Eh, Singaporeans. Let’s be real for a sec. Ever feel like you’re working hard, but still not getting what you deserve? Or maybe you’re just complaining about CPF again? It’s time for a dose of real talk about some harsh truths we might not like to hear. But hey, sometimes you need a bit of a reality check, right?
Job Market Realities
- Singaporean salaries and expectations
“Singaporeans don’t ask if they’re valuable enough or providing enough value to ask for the high median salaries they think they deserve.”
The job market in Singapore is competitive, and recent discussions on Reddit highlight a gap between expectations and reality. Many Singaporeans feel entitled to high salaries, but may not be providing enough value to justify it. Some believe that their skills are not up to par with what the market demands. This is further complicated by the fact that many people are replaceable in their roles. The truth is, companies are always looking to cut costs, and you’re often just a line item in an excel sheet. With the rising cost of living and global competition, it’s becoming more crucial than ever to assess your worth and continuously improve your skills. The situation is not helped by fresh graduates who are too picky with their first jobs.
The Cost of Living Crisis
- Rising costs and consumer behavior
“Stop expecting <$4 hawker food. Y'all want to "preserve" the culture but refuse to support it."
One of the biggest gripes is the rising cost of living. From hawker food to housing, everything seems to be getting more expensive. This has led to some interesting contradictions. Many Singaporeans complain about high prices, yet they’re often unwilling to pay more for quality or support local businesses. The mentality of wanting to preserve culture while refusing to support it is a common complaint. It’s also worth noting that many Singaporeans are living beyond their means, even when they have the safety net of CPF. This is further compounded by a general lack of financial prudence, with some choosing to spend more on non-essentials, such as matcha, than on basic necessities.
Improving Your Situation
- Actions to take for improvement
“Effective communication is so important. Not saying you have to be an Oxford scholar in how you speak but all the issues in this thread are so real. People complain about being passed up for jobs but have difficulty stringing a proper sentence together in a corporate setting.”
The good news is, there are things you can do to improve your situation. First, assess your skills and value. Are you truly bringing enough to the table? Consider further education or courses to improve your skill sets. Second, be financially prudent. Manage your spending and start saving. Third, improve your communication skills. Effective communication is key in the corporate world. Finally, be realistic about your expectations. Not everyone is going to get a high-paying job straight out of the gate. Sometimes you have to start small and work your way up. It’s also important to know that you are not special, and everyone is replaceable.
