Last time, I used to think that the path was straight one: study hard, go JC, get degree, then find one stable MNC job and slowly climb the ladder. My parents always say, “Girl, you don’t study, next time you go sweep floor.”
So I studied until my eyes blur, got my diploma, and started work as a junior marketing exec. Starting pay? S$2,800. After CPF, I felt like crying. Every day eat mixed rice (cai fan) and must count the meat dishes.
Then I met my friend, Jolene. This girl ah, secondary school time always ponteng (skip) class one. I saw her Instagram—staying in a condo, carrying Chanel, and always posting stories at high-end omakase places.
I asked her, “Eh, you do what sia? Win Toto ah?”
She laughed and told me she’s working in a high-end KTV lounge near Orchard. She looked at me and said, “Study so hard for what? You earn your peanuts, I earn lady drink one month S$20,000. Sometimes more if the towkay (boss) happy.”
The Reality Check
I won’t lie, my heart dropped. S$20,000? That’s like my whole year’s salary in one month.
I went with her once just to see. The place was fancy, smelling like expensive perfume and Hennessy. These girls, they don’t do anything “bad” also—they just sit there, look pretty, talk to the uncles, and make sure the mood is good. Every time a customer buys a “flower” or a “tower” of drinks, they get a cut.
Why the money is so crazy:
- Commissions: One “garland” can cost $500, $1,000, or even $10,000.
- Tips: Sometimes the uncles just throw $100 notes like it’s tissue paper.
- Networking: They meet people who literally breathe money.
The “Sian” Part
But hor, looking at Jolene, I also realized it’s not free money. Her liver probably screaming every night because must drink so much. Her sleep cycle is totally upside down—wake up at 4 PM, go work at 9 PM, come home when the sun is rising.
And the guys? Some are nice, but some are super gian kan (creepy/touchy). You must have a very thick skin and know how to “taichi” their hands away without making them angry.
My Conclusion
I looked at my S$2,800 payslip and then at her branded bag. For a moment, I really felt like a fool. Why I go and memorize all those marketing theories for what?
But then I thought, Jolene’s job got “expiry date.” When she’s 35 or 40, the uncles want younger girls already. My degree and my experience, nobody can take away from me.
Still… $20,000 a month leh. In Singapore, money is king. Sometimes I sit in my office cubicle, staring at my Excel sheet, and I just sigh. The world is really not fair one.