“CS Alumni here, grad some years ago. Currently working in a MNC in a software dev position. Just out to rant about software paygrades. Many would agree with me.

Why do my company like to hire from this school called Digipen, and why is it that they seem to fetch a hire salary than me?

After working on some projects together, I understand that they are as capable as us, with some being more outstanding than us, but how can their pay be justified purely based on their capabilities? Abilities aside, what about our uni rankings?

I dont even see digipen being anywhere near NTU in the uni rankings, so why pay them as much as us, or even higher? Is this fair? Then why work so hard and study everyday in poly to get to NTU? I had to fight for a near perfect GPA to enter NTU, whereas anyone with a laughable gpa can probably enter this unheard school (can i even call it that?) digipen.

I have colleagues from the 2 major universities (NTU/NUS), and a few others from the less prestigious private uni like SIM and unknown origins. After digging for their salaries, I was glad to find that my paygrade is higher than those from these less prestigious unis, but there is this outlier being digipen. Prior to entering the work force I have never even heard of this school. The name itself doesnt even sound like a university so how can they be fetching higher salary than us?

what made me type this post was that one even received a promotion before me, despite us joining the company on the same date.

It took us hard earned grades to get into NTU, and I assume anyone can just enter digipen easily. so why the disparity in paygrade?”

Netizens’ comments

• Bruh. Digipen is 1 of the most recognize cs course out there. People graduate from there tends to have better skills than nus/ntu
• With that much salt, you could probably open a mcdonald chain by yourself.
• OH YES of course everyone should get paid based on what institutions we’re from and not based on individual capabilities and skillsets we possess (which makes us unique). 

“Reading all the recent posts on girls expecting gifts from their boyfriends really makes me feel very blessed that my girlfriend is a very down-to-earth person who doesn’t expect anything from me.

I grew up in a low-income family where my dad earned only $1200 as a factory worker. When I was 13, my mom divorced my dad and soon remarried.

When I was 18, my dad suffered from a hereditary brain disease that caused him to be paralysed. As a result, he wasn’t able to work. Fortunately, NTUC income gave him a sum of insurance payout which helped us to handle our bills and expenditure. My dad’s medical bills were also highly subsidized. But we had to hire a helper to take care of my dad.

Soon after I got enlisted and had to contribute most of my allowance to the household expenses. After NS, I found a temp admin job before starting university.

I then met my first girlfriend, who works in the same department. She was a fresh graduate. She’s also from a low-income family so we could relate to each other.

She had to pay for her own tuition loan, household expenses and even the mortgage for her parents’ house. Despite all of that, she always offered to pay for our meals. Of course, we could only afford to eat at coffeeshops. Once in awhile, we would spoil ourselves with a big cup of gongcha and a movie at the cinemas.

I often felt very insecure during the early stages of our relationship because we had to keep our rs a secret. Afterall, office romance is frowned upon. It didn’t help that there were a few permanent staff who tried to pursue her. They would often buy drinks and breakfast for her and ask her out for dinner.

The worst thing was those permanent staff were seniors who earn at least four times of my salary. I often felt very relieved whenever I see her rejecting their advances.

Sometimes I would feel very insecure and ask her if she would go for those rich guys at the office. She would always reassure me and tell me, “It doesn’t matter if a guy is rich or not. What matters most is the guy loves you or not.”

Fast forward to today, I have graduated and found a job which pays well. I credit all of my achievements to my girlfriend. Because of her constant support and encouragement, I managed to do well in uni and secure many internships, and therefore able to secure a good job.

She could have chosen to be with those rich guys who pursued her but she chose to be with a poor guy like me. Sometimes I really feel very lucky that I found such a great girlfriend.

Despite her own financial struggles, she always offered to pay for all our expenses. At times, when we share a plate of cai png, she would purposely give me all the meat and lie to me that she is on a diet.

Even till today, whenever I ask her if she wants me to buy a bag or clothes for her, she would call me crazy for wanting to spend money. She always say old clothes are more comfortable and as for bags, one or two bags is enough already. Even on her birthday, she would make me promise her that I won’t buy her a gift. How silly of her. I really feel thankful to her for enduring all these years of hardship with me and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Is it ok I asked my sister for me money she owes me, even though she just lost her job?

“Whenever I hear people around me complain about the rising living costs due to inflation, war and increased taxes, I can’t help but really just want to speak to them the truth especially late millennials and gen Z kids.

