How do Singaporeans succeed in Singapore?
Genuinely, how do Singaporeans succeed in Singapore?
I’m Singaporean (Female, 29, Minority) and used to live abroad for a few years. Coming back made me realise how privileged we actually are in many ways — CPF, affordable healthcare, education support, safety, structure and plenty of organisations to help people out. Living overseas really opened my eyes to that.
But at the same time, coming back has honestly hit me like a truck. I feel quite lost. It feels like a lot of people here are just surviving instead of actually living. Everything feels so fast, competitive, and emotionally draining.
I graduated from a relatively good university overseas, was on the dean’s list, even gave a graduation speech, won international awards, and prior work experience abroad. I genuinely thought if I worked hard, built my portfolio, and came back with experience, I would at least be able to build a stable life here.
But reality feels very different.
I’m currently employed, but it’s a temporary role with fresh grad-level pay despite already having prior experience and strong recommendations from previous employers. My background is mainly in media and communications, but I took many arts-related courses during university and diploma studies and have always had a strong interest in the arts and culture space.
I’ve been trying to break into the arts & culture space here and it’s been rough. Barely any interviews.
What really triggered me recently was applying for a role I genuinely wanted. I spent hours tailoring my CV and cover letter specifically for the role (and re typed my whole CV into their portal). Two days later, I got a rejection email. No interview, nothing. I’ve also tried everything at this point — customised CVs, AI resume tools, portfolio edits, networking, different application styles.
I know rejection is a normal part of life, and I know there are people struggling far more than I am. I’m still grateful that I have a job. But after a while, constant rejection really starts to affect you mentally. Especially when you grew up believing that if you studied hard, worked hard, built a strong portfolio, and tried to do everything “right”, things would eventually work out somehow.
After some time, you start questioning yourself and wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
What am I doing wrong? Am I being too ambitious to go to switch to arts sector? How do Singaporeans actually build stable careers and lives here without feeling constantly exhausted, behind, or hopeless?