Burnout and career dilemmas in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] A Singaporean middle manager recently opened up on social media about feeling “burnt out” due to an overwhelming workload and persistent criticism from her boss, who disapproves of her leadership approach.

She revealed that her boss “constantly micromanages” the way she leads her team. Rather than allowing her the autonomy to manage in her own style, her superior closely scrutinizes her every move and frequently undermines her authority by prescribing how she should engage with her team members.

Micromanagement is a common challenge in corporate settings, where managers may feel compelled to control every detail of their team’s operations. This behavior often arises from mistrust or fear of failure, creating a restrictive and stifling work environment. Research indicates that such management styles can severely diminish employee morale and productivity by eroding their sense of autonomy and ownership.

She also highlighted a particularly disheartening rule imposed by her boss: discouragement from having lunch with team members or fostering closer relationships. “She [my boss] believes a manager is only effective if their team fears them and if they scold employees for every minor mistake,” she shared.

This approach stems from an outdated mindset that fear and intimidation drive performance. However, modern workplace studies demonstrate that a supportive and collaborative atmosphere encourages higher productivity and job satisfaction. When employees feel appreciated and respected, they tend to be more engaged and committed.

Her post further detailed how her boss’s conduct has fostered a toxic and uncomfortable workplace. She recounted instances where the boss publicly shouted at team members and sent “nasty” emails over trivial errors.

Toxic work environments can take a serious toll on employees’ mental health, leading to elevated stress, anxiety, and burnout, often pushing workers to consider quitting. In Singapore’s demanding work culture, awareness of the need for a healthy work-life balance is growing, prompting more companies to adopt policies aimed at reducing workplace stress and promoting well-being.

Tensions escalated when her boss instructed her to reprimand her team for lingering in the pantry after lunch, despite them still being within their allocated one-hour break. Although she felt the team was not at fault and hesitated to enforce this, her reluctance drew disapproval during a one-on-one meeting, where her boss expressed disappointment that she had not assumed the role of the “bad cop.”

Despite the role offering good pay and flexibility, she is now questioning whether it’s worth staying.

“I’m seriously considering quitting without another job lined up and changing careers because I’m starting to hate this corporate rat race lifestyle. I’m feeling depressed, wondering why I have to work so hard and get berated by my boss just to live a life that feels so bleak every day,” she wrote.

“After nearly 20 years of work, I’m financially stable with my own HDB and can afford decent meals anytime. I could probably manage one to two years without income, but not enough to retire. I’ve been reflecting on what I really want, but I’m lost. Call me old school, but I was raised believing corporate life is the only path to success,” she added.

Seeking guidance from the community, she asked, “For those who successfully transitioned careers mid-way and quit their regular jobs after graduating, can you share your experiences? I hope to find inspiration from your success stories to help me through this tough time.”

Many professionals both in Singapore and worldwide grapple with similar doubts, reassessing the value of their careers and its impact on personal life. The rise of remote work and the pandemic have prompted many to reconsider priorities, with some opting for more fulfilling or less stressful paths. Career experts often encourage exploring passions beyond current roles to uncover new directions.

Among the responses, one user cautioned, “Network, network, and network more. Don’t quit impulsively. If you’re a competent manager, you can get good referrals by asking around.”

Another advised, “Update your resume and secure a job before leaving. It’s much easier that way. Then take a break between roles to recharge. Being unemployed with a mortgage is far more stressful.”

A third commenter shared a personal take: “It depends if you can afford time without a job. I’ve been in your shoes and left without another job lined up. I have similar years of experience. Corporate life is exhausting.”

This advice underscores the importance of professional networking and careful planning. In Singapore’s competitive job market, strong connections can open doors, and taking time to reflect before starting anew helps ensure clearer career decisions.

In related news, a fresh graduate in Singapore took to Reddit to express feeling trapped by the “comparison trap” after learning that some peers in finance earn up to S$13,000 monthly straight out of university, causing him to doubt his own career path.