Why success feels empty for some in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] Despite holding well-paying jobs with decent working conditions, many Singaporean professionals are grappling with feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This paradox has prompted experts to examine the underlying factors contributing to a growing sense of disillusionment in the workforce.

The Paradox of Success

In Singapore, a city renowned for its economic prosperity and high standard of living, many professionals find themselves questioning the fulfillment of their careers. Individuals with impressive academic credentials and stable employment are reporting feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose.

A 2024 survey by Jobstreet and Jobsdb by SEEK revealed that nearly one in five Singaporean employees are unhappy at work, a rate higher than the regional average. Factors such as inadequate salary and benefits, lack of recognition, and limited career advancement opportunities were cited as primary sources of dissatisfaction.

This dissatisfaction persists even among top-performing sectors. In the finance and tech industries—long viewed as pillars of opportunity and prestige—employees report high turnover rates and difficulty maintaining motivation. Analysts suggest that while these industries offer lucrative pay, the pace of work and competitive culture can erode morale over time, especially when personal goals are misaligned with corporate objectives.

Mental Health Struggles in the Workplace

The disconnect between professional success and personal fulfillment is also reflected in mental health statistics. A 2024 report from Employment Hero indicated that 61% of Singaporean employees are experiencing burnout, with younger generations—Gen Z and Millennials—being particularly affected.

Experts attribute this burnout to several factors, including high work demands, long hours, and the pressure to meet performance expectations. Moreover, the "always-on" culture, exacerbated by digital connectivity, makes it challenging for employees to disconnect from work, leading to chronic stress and fatigue.

In response, a growing number of companies are experimenting with four-day workweeks, mental health days, and hybrid work policies to address employee burnout. While these measures show early promise in improving morale and reducing stress, experts caution that they must be implemented holistically and supported by leadership buy-in to be truly effective.

The Role of Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance has emerged as a critical factor influencing job satisfaction. A 2022 study by Randstad found that 70% of Singaporeans reported poor work-life balance due to overwhelming workloads. While higher salaries can provide financial security, they may come at the cost of personal time and well-being.

Professionals are increasingly seeking roles that offer flexibility and align with their personal values. However, the competitive job market and economic pressures often lead individuals to prioritize financial stability over personal fulfillment, perpetuating the cycle of dissatisfaction.

Compounding this issue is the rising cost of living in Singapore. From housing prices to daily expenses, economic pressures increasingly push professionals to remain in high-stress roles for financial security. This trade-off between economic survival and emotional well-being has become a defining struggle for many urban professionals, particularly those in dual-income households managing both childcare and aging parent responsibilities.

Cultural Expectations and Societal Pressures

Cultural factors also play a significant role in shaping career choices and perceptions of success. In Singapore, there is a strong emphasis on academic achievement and professional success as indicators of personal worth. This societal pressure can lead individuals to pursue careers that meet external expectations rather than personal aspirations, contributing to feelings of emptiness.

Additionally, the expectation to support aging parents financially, rooted in traditional values, adds to the stress experienced by professionals. Many individuals feel obligated to maintain high-paying jobs to fulfill these familial duties, even at the expense of their own well-being.

Social media further amplifies these pressures, portraying curated success stories that can skew perceptions of fulfillment and self-worth. Constant exposure to peers’ career milestones and material achievements can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, especially among young professionals who are still finding their footing. This “comparison culture” is increasingly cited by psychologists as a contributor to workplace anxiety and existential dissatisfaction.

Seeking Fulfillment Beyond the Paycheck

As dissatisfaction grows, professionals are reevaluating their career paths. Some are pursuing further education, exploring entrepreneurship, or transitioning to roles that offer greater personal satisfaction and alignment with their values. Organizations are also recognizing the importance of employee well-being, implementing wellness programs, and promoting open discussions about mental health to create supportive work environments.

However, experts emphasize that true fulfillment requires a cultural shift that values well-being alongside productivity. Encouraging self-reflection, fostering meaningful connections, and redefining success are essential steps toward achieving a balanced and fulfilling professional life.

Education institutions in Singapore are also beginning to adapt by integrating emotional intelligence, purpose-driven learning, and career coaching into their curricula. These changes aim to better prepare students not just for the workforce, but for lifelong personal development. Educators argue that planting the seeds of self-awareness early could reduce the prevalence of mid-career crises later in life.

The experience of feeling empty despite professional success is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including mental health challenges, work-life balance, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. Addressing this paradox requires a holistic approach that considers both individual well-being and organizational practices. By fostering supportive environments and encouraging open dialogues, Singapore can move towards a workforce that values fulfillment as much as achievement.