SINGAPORE: One employer says mealtimes have become a major source of frustration in her household after her domestic helper repeatedly turned down food prepared at home and allegedly wasted meals that had been cooked for her.

Posting anonymously in the “MDW in Singapore” Facebook group, the employer said her family had tried more than once to accommodate the helper’s food preferences, but nothing seemed to be working.

According to her, they even bought separate groceries and cooking staples so the helper could prepare her own meals whenever she wanted. On top of that, family members would sometimes cook food specifically for her as well.

Rather than making things easier, however, the employer claimed the situation only became more stressful.

Seeking advice from other domestic helpers, she wrote: “Do you adjust to employer meals or ask them to arrange your staples or just buy your own food when you feel like? How do we handle this?” 

“Talk to your helper.”

Her post quickly drew a flood of responses, with many domestic helpers saying they usually adapt to whatever food is available in their employers’ homes.

One helper shared, “I adjust. I was once picky, but when I started to work for other people, I learned to adjust as long as it’s edible. I also buy sometimes, whenever I feel like it, or sometimes I cook my own with whatever is inside the fridge.”

Another commented, “I don’t have a problem with food because I eat what my employer eats or we share food. Talk to your helper. If she doesn’t adjust, then let her buy her own food using her own money.”

A third added, “I adjust. I was once picky, but when I started to work for other people, I learned to adjust as long as it’s edible.”

Not everyone, however, follows the same arrangement. Some helpers explained that they eat separately from their employers due to differences in dietary preferences, culture, or religion.

One said, “I have an allowance for food because we eat different food. I eat halal food and Asian food, while my employer eats western food, she gave me one shelf in the fridge so my food would not be mixed up with theirs.”

Another, meanwhile, told the post author, “Your helper is old enough to know that eating is important for her well-being, so if she can’t try her best to adjust to what the employer is eating, that is her problem. She needs to learn how to feel blessed with the food that the employer provides for her.”

Helpers may struggle to adjust to local food

Employers are generally encouraged to keep an eye on whether their helper is eating well. If she regularly leaves food on her plate, loses weight unexpectedly, seems tired all the time, or keeps snacking throughout the day despite being given meals, it could be a sign that she’s not adapting well to the food she’s being served.

If that happens, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) encourages employers to have an open conversation with their helper about her food preferences.

Questions like what her favourite comfort foods are, whether the portion sizes are enough, if there are foods she cannot eat for religious or health reasons, and whether she prefers sharing family meals or cooking her own food can help start the conversation.

Read also: Fresh graduate faces backlash for calling a S$4k salary offer ‘low’: ‘Fresh grads are demanding the sky and expect everyone to bow down’

This article (Employer says she’s under ‘extreme stress’ as helper keeps rejecting and wasting home-cooked food) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A Grab delivery rider got a pleasant surprise while making a delivery to a residential block recently. Waiting beside the lift was a trolley packed with free snacks, seemingly left out by residents for delivery workers passing through.

The rider shared a photo of the thoughtful setup in the Facebook group “(Singapore) All grab driver/grab food rider united” on Wednesday (Jun 10), saying it was the second time they had spotted the snack station at the same block.

“Nice gesture. Second time deliver this block, I think neighbours from the same floor put together cause it’s beside lift,” the rider wrote in the caption.

Alongside the treats was a handwritten thank-you note inviting delivery drivers to help themselves and reminding them that their efforts are appreciated.

“Dear Delivery Drivers, Thank You! Please enjoy some snacks and drinks for the road. You are very much appreciated!” the note read.

Photo: Facebook/(Singapore) All grab driver/grab food rider united

Acts of kindness like these may not cost much, but they can leave a lasting impression on delivery workers who spend much of their day rushing from one order to the next.

“Salute to the max!”

Since being shared, the post has received 266 likes.

In the comments, netizens praised the residents for going the extra mile to thank delivery workers.

One user wrote, “This kind of customer, I really hardcore respect. One time, I found an ice-cold lemon tea, fresh and chilled in a cooler box outside a customer’s house. Not only was there a beverage, but they also kindly gave the rider ice cream. Salute to the max!”

Another remarked, “Very beautiful and thoughtful.”

A third shared, “In Siglap, there’s a landed house that put a vending machine outside their home for delivery personnel to take free drinks.”