No doubt, it is true that consumer good prices have increased significantly over the years, housing getting less affordable, rents are spiking, COE has reached its all-time high, fuel price has gone up, and the list goes on. However, do people especially kids these days do their part to overcome this situation?

The short answer is NO, as most people that I know including friends and family, and uni mates, they all don’t really treat this as a serious issue, and it’s just sickening to see how people complain everyday without putting some serious effort.

Let me list out a few “hobbies” or in other words, “entertainments” that youngsters do nowadays. Every now and then I see friends sharing stories of their staycations, and their frequency can be as high as once every 1-2 months.

Youngsters also don’t refrain themselves from frequently dining at places like HDL, beauty in a pot, din tai fung, and a whole bunch of fancy cafes and restaurants. It’s so terrifying to the point where it has actually become mandatory that one must dine in at least once a week at some fancy eatery, and I honestly ain’t sure if they realize that.

Starbucks or coffee bean has become a usual hangout spot to “study” too, and they can easily order food and drink that cost up to $20-30 per pax. The convenience of cabbing just makes basic transportation even more accessible that they can just Grab without even actually trying their best to settle for buses or MRT. I personally know a few friends and acquaintances who already got platinum tier for Grab. “I’m lazy”, “it’s too far”, “I don’t wanna wake up so early”, “it’s raining”, “I just wanna chill”, so on and so forth, these are the common excuses to spend tens of dollars just for a short period of unurgent convenience.

I think I don’t even have to point out branded goods and limited-edition clothing and sneakers that youngsters don’t mind forking out hundreds of dollars for per item. Is it also necessary to purchase the latest phone models? I don’t get why people can’t just buy only when necessary or at least wait till the next model releases and buy the current model as its price drops.

There is no need to attend every single one of your friend’s birthday, and instead, do kindly wish them and just go for those whom you’re closer with. If you have friend’s birthday all the way from January till December, and for each birthday, the expenses are unexpected because it’s not up to you to decide the venue and type of birthday celebration, you’ll only end up being a broke ass. Please have some decency to reject politely, and if rejection would only cause them to be unhappy with you, then congratulations, as you’ve just witnessed the true side of your “friends”.

It’s totally fine not to invest your money if you don’t wanna risk losing money, but at least don’t let your cash flow out so quickly, and have some proper control over your money. You can’t control the government’s plan, as well as the happenings all over the world that negatively impacts your financial situation, but I believe there are a ton of simple and implementable ways to reduce your unnecessarily hefty expenses. So stop complaining and do your part if you don’t wanna go broke!”

I have been in a situationship for almost 2 years now. For those that don’t know, a situationship is basically doing all the relationship stuff but not “dating” or officially “in a relationship” so it’s not here not there la. I asked him about it but he said it’s not the right time to get into a relationship because he is not at a good place and will not be able to commit to me at a relationship level.

Then my question is, he keeps saying he cares about me a lot or appreciate me a lot, how he’s able to be himself with me. But if 2 years with me and he’s still not sure…

Am i not just a back-up plan or stand-in until someone he is ready to commit comes by…

I don’t know la. I think I know I should go but it’s so hard cause he makes me happy but… do i make him happy? I think his friends makes him happier Lor… This situationship is bothering me I don’t want to waste more time committing to a maybe.. but what if i leave and I lose something that could have been long lasting into a relationship..

Hais.. Single like less stress

Here are what netizens think:

• 2 years is a long time. Please move on with life. Proffy wishes you happiness.

• To put it bluntly, you’re just that thing in the middle of a donut to him. Scoot along now.

• Action speaks louder than words. Don’t be confused by his words. He’s already telling you what you need to know through his actions. Not ready to be in a relationship but sleeping with you. You’re just not the one. He already made a decision. Have you? What he makes you happy but do you make him happy? Since you’re no longer satisfied just being a fwb just leave. Learn to love yourself more girl.

• Usually after 6 months in a relationship, both of you should be able to establish a label. Seems like he is not committed to you or even keeping his options open .

• Huh 2 years? Last time when auntie dated, 2 months he still have trouble deciding I would have move on loh! Simply means he doesn’t want you enough to make it official.

I have seen many post about comparing earning ability here.

Here is my story. I am in my mid 30s. I graduated from NUS and became a property agent a decade ago. I make about $150k to $360k a year.

