SINGAPORE: A third-party healthcare worker is opening up about the overwhelming pressure of financially supporting her family back home as she grapples with feelings of burnout and frustration.

The woman, who earns S$3,600 monthly, took to social media to express her struggles, revealing that she has been shouldering the financial burden for her family since moving to Singapore seven years ago. Despite starting her journey with full government sponsorship for her education and living expenses, the expectations from her family transitioned dramatically once she secured a job in the healthcare sector four years ago.

Initially motivated to support her family, she began sending money home to assist her two brothers, who were still in college, and her father, whose business income was inconsistent. Complicating matters further was her older sister, who also resides in Singapore but struggles with a commission-based salary and poor money management skills, often turning to her for financial help.

"I started out feeling happy to support them, but now it feels like a chore. My sister, who should help, doesn’t contribute at all," she shared. The emotional strain has prompted her to question her financial decisions as she watches her peers discuss their luxurious salaries and impressive savings, leading her to worry that she's falling behind in life.

"Everyone talks about making $10K a month and having over $200K in savings. I feel lost, as though my hard work is not paying off," she explained, seeking advice from Reddit users on how to mitigate her feelings of inadequacy.

In the ensuing discussion, many Redditors empathized with her plight, reminding her that social media often paints a misleading picture of financial success. One user wisely pointed out, "Those making $10K a month are in the top percent of their age group. Don’t let humblebragging get you down."

Concerned for her mental well-being, others suggested that she consider scaling back her financial support to her family, emphasizing that her hard-earned money should be prioritized for her own financial health. "It’s not your responsibility to fix their financial mistakes," one commenter remarked. "Set a budget and decide what you can realistically offer."

Financial experts like Miriam Caldwell stress the importance of budgeting before extending financial support to family members. By tracking monthly expenses—including fixed costs like rent and variable expenses like groceries and entertainment—the woman can better gauge how much aid she can provide without sacrificing her own needs.

In conclusion, while the call for familial support is a common expectation, it is vital for individuals like her to balance their generosity with personal financial stability. As the conversation continues, one thing remains clear: happiness doesn't stem from what others earn, but rather from finding contentment with what one has.

As societal pressures continue to mount, embracing one's own financial journey may just be the key to overcoming feelings of inadequacy and burnout.