A fourth added, “I want more news like this in my news feed.”/TISG

Read also: ‘Why am I doing all the work?’: Singapore woman says too many men put minimal effort into dating

This article (SG residents set up snack trolley for delivery riders with handwritten thank-you note) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: An employer has decided to send her Filipina domestic helper home after discovering that she had borrowed money from an unlicensed moneylender, a situation that allegedly resulted in the family receiving “threatening messages, relentless spam calls and even physical harassment.”

Posting anonymously in the SINGAPORE TRANSFER (No Fees/SD), DIRECT HIRE & NEW HELPER Facebook group on Wednesday (Jun 3), the employer said she was shocked to learn that her helper had provided the family’s details to the moneylender without their knowledge.

“We treated her like family and she has been with us for 1.5 years. She didn’t even try to ask us for a loan because of her ego. Until the day she left, she didn’t feel remorse for her actions and didn’t tell her family what she did. It is very disappointing.”

According to the employer, the debt issue was not the only concern. She claimed the helper had also engaged in a number of “unethical” activities. 

Among the examples she listed were communicating with multiple foreign workers through TikTok, meeting men during her days off, and allegedly lying after using the family’s laundry detergent to wash her own clothes. 

She also said that the helper frequently spent beyond her means and would even pawn gold jewellery to obtain quick cash when money was tight.

The employer claimed that these habits led the helper to accumulate more than S$1,500 in debt within just five months.

She continued, “Honestly, we would’ve allowed her to transfer or wanted to give her a chance but after discovering that she also provided our child’s details and photo to unknown people, this has severely broken trust.” 

Concerned that the helper may eventually seek employment in Singapore again, the employer said she decided to make the post as a warning to prospective employers.

“She mentioned that she will try to come back to Singapore to work; hence, we are writing this post for potential employers to take note.”

“If you are considering a Filipina helper and worried it might be her, please feel free to comment and I’ll PM her name so you can take note and avoid her. Not posting her name here because there’s no point in publicly shaming her. We’ve done the necessary updates to MOM and made a police report.”

“However, we’re not very confident that she will be blacklisted because multiple calls to MOM provided us with different answers. Yes, she needs a job, but it’s not right for her to potentially sabotage another family.”

“I urge all employers to leave feedback on the MOM website.”

In the comments, one employer said, “I’m so sorry you had to experience this. My ex-helper had the same issue of borrowing money.”

Another commented, “The new cohort of Filipino maids has tarnished all the good reputation their seniors built up over the years.”.

A third encouraged employers to be more proactive when it comes to leaving feedback, writing:

 “I urge all employers to leave feedback on the MOM website for any helper who has previously worked for them. Please include your contact information so future employers can reach out for reference checks,” highlighting the need for proper references before hiring.”

“Give feedback on positive and negative, providing a testimonial can help new employers make more informed decisions.”

As per the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), domestic helpers are prohibited from borrowing money from unlicensed moneylenders. Those found engaging in such activity may be permanently banned from working in Singapore.

Read also: ‘We’re a family here’: Singaporeans say it’s one of the biggest workplace red flags

This article (Singapore employer terminates Filipina maid after family becomes target of alleged loan shark harassment) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: If you’ve ever stepped outside, immediately started sweating, and wondered whether humans were actually meant to live in this level of humidity, you’re probably not alone.

One man recently admitted that Singapore’s heat has become such a concern that it has made him think about something he never seriously considered before: moving overseas.

Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Tuesday (Jun 9), he said that while he and his children are still coping with the weather for now, the recent heat has made him question what life in Singapore might be like in the years ahead.

He also shared that several of his friends have already left the country because they wanted to escape the endless cycle of hot and humid weather.

“I’ve had friends who migrated out of SG because it is too hot all year round. Summer, for one season, is acceptable, but they want to experience the full four seasons,” he wrote.

With that in mind, he asked fellow Singaporeans whether they would ever consider doing the same if the country continues getting warmer.

“Will you consider moving overseas if Singapore continues to get warmer each year? Not just El Niño but generally Singapore’s humid and hot weather?” he wrote.

“I‘m so weary of our weather.”

The man’s question quickly sparked a lively discussion online. While some said they would happily tolerate the heat in exchange for Singapore’s safety and convenience, others admitted that the weather has become one of the reasons they are considering a move abroad.

One user said, “Definitely… It’s really unbearable nowadays. Imagine coming out of the shower feeling fresh, and within 5 minutes you will be sweating buckets again.”

Another commented, “Planning to move to Sweden in the next couple of years, I‘m so weary of our weather sweating non-stop daily, and I‘m ok with the winter months there.”

