Commentary: Why do Singaporeans who walk away from conventional jobs spark so much interest?
Job insecurity is heavy on the minds of Singaporeans. Amid layoffs and job insecurity, alternative approaches to work and money are captivating our attention, says writer Annie Tan.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Singaporeans who walk away from conventional jobs are sparking interest due to the uncertainty of job security and the need for alternative approaches to work and money.
Imagine you're playing a game where you can't count on your current job to last. You need to find ways to make money and be prepared for when your job might end. This is what some people in Singapore are doing, and it's making them more resilient in the face of financial uncertainty.
Analysis
Colin Lau's Story: A Symbol of Resilience Amid Financial Uncertainty
Colin Lau's story of retiring at 35 after losing his job and surviving on less than S$150 a month has sparked a mix of reactions from netizens. While some view his lifestyle as one of extreme deprivation, others applaud his ingenuity and self-discipline. Lau's story resonates in these times of financial uncertainty, where job insecurity is heavy on the minds of Singaporeans. Only 15 per cent of Singapore workers feel their job is secure, according to a study by global human resources company ADP. Two recurring concerns are AI replacing jobs and getting laid off. In the past, we would associate retrenchments with downturns or poor company performance. Today, some of the world's most profitable companies have laid off thousands while reporting strong earnings. People are coping in diverse ways, and frugality is only one of them.
Career Cushioning: Preparing an Escape Route
The concept of 'career cushioning' has entered mainstream lingo in recent years during mass tech layoffs. The idea is to prepare an escape route while still employed because you cannot count on your current employment to last. Many Gen Zs in full-time employment are also engaged in side hustles. Forty-one per cent of Singapore Gen Zs want to create multiple income streams while they were working, according to a 2025 Prudential survey. This trend reflects the changing nature of employment and the need for financial security.
Quitting as a Way to Reclaim Control
There has also been a trend of young people turning away from professional careers or salaried jobs in pursuit of more self-determination. An ex-Meta professional shared how he left the tech industry in 2025 to start a Hokkien Mee hawker stall, before Meta retrenched 10 per cent of its workforce in May. His earnings dropped from S$10,000 to S$4,000 a month, but he is happy with the decision. 'If I (have) to be kicked out by someone, how about I just be kicked out by myself? I'd rather be held accountable (for) my own actions instead of something that's out of my control,' he told CNA. In this context, quitting a job can be seen as a way to reclaim control and take charge of one's own financial future.
Key points
- Job insecurity is heavy on the minds of Singaporeans.
- Alternative approaches to work and money are captivating attention.
- Career cushioning is a trend where people prepare an escape route while still employed.
- Quitting a job can be seen as a way to reclaim control and take charge of one's own financial future.
If people continue to adapt and find new ways to make money, they may be able to create a more stable financial future for themselves. This could lead to a decrease in financial stress and an increase in overall well-being.
However, if people continue to rely on unstable sources of income, they may be putting themselves at risk of financial instability. This could lead to a decrease in overall well-being and an increase in financial stress.
