employee working on a laptop
‘What’s the point of maximising my salary?’ American considers US$70k pay cut to move to Singapore
SINGAPORE: An American earning US$220,000 a year is considering taking a significant pay cut to move to Singapore because he believes the trade-off could give him something money cannot easily buy: a better quality of life.
The man recently shared on Reddit’s r/askSingapore that he’s contemplating accepting a job offer in Singapore worth roughly US$150,000, or around S$200,000 a year.
“I'd be taking a pretty significant pay cut. The thing is... I'm seriously considering it.”
Financially, the man said he is in a comfortable position and has around US$400,000 in savings and investments.
Some of his wealth came from his work, while “a lot” also came from winning on Stake.
With no children or major financial commitments, he believes the lower Singapore salary would still comfortably support the lifestyle he wants.
“I've visited Singapore a few times, and every time I come back to the US, I notice how much I miss just being able to walk everywhere, take public transport, feel safe late at night, and generally not think about a lot of the things I deal with here.”
His friends, however, think he’s making a massive mistake, with some even calling him “insane” for seriously considering the offer.
“Their argument is basically that I'm in my prime earning years and voluntarily giving up $70k+ a year to live somewhere smaller, further from family, and with fewer career opportunities if I ever want to switch jobs.”
While he said he could “logically understand” where his friends were coming from, he still found himself leaning towards giving the Singapore offer a shot.
“I'm starting to wonder what the point of maximising my salary is if I genuinely think I'd enjoy my everyday life more somewhere else,” he wrote.
Seeking outside opinions, he asked, “For Singaporeans or Americans who've lived in both, am I romanticising Singapore because I've only experienced it as a visitor? Would you take the higher salary in the US or the lower salary in Singapore?”
‘Both places have their own trade-offs’
The comments were largely supportive of his plans, with many Reddit users encouraging him to take the leap while he is still young and relatively free of major commitments.
One commenter felt there was little harm in giving it a go, writing, “Given that you are young and free, why not try it? Just the experience of living and working overseas is a good one, leaving aside other factors.”
Another said, “You're in your early 30s without kids, so it's the perfect time to take this opportunity. You're taking a pay cut, but your salary is still in the top 1% of your age bracket. You can travel to the neighbouring countries and experience living in another continent. Personally, I'll take it.”
Several foreigners living in Singapore also weighed in with their own experiences, offering a slightly more realistic take on what life here is actually like beyond the holiday glow.
One commented, “I’m an American living in Singapore; I've been here for a few years now. S$200,000 is more than enough to live here comfortably, even considering the high rent.”
“You’ll have more than enough to travel in the region, which has a lot of experiences to offer. However, do make sure company benefits are good. On an EP you don’t get any public healthcare benefits.”
Newsletter
Get updates straight to your inbox
Another shared, “I'm a Canadian working in Singapore. I mean this in the kindest way possible, but both places have their own trade-offs, and it largely depends on your current priorities and future plans.”
“When you are here, you will miss the US workplace, its culture, family, lifestyle, people, growth, etc. When there, you will miss the Singapore workplace, its culture, food, safety, convenience, etc.”
A third user, who once had the chance to move to Singapore but ultimately chose to stay in the US, said, “I don’t know you, but go chase your dreams. I regret so much not leaving the US and moving to Singapore when I was young.”
“I thought I was running. I wasn’t. I was just longing for a world that would make me feel at peace. If you feel the way you say you do, and you find yourself wanting to return, honour the feeling, and go. That, my friend, is priceless.”/TISG