SINGAPORE: In a candid post on Reddit, a 26-year-old woman has shared her challenging living situation, expressing her desires for independence while living with her divorced father. Despite holding a steady job in the public sector and having saved $20,000, she feels trapped and unable to move out, as her financial focus remains on saving for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, which she hopes to purchase by 35.

The burden of repaying her university fees adds to her financial stress. Each month, she contributes to her parents' Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts, having already contributed approximately $10,000 to her father's. Her commitment to her family is profound, yet it leaves her with little room for financial freedom, as she also provided a small allowance to her mother.

A significant source of her distress stems from her father's reliance on her for financial stability. She described his tendency to borrow money from family, citing his past gambling debts and his overall unawareness of his anger issues. This not only impacts her finances but also weighs heavily on her emotional well-being. She expressed her concerns over his unpredictable outbursts, stating, “I am currently making sure that I am physically stronger than him.”

Complicating matters, moving in with her mother is not a viable option either. The young woman indicated that her mother frequently nags her about minor household matters. Adding to the tension is her mother’s partner, significantly younger than them, who often speaks ill of her behind her back, furthering her sense of isolation.

Despite her circumstances, the woman maintains a sense of perspective. She acknowledges that many of her friends struggle even more financially, leaving her feeling somewhat fortunate to at least be in a position to plan for her independence. "I’ve been considering how to spend my time away from home without breaking the bank," she admitted, seeking advice from others who might relate.

The supportive responses from fellow Redditors poured in, highlighting the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and well-being. Many emphasized that it is not her responsibility to shoulder her parents' financial burdens. Suggestions ranged from reducing her financial contributions to considering shared housing arrangements or even seeking employment opportunities abroad to foster her independence.

One Redditor poignantly reminded her, “They are adults who can fend for themselves. You have your own life to live.” The chorus of encouragement resonated powerfully, advocating for her right to reclaim her autonomy and pursue her dreams of homeownership.

In a related story that surfaced online, a 25-year-old Singaporean struggling with a $21,244 debt brought attention to the struggles of many young adults attempting to balance family obligations with their financial realities. His plight underscores the broader issue of youth navigating financial independence amid family responsibilities, echoing the sentiment of many in this generation.

As these stories unfold, the conversation surrounding familial dependency, financial obligations, and the quest for independence continues to gain traction in Singapore, highlighting the struggles many young adults face in an evolving economic landscape.