Vietnam's Transitioning Workforce Adapts To New Employment Landscape

In recent years, significant changes in Vietnam's labor market have impacted the public sector, as evidenced by the experiences of two women who chose to leave their government jobs in search of new opportunities. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, a 34-year-old former government official, and Bui Xuan Trieu, a former Deputy Representative of the Social Insurance Office in Ho Chi Minh City, reflect the shifting landscape amid government-driven restructuring.

Facing the realities of job cuts due to the streamlining of government agencies under Resolution 18, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen found herself at a crossroads. With a master's degree and years of experience, Tuyen had previously enjoyed her role. However, as her department began to reorganize, fears of losing her job grew more palpable. "I spent nearly two months thinking it over before I decided to voluntarily resign," Tuyen recounted, illustrating the emotional toll of her decision.

After weighing her options, Tuyen actively researched the job market, focusing on roles that required administrative and human resources skills. She sought to increase her employability, even taking Chinese language classes to prepare for the influx of investment from China into Vietnam. As she sent out countless CVs, she remained hopeful. "I don’t remember how many CVs I’ve sent out, just that it's a lot," she said. Tuyen’s proactive approach eventually paid off, as she secured a position as a human resources employee, set to begin in early April with a starting salary of 15 million VND.

Bui Xuan Trieu took a different path after her job with the Social Insurance Office ended. Embracing change, she partnered with Amway Group to become a product distributor. "This is an opportunity for me to boost my income," Trieu expressed, highlighting her motivation for the switch. Since mid-last year, she has been dedicating her evenings and lunch breaks to meeting clients and promoting products. Her efforts have been fruitful, yielding an average monthly income exceeding 10 million VND.

The decision to move away from the public sector aligns with a broader governmental initiative guided by the recent Decree 178, aimed at providing support for those transitioning out of public jobs due to downsizing. Yet, significant modifications to this decree were made with the introduction of Decree 67 on March 15, 2025, which revised several financial support measures formerly available.

The shared experiences of Tuyen and Trieu exemplify the challenges faced by former public servants in the wake of restructuring. Both women represent the initial wave of employees leaving the public sector as the government implements its reform plans. According to a survey conducted by Anphabe, individuals who were laid off in 2023 found new positions after six months, and remarkably, one-third of those reported better working conditions and salaries than they had prior.

Speaking on the matter, Thanh Nguyen, CEO of Anphabe, emphasized that the ongoing restructuring is not just confined to public service but is also a prevalent trend in the private sector. Employers, he argued, are increasingly seeking talented personnel with innovative skills. To remain competitive, workers from the public sector need to abandon the notion of lifetime employment and adapt quickly to changes in the job market.

"Stability should not be defined by holding a single job until retirement; rather, it should be viewed as having opportunities available amidst any organizational changes," said Nguyen. His sentiment suggests that flexible thinking is crucial for employees aiming toward career advancements in this new landscape.

Despite the concerning nature of job loss, there remains a positive outlook for those navigating the transition. Trieu, having spent 16 years in her previous government role, reflected on her journey, stating, "It was time for me to move on." Meanwhile, Tuyen's newfound confidence post-resignation serves as a beacon for those considering similar paths. "I will cherish every opportunity that comes my way and continue to learn and improve," she asserted, demonstrating her determination.

While many who leave the public sector may experience apprehension about job security in the private sphere, experts like Trần Ngọc Minh, the Business Director of Rockwool Group in Vietnam, contend that those transitioning must prepare mentally for a different work environment. "It’s essential to embrace the higher pace of work and the necessity for personal responsibility and results in the new setting," he noted.

As the landscape of employment in Vietnam evolves, it becomes evident that those making the leap from public to private roles must not only adapt their skills but also reformulate their perceptions of career stability and opportunity. The drive to succeed in this changing environment will require courage, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning as the job market continues to transform.