SINGAPORE: A finance worker earning a “low five-figure” monthly salary is worried that his career has hit a ceiling, with little prospect of a promotion or pay rise at his current company. He is now wondering whether it is time to look for another job, even though he genuinely enjoys the work he does.
In a post on the r/singaporepayslips subreddit, the man was quick to clarify that he was not trying to “brag” about his salary. Rather, he was genuinely concerned that he might be stuck earning roughly the same amount for years, with few opportunities to move elsewhere because his specialisation is relatively niche.
His employer is also a small company—not “one of the more recognisable names” in the industry, which further limits his prospects for internal advancement.
“I do like the job a lot, but I don't see any chance for internal promotion or much pay raise in at least the next couple of years due to being in a tiny team,” he explained. “I guess I'm happy to stay for now and kinda penny pinch?”
Beyond career progression, money pressures are mounting. The man said he would soon have to pay for his HDB flat, which he owns entirely and is therefore solely responsible for financing.
He is also engaged to a woman he loves dearly, but who earns only around S$1,000 to S$2,000 a month as a freelancer.
“In other words, the $ burden is on me,” he admitted. “I won't [ask her to find a high-paying job. She's happy now, and she is a freelancer; she has her clients, and she does all the housework and cooking too. Her being free and energetic is fantastic for our relationship too. Also, she's poly grad so corporate life also won't get her high comp anyway.”
Unsure of what path he should take, he asked other Singaporeans for perspective: “What should I do? The cost of living is rising. My age is in the 30s too, not a young spring chicken.”
‘Just be glad you have a job’
Many commenters were less than sympathetic, arguing that a five-figure monthly income should be more than sufficient and that his financial woes had more to do with lifestyle choices than his salary.
One commenter pointed out that their household managed comfortably on a lower income, writing: “My husband and I earn less than 8k a month, and yet we are living quite comfortably in our 4-room resale HDB that we purchased recently and a 4-month-old baby. Don't see why people are always complaining money is not enough to use when they earn so much more than us.”
Another said: “5 digits and need penny pinching? It is an expense issue lol. Reverse your lifestyle creep and cut back on nonessentials lol.”
A third commenter added: “Please, please be grateful. In this economy, having 5 digits is so rare. Just be glad you have a job; don't complain or even resign.”
Others, though, offered more practical advice, suggesting he should consider moving on if he felt his career had reached a dead end.
One told him, “I'd leave if I were you. Start something of your own, or go work in a company where you could climb the ladder. Or if you'd like to not work and live off of dividends, you could do it too.”
Another encouraged him to pursue a better-paying role. “Just go all out and get yourself a better-paying job. At the end of the day, you are the one living your life, and the one that needs to cover your family’s expenses.”/TISG