SINGAPORE: A young woman, just 22 years old, has sparked an intense discussion online after sharing a heartbreaking account of the pressure and criticism she faces from her parents regarding her education and financial contributions.

The Singaporean took to social media on September 29 to express her struggles following her failure to pass her O-levels, which prevented her from enrolling in a polytechnic.

In a candid post on the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, she shared the profound disappointment expressed by her parents. "They claim I've wasted their time and that I’m nothing but a piece of trash at home," she lamented, emphasizing the emotional toll of their words.

Her father, now 70, has been particularly vocal about his frustrations. He has been pressuring her to complete her studies quickly so he can retire, leading to an environment where she feels isolated and scrutinized.

The expectations have drastically altered her social life; she was prohibited from seeing friends and was treated harshly for attempting to engage in casual conversations with neighbors.

After failing to secure a spot in polytechnic, the constant comparisons to her peers who have successfully progressed in their studies only compound her feelings of inadequacy.

Many of her friends have moved on to pursue higher education or established careers, which adds to the weight of her situation.

To alleviate some of the stress from her parents, she reluctantly joined the workforce, taking a job as a dishwasher at a local hawker center.

“While many think it's just washing dishes, the reality is far harsher than it appears,” she said, describing grueling physical challenges, including back pain and the strong odors of a busy kitchen.

Despite her dream of pursuing a career in scientific research, she feels intimidated by her parents' constant remarks about her age.

"They make me feel like graduating at 30 would be shameful and that I would miss out on life milestones like starting a family," she explained, revealing the depth of the emotional burden she carries.

At last, she penned a poignant observation: “The guilt I feel because of my parents weighs me down. It feels as though I can't start truly living until they are no longer here.”

Responses from the online community were overwhelmingly supportive. Many commentators emphasized that everyone progresses at their own pace, encouraging her to follow her aspirations without succumbing to societal pressures.

One user noted, "You’re still young at 22! Life paths can be winding, and there’s no expiration date on education."

Others criticized her parents for their harsh treatment. "Toxic parents can really crush your spirit," one commentator expressed empathically.

Another pointed out, “There are no hard milestones in life; it’s all relative. There’s absolutely no law stating you must graduate by a certain age.”

As her story continues to resonate, it has raised important conversations about mental health, familial expectations, and the different pathways individuals take toward success.

What does it mean to truly succeed, and how do we define personal milestones in a world filled with prescribed timelines? This young woman’s journey highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education and career, urging us all to embrace our unique journeys.