As Singaporeans, we’re quick to voice our frustrations — whether about the heat, crowded MRTs, the rising cost of living, or job opportunities. To be fair, many of these are valid concerns in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Yet it begs the question: have we become too accustomed to convenience and high standards, to the point where our first instinct is to complain rather than act?
At a recent community event, I spoke with social workers reaching out to low-income families. They shared some troubling encounters. A household of five children would rather risk going without food than risk the “embarrassment” of accepting a grocery bag from charities. Another lamenting a fall from landed property to a rental flat. A number of financially strapped families are also turning away the helping hand of assistance schemes, out of pride. The common thread wasn’t just hardship but a sense of resignation and, often, blame directed at the system or others.
Similarly, students eligible for scholarships and bursaries opted out of receiving them publicly, fearing stigma. These scholarships and bursaries are only open to low-income families. While understandable in a society sensitive to status and perception, it also reveals a flaw in how we view assistance, as a source of shame rather than a stepping stone to a better future.
Employment gripes tell a familiar story, too. Complaints about foreigners taking local jobs persist, yet employers repeatedly report struggles to fill certain roles. A company recently spent three months seeking Singaporean or PR office cleaners, offering up to $1,850 monthly. Not a single application. The healthcare sector faces a similar shortage of nurses amid a rapidly ageing population.
It’s human nature to complain. But when venting becomes a national habit, without a parallel willingness to seek solutions, it turns counterproductive. In a hyper-connected world teeming with resources — scholarships, training grants, mentorship programmes, gig opportunities — information and assistance are more accessible than ever. Yet, entitlement and inertia often stand in the way.
Yes, the cost of living is high. Yes, job markets are evolving rapidly. But perhaps it’s time we shifted our collective mindset from one of grievance to one of grit. Complaining about foreign talent while declining to upgrade, refusing certain job roles, or demanding five-figure salaries without proving one’s mettle reflects poorly on our resilience as a nation. We need to step up.
So, how do we address this?
- Normalise asking for help, be it for job opportunities or financial aid. Accepting support or aid isn’t weakness — it’s strategy. Let’s dismantle the stigma around financial assistance and community aid. How else can someone with financial disadvantage progress in a world that is becoming more and more expensive?
- Networking- an important skill to have so that you can land the right job by connecting with the right people. Connect with the right people, not to collect name cards but to build new relationships. Focus on what you can give. Master making a good first impression- smile, have a firm handshake and introduce yourself and listen like a pro.
- Encourage lifelong learning. Embrace the opportunities for reskilling and upgrading, and make it culturally aspirational. Build your creative thinking skills.
- Reward action, not apathy. Celebrate those who step up to difficult jobs, who pursue self-improvement, and who turn adversity into opportunity. Get a foot in the door and proof that you have the skills to take up a challenging position.
- Practice self-awareness. Before complaining, ask — what am I doing about this?
- Reframe our narrative. From “we’re being left behind” to “how can we catch up, and who can I learn from?”
If we channel even half the energy we spend complaining into taking action, we’d not only solve more problems but inspire a national culture of accountability and optimism. As the saying goes, if nothing changes, nothing changes. It’s time we chose differently.
- “Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Mahatma Gandhi
We have to light the path for others to follow by doing the right things, including letting go of our ego & pride and working for the greater good of our community.
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