When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong alluded in 2013 that the Vietnamese, Chinese and Indians appear ‘hungrier’ than the average young Singaporeans, I could relate to the notion as having grown up in the baby boomer generation (1960s) in a Singapore where citizens were grappling with bread and butter issues such as employment, housing and education.
Having moved rapidly from what economists categorise as‘ Third World to First World’ with a short span of 50 years, current day Singapore and younger Singaporeans are distinctly different from the earlier generations of Singaporeans. Looking from the lens of Abraham Maslow, earlier Singaporeans (Pioneer and Merdeka Generations) are driven by basic needs such as physiological and safety needs (what psychologists normally refer to as hygiene factors)and the need to work hard for a living
The younger generation, having grown up in generally more favour able conditions naturally view life and their needs from a different ‘Maslow-ian’ perspective: with many desiring to chase their dream jobs and follow their passions (self-actualisation). Personally, I think the road to ‘self-actualisation’ can be viewed in two ways i.e. i) positively as one seeks to understand oneself better and align to a vocation closer to one’s interest, needs, values and strengths; and ii) negatively as one is hardly present and committed and continuously day dreaming of a ‘the next better job’.
Positively, ‘self-actualisation’ can lead to happier, purposeful and meaningful pursuits and better well-being. Negatively, it can lead to delusions, disappointments and frustrations. I am happy to note that Singapore schools have recently embarked quite intensively to strengthen career guidance and socio-emotional learning for our young. Hopefully, with better understanding of ‘self’ (inner voice) and the potential market place, our young may be able to find meaning and purpose and renewed drive and energy in their careers.