The American Dream has been popularised around the world. But have you heard of the Singapore Dream? Back when I was growing, the Singapore Dream was conceptualised to denote our aspirations. Perhaps it was a nod to the American Dream. Anyway, attaining the Singapore Dream means that you have acquired the 5 Cs, namely cash, credit card, car, career & country club membership.

Nowadays, the notion of the 5 Cs is regarded as crass. Who needs a country club membership, anyway? However, even as our younger generations prize work-life balance and favour travelling and remote working, our society still cares about money and possessions collectively. The 5 Cs have been replaced by other lofty goals, such as accumulating your first $100k before you reach 30.

I used to think that because the American Dream reflects the aspirations of native citizens and immigrants alike and symbolizes their desire to be successful and wealthy, the Americans regard their jobs primarily as a way to make money.

I dare say that Singaporeans’ cultural code for work is MONEY. We are a small island nation and are conditioned to think that if we don’t hustle and make the best out of ourselves, we will be taken over by hungrier Southeast Asians and starve to death.

Okay, I am being melodramatic, but you get the idea.

Contrary to my expectations, it seems that the Americans don’t see their jobs as a way to make money as much as they perceive it as a source of identity. Got this from “The Cultural Code” by Clotaire Rapaille:

The idea that Americans tie their jobs to their self-worth is corroborated in ”The Good Enough Job” by Simone Stolzoff.

I have only read three chapters so far, but it promises to be an enlightening read. Simone details how Americans came to place so much stock on their jobs due to various factors like the decline in organised religion and the prevalence of vocational awe (that you find your calling via your job). She also advises that we find multiple sources of meaning so that when shit happens to our jobs, we won’t take it too personally.

You might have heard that it is against the law to email your colleague after office hours (8pm) in France. Trust me, sometimes my wife works past 8pm! Suffice it to say that the French have a more relaxed approach toward work than the Americans and Singaporeans.

What about your country? How do you and your countrymen perceive work?