I refer to “Newcomers keep society on its toes” (Jan1).

Though a long-time admirer of our state patriach, I was shocked to read MM Lee Kuan Yew’s remark about the slackened attitude of third generation Singaporeans.

Apparently, MM Lee wants all of us to work as hard as our forefathers – slaving away in our jobs without spending time on other meaningful activities. If that is what we only do – work – then we may have not advanced much as a society. Our forefathers had not much choice as they migrated from other countries with nothing in their pockets. When we have progressed economically, it is natural that we move on to fulfill other intransit needs – things that interest us and give us joy but carry little economic return.

Singaporeans have, in fact all along, over-worked themselves – sometimes to disastrous effect. Our health and relationships suffer when we over focus on only one component in our life – work. After a while, we will also feel that life is boring and meaningless. Productivity will also drop. A balanced lifestyle is surely a better option for our overall mental well being.

According to Americal psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of need, once people could fulfill their basic need of food and shelter, they will naturally move on to the next level. There are a total of five levels of need namely:

1. Physiological – the need for food and shelter

2. Safety – the need to feel safe in the environment

3. Love, affection and belonging – need for relationship and human interaction

4. Esteem – need for respect from others

5. Self-actualisation – the need for the person to do what he is good at and “born to do”.

Developed countries such as Sweden, Finland and Denmark, which are economically prosperous, have moved on to be more balanced in how their citizens live their life. Many people perform well in their work places when they have other meaningful pursuits such as a hobby or a cause.

Personally, I migrated to Australia with my family last year to enjoy a better lifestyle. I have always find the working culture in Singapore stifling and one-dimensional. Contrary to popular belief, the Aussies work as hard as Singaporeans but they have balance their lives by playing as hard as they work. Most retail shops close at 6pm daily in Australia so that workers can return home to be with their loved ones. So far, the economy has not slackened much but have in fact, has ploughed on successfully and has remained the only country in the world not to have entered into a recession.

We would move backward as a society if we work as hard as our forefathers did – without the time to smell the roses and play with our young children. Life is too short to work it away.

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