Nation

Young Singaporean's Struggle with Purpose: "I Don’t Know What I Want in Life"

2025-01-10

Author: Rajesh

A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

The woman, who has navigated a rocky educational path—transitioning from an express stream to normal academic levels in her teens—sought to explain her background. After dropping out of her initial course and taking private O-level exams, she pursued a diploma in Marketing. Despite her efforts to find success, she admitted that her choice was largely influenced by financial prospects rather than personal passion.

The Burden of Social Comparison

The young woman expressed feelings of discontent, especially while comparing herself to her friends who seem to have clearer career goals. While some of her peers are venturing into entrepreneurship or social media influencing, she feels lost. “They all seem to know what they want, while I’m just trying to keep up,” she lamented.

Taking Steps Toward Independence

In a follow-up note to her forum post, the young woman clarified that she does not take her lifestyle for granted. Although her parents support her financially, she recognizes the importance of taking on responsibilities to foster a sense of independence. She has decided to contribute to the family by paying for utilities and her phone bills and plans to bolster her savings for emergencies.

The Quest for Purpose: A Common Challenge

Experts from organizations like BetterUp note that grappling with aspirations and purpose is a vital aspect of personal development. Many people face feelings of anxiety and confusion when they lack direction or when societal expectations weigh heavily on them. In voicing her struggles, the young woman opens a dialogue that many can relate to, igniting conversations about the often overwhelming pressure of finding one’s place in the world.