Mental Health, Skillset, and Cultural Fit Influence Decision to Pursue Work in Singapore

A South Korean backend web developer, who recently left his job due to mental health issues, has sought advice from the Reddit community on his prospects of securing work in Singapore. With three years of experience in backend development, he has expertise in Python, Django (DRF), Docker, React Native, MySQL, and AWS. In his previous position, he earned approximately S$3,000 per month after taxes.

Singapore, he shared, is his preferred destination over Canada and Australia due to its English-speaking environment, cultural similarities to Korea, and overall cleanliness. He is currently working on improving his English, aiming to progress from a B1-B2 to a B2-C1 proficiency level. He plans to visit Singapore for a month in February to gain a better understanding of the local work culture and lifestyle, hoping to secure a job by June.

In the Reddit thread, some users expressed concern about the saturated job market, particularly for web developers. One commenter noted that the demand for developers is high, making it difficult to secure positions. Another highlighted that the stress of working in Singapore might exacerbate mental health struggles.

However, others offered practical advice. One user suggested that connections within the Korean community in Singapore might ease the job search, while others recommended applying to Korean companies with branches in Singapore or focusing on developing a niche skillset to attract employers willing to sponsor work passes.

The online discussion reflected the challenges and the need for thorough preparation and perseverance when considering employment in Singapore’s competitive job market, especially as a foreigner.