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10 really unbearable struggles of turning 21 in S’pore, as told by a 21-year-old

2016-03-14 , 9:54 am

Last Updated on 2016-06-17 , 11:02 am

In Singapore, many people like to celebrate their 21st birthdays with much aplomb and fanfare, inviting everyone from their friends to not-so-close relatives to their 21st celebrations. However, the age might seem pretty “cool” and significant since it symbolises the beginning of adulthood, but in actual fact, you will be facing all sort of struggles once you hit 21. Let’s take a look at them.

You are expected to be an adult.
Even if you can’t be an adult, you are expected to act like an adult. This means making responsible choices and basically, not making any stupid mistakes. How is that possible?

You actually have to start thinking about your future – and it’s terrifying.
Many of us have that pre-adulthood crisis about what we want to do or be. Yep, that crisis is still on-going even when you reach 21, except that it’s even more real and scary.

You feel pressurised to contribute to the family.
After all, being an adult means you are finally going to be a cornerstone figure in your family, joining the ranks of your parents and older siblings.

You start taking your relationship super seriously.
Or at least, you have to. “21 years old already you know, ah boy ah. Have to get married soon.”

A break-up feels like the end of the world.
It’s no longer because of childish feelings of “I want to be with you forever” but more of “I’m going to turn old without getting married because there is no more time.” Why is marriage such a big deal anyway?

You get judged for acting like a kid.
As a 21-year old, you are expected to be all serious and adult-ish. You will instantly invite stares from parents when you even try to enter the playground.

You got to start thinking about adult things.
Things like marriage, BTO, insurance, HDB loans et cetera. Yep, we still haven’t gotten the hang of those things either.

You have to pay for everything yourself now.
Some parents insist that now that you are an adult, you have to be independently financially. You never knew how much your phone bill, new phone with contract renewal, or even your daily cup of Starbucks could add up too, until you realise that there is only $0.04 in your bank account.

Your parents still treat you like a kid.
Some of us actually want to be independent, but our parents just can’t accept it. They continue to fuss over you, shove you pocket money, and shove your pride as a newbie adult away.

You still have to stay with your parents.
In Singapore, renting or buying an apartment is just so damn expensive (and impossible, if you are single and below 35) that most of us still stay under our parents’ roof. Therefore, their house, their rules.

10 really unbearable struggles of turning 21 in S’pore, as told by a 21-year-old

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