A third shared, “I’ve always wanted to live overseas, and I see it happening in my middle age. The weather here is definitely a push factor for me—not a major one, but it does make a huge difference.”

Others, however, pointed out that life in countries with four seasons comes with its own set of challenges.

One commenter wrote, “If you’re thinking about moving overseas with four seasons, you’ve got to think about winter. It’s a chore living during winter because of the blizzards, and when you want to go to work or even to buy groceries, you have to shovel the ice off your vehicle first and also pay for heating costs.”

Another chimed in, “Winter is cool if you are a tourist but not cool when you have to work and pay bills. If you ever lived in Japan, the bills for opening the heater will shock you.”

A third added, “You want a place that’s hot, or places with typhoons, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes? Make your decision. Can’t have all at the same time.”

In other news, a man took to social media to share that he felt “cheated” after his uncle asked him and his two brothers to contribute S$1,500 each towards their grandmother’s funeral expenses.

In a post on the r/SingaporeR subreddit, the man said his uncle approached them to help pay for the funeral, which was held at a temple. However, he later became suspicious after checking funeral prices online and finding that similar arrangements typically cost between S$5,000 and S$8,000.

Read more: Man says he feels ‘cheated’ after uncle asked him and brothers to chip in S$1.5k each for grandmother’s funeral cost

This article (‘I’m so weary of our weather’: SG man wonders if it’s time to leave Singapore) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: In today’s job market, being ghosted after submitting applications is already frustrating, but going through multiple interviews only to end up with no offers can feel even worse. 

One Singaporean job seeker recently shared on Reddit that he is facing exactly this situation, having sent out around 300 job applications over the past month without securing a single offer.

Posting on the r/singaporejobs subreddit, he shared that he has been applying to a mix of local and overseas companies, focusing on technical positions that fit his background and experience.

The good news? Recruiters seem interested enough to talk to him.

The bad news? Those conversations are not leading anywhere.

According to the job seeker, his hundreds of applications have resulted in around 14 interviews so far. While that might sound like progress, he admitted that none of them has translated into an actual job offer.

“I know there have already been many posts about how bad the job market is right now, but I wanted to hear from others and understand whether this is normal,” he continued.

“For context, I’m in tech, but not applying mainly for SWE roles. I’m targeting more technical roles outside of pure software engineering.”

Looking for answers, he asked fellow Singaporeans, particularly those who are also job hunting in the tech industry: “ Is this application-to-interview rate normal right now? Is getting interviews but no offers common in the current market? How long did it take you to land an offer? What helped you improve your interview-to-offer conversion? Are referrals making a big difference compared to cold applications?” 

He added. “I’m not trying to complain—just trying to understand if my experience is normal or if I should change my strategy. Appreciate any advice or experiences.”

“Build a strong network.”

In the comments, many Singaporean Redditors told the job seeker that his application-to-interview ratio is actually pretty normal in today’s job market.

One Redditor shared, “Normal everywhere, bro. Not just tech. I am serious when I say a resume (full of grammar mistakes) I had when I was 16 got me a higher job application/interviews/offers ratio than my polished resume as an adult.”

Another commenter noted that securing 14 interviews from 300 applications is actually a solid conversion rate given the current hiring climate.

Others, however, offered more direct feedback on where things might be going wrong.

One Redditor explained, “Getting 14 interviews with zero offers usually points to one of a few things, either your answers aren’t landing the way you think they are, you’re struggling to communicate your value clearly under pressure, or you’re not asking enough questions that show you’ve done your homework on the company.”

They added, “Practice answering questions out loud, record yourself, get feedback from someone who will actually be critical rather than kind, and really tailor your answers to each role.”

Another Redditor said salary expectations could also be a factor.

“It’s got to do with your asking as well. If you are asking for S$100k a year for a job that pays between S$60k and S$100k, your failure rate is high.”

A third user added that relying solely on online job applications may not be enough these days.

Based on their experience, building and tapping into a professional network tends to work much better.

They shared, “I constantly speak to people in my industry (tech) and meet up with them 1-2 times a year. Most of the hiring managers I’ve talked to and kept in contact with reach out to me to offer me a job; I get these offers 3-4 times a year. All the companies I’ve worked with previously would reach out to me and ask me to recommend someone for a position. It’s very common now; people trust referrals more. So definitely build a strong network.”

