SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker, only three months into a one-year contract, has taken to social media to voice her frustrations about the overwhelming demands of her role. In a candid post on Reddit’s “Ask Singapore” forum, she revealed how the resignation of a colleague has left her saddled with the responsibilities of two people, leading to a rapid descent into stress and anxiety.

"I lose hair and sleep over the problems I have to solve," she lamented, reflecting on how much the job's pressures have taken a toll on her health. The weight of deadlines and constant tasks has left her waking up with dread, feeling anxious about the day ahead. To cope, she has resorted to shortening her lunch breaks, a move that underscores the extent of her commitment but also raises concerns about her well-being.

Her weekends, instead of being a time for relaxation, are consumed by responding to a barrage of emails, as if the workday never truly ends. "I’m so tired, and it just feels like so much right now," she expressed in her heartfelt message. Despite her exhaustion, the one thought keeping her motivated is the end of her contract, though she worries aloud about her capacity to maintain this unsustainable pace without risking complete burnout. "I really don’t know how to keep it up," she added.

Support from a Community in Crisis

The Reddit discussion that followed her post saw numerous users chiming in with their own experiences. Many shared relatable stories about their struggles with workload and burnout, reinforcing the notion that the pressure to perform at work has become a pervasive issue. One user reminisced about their own similar situation, stating, "What I regret is not putting more boundaries." Another echoed this sentiment, revealing that they left a previous job due to similar pressures and now work for a company that prioritizes work-life balance.

Responses from the community encouraged her to stop undertaking the workload of two employees, highlighting that continuing to do so only feeds into corporate exploitation. "If you're keeping up, they see no reason to increase headcount," one commenter wisely noted, urging her to prioritize her mental health.

Many users advised her to take proactive measures, such as initiating a candid conversation with her boss about her overwhelming responsibilities. Suggestions included discussing the possibility of redistributing some tasks or, if all else fails, negotiating an increase in salary to reflect the reality of her job duties.

"I’d ask for a pay increase if it were me," one contributor pointed out. "Professional life should not drain your mental health for days without any significant incentives."

The Bigger Picture: Burnout in Singapore

This case is not an isolated incident. A recent report by Employment Hero highlighted that a staggering 61% of Singaporean workers are currently experiencing burnout, a slight decline from 62% in 2022, indicating a lingering crisis for employees in managing workplace stress.

As the demands on employees continue to surge, it's crucial that both workers and employers address these challenges head-on. The balance between maintaining productivity and safeguarding mental health must be prioritized if organizations intend to foster a sustainable, healthy work environment.

In a world where work-life balance seems increasingly out of reach, this poignant story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to speak up!