SINGAPORE: A man in his early 30s is at a crossroads, contemplating leaving his high-paying corporate job due to overwhelming burnout after his company denied him a crucial break.

In a heartfelt post on Reddit's Ask Singapore forum, he expressed gratitude for his lucrative position, which has allowed him to save a significant amount. However, he feels besieged by the relentless demands of the job. “I’m so burnt out, exhausted, and just sick and tired of client pressures,” he lamented. “Even during this public holiday weekend, I can't catch a break. Why can’t they leave me alone?”

Once genuinely enthusiastic about his career, the constant pressures and refusal for proper time off have taken a toll. “I might regret it, but I just don’t care about the job anymore,” he confessed, stating that he finds little interest in the luxury lifestyle portrayed by his colleagues. “Most of my salary goes into savings anyway, and I feel silently out of place during discussions about fancy cars and extravagant trips.”

Seeking advice, he turned to the Reddit community, searching for job opportunities that provide a healthier work-life balance—positions without client pressures and with shorter working hours. “It would be great if it pays at least 3k, but I’m unsure what’s realistic,” he wrote, adding that he desires a role with enough flexibility to engage in personal pursuits like travel.

The journey of this individual comes at a time when burnout is an increasingly urgent concern. According to a recent study by Instant Offices, Singapore ranks as the third most burned-out city globally, following London and Melbourne, with nearly 47% of workers reporting feelings of mental and physical exhaustion at the end of their workdays. Even more alarming, over two in five employees admitted struggling to find motivation in their work.

Responses to his plea revealed a shared sentiment among many who echoed his struggles. Several Reddit users suggested alternative career paths, such as freelancing or even becoming a security guard, emphasizing the freedom that comes from leaving behind the corporate grind. “Freelancing could give you the flexibility to choose your projects and take breaks whenever you want,” one commenter advised. Another shared their friend's experience of finding peace as a security guard, describing it as “a paid vacation with little responsibility.”

The conversation highlights a growing movement toward prioritizing mental health and well-being over the allure of high salaries and corporate prestige. As burnout continues to plague many in corporate environments, individuals like this man are bravely re-evaluating their life choices and challenging the societal norms that dictate success.

It begs the question: Can one redefine success without monetary values?

As more people join the conversation about work-life balance, it’s crucial to reflect on what truly matters in a fulfilling life—perhaps walking away from the corporate hustle may just be the first step toward finding peace of mind.