In other news, a 22-year-old Singaporean woman says she feels used and emotionally drained after allegedly being made to pay for most of her relationship expenses while her boyfriend claimed he was “saving for their future.”

In a post shared on a local forum on Thursday (May 21), the woman said she has been dating her boyfriend since 2023.

Read more: SG woman says boyfriend earning S$5K–S$6K still expected her to cover most expenses

This article (After 300 applications and multiple interviews, job seeker wonders why offers aren’t coming) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker has shared that he quit his job despite having no backup plan, saying he simply “refused to suffer anymore” after months of misery at work.

In a post shared on a local forum on Wednesday (May 20), the man said he had been feeling “very unhappy, even sad” for the past few months, as he constantly stayed up late finishing work until his “health and relationships” started to fall apart.

According to him, he pushed through the exhaustion because he believed the sacrifices would eventually lead to a promotion. 

However, instead of rewarding his efforts, the management allegedly “constantly berated” him.

“The new boss who came in has no reprieve, but the team seems ok with the new rhythm. I absolutely know this is the DUMBEST decision I can make, but I choose myself, and I cannot see myself suffering another 6 months if I need to consider rotation.”

Although he acknowledged that resigning without another role secured was risky, the worker said he had managed to build up around two years’ worth of savings from bonuses over the years, giving him some financial breathing room for now.

Still, he stressed that he could not afford to remain unemployed indefinitely due to his financial responsibilities.

“[My] financial commitments are: housing loan about S$1.2K/month with CPF, to also pay parents’ allowance & insurance costs + special occasion meals, which I have buffered—but I cannot stop working in case of any mishaps because they’re old. DINK. 7 YOE.”

He ended the post by asking others who had taken similar risks in their careers for advice, writing, “Anyone with any advice who has gone against the grain and still made it through, and possibly what sectors/roles may be suitable, will be helpful. My skill sets are rather generic. This includes writing, managing stakeholders, and delivering projects, and realising I am maybe not so good at managing bosses.”

“I hope you find something better.” 

His post quickly resonated with many Reddit users, particularly workers who said they had also struggled with burnout, toxic management, and deteriorating mental health.

One commenter wrote, “Hey, hi-5! Same here. I’ll tell you what, I think this was 100% the right decision. Mental health comes 1st.”

Another said, “Second this! This is the right decision and not dumb at all. The job market and economy might be bad, but nothing can compare to your well-being and mental health in the long run.”

A third shared, “I resigned without a job lined up a few years ago, also on health grounds. You don’t need validation from anyone regarding this decision. You made an assessment and pulled the trigger for your own good.”

Several other Reddit users also chimed in with words of comfort, encouragement, and practical advice as the post author prepares for the next chapter of his life.

One individual told him, “Well, I hope you find something better. Leaving an old place paves new opportunities for you. Don’t listen to any negativity; you made the right decision. Finding a job is two ways, right? Not just you, desperately looking for a job. Likewise, there’s a company/team looking for you, too. You just have to grind a little in this job market and find smart, not just brute force.”

Another advised, “Spend some time with parents and spouse while you’re job hunting. Money matters, but don’t forget to use this break to build memories too.”

In other news, a domestic helper recently took to social media to share her heartbreak after deciding to leave the family she had worked for over the past four years because her employers allegedly refused to increase her S$650 salary despite repeated promises.

In an anonymous post in the SINGAPORE TRANSFER (No Fees/SD), DIRECT HIRE & NEW HELPER Facebook group, the helper said she had become deeply attached to the family after caring for their three children and managing nearly every aspect of the household since joining them.

Read more: Maid leaves after employers refused to raise her S$650 salary: ‘Leaving them is painful, but I have to think about my child’s future’

This article (SG worker walks away without another job, says toxic work culture pushed him to the brink) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A foreign worker sparked concern online after sharing details of a cooking job in Singapore that would require him to work up to 14 hours a day for a monthly salary of just S$2,000.

Posting on the r/asksg forum on Saturday (May 30), the worker said his contract stated a 44-hour work week. However, he claimed that the staff roster he had seen told a different story, with employees allegedly working around 14 hours a day and receiving only one or two rest days a month.

“I have seen the roster schedule, and everybody is doing 14 hrs a day, and they only have 1 or 2 days off a month only,” he wrote. “They even fight for a day off.”

To make matters worse, incentives would only be available after completing three months on the job, while his seven days of annual leave would only become available after a full year of service.

Unfamiliar with Singapore’s job market, the worker turned to Reddit to ask whether such conditions were normal for cooks in the F&B industry.

