‘Not because of Singapore, but because of my family’: Man dreads returning home from Europe

A Singaporean man working in Europe has confided online about feeling caught between his desire to remain abroad and his family's persistent requests for him to return home. The man has been residing in Europe for nearly a year under a temporary work visa, thoroughly enjoying his newfound independence and contemplating an extended stay or even permanent settlement overseas. However, his family back in Singapore, he lamented, inundates him with daily queries about his plans to return.

"I detest the familial dynamics back home," he admitted, disclosing that he often experiences depression and frustration living under his parents' roof. "I am uncertain about the future, and I am not certain whether I will secure a permanent opportunity to remain here. My family constantly urges me to return, and they discuss the plethora of opportunities Singapore presents. They believe returning home is the obvious and safest choice. Yet, it feels the opposite for me."

His family believes that returning home is the logical and safest option. For him, returning feels much less appealing, not due to Singapore itself, but because of his family's relentless pressure. He posed a question to Reddit readers: "How do I convey to my family that I do not wish to return home?"

Redditors suggested several approaches. One recommended reducing the frequency of calls, while another advised being upfront about his intentions. A third suggested honesty as the best policy, emphasizing that telling the truth would alleviate emotional burdens associated with the situation.