Tan Kin Lian's Blog: How can Singaporeans be happy?

Thursday, July 05, 2007

How can Singaporeans be happy?

COMMENT POSTED IN MY BLOG:

In my 9 years here, I've rarely met anyone who's happy about their job. Everyone has grouses ... and why?

Mostly due to Money. Let's all admit it, isn't this society driven by monetary excellence? What else? High expectations has been drilled since we are young. High expectations of your maid, the guy at the front bank desk, your colleagues.

Everything is speed, accuracy, and excellence. Would anyone dare fail? What's this all boils down to? Higher stress ---> Grouses??

Is this only happening in Singapore? I don't think so. Maybe it's more evident here? Possibly?

So therefore, your statement may have to evolve to 'how can Singaporeans be happy?'

Mr. Tan sir, please share some thoughts.

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REPLY:

I like to invite other readers to share their thoughts.

Here are some of my suggestions:

* live within our income
* save 15% for our future needs
* do not spend unnecessary (to keep up with other people)
* avoid borrowing on credit card
* do not envy other people; live our own life
* look for the things that are inexpensive or free in Singapore; they are plenty
* do not waste our time doing the unnecessary work
* talk to friends and colleagues
* have an inexpensive hobby
* spend time to be nice to other people
* think of others; not just ourself

I hope to get more views from other people.

15 comments:

oinkoinkallthewayhome said...: I have been a full time housewife for 15 years before I reentered the workforce two years ago on a part-time basis. I am very very happy at my job because I am not tied to its demand. My days and hours of work are flexible. Flexibility is my key to staying happily employed. It allows me time for myself and time to stay involved in my children's life, volunteer in their school and
giving back to the community through volunteer work.

My family live a simple life, we value spending on what we have and staying out of debt. We shy away from a lifestyle that would require two-incomes to sustain. I am thankful everyday that I work because I am able to, enjoy my job ,want to and not because I have to.; June 22, 2007 9:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Migrate out from Singapore.; June 22, 2007 2:43 PM
Anonymous said...: do what you love for a living?; June 22, 2007 3:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I just like to share with you my situation.

I am in mid 40s, university graduate, worked for Government department, and once had my own business.

When I closed my business, I tried to apply for a job when I was 39. I was offered a job--to try out to be a Bus Driver.

I have nothing against being a bus driver. But, I think I can do better.

No point complaining. Many people are in similar situations. This is the result of globalization.

The old saying goes, do what you love and good at, and, with passion.

Since I started writing my blog, I have done much better in investment and I share with others what I know best. And, I am very happy.

Initially, I thought I was just making money out of the stock market and not contributing to society. But, I thought, Fund Managers are also doing the same thing. I can make a lot of money and spend it, that's another way of contributing to society.

For those still complaining, sit down and write down on a piece of paper what are your strengths and work on it. I am sure you will find a direction for your life.; June 22, 2007 5:41 PM
Unknown said...: I think not many people can gain happiness from job, but losing your current job may follow with more unhappiness and living pressure, to do what you excel in and what you like just means you had better start your own business.

Happiness usually lies within hobbies and simple life, maybe Singapore is such a rapidly developing city, Singaporeans live in modern rhythm and have less time to enjoy hobbies and simple life. Most visitors view Singapore a fascinating and great city in the world, many Singaporeans do not know when they are well off, maybe government should reserve more old building and traditions to remind people hard life in the past, and the senior people’s effort and contribution to construct modern Singapore.; June 23, 2007 2:31 PM
Anonymous said...: If we can appreciate what we have and learn to be contented, I believe we would be a much happier people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFZz6ICzpjI; June 23, 2007 9:56 PM
Anonymous said...: There won't be true happiness if what we think are mainly about our self and our family...selfishness is the source of many unhappiness..if you are healthy, have home to stay and eat 3 meals a day, you should be happy...we must have courage to face the future...many keep on saving and saving...and when they die the can't bring their savings...why not use some of your monies to help the poor now, instead of worrying of money not enough for old days...??? It's common for human to pass on their accumulated wealth to next generation, why must it be??? Let your next generation work and accumulate wealth on their own...you better use your wealth to help the sick and poor!

singasoft; June 24, 2007 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Financial problem is the root of all other problems. The majority of Singaporeans are not happy mainly because they have a burden to meeting the financial needs of themselves and of the family.

The higher income with secured and stable jobs and the rich have no problem with happiness at all. When you have money you can buy all the needs you want.

But for the majority of unhappy singapoerans, the struggle to keep up in meeting the financial needs is a endless enduring tasks = worries and more worries.

The meagre Pay of the middle class Singaporeans is way behind to the relative cost of living in Singapore.

The lower pay scale of the majority is even worse. They are not pay enough to help them to put aside svings to meet those needs they want it.

So life is not easy for Singaporeans.; June 25, 2007 1:42 AM
Ivan Chew said...: You seem to have covered everything, Mr. Tan. Let's see... my version would be this:
- Think with our head
- Act with our feet
- Live & love with our heart
I read a long time ago that Happiness is an outcome, and not a goal in life.; June 25, 2007 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: I'd be happy if the govt reduces the GST...; June 30, 2007 4:02 PM
Thomas Phua's Blog said...: The Love of Money is the root of all evil.

How to be contented? It all boils down to level of contentment.

Money is not everything, but everything is money.

I think what Mr Tan has shared are practical living.

Live practically and realistically.

Many lives to the nose, staying in private condo, with stress of mortgage over their head.

Many lives in HDB flats with much savings to spare and happier.

Do not compare or envy others. Live within means and plan with some savings.

How many can retire at age 55 depend on how one lives and saves from 25.

I would not want the government to tell me I can retire only at age 65. CPF Board can keep my minimum sum for my next generation.

- Thomas Phua; July 06, 2007 10:40 AM
Anonymous said...: how not to compare when everyone else measure you by where you stay, what car you drive, etc.

It happens within families. Those rich when they speak will carry weights as compare to the poorer folks.

Money is everything. Don't fool yourself by saying living within your means, etc.

I love MONEY; July 06, 2007 11:15 AM
Anonymous said...: Happiness is truly about spiritual enlightenment.

Money can buy happiness, but it won't last.

Life is temporary. Enlightenment is eternal.

Live within our income is being responsible.

Money is NOT the root of all evils, selfishness & FEAR are. It is always about us, our family & the FEAR of what could happen in the future to us & our family. Family let us learn many things, but they are at the same time limiting us in our journey to eternal happiness.

Think, are you going to pass your wealth to next generation just to make them richer or are you going to help the poor & sick with your accumulated wealth? Your choice will determine what sort of happiness you will get.

John Wu; July 08, 2007 9:34 PM
Anonymous said...: You want happiness? be an insurance agent. When you are dry just go out to find some cows and milk them. You see? you have an ending source of income.; July 10, 2007 9:03 PM
Anonymous said...: I think knowing what you want in life is important. If a luxurious life is your goal, go for it and pursue whatever that will add into your wealth, if this really can add happiness to your life. On the other hand, if what you want is an easy life, anywhere you live or go to will bring you happiness.
Money is root of evil but without at least a minimum amount of money in your pocket, I don't think you will be happy, at least not in Singapore when cumulative inflation faces us every single day.; March 22, 2008 1:09 PM