**SINGAPORE:** In a candid revelation, a young employee recently turned to an online forum seeking advice from seasoned Singaporeans about the transition to a full-time work life. “I started my first full-time job a little over two months ago,” he expressed. “I wake up feeling overwhelmed every day. By 7 p.m., I find myself ready to crash. How are people able to manage with just two days off on the weekends and only a few hours of personal time in the evenings?”

The responses poured in, many addressing the harsh realities of adulthood. One particularly striking reply bluntly noted, “Your bills, debts, and loans will help you come to terms with this reality.” This straightforward observation served as a wake-up call for many who are grappling with financial obligations post-education.

Yet, not all replies carried a heavy tone. Some participants encouraged a more optimistic viewpoint. One commenter suggested, “Yes, it’s ‘adulting,’ but view this as a learning phase. Find meaning in your job or pursue something that aligns with your passions. Life is too precious to waste on work that drains your energy.” Another contributor at age 30 shared his extensive work experience, advising against falling into a monotonous routine and instead advocating for building something significant as a way to escape the relentless rat race.

Connections within the workplace were also highlighted as pivotal for maintaining morale. “The relationships I build with my colleagues make the daily grind much more bearable,” one user noted, emphasizing the power of camaraderie in the workplace.

Moreover, insights from various career experts suggest that recent graduates often encounter a challenging gap between completing their studies and starting their first jobs. This transition period can be tough, but it also presents numerous opportunities for personal growth. Acknowledging this challenge is crucial, as it fosters patience and self-compassion. Networking, creating a flexible schedule, and honing both hard and soft skills are all vital tactics to ease into the full-time working world.

As the dialogue unfolds on the forum, the conversation reveals a deeper truth: while the full-time work culture can be exhausting, it also offers a strategic moment for self-reflection and personal development. Finding ways to balance work responsibilities with personal aspirations could very well be the key to surviving—and thriving—in today’s demanding job landscape.

As our young Singaporean embarks on this journey, one can't help but wonder: will he find the work-life balance he yearns for, or will the grind do him in? Only time will tell, but the journey has only just begun.