I remember there was one month where I close $50k and was invited to the award ceremony. I remember feeling very down during the ceremony as most of the salesperson earn above $100k that month. I felt like I am the lowest earner there.

Fast forward these few years, every month are there 100, 200 plus salesperson making 6 figures a month. The company even had to expand the away categeory to differentiate people who make $100k, $250k, $500k and even $1m a MONTH.

Last year I clocked about $280k a year and I am satisfied. But my team mate earned over $4m. His income tax alone is almost $1m. Whats my $280k as compared to him?

Not forgeting my $280k doesnt even give me a name on the producer chart.

Here, most agent drive, if you drive a japanese car, and another agent drive a european or sportscar, you will feel damn malu.

Here, everyone owns 1 condo each, husband 1, wife 1. The company management team mostly stays in landed property.

How to compare? If I compare everyday I will die of misery. Better suck it up, ignore the competition and focus on family.

Long story short, I just graduated from a PhD program. My boyfriend of 5 years me multiple times that he was getting me a really special present to commemorate this event.

As if searching for a job is still not tough enough..

You have those companies posting on job portals that they’re looking for marketing/events executive roles or like management associates – in the end they turn out to be insurance agencies.

Do they understand how irritating they are?

I have a few friends who went down for interviews only to have these insurance agencies telling them “Oh we hired someone for that position. But we have a job opening as a financial advisor/consultant…”

Hello? You know you’re wasting our time? If we wanted to become an insurance agent, we would have applied for those roles.

So shout out to everyone who got an interview that try to mask their company name all saying its private and confidential but when they ask you down for interview its at Newton or like Fuji Xerox Tower..

Then you better clarify with them that you’re not interested in a financial consultant role before heading down.

Did that a few times and the HR just MIA on me. So I guess my instinct was right. Oh another trick is those companies that ends with “*Insert name here* Organisation” 80% insurance companies.

– From a job seeker that had enough

Moderator, please do not censor this. I am from a country that is run by a dictator. Last month he renew his term.

Things are getting from bad to worst. My parents tell me to migrate here and never come back. I’m doing my last year in NUS, I am very afraid of not getting a job, I have a GPA of 3.50+. A country going back to 50 years ago, if I go back there is no job, I will be sent to farm or worst. If war happens in my country, I will be sent and I will die.

I am also worried for my parents, they are rich in our city (~3k sgd per month), but that not enough for them to migrate. They got no saving because covid. They do not understand English at all.

I cannot talk to my friends, we all same country. I don’t know who can trust, I get trouble if they report.

Can any one teach me how to get Singaporean citizenship for my family? My parents cannot go through what will come again, they might die. We need help.

Here are what netizens think:

• Your parents are only in danger if they have been making ill gotten gains in the wrong factions.

• SG does not owe any foreigners any reasons to stay in SG, so sob stories won’t help. Just try to get a job in the industries that SG is valuing now. Once you qualify as one of those foreigners with the valued skills set, getting a PR or even citizenship would be a breeze. Don’t get too worried as it won’t help. Take one step at a time.

• Find a job here , get your PR, serve NS if you’re a guy, or volunteer for service if you’re a girl. See if you can marry a SC, and then apply for a flat, contribute to TFR, and maintain sustainability. Then cross your fingers.

• Find a job here first then let them come on dependant pass? Yes you should be afraid of not getting a job so you better study hard if you don’t want to be sent back. In the meantime can ask parents start learning English first when they are free. Can find resources online

Just graduated, working now. Average pay. I honestly don’t care about promotions or salary increase.

As long as I earn enough to eat at food court or hawker centre, occasionally some low end restaurants like Collins or Saizeriya, I am content.

I don’t care much for travelling or cars. As long as I can grab/gojek occasionally, I’m fine with public transport the rest of the time.

For entertainment watching movies or watching Netflix at home is good enough for me. Also I need to set aside some money for my parents.

I just want to have as little stress as possible, chill and cruise through life.

My only goal is to get a HDb flat when I am 35 because I’m single. If I stay single when I’m 35, so be it. If I get attached, that’s cool too.

Everyone around me seems so tense and I just can’t relate. As a girl my parents of course hope I get married soon. I just can’t be bothered.

My dog is good enough company and the only one I’d splurge on. I just don’t care much about anything that’s not life or death.

Am I damn weird or lazy or what lol.