiccups and called the workplace “toxic.” He was like, “Wait, you’re talking about all of that after just one day?”
- He offered her a chance to swing by on Friday, and she said yes. He then promised to text her the address and put in a little “boomz” to keep things upbeat.
About the Design Agency Veteran
Running his business for 21 years, Koh has witnessed a “fair share of interns.” He says the pandemic has made many of today’s young talent utterly clueless when it comes to hard and soft skills.
He mentions that most of the lost skills stem from the shift to home‑based learning during Covid. “I talked to lecturers and friends, and it’s a clear result of the lockdowns,” he says.
Even after the backlash caused by his comments, Koh remains steadfast. “It’s all about professionalism, hunger, and appreciating the support from schools and teachers,” he insists.
The Bigger Picture
Koh laments that this isn’t just one “Sarah” story, but a whole generation of interns that need better guidance.
He adds, “I refuse to hide these concerns before it all blows up, despite some folks advising me otherwise.” He notes that he’s found solidarity with others who share his frustration.
So the next time a design intern slides into your inbox, remember—human connection matters, especially when the world is still working from home.
When a Job Interview Turns into a Houdini Act
One commenter shared a glimpse into the chaotic world of job hunting:
- Three hours before the first interview, the prospective employee vanished without a trace.
- The grand finale? A no-show at the second interview—big time.
This magical disappearing act left the hiring team wondering: did the candidate have an alter‑ego scheduled, or was it just a case of “I’m too good at hide & seek for interviews”?
‘Boomer’ bosses and young employees
Boomers vs. the Next Generation: A Social‑Media Face‑Off
What the Viral Stories Are About
Two viral posts, both from Singapore, have set the internet abuzz. First came singer‑turned‑entrepreneur Tjin Lee in August, who slammed her own marketers for being “stuck in their hamlet of motivation.” The message? “It’s getting harder to find bright, young people willing to roll up their sleeves.”
Two years earlier, a local business owner blasted the same theme when he asked, “Are we raising our next generation to be adult babies?” After interviewing 12 recent graduates, he claimed none were “hungry for a job.”
Why the Backlash is So Strong
- Labeling Tropes: People dismissed the comments as “old‑fashioned” or “boomer” rhetoric, which sparked a backlash that echoed on TikTok, Facebook, and of course Instagram.
- Generational Stereotypes: The debate took on a cultural bite: should we hand out warnings about “job‑hungry” or “career‑driven” ambiguity?
- Social‑Media Fever: A seemingly simple assertion can explode into a meme‑influenced critique when the right hashtag lands in the right digital space.
What’s Up With Talent, Actually?
These claims hit the sweet spot because what follows is usually a mix of speculative fears and hard‑to‑measure reality:
- The “Gap” Theory: Some think the gig economy, remote work, and passion‑driven careers are diluting the traditional work ethic.
- Hiring Uncertainty: New‑grad interviews reveal a wide variety of goals—some are “ready for full‑time” others are “just learning.”
- Economic Pressures: With housing, tuition, and global shifts, the roar for money is louder than the desire for purpose.
Should We Worry?
There’s no one‑size solution. Employers, recruiters, and those scrolling through career pages all need to keep a level head. If the young feel they need to prove nourishment against an old‑fashioned palate, they might just bring the best of both worlds: playful vibes and strategy.
Bottom Line: Embrace the Playful, But Keep The Compass Straight
Remember, when chatting about “why are they old‑fashioned?” it’s not a blame game—it’s a conversation worth having. The internet loves a dance between generations that mixes humor, honesty, and a bit of discomfort with honest, factual tweaks. So, whatever you’re facing—whether the digital crowd is skeptical or supportive—keep the conversation grounded, and let humor help guide the discussion.
