A 36-year-old Singaporean mother has opened up about her unconventional journey through relationships, motherhood and financial struggles, revealing that she has seven children with four different partners.
The woman, who goes by Pearlyn, shared her personal experiences during a 47-minute podcast interview featuring local YouTube channels Popping SG and Chicken Genius Singapore.
She revealed that she had her first child at just 17, and is now struggling financially with her current husband, who has been declared bankrupt.
Despite describing her life as being “nine out of 10 screwed”, Pearlyn maintained a cheerful attitude throughout much of the interview, saying she preferred not to dwell on the negative aspects of her circumstances.
First child born when she was 17
Pearlyn revealed that her first child was born out of wedlock when she was 17.
During the interview, the hosts asked whether the pregnancy was accidental or intentional.
She responded that it was planned, explaining that she had met her then-boyfriend, who was 18, through the now-defunct social networking platform Friendster.
The couple had known each other for approximately four to five months before having their first child.
Pearlyn explained that she had always loved children and developed a strong maternal instinct from a young age.
At the time, she was no longer attending school and was not living with her parents.
Reflecting on her upbringing, she said she did not receive much guidance during her childhood and admitted that she did not always understand what was right or wrong.
Had children with three other partners
Around the age of 20, Pearlyn met another partner while studying at a private school.
The relationship resulted in two children, and the couple eventually got married.
However, the marriage did not last. Pearlyn said she eventually left the relationship after discovering her husband’s infidelity.
She subsequently entered the nightlife industry as a performer, where she met her next partner, who became the father of her fourth and fifth children.
When the podcast hosts pointed out what appeared to be a recurring pattern of having children with different partners, Pearlyn described the experience as possibly being the result of love.
The relationship eventually ended in divorce.
She cited tensions with her former husband’s family and alleged that he had been abusive towards their son, who has ADHD.
Current husband and pregnancy with eighth child
After the divorce, Pearlyn returned to working in the nightlife industry, where she eventually met her current husband.
The couple have two children together, aged five and six.
This brought her total number of children to seven, with four different partners.
However, Pearlyn also revealed during the interview that she was pregnant with her eighth child.
She said her doctor had advised against continuing the pregnancy because she suffers from anaemia.
The revelation added another layer to an already complicated family situation, particularly given the financial difficulties she and her current husband are experiencing.
Husband declared bankrupt after accumulating debt
Despite her upbeat personality, Pearlyn admitted that the family’s financial circumstances have become increasingly difficult.
She explained that her current husband previously worked as an army regular but eventually left the job because she felt his working hours were taking too much time away from the family.
His departure resulted in a loss of household income.
The situation was further complicated by his financial obligations, including monthly maintenance payments to his former wife and approximately S$70,000 in outstanding bank debt.
Her husband was eventually declared bankrupt.
Pearlyn said she is currently financially supporting four of her seven children, with their monthly expenses amounting to approximately S$4,000.
Her husband has since taken on part-time work, earning between S$300 and S$700 a month.
Private-hire driving income barely covers expenses
To support the household, Pearlyn has been working up to 12 hours a day as a private-hire driver.
She estimates that she earns approximately S$3,000 monthly from driving.
However, one of her biggest expenses is the rental of a seven-seater vehicle, which costs around S$3,600 a month.
Pearlyn explained that she chose a larger vehicle because it could also accommodate her children when the family needed to travel together.
During the interview, one of the hosts questioned whether renting such an expensive vehicle was financially sustainable.
The host suggested that switching to a smaller vehicle with lower rental costs could help reduce her monthly expenses.
The discussion highlighted the difficult balance Pearlyn faces between earning an income, supporting her children and managing the family’s growing financial commitments.
Online reactions divided over her decisions
The podcast episode was uploaded on Oct. 30 and reportedly attracted more than 368,000 views.
Pearlyn’s candid account of her relationships, family circumstances and financial difficulties generated considerable discussion among viewers.
While she spoke openly about loving her children and remaining positive despite her circumstances, some commenters questioned whether her actions matched her stated responsibilities as a mother.
Others expressed sympathy for the family and wished the couple well as they attempted to overcome their financial difficulties.
One commenter also appeared to recognise Pearlyn’s current husband, praising him as one of the best army instructors they had encountered.
The commenter expressed hope that the couple would eventually get through their difficult period.
Despite the differing reactions, Pearlyn’s interview has brought attention to the financial pressures faced by families dealing with multiple household responsibilities, debt and limited income.