Singapore workers share why they stay in jobs despite long hours, stress and workplace politics

SINGAPORE: While some Singaporeans enjoy what they do for a living, others feel that workplace stress, long hours, and office culture can make their jobs exhausting, especially for younger workers.

On Reddit, a netizen questioned whether people in Singapore actually like their jobs, pointing to the country's demanding work culture, workplace hierarchies, office politics, and overtime.

In the comments, workers shared what made them enjoy their jobs, as well as the things they struggled with.

For some, they like their jobs not because they earn huge amounts of money, but because they feel that they are doing something that is useful. 

A netizen claimed that the ‘survivorship bias’ phenomenon stems from social media and admitted: “Our work culture seems exhausting because people always complain, but most people are only compelled to post and comment when they're experiencing something negative, and if you're posting about positive things, you're seen as privileged.” 

Others like their job because of how nice their work colleagues are. Another netizen admitted: “I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years; I do not earn a lot of money, hours are long, but I love it. I just don't like desk-bound jobs, and colleagues and bosses are always super nice. This makes me look forward to going to work every day to hang out with them.”  

However, not everyone is lucky to have found good workmates, and even though they like their jobs, working with these people is such a pain. 

One more netizen suggested that people should make sure that their job is not the one they like, because when people make their hobby their profession, they will eventually hate the things they once loved. 

“I think the most important thing is that on Sunday I don't feel dread going to work the next day,” a comment concluded. 

Whether Singaporeans like their jobs depends less on job titles or salary, but more on whether their workplace offers respect from their colleagues and room for a life outside of work. This discussion highlights that the purpose of meaningful work is not just based on quantitative results but also on quality relationships built inside the workplace.