SINGAPORE: An employee from the media advertising sector reached out on Reddit for advice on her precarious work situation, weighing the pros and cons of resigning from her job or holding out for her annual performance bonus.

In her post on the r/askSingapore forum, the employee described the crippling stress brought on by a highly demanding and micromanaging superior. "The big boss is constantly hovering, changing plans, and creating a toxic atmosphere that has us all walking on eggshells," she revealed.

She expressed her discontent with the internal politics and uncertainties in the company, particularly mentioning the recent arrival of a new finance director, which casts doubt on the potential of receiving a decent bonus this year. “Despite being hired for my role, I'm now also expected to handle responsibilities that are well outside my expertise,” she lamented.

Adding to her frustrations, she recounted the detrimental impact her work has had on her health, noting, “I’ve lost over 40kg due to the excessive working hours, which stretched from 10 am to 2 or 3 am daily.”

Compounding her situation, she highlighted the lack of support from her soon-to-depart direct manager, who has a history of taking credit for team achievements while endangering their interests whenever challenges arose. Given that she joined mid-year, she realizes that she might not even qualify for a full 13th-month bonus. "If I stay until December, I'll have to decide if it's worth it to leave for a pro-rated bonus," she mentioned.

The Reddit community was quick to respond, offering various perspectives. Many users warned her about the difficulties of job hunting in the current climate, suggesting that she may face challenges if she quits before the upcoming bonus payout in December. One commenter advised, "Timing is crucial; you might find it rough to secure a new position if you leave too soon."

However, several others urged her to prioritize her mental health over financial incentives. "No amount of money can replace your well-being," one user emphasized. They encouraged her to consider that leaving might open doors to better opportunities and healthier work environments, where she could either find a role with a more favorable bonus structure or simply escape the toxic dynamics of her current position.

Ultimately, this critical dilemma sheds light on a prevalent issue in the workplace today: the balance between financial security and personal health. Employees across industries often face similar predicaments, weighing the risks of leaving against the need for a healthier work-life balance. In a culture that often glorifies overwork, it’s a poignant reminder that mental well-being should always take precedence.