Hitting your 30s in Singapore and feeling the pinch? Maybe your bank account looks smaller than your friends’ BTO downpayment savings, and finding a decent job feels like striking Toto. You’re definitely not alone in this pressure cooker.
The 30s SG Squeeze
Many Singaporeans in their early thirties are finding themselves financially stressed, a stark contrast to the expected stability of this life stage. With the high cost of living here, from housing to daily expenses, savings can dwindle fast, especially without a steady income. Reddit threads echo this sentiment, with people sharing struggles of having minimal savings despite being in their prime working years.
- Feeling financially behind peers is common.
“I’m 32 this year and I have around $5000 to my name. I am trying desperately to get a job and I feel like I am way behind my peers who have had steady jobs for the past 8 years or so.”
- Even past struggles resonate with many.
“When I was your age, I don’t even have any savings. I was struggling to keep minimum balance in my bank account… despite working for 10 years, I was only earning $3k per mth as compared to my peers who earn double or triple my pay…”
- The current job market adds another layer of difficulty.
Facing Deeper Hurdles
It’s often more than just dollars and cents. The constant pressure, job rejection, and financial worry can take a heavy toll on mental well-being. Many Redditors shared how unemployment or underemployment significantly worsened their anxiety and depression, making it even harder to break the cycle. Comparing yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out – the HDB, the car, the stable career – only deepens the feeling of inadequacy.
- Financial stress often links to mental health challenges.
“On top of that, I struggle with depression and the current situation just doesn’t help.”
- The experience can feel isolating and overwhelming.
“My savings were even much lower than you at one point and was retrenched… At the age of 32. And it was COVID. And yes I was clinically diagnosed to have depression. I was dying.”
- The pressure to maintain appearances can be strong.
“i just want to say that there are plenty of people who are secretly in debt… they will never publicise it because it’s shameful.”
Finding Your Footing Again
Okay, so things feel tough, maybe even rock bottom. But the good news? Many Singaporeans have navigated this rough patch and come out stronger. The key is taking small, actionable steps. Forget comparing your journey to others; focus on your own lane. Practical advice shared includes seeking affordable mental health support and leveraging available resources.
- Take it one step at a time; focus on immediate actions.
“Please do this one step at a time. Go to the polyclinic for depression diagnosis and it’s cheap and subsidised there… Then when you feel better slowly get a job even if it means part time.”
- Utilise government schemes and career support.
“Go to those gov agencies to get some help and advice. Should go for upgrading courses… Go for career counselling as there are many jobs out there… There’s many free services offered by sg govt including mid career switch…”
- Consider temporary or gig work for income and activity.
“if you have a driving license, can do some lalamove / private hire or other part-time work for the moment… if not, there’s always grabfood etc.”
- Update your resume and explore adjacent fields.
“make sure your resume is update to date and relevant… look at adjacent fields and tailor my resume to showcase my transferable skills…”
Remember, progress takes time. Whether it’s getting a part-time gig, talking to a counsellor, or simply going for a walk in the park, every small step forward counts. You’ve got this.
