The biggest nightmare of my careerThe good things1.It’s a subsidiary of a bigger company, so it has rules following MOM regulations. Leaves, salary, holidays…these are transparent.
2.Near MRT, many kopi shops and restaurants around
3.As a drone pilot you can travel a lot islandwide, help you explore the city
4.Off days fall on weekdays, not convenient to hang out with friends, but can enjoy more quiet rest days
The challenges1.Harsh Working Conditions
You need to work outdoors and take the risk of sunburn, heat stroke, severe fatigue…Most of your time will be spent on construction sites.
However, working on a construction site is actually pretty easy compared to working on a drone show.
As for drone shows, you will need to work overnight on muddy lawns or wet beaches. And what you do at first is basically physical work, such as carrying the boxes and equipment. The unpredictable weather makes it even worse. When a storm comes, you will rush to cover all the drones and it’s always chaotic. Sometimes the rain could last up to a few hours, you can do nothing but wait in the tent.
2.Excessive Overtime
Working overtime is always, no overtime pay and no compensatory days off. This happens a lot especially during the drone shows.
Start working from 8:30am till late 7am the next morning, but you still have to go to the office the next afternoon. Because the management prioritises clocking in and doesn't care about employees’ health at all.
Your precious off days will be taken away if they fall during a drone show. Of course, you can say no to this. But the company will find any excuses to get you into trouble.
3.Low Wages and Benefits
No AWS, no bonus, no commission. About a year ago, the management mentioned there would be commissions related to drone shows. But NO ONE got a penny of it. The company would only buy more drones using the money and squeeze the last drop of employees out.
4.Negative Working Culture
Deadly silence in the office every day. This is because everyone gets used to being a quiet lamb under the invisible pressure. If you get along too well with others, you will be seen as making small groups.
5.Unfair Management Practices
Many of the employees are foreigners and depend on the work pass. This has become a weapon for the management as some employees might have difficulty finding other jobs.
6.No Career Progression
Only if you are keen in learning about drone knowledge, there’s no chance for you to learn anything useful. Besides, the company has already become an event company and only cares about drone shows.