Introduction

In a candid social media post, a woman working in Singapore shared her feelings of burnout after being the sole financial supporter of her family back home. Earning approximately S$3,600 a month, she expresses her frustration, stating, 'I don't want to be their banker.'

Background

Having moved to Singapore seven years ago for her studies, this woman was not only self-sufficient but also received full government sponsorship for her education, including a living allowance. However, when she landed a job in the healthcare sector four years ago, and with two younger brothers still in college, the dynamics changed. Her family's dependence on her financial stability increased as her father, a businessman, faced unpredictable income, while her older sister's commission-based earnings were also unstable.

The Burden of Responsibility

The crux of her distress lies in supporting her older sister, who sometimes relies on her for rent and daily expenses due to poor money management. 'At first, I was happy to help, but lately, I feel burnt out because I have an elder sister, but she won't even help me support my family,' she lamented.

Pressures from Social Media

Her concerns deepened as social media painted a picture of financial success that felt unattainable. Many users on platforms like Reddit flaunted their lucrative salaries and hefty savings, leaving her feeling 'very behind and lost.' 'I don’t think I can make a $10K amount anytime soon,' she confessed.

Reactions from the Online Community

The responses on Reddit were varied. A few users reassured her that happiness shouldn't stem from salary comparisons, pointing out that many earn less and find contentment. They emphasized the importance of focusing on personal financial management rather than succumbing to social media's perceived realities.

Advice for Financial Management

One practical suggestion from users encouraged her to scale back on financial support. 'It’s not up to you to solve other people’s blunders, even when they are family. It's YOUR hard-earned money,' advised one commenter.

Expert Suggestions

To get a grip on her finances, budgeting expert Miriam Caldwell recommends creating a strict monthly budget. She underscores the need to first account for fixed costs like rent and utilities before considering how much to allocate for family. By evaluating both her and her family's expenses, she can better navigate her financial landscape, ensuring her own needs are met while still being able to support those she cares about.

Conclusion

In a world where financial sustainability is becoming increasingly challenging, her story resonates with many who find themselves in similar situations, battling to support family while striving for personal success. As she navigates her circumstances, the ongoing conversation about mental health, financial boundaries, and the importance of self-care is more pertinent than ever—could this be a wake-up call for others in similar situations?