Trapped Between Duty and Dreams: Why Fathers in Singapore Don’t Dare to Quit Their Jobs
How many fathers secretly dream of leaving their jobs, but never dare to? Not because they lack courage, but because the weight of family, finances, and duty makes quitting feel impossible. For many men, the dream of a different life, a more fulfilling job, starting a small business, or simply taking a break, constantly lingers at the back of the mind. Yet, that dream often collides with a harsh reality: the father’s role as provider. In Singapore, this tension is magnified. With high costs of living, aging parents, and children who need our best, many fathers feel like they’re standing on a tightrope, afraid to fall, yet unable to step off. The Silent Pressure Cooker Most fathers won’t say it out loud. At family gatherings, they smile. At work, they nod through meetings. But deep down, the truth is heavy: Every paycheck is already spoken for: mortgage, childcare, medical bills, parents’ allowance. The fear of instability is real: what if the next job doesn’t come quickly enough? ...