In Singapore, most of us have no real issues.
Except for maybe some issues created by ourselves, ie, debt, poor diet, lack of exercise.
Or maybe some stroke of unfortunate chance, ie, accidents, illnesses, etc.
Think about it.
Most of us have some form of education til ITE, Polytechnic, University.
Think about one generation ago. Our parents generation. Not everyone made it to school. Think about 2 generations ago. Our grand parents... how about them?
Most people work in a fairly ok job, the job may suck, but it pays well enough.
Once again, think about 1-2 generations ago. People needed to work to survive. Now many people can afford to indulge in their wants.
Most of us own some of the latest handphones. A far cry from the "bricks" that was available years ago.
Why do we get frustrated when our phones lag a bit?
Our phones have awesome cameras. The cameras we currently have on our phones are better than the stuff that companies used to make films just a generation ago.
We have private hire cars. Grab/Uber, when was the last time you actually flagged down a taxi? I haven't flagged down a taxi in ages. The cars are usually newer, drivers are usually friendlier.
And one generation ago? Well... they had phantom taxis.
Most of us can afford to stay in our HDB. Some areas are more expensive, but most people are still able to pay their mortgages.
Around 50% of Singaporean households own cars, and around 50% of those who own cars own big cars.
For those who don't own cars, Singapore has a fairly effective transport system.
Once again, what's there to complain about?
Our supermarkets are stocked with food, affordable pricing. Most food available all year round. We live like kings of the past, almost any kind of food on demand.
Most of us can afford to travel and with budget flights, many people are able to fly around. Think about 1-2 generations ago again. How often did your grandparents travel? Probably very rarely.
The thing is... if we really think about it, there's really nothing very much to complain about.
Most of the time, when people complain and grumble... Not cos they are struggling. Most of the time, we complain cos we can't fulfill our wants.
My friend can afford this, why can't I? They can buy a condo, I can't, so I complain things are too expensive.
I want a faster phone, I want a faster computer.
How many times do you hear someone complain that they can't afford to buy food? That they can't pay their house mortgage? Don't have money to buy clothes?
In SG, most people already have their needs taken care of.
If someone gets into financial debt due to lack of insurance... well... it was actually a preventable situation before the issue occurred right?
Or if people are unhealthy and have poor diet and have heart problems. Also fairly preventable.
Most people complain about having not enough money. But the thing is... we want to finance our wants, since most of the time our needs are settled. And since our wants are unlimited, then money will never be enough.
We complain that school and exams are too tough for our kids and that it's really stressful... but... whenever I talk to people, most people tell me that education doesn't dictate how well individuals do in life. As in... people understand the need to be educated enough, but people also know that in the long run, success isn't based on super high levels of education. And yet... every year parents get super stressed over their kids exams AND in turn, also stress their kids up.
So, for me, I think there's very little to stress about or complain about. A lot of things in life... we are already having it very good. So I try to spend my time and energy on things which need more effort, like maintaining relationships, spending time with family, stuff like that.
Cos... to me, the chase for money will never end. There's always another dollar to earn. But another dollar won't make me that much happier. If I strike the lottery and get S$1,000,000 windfall... That wouldn't change my lifestyle.
BUT, a poor relationship with my wife, or parents, etc... THAT is more troublesome. In the long run, THAT has a greater impact of how happy my life will be compared to maybe more money. Cos after a while, I feel that money can only do so much.
So what's there to really complain about?
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