The American added that he had around US$400,000 (RM1.7 million) in savings, saying the move to Singapore would not be driven by financial desperation.
AN AMERICAN man’s dilemma over whether to leave the United States for a lucrative job in Singapore has gone viral after he asked Reddit users if he would be “crazy” to make the move.
Posting on Reddit’s AskSingapore forum, the 32-year-old said he had received a job offer worth S$180,000 (about RM596,000) a year, describing it as “a pretty solid income” by Singapore standards.
He added that he had around US$400,000 (RM1.7 million) in savings, saying the move would not be driven by financial desperation.
Despite the attractive offer, the Reddit user said everyone around him believed relocating would be a mistake, arguing that US offers greater career opportunities, higher long-term earning potential, larger homes and “more freedom and space”.
However, the poster admitted he consistently found himself drawn to Singapore after every visit.
“Every time I visit Singapore, I leave feeling like the day-to-day quality of life is just… better.”
He praised the country’s sense of safety, efficient public transport, cleanliness and healthcare system, adding that he was less concerned about owning a large house than enjoying everyday life.
“I care more about what everyday life feels like,” he wrote.
He then queried Redditors on whether they would take the job offer and what are the downsides of living in Singapore.
The post quickly attracted hundreds of comments, with many users sharing their own experiences of living in Singapore and abroad.
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One British expatriate living in Singapore said the decision ultimately depended on what the poster valued most, but added that relocating offered Westerners “the chance to experience a new culture, make some local friends, and see more of Asia.”
Another commenter, @zebrapebble, an American living in Singapore, said the Reddit user’s savings and salary package would allow him to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.
“Day-to-day life is much easier and more enjoyable here. Like you said, it’s easy to get around (transit), safety is something you never have to think about, all of your essentials are in easy reach. Things just work.”
However, the commenter noted that Singapore’s workplace culture could be more hierarchical and less merit-based than in the US.
“It’s easy to burn yourself out trying to earn the appreciation of your colleagues. All in all though, I’d pick Singapore over the US any day. My life is exponentially better here.”
Many other Redditors echoed similar sentiments, encouraging the American to seize the opportunity. Several pointed out that if life in Singapore did not meet his expectations, he could always return to the US.
