SINGAPORE: In an eye-opening post on the r/askSingapore forum, a 22-year-old Singaporean woman shared her feelings of uncertainty and confusion despite enjoying a monthly salary of S$4,500 and a lavish lifestyle supported by her parents. While many would envy her situation, she admits to feeling “lost” and overwhelmed by the pressures of adulthood.

The young woman described her relatively hassle-free life, with comprehensive support from her parents covering her expenses, including education and daily living costs. “I live quite comfortably with nothing to complain about, yet I often find myself living paycheck to paycheck due to my lavish spending,” she wrote, referencing expenses like frequent travel and daily rideshare services.

Her career, which began with a part-time role in healthcare during her private diploma studies, saw her quickly rise to a managerial position, earning S$3,800 a month. However, she soon felt burnout from management responsibilities, prompting her to take a break from work for six months. Recently, she accepted a new role with the same responsibilities for S$4,500 a month, though she finds herself questioning her passion for the healthcare sector.

"I’m in this field mainly because it pays well, not because I have a genuine interest in it," she confessed. To make matters more complex, her part-time marketing degree program at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) also feels misaligned with her true interests. Despite accolades from friends pushing her toward marketing due to its prospects, she realized it does not excite her.

As she watches her peers confidently chart their futures—becoming social media influencers or starting businesses—she feels increasingly adrift. “Is this what adulting feels like? I often wonder what’s next for me,” she expressed her concerns, asking the community how they navigated their paths.

Her post resonated with many forum users, some praising her achievements at a young age while others noted that her lack of challenges may contribute to her feelings of being “sian,” a term expressing weariness or lethargy in life. "You’re lucky to earn S$4.5K at 22, but maybe you should try paying for everything yourself," one commenter advised, suggesting that she might benefit from stepping out of her comfort zone to seek meaningful experiences.

In a related conversation within the forum, another job seeker reflected on the dilemma of accepting a job offer that paid less than his previous position, highlighting common concerns among younger professionals navigating an uncertain job market.

This young woman's story encapsulates the broader struggles faced by many young people today—navigating career choices, societal expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment. Will she find her passion, or will the pressure continue to weigh heavily on her? Only time will tell.