SINGAPORE: In a heartfelt revelation shared on Reddit, a young Singaporean recently exposed the immense pressure he faced after failing to secure a spot in any junior colleges, triggering a troubling response from his parents.

In a moment of frustration, they told him, “You will have no future, and you won’t be able to support us after all that we have done for you.”

The emotional weight of this statement has resonated deeply with many online, as the young man detailed how his parents accused him of lacking effort in his studies. “I really did study; maybe my IQ just wasn't up to their standards,” he reflected candidly.

The repercussions of his academic struggles went beyond mere disappointment.

His parents chose to ignore him for two weeks as a form of punishment, imposed part-time work on him, and severely restricted his time at home. He was only permitted to stay at home from 8 AM to 9 PM—a stark limit that spoke volumes about the family dynamics at play.

“This was nothing compared to the year my dad once didn’t speak to me at all,” he recounted, revealing the long-standing tension in his home. He further disclosed that his father threatened to kick him out once he graduated from polytechnic if he didn’t gain admission into the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU), adding even more pressure to an already stressful situation. Alarmingly, he also mentioned that his father warned his mother against helping him in any way.

Consequently, the young man admitted that the emotional toll from this entire ordeal sent him spiraling into a dark place, putting him on edge about his future potential.

With a current GPA of around 3.5, he expressed his fear of being unable to meet his father’s expectations: “I don’t know, I never thought this kind of thing would happen to me. I’d appreciate any advice on getting kicked out.

Interestingly, this revelation struck a chord among Reddit users, prompting a profound discussion about the high expectations parents often place on their children.

One user shared, “As a father, I wouldn’t want to burden my child as they grow older. There’s a fine line between instilling discipline and outright abuse.”

Supportive replies flooded in, reminding the young man that academic performance doesn’t define his worth or future. “Success isn't solely determined by grades,” one commentator noted, encouraging him to explore alternative paths outside his parents’ rigid expectations.

Others offered practical advice, suggesting planning for financial independence, regardless of whether he navigates into university.

“It’s vital to prepare for life after graduation, including finding a place to live, possibly with a roommate,” one user emphasized, providing a glimmer of hope for self-sufficiency despite the mounting familial pressures.

In a broader context, this story highlights the intense academic and emotional pressures that many young people in Singapore face.

This issue is magnified in a society that often equates success with educational attainment, leaving students grappling with feelings of inadequacy and fear of disappointing their families.

Another recent incident shared on Reddit illustrates this cycle of pressure further, as another Singaporean expressed feelings of defeat after his father reneged on supporting his university education.

Despite initial promises to assist with finances, the father retreated from their agreement, leaving the student feeling abandoned at a critical moment in his academic journey.

These narratives spark critical discussions on parental expectations, mental health, and educational pressures.

A reminder that the journey through adolescence and adulthood can be exceptionally daunting, especially for those who feel trapped under the weight of expectations.

As the conversation continues, it begs the question: How can parents and society better support their youth, allowing for a more balanced and healthier path to success?