Introduction

In a striking revelation, a 22-year-old Singaporean woman has taken to an online forum to share her struggle with finding purpose in life, despite holding a job that pays approximately $4,500 monthly.

Reflections on Adulthood

On January 7, she opened a dialogue about the realities of adulthood, questioning whether her peers feel the same way. Reflecting on her journey, the young professional expressed her bewilderment about the typical life paths of adults.

She asked, “Do most adults just work a 9-to-5 and binge-watch Netflix afterward?” and further pondered if saving $100,000 by age 30 is the common goal for everyone. Through this introspection, she grapples with the notion that there might be something more meaningful out there.

Background and Journey

Her background reveals a rocky path to her current success. She described herself as a rebellious teenager whose academic journey was far from smooth, leading to a demotion in school. After struggling through various educational hurdles, including switching to private education and taking multiple diplomas, she eventually landed a part-time job in the healthcare sector.

Remarkably, she transitioned to a full-time managerial role, earning $3,800—a significant leap from her initial $2,800 salary—before recently accepting a position that pays even more.

Career Choice and Financial Pressure

However, beneath her financial success lies a surprising confession: her choice of a career in Marketing was primarily influenced by its lucrative nature rather than a true passion for the field. “I have zero interest in Marketing,” she admitted, adding that her pursuit of further education was mostly based on her mother’s advice about the importance of a locally recognized degree in job hunting.

Lifestyle and Independence

Though she acknowledges her comfortable lifestyle—thanks to her parents paying for her expenses—she also notes the pressure that comes with living paycheck to paycheck due to her “extravagant” spending habits, which include frequent travel and daily commutes by ride-sharing services. This lifestyle has led her to feel a disconnect from what she perceives as true independence.

Seeking Advice and Change

In a moment of vulnerability, she compared herself to her friends, who appear to have clear aspirations ranging from social media influencing to starting their own businesses. Feeling “sian” (a local term for feeling bored or unmotivated), she asked fellow Singaporeans for advice on how they discovered their passions and at what age.

Post-discussion, she expressed a desire for change, acknowledging that dependence on her parents contravenes her idea of “adulting.” She has committed to helping support her family financially, taking responsibility for her own bills, and saving more for emergencies.

The Path Ahead

With intentions to volunteer and explore new hobbies, she’s looking to expand her horizons beyond her current situation. Experts from BetterUp emphasize that searching for what you truly want in life is essential for discovering your purpose.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this candid reflection serves as a compelling reminder that beyond financial success, the quest for meaning, passion, and fulfillment is an integral part of the human experience—a topic that resonates deeply with many young adults navigating the complexities of modern life.

Could this 22-year-old’s quest for clarity inspire others struggling with similar feelings? The journey of self-discovery may be more critical than we think!