“Is this normal for a cook job in Singapore?” he asked. “I would appreciate any advice from people working in F&B.”

In an edit to his post, the worker revealed he had already accepted the offer and signed the contract because his visa was due to expire in just two weeks.

“PLEASE RUN IF YOU CAN.”

The post quickly drew strong reactions from netizens, many of whom were shocked by the long hours and low pay. Several commenters said the arrangement sounded excessive and urged the worker to look elsewhere for employment.

One user called the conditions “insane,” while another said, “2 off days per month? This is extortion. To put it into perspective, you are working 14 hours per day, that’s 28 days of working in a month (2 off days per month), and you’re working 14 hours x 28 days in a month = 392 hours in a month. S$2,000/392 = S$5/hour? Even McDonald pays better.”

A third wrote, “My dear, you’re a COOK, which demands more technical skills. PLEASE RUN IF YOU CAN. S$2,000 can be earned by doing part-time service staff alone. Do not get played.”

A fourth added, “That schedule is crazy even by F&B standards. To be honest, 14 hours a day plus only 2 off days a month is going to burn you out hard, and 7 days’ leave after 1 year is low. I’d start looking around for other kitchens, but yeah, everything is trash now. Finding a job is miserable.”

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), a new hire can still back out of a job offer even after signing a letter of employment, provided they have not yet started work on their first day.

In such situations, the individual is expected to notify the employer and, where possible, provide a reason for withdrawing.

MOM notes on its website: “If an employee does not show up on the first day of work, the Employment Claims Act does not apply as the employee has not started work.”

Moreover, employers cannot claim notice pay or compensation under the Act, although they may still choose to file a civil claim in court.

Read also: ‘Why is it so hard for everyone to shower in the morning?’: MRT commuter breaks down over poor hygiene on public transport

This article (Foreign worker offered S$2k salary for 14-hour shifts sparks concern online, netizens say conditions are ‘insane’) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: People online are criticising a manager in Singapore after an employee shared on Reddit that they feel unsure about taking 14 days of hospitalisation leave, because their manager seems unhappy with the idea.

In a post on the r/askSingapore forum, the employee explained that they had been experiencing “persistent stomach pain” and that a doctor had advised them to undergo a “laparoscopic appendectomy” — a minimally invasive procedure to remove an inflamed appendix.

“I’m lucky it hasn’t ruptured yet. My doctor told me I need not be warded, just some discomfort for a few days after. He said he will give me 14 days of hospital leave to rest up.”

However, when the employee told their manager about the situation and asked for two weeks off, the manager reportedly replied: “Wah, 14 days so generous ah, you cannot work at all from home?”

“By right, if I feel better a few days after surgery already, should I work from home? Manager sounded like I am going to skive over a small surgery, and I am afraid it is going to leave a bad impression. Is taking 14 days of hospital leave too much?”

The employee added that this wasn’t the first time this occurred. Last year, when they had “fever, chills, and other symptoms of COVID,” they had also asked for five days off.

“When I took 5 days off for COVID last year, I said I would wfh when I was better. Day 3 he sent a message asking where are we on this task I was working on, the task was non-urgent by the way.”

“Don’t work from home even if you feel better.”

In the comments, readers criticised the manager for being “annoying,” “toxic,” and lacking sympathy for his employee.

One wrote: “Huh? If your doctor’s view is that you should take 14 days, you should take 14 days. Tell your manager that it is your doctor’s professional opinion that you should take 14 days!! If your recovery is impeded by lack of rest, how? Your company is going to compensate you, is it??”

Another advised the employee to ignore the manager’s remarks, pointing out that employees are entitled to hospitalisation leave.

They said: “Do note you are entitled to 60 days of hospitalisation leave. This is not your 14 days of MC, which is the one for flu/cough/whatever. Please just take the hospitalisation leave and rest. No work should be done. Your manager got a problem; you escalated to HR. As an HR person, I also don’t want you to be working if you’re on hospitalization leave.”

A third commenter urged the employee not to delay the operation, writing: “I suggest that you do the surgery because if your appendix ruptures, then it would require a more complex surgery and longer rest period.”

A fourth remarked: “What a bad manager.”

A fifth added: “If the doctor gave you hospitalisation leave, just take it because you’re supposed to rest. They don’t give it out for fun one la. Don’t work from home even if you feel better—medical leave for a legit reason is your entitlement.”

