Singaporean Questions the Purpose of a 40-Year Work Life

Singapore, Singapore Jul 25, 2026 ALN: The debate over whether the traditional eight-hour workday still makes sense has resurfaced online after a Singaporean admitted he simply could not "wrap his head around how people put up with full-time work." This sentiment reflects a growing unease among many workers, particularly in high-pressure environments where the balance between work and personal life has become increasingly difficult to maintain.

In a post on the r/singaporejobs forum on Sunday (July 12), the currently unemployed man shared his thoughts after spending a day engaging in activities he genuinely enjoyed. He recounted how he woke up at 7 a.m. and, by 3 p.m., had already walked his dog, assisted his parents with chores, gone on a bike ride with a friend, enjoyed a swim, watched television, run errands where he unexpectedly bumped into an old university friend, and even squeezed in an hour of video games. Looking back on the day, he expressed a sense of happiness and fulfillment that starkly contrasted with the grind of a typical workweek.

“Honestly, I can’t wrap my head around how people put up with full-time work. A human lifespan feels far too long to spend 40+ years like that,” he wrote, articulating a feeling that resonates with many in today’s workforce. He added that he found it difficult to reconcile a lifestyle where work felt like "a necessary evil" just to earn a few hours of free time each evening, much of which is spent cooking, recovering from exhaustion, and preparing for the next workday. His reflection on weekends as mere catch-up time for chores underscores a growing frustration with the conventional work-life structure.

“Weekends are just catch-up time for chores you didn’t have time for during the week. What’s the actual point? Damn sian, need to find a job.” This expression of discontent sparked a wave of responses from other Singaporeans, many of whom admitted they had wrestled with similar feelings regarding their employment.

One commenter resonated with the sentiment, stating, “Believe me man, you are not alone in feeling this. Every time I wake up on a weekday and prepare breakfast, I look through the window thinking about my long working day ahead.” Another shared a more drastic response, saying, “Felt exactly as you described 20 years ago when I entered the workforce. Quit and adopted a different lifestyle. I’m never going back to 9-6.” Such sentiments highlight a growing trend of individuals questioning the sustainability of traditional work models.

However, not everyone has the luxury to make such a choice. A third commenter confessed, “I am in this situation. Every day I wake up, go to work and open 100+ pending emails. I’ve totally lost the drive to work. I work only to get paid and put food on the table.” This stark reality reflects the economic pressures many face in Singapore, where the cost of living can be prohibitively high. The commenter noted, “The harsh reality is that if you don’t have a job in Singapore, you will die because not only does everything cost money, but it’s so bloody expensive. Even trying to take a mental break will cost you.”

These comments serve as a reminder that for many individuals, work is less about passion and more about survival. Between mortgage repayments, insurance premiums, children’s education, helper salaries, and household expenses, many Singaporeans feel trapped in their full-time jobs. One user remarked, “I look at my bills and suddenly my love for work comes back to my soul.” This statement captures the paradox of modern employment: the need to work for financial stability often overshadows the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The eight-hour workday, which many now take for granted, wasn’t always the standard. It became the norm after years of labor movements that began in the 1800s, driven by the desire for better working conditions and hours. One of the pivotal moments in this history was when Henry Ford introduced the eight-hour workday at Ford Motor Company, replacing the grueling 100-hour workweeks that many workers endured at the time. This shift was seen as a significant advancement in labor rights, but as society evolves, so too do the expectations and realities of work.

Fast forward to today, and many researchers are questioning whether the traditional eight-hour day still makes sense in the context of modern work environments. Studies have found that long working hours can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), more than half of workers report experiencing work-related stress. Alarmingly, around a quarter of sick leave is linked to stress, and one in four cases of depression is associated with work-related stress. These statistics highlight the urgent need for a reevaluation of work hours and structures.

Moreover, working longer doesn’t necessarily translate to increased productivity. This understanding has led some countries to experiment with shorter workweeks. For instance, Germany has one of the shortest average working weeks at about 26.37 hours, followed closely by the Netherlands and Norway. Sweden has also trialled six-hour workdays in some workplaces, aiming to foster a more productive and satisfied workforce. These examples suggest that a shift in how we approach work could lead to better outcomes for both employees and employers.

However, these countries remain exceptions in a world that largely adheres to the traditional eight-hour day, five days a week. In Singapore, employees can generally be required to work up to 44 hours a week, with regulations stipulating that they cannot be asked to work for more than six consecutive hours without a break. If a job requires continuous work of up to eight hours, employers must provide a meal break of at least 45 minutes. While these regulations offer some protections, they may not be sufficient to address the deeper issues of work-life balance and employee well-being.

As the dialogue surrounding work hours continues to evolve, the reflections of the Singaporean man and the responses from his peers serve as a microcosm of a broader global conversation. Many individuals are beginning to question the sustainability of traditional work models, seeking a balance that allows for both financial stability and personal fulfillment. The implications of these discussions could lead to significant changes in workplace policies and societal attitudes towards work in the coming years. The challenge will be finding a way to create a work environment that promotes both productivity and well-being, a task that will require cooperation from employers, policymakers, and employees alike.