This CNY I am visiting and staying with Malaysian relatives in JB. They showed me around their condo and its bigger than a resale 4-room HDB and costs less than current SG resale. My eyes really open to the difference in quality of life. I see why most of them rather rent a room / commute border rather than commit to buying a flat in SG. Numbers wise it don't make sense. I haven't buy a house in SG yet, didn't want to commit bc of high cost to low value (can't rly flip bc single). Now I am thinking if I should just buy in JB straight to prepare for retirement. As the years pass SG has gotten less attractive to stay in because I really feel I am squeezed and stuck. Pay and pay. Anyone has story or advice to share? My Malaysian relatives are practical folks, they hinted that unless you're in top 10%, SG won't be comfortable for traditional values and goals (being able to afford raising a family and supporting elders).

I kinda do think that it's true that people can be nosey enough to want to find out about you in every possible way. Even thoughts maybe. Some people do use non righteous means, probably even spiritual means to listen in on conversations, to observe, send "things" to spy on us. These things exist and such nosey people are despos who would try any means to steal energy and progress. This Chinese belief of people taking energy from your shoulders, is also true. Does not even need them to tap on your shoulders, them thinking or imagining taking energy or asking a "thing" to take your shoulder energy also is real. Beware. I've been a victim.

Affairs in this organisation is soooo common. While these so-call advocates say they supporting workers, they also spending money on overseas trips and start having affairs with one another. People with kids and families tap on these u____ trips to find a chance to get together. Some go on the pretext that they have work trips but some trips are not even validated. Excuse given to family or even the work team so that the affair couple have chance to travel together. During work hours also go coffee secretly, come back together secretly. And mind you, DD level ok.

I am a preschool teacher but I downright hate my job. The children’s parents are demanding, too much paperwork and preparation to be done and I just do my work sub-standardly so that my work can be completed. You want pictures of your kids? Sure. We do activities just to take pictures. We can’t even focus on developmental milestones and children’s interests during the activities. We also fake the pictures too.

If I have to be honest, I feel like I am stuck in Singapore because this is the only passport I have (and the strongest) and salary levels here are relatively high. But, with the rising cost of living, the rat race, and hot weather, I don’t feel like this is where I should stay forever. Have considered the possibility of moving elsewhere or splitting my time between here and elsewhere like Taiwan / Thailand / Japan. Not to mention that the rat race here / tough job market / burnout from work didn’t really help. I know I shouldn’t complain as there are also things to be grateful for like safety and a small circle of friends here. Many friends have asked me why, despite being in almost 40s, I have not purchased a property yet. And these are just some of my rationale.