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), eligible employees covered by the Employment Act who have served their employer for at least three months are entitled to paid hospitalisation leave.

Employees who have served for three months are entitled to 15 days of hospitalisation leave, while those who have served four, five, and six months are entitled to 30, 45, and 60 days, respectively.

Read also: ‘I’m not your lifetime meal ticket’: Man wants to cut mum’s allowance after nearly 20 years to focus on marriage

This article (‘You cannot work at all from home?’: Redditors slam manager after employee requests leave for appendix surgery) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: One burnt-out employee says they are beginning to question whether their job is worth the constant stress after returning from the weekend to an inbox overflowing with “urgent” requests from colleagues.

The employee, who shared their frustrations on Reddit, said they had already stayed back in the office until 9 pm the previous Friday, trying to clear a massive backlog, only to log in again after the weekend and find yet another pile of work waiting for them.

“When I opened my email, it got flooded with urgent task after task,” the employee wrote, adding, “It just feels exhausting again since I opened my email today. I have been in this job for about 8 months, and I dread going to work every day.” 

“The workload is insane, the company culture is toxic, and there’s 0 flexibility given to me. There is no WFH, colleagues are all yes-men, and [I have] a toxic manager.”

The employee said they have been trying to push through for quite some time, repeatedly convincing themselves that “work is just work” and that things would eventually improve.

However, the situation appears to have worsened as work increasingly spills into weekends, with colleagues sending tasks during off days and clients calling outside working hours.

Now feeling completely burnt out, they turned to others online for advice and asked the question that had clearly been weighing on them for some time

“I just find myself mentally and physically drained. Should I just quit?” they wrote.

“If you want to quit, find a job first. The market is volatile.”

The post quickly drew responses from other Singaporeans, many of whom shared similar experiences working in high-pressure environments.

One Redditor, who said they had once been in the same situation, urged the employee to begin searching for a new role immediately.

“Start your job hunt now. Disregard any and all negatives; mental health is often under-appreciated. No point in daily torturing yourself, especially if you’re below your 40s; there’s still a long runway ahead. I’m in my 50s and honestly don’t care, just working towards my final 1/3 of working life… You will do better once you take the 1st step.”

Another commenter suggested a different approach and advised the employee to simply “quiet quit.”

“Just quiet quit. Weekends are for resting. These people know no boundaries in disturbing your off days. If they try to pinpoint your mistakes, make sure to keep all receipts to cover your ass. Don’t think it’s right to squeeze people dry like that.”

A third commenter shared that they had also resigned from a similarly toxic situation.

“I was in a similar situation as you, and I chose to leave on impulse while I was interviewing. It was really a leap of faith; I cried multiple times because I was anxious, and I really guilt-tripped myself because I had big-ticket items coming up (BTO, wedding). I think ultimately it depends on whether you have big-ticket items coming up and if you’re okay with losing that ‘leverage.’”

A fourth added, “Always use this as a guideline nowadays—if you want to quit, find a job first. The market is volatile.”

In other news, a Singaporean who graduated from a “well-known” university in the United Kingdom revealed online that despite sending out more than 100 job applications since December 2025, she is still unable to secure a full-time role.

In a post shared on a local forum on Friday (May 22), the graduate said she returned to Singapore believing her qualifications and experience would give her a decent shot at landing work.

Read more: UK graduate says she has sent over 100 job applications but still cannot land marketing role in Singapore

This article (‘There’s 0 flexibility’: Singapore worker opens up about burnout and workplace stress) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: One young Singaporean recently shared that instead of feeling proud after securing a place in one of Singapore’s most competitive university programmes, he ended up feeling quite deflated after his father seemed disappointed that he chose to study locally instead of heading to the United Kingdom.

Posting on the r/SGexams subreddit, the student explained that he had accepted an offer from the National University of Singapore to study Computer Science and Mathematics under a merit scholarship, which many would already consider a massive achievement.

However, according to him, his father’s reaction was far from enthusiastic.

“My father didn’t seem very happy when I told him I accepted the offer. (I don’t usually tell my parents the decision I made unless it’s something major because I don’t want them to interfere).”

“He wanted me to study in the UK instead. My father brought it up at the dinner table today and asked why I didn’t want to go overseas to study. I told him that the interviews/admissions tests/application deadlines for Oxbridge were around mid-October, which was right in the middle of my As. My prelims weren’t great either, so I didn’t want to compromise my As.”

