David Gan Thanks Jeanette Aw For Job That Respects His Value & Expertise, Says Economy Is "Sluggish"

In a tough economy, cost-cutting is understandable. But when does saving money become shortchanging skilled talent?

Recently, local celebrity hairstylist David Gan took to Instagram Stories to lament the current state of the market — and how difficult it's apparently become to land jobs that pay what he believes his expertise is worth.

Reposting a story showing him working with ex-Mediacorp actress Jeanette Aw, the 64-year-old wrote: "The economy is sluggish. It is true that lately I have rarely received work that matches market value."

He then thanked the 47-year-old actress for roping him in for the job.

"Although the shooting hours were very long this time and I was indeed exhausted at the end of the day, deep down I felt a long-lost sense of fulfilment," said the Passion Hair Salon founder.

More importantly, the job made David feel respected and that his "expertise is being valued".

"When an experienced artist raises reasonable requirements regarding their styling, image, and work outcomes, I have never viewed this as being 'difficult'," he added.

Instead, David believes such expectations reflect dedication to one's craft and respect for professionalism.

And it wasn't just Jeanette who earned his appreciation.

"Of course, I am also very grateful to the brand this time for respecting professional value and not undercutting remuneration just to save on budget."

David asserted that every industry has its rightful market value. While aggressive price-cutting may help businesses save money in the short term, he believes it gradually damages the industry and "ultimately affects the quality and results of the work".

After decades in the business, however, David says the issue goes beyond simply how much he's paid.

"Having done this for so many years, I increasingly feel that work is not just about making money," he said.

For him, feeling that his experience and effort are valued matters just as much.

"Being able to meet people who know how to respect professionalism and value hard work means that—no matter how gruelling the process or how exhausting the shoot — once it's finished, you still feel: This job was truly worth it."

8days.sg has since reached out to David but did not receive a response as of press time.