A Singaporean man opens up about family pressure during Chinese New Year and a separate discussion emerges on the challenges faced by fresh graduates in the job market.
A 32-year-old Singapore an man recently shared his struggles on social media regarding his siblings' reaction to his absence during the second day of the annual Chinese New Year family reunion. Posting on the r/ask Singapore forum, he described himself as an introverted individual who easily becomes overstimulated and tired in social situations, particularly large gatherings like CNY celebrations.
He explained that these gatherings have consistently caused him stress over the past three decades, although he makes an effort to attend and participate. He mentioned that his family, adhering to traditional Chinese customs, used to observe the CNY festivities for three days, but this has been reduced to two in recent years. In the last couple of years, as he has gotten older, he has chosen to stay home on the second day, mainly when experiencing mood-related issues such as depression and anxiety episodes. Despite having what he considered a valid reason for missing the occasion, his siblings reportedly never acknowledge his situation with understanding. They often lectured him, suggesting he was failing to fulfill his familial obligations. The man expressed his frustration with feeling guilty about not enjoying these gatherings, feeling wired differently, even though he actively participates in the festivities when present, engaging in conversations and assisting with the customary lohei and food preparations. He confessed to wishing he could take the opportunity to '避年' or skip CNY by going overseas, but the guilt associated with that thought also troubles him. Seeking validation and similar experiences, he asked the Reddit community if others felt guilted or lectured by their families regarding CNY. \Several commenters responded, sharing their own experiences and offering advice. One commenter wrote that they used to attend family dinners but felt isolated and disconnected, often using their phone alone, and eventually stopped going altogether. Another user, a 23-year-old, shared that they intentionally missed CNY for the first time this year because they were exhausted from work and didn't want to spend their limited rest time socializing with people they only see once a year. Others offered practical suggestions for the original poster, such as explaining to his siblings that he had made other plans for the second and third days, instead of simply stating he didn't feel like attending, hoping they might be more receptive. Another suggested that he should learn to ignore the guilt-tripping tactics his siblings were employing, recognizing that they likely would not change, and he could only adjust his own response. The discussion highlighted a common experience of feeling pressured to conform to family traditions, especially during cultural events, and the emotional burden this can place on individuals with differing personalities and needs. The responses also reflected a growing sentiment among younger generations, prioritizing their mental well-being and personal space even when family expectations are strong. \In related news, concerns about limited opportunities for fresh graduates in Singapore have been raised online after a 33-year-old local shared his observation that an increasing number of companies in Singapore are focusing primarily on hiring for senior positions, thereby offering fewer chances to young people entering the workforce. The individual, referencing his own experiences, noted a trend where companies seem to prioritize experienced professionals, potentially leading to unemployment or underemployment for recent graduates. He pointed out that this situation might force new graduates into roles that do not align with their specializations, ultimately hindering their career progression due to the lack of relevant work experience. This concern resonates with discussions about the overall state of the Singapore job market and the challenges facing young professionals as they navigate the transition from education to employment. The discussion also touches upon the possible consequences of prioritizing experienced employees at the expense of nurturing young talent and the implications of this shift for the long-term health and competitiveness of Singapore's economy
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