On top of the intense academic pressure, the financial burden of studying abroad also weighed heavily on his mind. He revealed that a UK degree alone could allegedly cost around S$75,000 per year, excluding additional living expenses.

Although his father assured him that he could afford the costs, the student admitted he felt uncomfortable with the idea of his father continuing to overwork himself just to fund an overseas education.

“He’s already extremely tired and is practically working the entire week,” he said.

The student added that he overheard his father arguing with his mother about the decision after dinner. 

“I overheard him arguing with my mum about it. He said that I would miss out on many opportunities by not studying overseas and that UK grads from top unis would have much higher salaries than what NUS could offer.”

“On one hand, I do feel a bit guilty for not applying, but at the same time, it also felt quite sad that he didn’t seem to acknowledge how much effort it took to get into such a competitive course, especially with a scholarship.”

“Just assure him that this is not going to hinder your future.”

Many Singaporean Redditors quickly rallied around the student in the comments section, reassuring him that earning a scholarship to study Computer Science and Mathematics at NUS is already an achievement most students could only dream of.

One commenter wrote, “Hey, it’s your choice and your life, getting into NUS with a scholarship is already really good. Just keep going at your pace and keep working hard. All the best.”

Another tried to cheer him up, saying, “I am proud of you…In fact, all of us here are proud of you. We know how hard it is to conquer A levels and then get into NUS CS and Math through a scholarship. So chin up!! You have done fantastic regardless of whether your father understands it… And you have a bright future ahead.”

Others, meanwhile, suggested that the student try having another conversation with his father.

One individual commented, “You know, the guilt game goes both ways. Tell him that you didn’t want to go overseas, so you won’t be such a large financial burden. Then he can work a bit less, and you wish you could see him more at home. I am sure he will be touched; if not, at least he will lay off the complaints.”

Another added, “As a parent, I can tell you he’s more disappointed in himself or guilty that he wasn’t around to guide you to make what he felt was the better choice (i.e., apply overseas). He’s proud of your achievement… just assure him that this is not going to hinder your future and you will still work hard and do well for yourself and your family.”

In other news, a 22-year-old Singaporean woman says she feels used and emotionally drained after allegedly being made to pay for most of her relationship expenses while her boyfriend claimed he was “saving for their future.”

In a post shared on a local forum on Thursday (May 21), the woman said she has been dating her boyfriend since 2023

Read more: SG woman says boyfriend earning S$5K–S$6K still expected her to cover most expenses

This article (SG student feels deflated after father questions decision to study at NUS instead of Oxbridge) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A domestic helper has claimed that her employer refused to let her rest despite running a fever, with the employer allegedly reminding her, “We pay you money… a lot.”

In an anonymous post shared in the ‘SINGAPORE TRANSFER (No Fees/SD), DIRECT HIRE & NEW HELPER’ Facebook group, the helper explained that after finishing her daily household chores, she is usually still expected to spend the evening entertaining and playing with her employer’s child unless the child happens to fall asleep early.

However, after recently coming down with a fever, she decided to politely ask if she could turn in earlier for the night.

“I told my ma’am, ‘Can I get rest early today, after I finish my work, because I got fever,’” she wrote.

However, the request did not go down well.

Rather than telling her to rest, drink water, or take some medicine, the employer allegedly rejected the request outright and launched into a lecture about salary.

“She refused me and said a lot of things like, ‘We pay you money… a lot,’” the helper claimed.

Confused and upset, she turned to the online community to ask whether it was unreasonable to request a little rest while sick.

“When you’re sick, is it ok to ask for rest early after finishing all the work at night? How did your employer respond to you in case you’re in this situation?” 

“Nothing is more important than your health.”

The post quickly sparked reactions from the online community.

One netizen bluntly wrote, “Don’t believe you. If you are sick, your boss would not want you to play with her kids. Unless she wants her kids to be sick too. Nonsense!”

The helper, however, stood by her story and suggested that her employer was more concerned about getting every last cent’s worth of labour out of the day.

“That’s my main reason. You don’t understand; she just doesn’t want to waste her money. She pays me; that’s why she didn’t want me to rest,” she replied.

She then added, “Besides, you’re right. I guess my boss didn’t recognise that a fever can [easily affect] others.”

Another helper chimed in to say the situation sounded painfully familiar.

“I’m also sick. I asked my boss if I could rest early while they went out for dinner today, but she said, ‘Iron clothes while you rest.’ I’m so sad.”

Meanwhile, one employer shared they would never expect a sick helper to continue working, especially around young children.

