Lim kopi, anyone? Ever wondered why so many Singaporeans dream of chao keng-ing from our Little Red Dot? You’re not alone. Many locals share this sentiment, and Reddit is buzzing with their stories. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this itchy feet syndrome.
Tiny Island, Big Aspirations
- Current Situation
Singapore, while a fantastic place to live, can feel a bit… confined. Unlike larger countries, there’s no moving to another city for a change of scenery. This lack of internal mobility contributes to the desire to explore opportunities elsewhere. As one Redditor pointed out, Singapore is one of the few places with no ‘other city’ to move to.
In other countries if you are dissatisfied with a city you can move to another city in the same country. Singapore is one of 2-3 territories of the world where there’s no ‘other city’ to move to and the only option is to another country.
The concrete jungle, while impressive, can also feel overwhelming. The emphasis on efficiency and productivity sometimes overshadows the need for leisure and open spaces. We see a strong desire among many Singaporeans to leave, whether it’s for the UK or somewhere vastly different.
- Over 50% of Singaporeans have considered emigration at some point in their lives.
Kiasuism & Cost of Living
- Challenge Description
The pressure cooker environment, coupled with the high cost of living, can take its toll. The kiasu spirit, while driving success, also creates immense stress. The dream of owning a landed property with a pool feels unattainable for many, pushing them to seek greener pastures. As one Redditor shared, it’s about the lack of escape.
Singapore, on the other hand, is a massively overpopulated, crowded, congested country where it is really difficult to _escape_.
The constant paper chase and the feeling of being undervalued at work further fuel the desire to leave. It’s not just about money; it’s about quality of life and work-life balance. The exorbitant prices contribute to higher GDP on paper.
- Singapore consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world.
New Horizons, New Hopes
- Solution
So, what can Singaporeans do? First, it’s about acknowledging the reasons behind the desire to leave. Then, explore options for creating a better life within Singapore. This could involve finding a job with better work-life balance, pursuing passions outside of work, or connecting with communities that offer support and a sense of belonging. As one Redditor wisely said, the grass is always greener where you water it.
The grass is greener on the other side. Every nation has their own issues… But then again the grass is always greener where you water it 🙂
Consider skills upgrading to improve career prospects and earning potential. Explore opportunities for remote work, allowing you to earn a Singaporean salary while living in a more affordable location. Ultimately, it’s about finding what makes you happy and creating a life that aligns with your values. Don’t forget to tap into the resources available, such as career counseling and financial planning services.
- Join online communities for Singaporeans living abroad to gain insights and support.
Remember, leaving isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, a change in perspective and a proactive approach to improving your circumstances can make all the difference. Jiayou, Singapore!
