Nation

Is This the New Normal? Singaporean Employee Struggles with Low Pay and Long Hours, Sparks Nationwide Discussion!

2025-03-23

Author: Sarah

Singapore Employee's Frustration

A frustrated employee recently took to social media to express his discontent about his physically demanding job, earning only $1,700 a month for a grueling work schedule of 5.5 days each week. Working from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., he feels overwhelmed and questioned, "How do humans survive this?"

Although his post has since been removed, the online reactions were swift and substantial, revealing a growing dissatisfaction among Singaporeans regarding low wages and demanding work conditions. Many users were shocked at how the employee's hourly wage equates to a meager $8, deemed by some as “ridiculously inefficient.”

Commenters highlighted that even part-time positions typically offer better pay. “Those are the kinds of jobs retirees take to stay active, but they aren’t as physically taxing as what you’re dealing with,” one user pointed out.

Call for Change: Seek Better Opportunities!

Numerous respondents urged the employee to consider switching industries, with suggestions ranging from food delivery to fast food services, where hourly rates can be significantly higher, even for part-time work. “It’s shocking to see students earning up to 50% more per hour in similar settings,” commented one user, emphasizing the disparity.

Another user passionately stated, “5.5 days for $1.7k?! It’s not worth it! You’re putting in all this effort for crumbs! Leave it behind!” These comments indicate a strong sentiment that the current job landscape is failing to meet basic financial needs.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook Amid Challenges

On a more supportive note, some commenters encouraged the employee to remain positive and not to quit prematurely, especially if landing a full-time job had been a challenge. “Use this experience as a stepping stone to better opportunities and remember to take care of your mental health,” advised one individual. “Focus on the positives and find things to look forward to each day.”

This story has emerged within a broader dialogue about wage concerns in Singapore. Recent discussions on online forums have prompted many to share experiences related to low-paying jobs, revealing that some full-time roles still fail to meet the $2,000 monthly threshold.

In one notable case, a commenter mentioned their relative's experience as an office cleaner, earning just $1,500 a month. This relative has chosen the job for its low stress and laid-back environment, illustrating that even minimum-wage roles can have varying levels of comfort and work-life balance.

Closing Thoughts: Is Change on the Horizon?

As frustration regarding inadequate pay and intense work conditions gains traction, the plight of the employee sheds light on a potentially larger issue facing many Singaporeans today—jobs that demand considerable effort but provide insufficient financial reward.

As this conversation unfolds, it raises vital questions about the future of employment practices in Singapore and whether sufficient changes will be made to address these growing concerns. Will employers recognize the need for better compensation and improved working conditions? Only time will tell, but this story has certainly ignited a crucial discussion in the heart of Singapore’s workforce.