It’s normal to be stressed in your 20s?
In Singapore’s hustle culture, many young adults I know feel pressured to earn a certain income, buy a house, settle down, and have their lives figured out early on. Social media only amplifies this, constantly showcasing people who appear to have achieved financial success, home ownership, and stability in their 20s.
At the same time, the cost of living continues to rise while wages struggle to keep up. This has fueled the “side hustle” era, where people seek additional income just to stay afloat or get ahead. All of this creates mounting pressure, the fear of falling behind society and being unable to keep up.
Personally, I do feel the effects of this environment. At times, the stress becomes real, and I find myself worrying about whether I’ll be able to keep up with the economy in the future and what my life will look like moving forward.
Is this the norm these days??
Living through your 20s in today’s fast-paced world certainly isn’t easy, especially in places like Singapore where hustle culture sets a demanding pace. From my experience, the constant pressure to meet financial milestones—like buying a home or securing a stable job—can feel intense and, frankly, overwhelming. Social media doesn’t help much; it’s easy to scroll through feeds and see friends or influencers seemingly achieving these goals effortlessly, which can fuel self-doubt or anxiety. What I’ve found helpful is reminding myself that many people’s social media highlights don’t reflect the full journey, including their struggles or setbacks. The rising cost of living combined with stagnant wages creates a perfect storm of financial stress, leading many to juggle side hustles just to stay afloat. While this extra work can be exhausting, it’s also an opportunity to develop new skills and explore passions, which makes the challenge feel somewhat rewarding. I’ve also realized the importance of setting personal goals that make sense for my own life, rather than blindly following societal expectations. This mindset shift helps me focus on my progress—no matter how small—and reduces anxiety about "keeping up". Finally, talking openly with peers experiencing similar stresses has been invaluable. Knowing you’re not alone helps normalize these feelings. It’s absolutely normal to feel stressed in your 20s amid all this pressure. What matters most is finding a balance that respects your mental health while gradually working toward your aspirations. Taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed makes the journey less daunting and more fulfilling.
