Is Working in Singapore Worth It? A Look at Work-Life Balance and Cost of Living
This article explores the pros and cons of working in Singapore, comparing it to other locations like China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. It examines factors such as work culture, cost of living, and leisure activities.
Past Work Experiences
The author, Xiaorouyou, began her career as an engineer, working long hours before the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt like "a screw" in a large company, doing repetitive tasks. Consequently, she left this position. Her second job was as a project manager for a Japanese company, requiring her to commute to the office three days a week. The role was demanding, sometimes requiring her to manage multiple projects simultaneously due to understaffing.
The Startup Experience and the Lure of Travel
Working in a startup offered opportunities to learn and create from scratch. This brought a sense of satisfaction that outweighed the pressure. However, she also grappled with the feeling of limited time and considered traveling instead. The author compares work cultures in different countries, noting that Singapore offers less work compared to China and Japan, with higher salaries. However, Australia and New Zealand are considered less stressful.
The Hybrid Work Life in Singapore
The author currently works from home two days a week, allowing time for exercise and a more relaxed morning routine. However, working and resting in the same space eventually decreased efficiency. To combat this, she sometimes works from coffee shops, enjoying the feeling of being a freelance professional and avoiding peak traffic. She also appreciates the convenience of Singapore, being able to run errands like grocery shopping easily after work.
Weekend Activities in Singapore
Weekends in Singapore offer various options, including:
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Café Culture: Visiting cafes for brunch and snacks is a common activity.
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Art Exhibitions: Singapore, as an international city, hosts many art exhibitions, including those from the Chao Liu Art Exhibition Hall or the French National Gallery.
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Exploring the Streets: Walking around and window shopping familiar brands.
However, the author notes that entertainment options can be expensive, with outings easily costing $100-$200 USD.
The Appeal of Malaysia for Singaporean Workers
Smart Singaporean workers often travel to Malaysia or Indonesian islands on weekends to escape the high costs. The exchange rate between Singaporean dollars and Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 1:3.2) makes prices in Malaysia very attractive. Weekend trips include:
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Shopping: Taking advantage of the cheaper prices in Malaysia.
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Massages: Enjoying affordable massages (around $30 SGD per hour in Malaysia compared to $60+ SGD in Singapore).
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Accommodation: Staying in hotels that cost significantly less ( $40-80 SGD in Malaysia vs. $100-300 SGD in Singapore).
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Dining: Food is also cheaper ( $20-40 SGD per person in Malaysia vs. $60-150 SGD per person in Singapore).
The author summarizes this trend as "Singapore work, Malaysia flowers," suggesting that Singaporeans work hard in Singapore and spend their money in Malaysia.
Is Singapore Worth It?
The article concludes by addressing the question of whether working in Singapore is worthwhile. Arguments for Singapore include low taxes, a strong economy, and safety, making it a desirable place to work in Asia. However, others argue that the high cost of living negates the high earnings, making it difficult to save money. A university graduate can expect an average salary of $4,000-$5,000 SGD, but renting a room can cost $1,500 SGD or more.
The author suggests that Singapore might be a good choice for those wanting to start a business. Alternatively, those seeking a more relaxed pace of life might consider Australia or New Zealand, which offer shorter working hours, less overtime, and more holidays. The author ends by asking readers to share their thoughts on working in Singapore.