SINGAPORE — In a heartfelt post on the r/singaporehappenings forum, a 35-year-old security officer expressed his struggles after spending a decade in his current role, earning S$2,300 a month. The man, who recently went through a divorce and is now the sole provider for his child, openly questioned if it was too late for him to pivot to a new career.

"I got stuck with this job after my divorce. I don’t even understand why I’m still in this line,” he shared, adding that he feels trapped and is unsure of his skillset. His concerns were palpable as he asked fellow Singaporeans if he could really change his life’s trajectory. "Am I wasting my time? Is it too late to start over? What can I do to restart my career?" he lamented.

The individual expressed a desire to secure employment with flexible hours and a higher salary of S$3,000. This resonates with many workers in Singapore who find themselves seeking better work-life balance and opportunities for growth.

In the comments, community members rallied to support him, emphasizing that 35 is still quite young and not too late for a career change. One user highlighted the importance of realizing one's potential: “You’re still young at 35. The fact that you’re aware of your dissatisfaction suggests you have the motivation for something more fulfilling. If money were not an issue and there was no fear of judgment, what would you pursue?”

Others shared their personal journeys of educational and professional transformation. A user in their late 40s wrote about embarking on a PhD, emphasizing that change is always possible. They noted that while financial security is beneficial, significant changes can happen under challenging circumstances too.

Several commenters suggested practical steps he could take to enhance his career prospects. For example, one user mentioned that even part-time jobs like food delivery could match his current earnings. "Consider using SkillsFuture credits to gain certifications in higher-demand fields," they advised, pointing towards sectors like manufacturing or plumbing, which often offer more lucrative salaries.

In a separate but noteworthy story, a 17-year-old Singaporean girl discovered her parents had covertly placed a tracking device in her school bag, escalating her frustration about their continuous invasions of her privacy. This incident has sparked discussions on parental control and respect for children's autonomy in Singaporean families.

These stories highlight the personal struggles many face, whether in their careers or family dynamics, and the community's willingness to offer support and advice for those looking to change their circumstances. Is it time to rethink the notion that certain life paths can only be traveled once? The answer for many may indeed be into the unknown—where new beginnings await.