SINGAPORE

A 30-year-old man who earns between S$90,000 to S$100,000 annually in a high-pressure job at a multinational corporation (MNC) recently opened up about his consideration to switch careers during a discussion on an online forum on Sunday, October 27.

While he acknowledges the attractive salary, he describes his work environment as increasingly stressful due to high expectations from management and the competitive nature of his peers. “As I gain seniority, my job becomes more challenging. There are always new hurdles, and I feel the pressure to continuously outperform,” he noted, adding that the relentless competition is daunting.

What does he seek instead? A position at a government agency that, in his words, "feels more meaningful." He recognizes that the pay may be lower compared to his current role, yet he also mentions it is not a significant drop. Plus, the prospect of shift work and enhanced job security appeals to him amidst an uncertain economic climate.

Despite his optimism, he admits some uncertainty about the stress levels in the new job and acknowledges potential discomfort with duties that feel repetitive. “If I transition, ‘CCAs’ (co-curricular activities) could be part of the deal, which I might not enjoy,” he speculated. Nevertheless, he expressed that he is leaning towards making the move but is curious about others' opinions on such a transition.

His post resonated with many Singaporeans who shared their own experiences. One commenter empathized, stating, “I’m feeling the same pressure right now. It's overwhelming, and I am also considering a more community-focused role, such as working in a Community Center.”

Interestingly, research from Forbes indicates that many individuals make career shifts, particularly in their 30s. This period often brings unique advantages, including accumulated experience, a robust skill set, and established professional networks, not to mention a more stable financial situation. These factors can significantly ease the transition into a new career path.

For those contemplating a career change, experts recommend engaging in self-reflection, assessing transferable skills, and leveraging networks to explore new opportunities.

In a world where corporate success can often overshadow personal fulfillment, is this employee's quest for meaning reflective of a larger trend? As more individuals explore careers that resonate with their values, the question remains: What truly defines success in today’s fast-paced world?