Introduction

In Singapore, a 22-year-old woman has taken to the r/askSingapore forum to express her feelings of confusion and lack of direction, despite enjoying a comfortable lifestyle and earning S$4,500 a month. Her candid post dives deep into the pressures young adults face, particularly when societal expectations clash with personal fulfillment.

Upbringing and Lifestyle

While she acknowledges that her upbringing has provided her with significant advantages—such as her parents covering her expenses, including education and phone bills—she still grapples with her sense of purpose. “I live quite comfortably, and there’s really nothing to complain about,” she shared, highlighting that her lifestyle choices—like frequent travels and daily rideshares—have led her to live paycheck to paycheck, despite having savings.

Career Growth and Burnout

Her career journey has seen impressive growth as well. Starting with a part-time role in the healthcare sector during her diploma program, she transitioned to a full-time position earning S$2,800. With newfound experience, she advanced to a managerial role earning S$3,800 a month. However, the demands of her job led to burnout, prompting her to take a six-month sabbatical that allowed her to reevaluate her career choices. Recently, she accepted a new job, again in healthcare—this time offering her a salary of S$4,500.

Lack of Passion

Despite her achievements, she confessed that her passion for the healthcare industry is lacking. “I don’t even know if I like working in healthcare,” she admitted, explaining that her decisions were primarily influenced by financial considerations rather than a genuine interest in the field. To complicate matters further, she enrolled in a part-time marketing degree program based on her friends’ advice, but soon realized her disinterest in the subject. Feeling trapped by her educational choices, she worries about her future as she navigates a path that doesn’t ignite her creativity or ambition.

Seeking Guidance

As she expressed her feelings of being “sian” or disheartened, she turned to the forum to seek guidance from others, asking when they realized their career paths and what steps they took toward fulfilling futures. The responses she received were a mix of empathy and perspective, with many users highlighting her fortunate position at such a young age.

Community Reactions

"You’re only 22 and earning S$4.5K—that’s amazing! Many people would consider themselves lucky to have that," one user commented, while others questioned whether her feelings stemmed from a lack of challenges in her life. Some suggested that she might benefit from living independently and taking on financial responsibilities to cultivate a sense of accountability and purpose.

A Broader Reflection

This situation raises broader questions about the expectations placed on young individuals in Singaporean society, where high salaries and prestige can coexist with dissatisfaction and uncertainty. Navigating the complexities of adulthood, particularly in a fast-paced city like Singapore, can lead to a profound identity crisis for some young people, making it crucial for them to explore their passions and set personal goals beyond mere salary figures.

Conclusion

This young woman’s plight mirrors a growing trend among millennials and Gen Z, who often find themselves in a paradox of abundance yet face existential dilemmas, prompting many to seek deeper meaning in a world that seems to value material success over fulfillment.

As more Singaporeans share their stories in online communities, this collective dialogue could pave the way for a better understanding of the challenges new generations face, unlocking the realities of “adulting” in a society where success is often measured by financial milestones rather than personal satisfaction. Will this young woman find her true calling, or will she continue to feel lost in comfort? Only time will tell.