Eh, Singaporeans! Feeling stressed and sian all the time? You’re not alone. We’re all caught in the rat race, but what if we could just… chill a bit? Let’s talk about normalising a more relaxed life, one where your job isn’t your whole identity. Confirm plus chop, can?
Singapore’s Hustle Culture
- Singapore is known for its high-pressure environment, where ambition is often seen as a virtue.
I wish we normalise not being ambitious. I think we over glorify the hustle culture, job is tied to our identity, stress level seems to only go up with each year passing (at least for me, until certain intervention).
- Many Singaporeans feel the pressure to constantly achieve and climb the corporate ladder.
I also want to normalise people to be more laid back and not so ambitious or competitive.
- This can lead to burnout and a lack of work-life balance.
It’s no secret that Singapore is a competitive place. From PSLE to our careers, we’re always striving for the next big thing. But what if we just… stopped? According to a recent study, over 70% of Singaporean workers report feeling stressed at least once a week. Is this the life we really want?
The Pressure Cooker Problems
- Many feel pressured to prioritize work over personal well-being.
Normalize prioritizing life. When I go to other countries, people always discuss about what to do after work, where to go camping over the weekend, etc. In Singapore I feel like we go straight home to sleep. Weekend to catch up on sleep or study something so that we’re not left behind…
- There’s a stigma against those who aren’t seen as ambitious or career-driven.
I agree with you . As someone with low ambition it feels weird having to explain that I just want a job to get by
- Unrealistic expectations and a lack of boundaries can lead to mental health issues.
The pressure to always be “on” is real. Bosses expect replies after hours, colleagues blur the lines between friendship and work, and suddenly, your whole life revolves around your job. It’s like kena arrowed from all sides! Furthermore, there is a tendency to undervalue certain professions. As some Reddit users pointed out, blue-collar workers are often overlooked and underpaid, despite their crucial role in our society. This imbalance contributes to the overall stress and inequality in Singapore.
Chiong Less, Enjoy More
- Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting personal time and mental health.
Imo normalise not answering your boss or client’s texts outside work hours. And normalise colleagues just being colleagues, they’re not my friends, just people I know in the workplace, and therefore also don’t need to entertain them outside work hours. Team bonding should be done during office hours and not after
- Taking mental health breaks and prioritizing self-care are essential.
Being able to take mental health breaks
- Shifting societal values to appreciate diverse life choices and career paths can reduce pressure.
So, how can we break free from this cycle? Start small. Don’t reply to work emails after 7pm. Plan a weekend getaway to Pulau Ubin. Spend time with your family and friends. Remember, your worth isn’t tied to your job title or salary. It’s about finding joy and balance in life. Let’s normalise prioritising our well-being, one teh tarik session at a time!
