Giving Parents 10% of Salary: Tradition or Financial Burden for Youth?

In Singapore, the practice of paying regular allowances to parents after entering the workforce is nothing new. Rather, it is seen as a normal and expected responsibility for many families. A video shared by a user, @salaryman_sg, on TikTok recently brought this issue into discussion again. There, he said that as soon as one starts a job, a portion of one’s salary is set aside for parents, which in many cases is up to 10 percent. 

However, his statement also mentioned the mental stress of fulfilling this responsibility. Especially when one has to take financial responsibility for the family as well as build one’s own future, the matter becomes complicated for many. As a result, this practice has started a wide discussion on social media.

Sense of Family Responsibility

In Singaporean society, a sense of responsibility towards parents is considered an important value. Therefore, many people think that paying regular allowances is a way of expressing gratitude. At the same time, it also helps ensure the financial security of parents. However, on the other hand, many young workers feel that it sometimes becomes a mandatory responsibility. 

As a result, one has to face pressure in terms of their personal planning and savings. Although in most families the matter is determined through mutual understanding, social expectations still play a big role. For this reason, the matter is not only economic, but also deeply related to emotions and relationships.

Financial Pressure Reality

The video’s creator shared his experience that sometimes the pressure on the child increases if the parents do not have enough savings. Then it becomes difficult to manage one’s own future plans and family responsibilities at the same time. Along with this, he also highlighted the lack of financial education as an important reason. In the past, many parents could not plan adequately, which is affecting the current generation. 

Although children understand the value of their parents’ sacrifices, this change in responsibilities still becomes mentally challenging for many. As a result, many people believe that an open discussion on the matter is needed.

Netizens’ Reaction

There has been a wide reaction to this issue on social media. Many people think that giving allowance to parents according to their ability is a good initiative, which strengthens the relationship. At the same time, some mention that if the child lives with their parents, then they should also share in the household expenses.  Others shared personal experiences and said that they voluntarily give allowances and do not feel any pressure about it. 

On the other hand, some netizens believe that parents should also plan for their retirement in advance so that they do not become dependent on their children. 

In addition, there is also an opinion that this practice is viewed differently in different countries, and in some cases, on the contrary, parents help their children. 

In emotional comments, some said that since the parents are no longer alive, they no longer have the opportunity to fulfill this responsibility, which has created a deep void in their minds.

Currently, the concept of family and economic relations is changing rapidly. Compared to before, many people now want to see the matter as a personal decision. Some see it as a responsibility, while others consider it an expression of love and gratitude. At the same time, since the reality varies from family to family, no single rule applies. 

Watch the video here:

@salaryman_sg

Giving parents allowance. #salarymansg #fillal #allowance #quietthoughts

♬ original sound – salaryman_sg – salaryman_sg

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