Introduction

SINGAPORE: In an alarming reflection of the rising burnout epidemic, a man in his early 30s is contemplating leaving his high-paying corporate position after his request for a proper break was denied by his company.

The Struggle with Burnout

In a candid post on Reddit's Ask Singapore forum, the man shared his gratitude for the lucrative job that has allowed him to build substantial savings over the years. However, he revealed that the intense pressures and demands of his role have pushed him to the brink of exhaustion.

"I'm utterly burnt out, overwhelmed, and simply fed up with the endless client pressures," he expressed. "During this public holiday weekend, I can't escape from work, and it's driving me close to my breaking point. I only took leave for one working day; why can't they just leave me alone?"

Change in Perspective

The once passionate employee now describes a drastic change in his feelings toward his work. Where he thrived and enjoyed his job, he now feels that the relentless pressure and the inability to take a proper break have all but stripped away his enthusiasm. "I may regret it, but I just don’t care about the job any longer. The material conversations my colleagues engage in don't resonate with me; I’m not interested in flashy cars or extravagant vacations when I just want some peace of mind."

Seeking Alternatives

Seeking a way out, the man reached out to the Reddit community for advice on job opportunities that could provide a healthier work-life balance, away from client pressures and long hours. He is hoping to find a role with flexible hours and enough income to sustain his lifestyle—ideally, around SGD 3,000 monthly—without sacrificing his personal life.

"I write well and have a degree. I apologize if this comes off the wrong way; I’m just so incredibly tired and uncertain about what to do next," he commented, expressing a sense of desperation.

Community Response

The Reddit community responded with compassion and support, affirming that many in Singapore share similar sentiments and that his desire for change is entirely justified—even if it means relinquishing a high-paying role. A user remarked, “It's commendable that you’ve saved a decent amount in your 30s; that gives you options.”

Many encouraged him to consider alternatives outside the traditional corporate environment, suggesting paths like freelancing, which could offer him the flexibility to choose projects and manage his own schedule without the omnipresent stress of client commitments.

One user shared their success story, "I know someone who made a move to become a security guard after facing similar burnout. He now enjoys a stable income of 3-4k with minimal responsibility. It’s like having a paid vacation since, once he clocks out, he’s truly off duty."

The Bigger Picture

These sentiments echo a concerning trend: nearly half of Singaporean workers are facing burnout. A recent study from Instant Offices ranked Singapore as the third most burned-out city globally, trailing only London and Melbourne. The research surveyed workers across 30 cities and revealed that 47% of employees in Singapore report feeling mentally and/or physically drained at the end of their workday. Additionally, over two in five respondents admitted to struggling with motivation.

As corporate burnout continues to rise in Singapore, this story serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of undue workplace pressure. The urgent need for a re-evaluation of work-life balance has never been clearer—both for individuals and their employers.