“Usually when my helper is unwell, I would give her off day so she can rest the whole day, and I will personally take leave to step in handling the house, cooking, and my toddler.”

Others encouraged the helper to seek help or report the matter if necessary.

One commenter wrote, “Report to MOM. Working while you are sick is strictly not allowed.”

Another added, “Call your agency. Don’t do housework if you are not feeling well, don’t care! [Nothing is] more important than your health.”

As stated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), employers are responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of their migrant domestic workers (MDWs).

They are required to provide rest days, medical care, and other essential support. 

Read also: ‘Is this normal and okay?’: New maid shocked to find extra family members living in employer’s home

This article (‘We pay you a lot’: Maid says employer refused to let her rest despite having a fever) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: There has been no shortage of headlines, LinkedIn posts, and workplace presentations warning that artificial intelligence is coming for everyone’s jobs. From tech workers and administrators to customer service staff, employees are constantly being told that AI will soon be capable of doing what humans do, only faster and cheaper.

However, one Singaporean employee is not buying into the hype.

Posting on the r/asksg forum on Wednesday (Jun 3), the worker said they are becoming increasingly frustrated with the endless claims that AI is on the verge of replacing large numbers of employees. In their view, the reality inside many workplaces looks very different from the glossy promises being made by executives and consultants.

“Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I’m getting tired of hearing ‘AI will replace jobs’ every other week,” they wrote. “AI is nowhere near as good as bosses think it is.”

They then shared, “My company has been pushing AI quite heavily. Every meeting somehow comes back to AI. All departments are expected to use AI. We’re all expected to ‘embrace AI.’”

The problem, however, is that the technology itself does not appear nearly as revolutionary as management makes it out to be.

The employee said the AI tools being rolled out across the company still make far too many mistakes to be trusted on their own.

“Half the time we’re still manually checking its work,” they said, adding that there are occasions when the system produces completely wrong answers.

“It misses obvious details and creates more work because we have to fix its mistakes. And whenever we point this out, management’s response is basically: ‘It’s still improving.’Okay, but then why are employees being told they can be replaced by something that’s still being developed?”

“Maybe AI will eventually get there, I don’t know, but right now, it feels like companies are treating AI as both the future that will replace workers and a work-in-progress that still needs workers to constantly babysit it. Am I the only one seeing this contradiction?”

“Your way of thinking is totally wrong.”

In the discussion thread that followed, quite a few users said they could relate to the original poster’s frustrations.

One user argued that many managers are simply following the trend without fully understanding the technology themselves.

“That’s the problem.  A lot of bosses only ‘think’ AI is great because their fellow bosses tell them it is. I, for one, work in a company where the bosses have no idea how AI works. They are all cluelessly telling staff to use/implement AI without knowing what it really is.”

“It’s a recipe for disaster that has already happened twice before in two previous dot.com booms, but now even worse due to the haemorrhage of real human talent thanks to AI so competently taking over our jobs.”

Another user said, “Those who are retrenching workers already know that; they’re merely using it as a legitimate excuse to get rid of the people they’ve always wanted to get rid of. Ground staff think management are fools, but they’re just shrewd.”

However, others in the thread pushed back on that view.

One told him, “Your way of thinking is totally wrong. AI doesn’t replace ‘a person.’ It can replace maybe 10-50% of the work a person does, depending on what job you’re talking about. So this means one employee can now do things faster or increase output/productivity by 30%, maybe.”

Another remarked, “AI definitely improves efficiency and output of skilled workers. Companies might be able to cut a few jobs due to the increased output of a few workers.”

A third added, “No contradiction. AI will replace fresh graduates because it’s still better than having to deal with some hormonal 20-year-old. It will still need experienced hires to shepherd it along until it improves enough to do better than the experienced. Over time, it will do better than the 5-year employee than the 10-year one.”

In other news, a man has shared online that his sister and brother-in-law have been keeping their distance from his parents after they allegedly demanded an “extravagant Guo Da Li package”, complete with large angbaos, during the couple’s wedding preparations.

In a post published on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Monday (May 11), the man explained that his family used to get along very well with his sister’s husband before wedding planning began.

Read more: Man says his parents demanded ‘extravagant Guo Da Li’ from brother-in-law, now he refuses to let them see his sister: ‘You sold your daughter off’

This article (‘It just creates more work’: Singaporean employee says AI is ‘nowhere near as good as bosses think it is’) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.