‘Should I just suck it up… or leave?’: Man nearing 30 feels stuck after 5 years on S$3,000 salary

Entering his late twenties, a Singaporean man found himself contemplating his career trajectory after over five years of stagnation at an SME earning S$3,000 per month. Struggling to break free from the cycle, he posed a question on r/askSingapore: "Should I take a break or just endure?" His predicament stemmed from a lack of advancement, coupled with a stagnant salary in a family-run business where his manager was also his boss's wife.

This unique work environment, infused with familial dynamics, exacerbated his dissatisfaction, with his friends earning considerably more than him.

Seeking opportunities for better pay was a strategy he employed, but was deterred by recruiters constantly contacting him during office hours, fearing potential overheard conversations. Some commenters criticized his reluctance, arguing that at 30, he should have adapted to such situations. A few even suggested that his colleagues hearing about his job hunt would not adversely affect him.

To assist him in making a decision, the writer suggested reflecting on what he truly desired, echoing Mark Manson's advice in his book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," where he advised, "Don't be afraid of taking risks; you can still change." Manson highlighted that many 30-year-olds feel they should have their career "dialled in" but emphasized that it's never too late to reset.

Richard, a 41-year-old commentator, warned that those regretting their decisions in their 40s are often the ones who stayed in a job they knew was not right. Another 47-year-old, Sam, reflected that the biggest regrets he had were of not doing something instead of staying in a wrong situation.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that Americans in their 30s and 40s frequently change jobs, with the average age of career switches being 39. This article originally appeared on The Independent Singapore News.