Late 20s. Single. Graduated with an arts degree. Needless to say, I got jaded with the job offers I was getting and did odd jobs/ freelancing to get by. This has been going on for about 4 years, and I’ve been able to steadily earn 4-5k each month. Great work-life balance with 20 hour work weeks and I make time to travel about twice a year. Practically, Barista FIRE lifestyle in reverse. I live frugrally, invest, buy insurance and save up most of my money. I’m quite content with my current life.
I guess as I reach my 30s, 4k-5k doesn’t seem so secure anymore (+ inflation rising + no CPF + no employee benefits + no job security), and I don’t really have a way to make income remotely (which makes travelling hard). If I were to make a career change, now would be a good time.
My big dillemma is that if I go back into the workforce, I’ll have to start out at about half my current salary with double my current hours. I’m not sure if I can even land a job with my lack of work experience. If I do, I would go for a sales-oriented job or maybe join a tech bootcamp. I feel the barriers of entry are lower with higher income ceiling.
I’m torn between going with the status quo and maybe try to pick up more side hustles, or entering the work force from scratch. Either way, both seem like a rat race. I guess that’s the life of an average Singaporean.
What would you do if you were me? Or anyone been in a similar situation? Would greatly appreciate your different perspectives on this!