Eh, Singaporeans! You ever notice how your work brain sometimes doesn’t switch off even after you knock off? Like, you bring those office habits back home and you don’t even realise it? Let’s see if you can relate!
Work Habits Taking Over
- Workplace routines affecting home life.
After your professional careers what are habits (职业病) that have followed you back to your daily lives？Do they actually add value to your life?
Many Singaporeans find that habits from their jobs creep into their personal lives. For example, someone in F&B might obsessively smell food to check for spoilage, even at home. Another might be super particular about FIFO (First In, First Out) with household items like toothpaste. Even locking your laptop when going to the toilet becomes a habit, even when at home alone! This shows how deeply ingrained our work habits can become, affecting even the simplest aspects of our daily lives. In fact, over 60% of Singaporean workers report experiencing work-related stress that spills over into their personal time.
When Good Habits Become ‘Siao’
- Irritation from unmet workplace standards.
used to work in a jap company, so we’ve got to start work on time and CANNOT EVER BE late for meetings. if i meet my friends, and they are late for more than 5min, i’ll get irritated. and i’ve always been punctual for all meetings.
The real problem starts when these habits cause friction. Imagine being a stickler for punctuality because of your Japanese company background, then getting perpetually annoyed when your friends are late. Or correcting someone’s English because you work in communications. These habits, while useful at work, can make you seem ‘siao on’ (crazy) in social situations. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining professional standards and not being a pain in the backside to your loved ones! It’s important to remember that Singaporeans value relationships and harmony, so flexibility is key.
Chill Lah: Finding Balance
- Adapting habits for a better life.
but i’ve started to chill a little,, and not get too fixated on punctuality. life is too short to get upset at everything 🤣
The key is to recognise these habits and consciously adapt them. Instead of getting upset at your friends for being late, learn to ‘chill lah’. Instead of silently judging someone’s grammar, let it slide. Some habits, like using spreadsheets to track personal finances, can actually be beneficial. The goal is to identify which habits add value to your life and which ones cause unnecessary stress. Remember, life in Singapore is already stressful enough; don’t let your work habits make it worse! Try setting boundaries between work and personal life. For example, create a ‘no work talk’ rule during dinner. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for you and allows you to enjoy your life outside of work.
