Singapore Intern Faces 13-14 Hour Workdays, Questions Work-Life Balance

Singapore, Singapore Aug 28, 2026 ALN: One Singaporean intern has admitted she is struggling to adjust to working life after being put through 13- to 14-hour days during her first week at a buyside investment firm. This revelation has sparked a broader conversation about work-life balance and the expectations placed on young professionals in high-pressure industries.

In a post on the r/singaporejobs forum, the young woman said she had recently started her internship and quickly discovered that the working hours were “brutal.” Her experience is not unique, as many interns and entry-level employees in finance and related fields often face similar demands. The culture of long working hours is deeply entrenched in many sectors, particularly in investment banking and asset management, where the drive for performance and results can overshadow employee well-being.

She claimed she had been working from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. every day, with little indication that the long hours would ease up. This pattern of extended workdays has raised questions about the sustainability of such a lifestyle, especially for interns who are typically at the beginning of their careers and may not yet have the coping mechanisms to handle such stress. The intern noted that, by 7 p.m., the office was “practically just us,” highlighting the isolating nature of such work environments where long hours become the norm.

The intern acknowledged that she was fortunate to have landed a role in an industry that many people would be eager to enter. The finance sector is often seen as a gateway to lucrative careers, with many aspiring professionals willing to endure tough conditions for the potential rewards. However, she also recognized that some firms expect employees to work even longer hours, which can contribute to a culture of burnout and high turnover rates. The pressure to perform can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, particularly for those who are new to the field.

However, knowing that others might have it worse did not make the situation any easier for her. “I don’t think that makes me feel any better,” she said. “I’m actually so tired I don’t know how people work like this for years.” This sentiment resonates with many young professionals who find themselves grappling with the realities of workplace demands versus personal health and well-being. The intern's struggle reflects a growing concern among younger generations about the trade-offs between career advancement and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The long hours were also difficult to accept, particularly as she felt she was not “getting paid well.” According to the intern, she earns only around S$1,000 to S$2,000 a month and does not receive overtime pay. This raises important questions about the compensation structures for interns and entry-level positions in high-stakes industries. While internships can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, they often come with the expectation of long hours and minimal financial reward, which can lead to feelings of exploitation.

For now, she said the only positives were that she was learning a lot from the “ton of work” she was being given and that her team had been OK with her so far. This highlights the duality of internships; while they can be grueling, they also offer a chance to develop skills and gain insights into the industry. However, the question remains whether the learning experience justifies the toll it takes on mental health and personal life.

Seeking perspectives, she wrote at the end of her post, “I would appreciate any thoughts on this. I just don’t know what to do, and I can barely drag myself to work. It’s also giving me really bad anxiety.” Her plea for advice underscores the importance of support systems for interns and young professionals navigating these challenges. It also reflects a broader societal conversation about mental health in the workplace, particularly in high-pressure environments.

Tough it Out

Many Singaporean Redditors chimed in, with several sharing their thoughts and giving the intern some advice. One Redditor said long hours were simply part of working in an investment firm. “An investment firm is like that one. You are paid a lot for the lack of work-life balance. Even my friend who is day-trading on his own is pushing himself around that much. It’s a matter of ‘time is money’ and what kind of targets.” This perspective highlights a common justification for long hours in finance: the belief that the potential for high earnings compensates for the sacrifices made in personal time and health.

Instead of worrying too much about the hours, the Redditor encouraged her to “focus on what you can learn out of this role.” This advice reflects a prevailing mindset in competitive fields where the accumulation of skills and experiences is often prioritized over immediate work-life balance. Another echoed this view, saying, “If I were you, I would try to tough this out and learn as much as I can, given that it’s an internship that is graded. You can’t exactly afford to give this up (I am assuming).” This sentiment suggests that many young professionals feel pressured to endure difficult conditions for the sake of their future careers.

Others, however, felt the experience could be a sign that the industry was not for her. One user suggested that she might want to reconsider whether it was the right career path. “You must ask yourself whether you want to be in such a role,” they wrote. This advice encourages introspection and self-awareness, urging the intern to evaluate her long-term goals and whether they align with the demands of the finance sector.

Another commented, “I guess my question would be, why did you decide to pursue a career in finance?” This question points to the importance of understanding one's motivations and aspirations in relation to the challenges of the industry. As more young professionals enter the workforce, it is crucial to foster discussions around work-life balance, mental health, and the realities of various career paths. The intern's experience serves as a reminder of the need for systemic changes within industries that prioritize results over the well-being of their employees.