Singapore: A Nation of Privilege or a People Still Restless for Change?
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Singapore is the kind of place where you can leave your phone on a table, go buy laksa, come back 10 minutes later—and your phone will still be there, untouched, next to your bowl of soup. In fact, someone might even have helped you refill your tissue packet. That’s the level of order and safety we’re used to.
For many of us, life in Singapore feels comfortable, safe, and predictable. We have stable jobs, clean streets, efficient transport, and endless access to bubble tea. We grew up in flats that didn’t leak, schools that pushed us to succeed, and homes with at least one parent telling us to “save money for rainy days.”
From the outside, it looks like we’re living the dream.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll hear another side of the story—a quiet restlessness.
We’re Grateful… But Tired
There’s no denying we’ve got it good. If you compare Singapore to many other parts of the world, it’s easy to see the privileges:
Clean tap water you can actually drink
A working MRT system (mostly)
Fast internet
Public housing that doesn’t fall apart
Schemes and subsidies that kick in when times get tough
Even when life throws curveballs—like financial setbacks, job loss, or health scares—there are support systems. The Debt Repayment Scheme, government grants, and community help can make a real difference. And many of us have families who, even if they nag a bit, will still support us through hard times.
But… that doesn't mean everything is okay.
Many of us are exhausted—not just physically, but mentally. Working long hours, juggling responsibilities, trying to keep up with rising costs, and silently worrying about the future. For some, “surviving” the system has become the daily goal, rather than living with any real sense of purpose or joy.
So we ask ourselves: should we just be grateful… or is it also okay to want more?
Not Everyone Has the Same Starting Line
I’ll be honest—I grew up not knowing real hardship. My basic needs were met, I had a roof over my head, and I never had to worry about whether I could afford lunch. Life felt secure.
But recently, everything shifted.
A mix of poor choices, family tensions, and my mum falling sick made things a lot harder than I ever imagined. I eventually had to declare bankruptcy. Something I never thought I’d ever go through.
Thankfully, Singapore has the Debt Repayment Scheme. It gave me a way to start picking up the pieces without being completely crushed by everything.
Even so, money is still tight. Some months I don’t even have enough to eat properly for one or two weeks.
That’s where delivery jobs come in—I do them in between my regular job just to stay afloat. It takes away my rest time and social life, but at least it puts food on the table.
I’m not saying this for sympathy. I’m just saying it to show that not all struggles are visible.
And still… I’m grateful. But I also know that surviving this way isn’t sustainable forever.
The Invisible Pressure to “Be Doing More”
There’s this unspoken pressure in Singapore to always be improving. Get a degree. Get a job. Get promoted. Get married. Get a BTO. Get a second income stream. And for goodness’ sake, don’t get left behind.
Even during tough seasons, when rest is needed most, there’s guilt. “Others are suffering more,” we tell ourselves. Or “I should just be thankful.” And yes—gratitude is important. But does that mean we’re not allowed to want better conditions, fairer opportunities, or a bit more breathing room?
People are quietly asking:
Can work-life balance be real, not just a slogan?
Can mental health be prioritised, not just talked about once a year?
Can we have careers that pay well and let us see our kids before they sleep?
It’s not rebellion. It’s a call for dignity and a life with more balance.
A Change in Mindset, Not Just Policy
The desire for change in Singapore isn’t always about protesting or rejecting the current system. Most people appreciate the order and structure. But they also want to be heard, seen, and supported when life doesn’t go by the textbook.
Many are now looking for:
Flexible work setups that actually trust workers
Less rigid definitions of success
Slower lifestyles that aren’t looked down upon
Space to try new paths without fear of judgment
People aren’t lazy or entitled—they’re simply tired of chasing milestones that don’t bring real fulfilment.
Is Wanting Change a Sign of Ingratitude?
Some might say, “If you don’t like it, then go somewhere else.” But that’s not what most Singaporeans are saying.
Most of us love our home.
We just hope for a system that evolves with us. One that recognises not just what works on paper, but what people actually feel and face in their daily lives.
We’re not asking for handouts or shortcuts. We’re asking for a version of Singapore where success isn’t limited to a narrow definition. Where we can rest without guilt. Where being average is okay. Where people can fall down and still feel safe enough to stand up again.
Yes, we are thankful. But is it wrong to want more than just security?
Gratitude and Change Can Coexist
Maybe it’s time we stop seeing gratitude and the desire for change as opposites. You can appreciate what you have, and still hope for things to improve. You can enjoy your MRT rides and still wish your job allowed you to leave before 9pm. You can admire the skyline and still wonder if you’ll ever afford a home of your own.
Singapore has always been about growth—so why not let that growth extend into our emotional and social wellbeing?
Maybe the real strength of this nation isn’t just in how efficient it is, but how willing it is to listen, adapt, and care for the people who keep it going.
So what do you think—should we be content, or is it fair to want change too?
Comment below. I’d really love to hear your thoughts.
