Linkedin: the most optimistic worker in Indonesia compared to other countries

NEW YORK, KOMPAS.com – According to a recent Linkedin study on the Linkedin 2018 Opportunity Index, Indonesians and Indians have more confidence in their career prospects than workers in other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the report, the two developing countries ranked first and outperformed Singapore, Australia and even China in terms of the job prospects they felt.

The survey, conducted among 11,000 people in nine Asian countries, found that Indonesians were more optimistic about their career potential, new skills and managing their finances.

This feeling of optimism has been reflected in India, followed by China, the Philippines and Malaysia. At the same time, professional networks of respondents from more developed markets, such as those from Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan, have less hope about their prospects. Many voiced concerns about the economic prospects of their country.

This finding broadly reflects each country's growth projections. According to the IMF, India is expected to grow its gross domestic product (GDP) by 7.3% this year, while Singapore will account for 2.9% and Japan 1.1%.

Indonesia is the main exception. The projected economic growth of 5.1% will be lower than that of China and the Philippines. But the workers of this country are the most optimistic.

Here are the 9 countries that participated in the 2018 LinkedIn Linkedin Index Survey, from top to bottom.

1. Indonesia (116 points)

2. India (111 points)

3. Mainland China (106 points)

4. Philippines (106 points)

5. Malaysia (101 points)

6. Singapore (91 points)

7. Australia (90 points)

8. Hong Kong (85 points)

9. Japan (79 points)

Obstacles to success

At the same time, most 9 out of 10 respondents said that hard work was the key to progress in life. They also identified several potential obstacles to success.

Financial constraints emerged as the main concern and were cited by 30% of respondents. Other barriers include lack of access to professional networks (22%), difficult job markets (19%), poor job skills (18%) and limited orientations (18%).

These concerns primarily limit potential entrepreneurs. Nearly half, about 48%, said financial factors prevented them from setting up their own businesses. At the same time, more than a quarter, or about 28%, said they did not have the necessary network or contacts.

At the same time, respondents from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines said that the preference for work-life balance could also reflect their professional motivation.

LinkedIn's executive director for the Pacific, Olivier Legrand, told CNBC on Thursday (29.11.2018) that the report's findings are an important barometer for states with the fastest growing labor force in the world.

"The increasing workforce in this region is a major badet that, if used effectively, will continue to stimulate the economy. Over time, by following people's perceptions about opportunities and constraints that they offer to them, we hope to continue to facilitate a better balance between supply and demand market opportunities (employment), "said Legrand.