to work or to go to university?
it's been a month since i've finished my final year projects in Ngee Ann Poly, and a month+ since i started my remote full-time job.
2 months prior to graduation, i knew i wanted to go abroad to study, but i didn't know and still don't know which country i want to go to. all i have in mind is— it must allow me to continue with my current job and allow me to further hone my entrepreneurial skills, plus ideally be cheaper than local unis. with such uncertainty, i therefore decided to take a 'gap year' by working a remote FT job.
we call uni degrees an 'investment', but in today's day and age— is it really?
don't get me wrong, i still think that a degree is important— though i would prefer to calculate the 'investment' by ROI✌️ what do i want to gain? knowledge? network? experience in life?
my diploma and experiences got me my current job— but i do believe that salary increment without a degree would be tough unless one genuinely lucks out with networking— which remains a risk that i do not want to take.
for now, i choose to work a flexible remote job that allows me to be anywhere in the world— typing this from Budapest 😜 and in a way, "buying time" to ensure that i do not make rashly irrational choices whilst earning money to build my future.
there's no one fixed path and this is to all who wonder if SG top unis are worth the price tag— because they may not necessarily be.
Deciding between pursuing a university degree and entering the workforce can be a daunting choice, especially when considering the costs, opportunities, and personal goals involved. From my experience, taking a gap year to work remotely can offer invaluable insights and freedom that traditional education often cannot provide immediately. Working remotely allowed me to travel while maintaining a stable income, which not only broadened my horizons but also nurtured my entrepreneurial skillset. Being able to type this from Budapest highlights the flexibility and global accessibility remote jobs offer. It's important to redefine what we consider an 'investment' in education. Traditional university degrees may provide knowledge and networking opportunities, but their financial return on investment (ROI) can be uncertain, especially given rising tuition fees. In contrast, gaining real-world experience through work or internships can sometimes be just as valuable. Networking is critical regardless of the path chosen. While a degree can open certain doors, building genuine relationships in your chosen industry often has a bigger impact on career progression. For me, opting for remote work was a way to 'buy time'—earning money and gaining experience while making an informed decision about further education abroad. Ultimately, there's no single right answer. Whether top universities in Singapore or elsewhere are worth the price depends on individual circumstances, career goals, and learning preferences. If you’re uncertain about committing immediately to university, exploring flexible work options and gauging your aspirations over time can lead to a more balanced and personalized path.
what remote work did you manage to get