Overcoming Early Challenges
At just 15, Sarah would hurry to a local fast-food outlet right after the school bell rang, not for leisure with peers, but to clock in for her shift. Classmates spotting her while grabbing meals would joke about her job, which initially made her uncomfortable. “It was lighthearted, but it made me hesitate about working at first,” the now 18-year-old shared. She avoided routes where she might run into them during shifts. Eventually, she embraced it: “I realized there’s no shame in it. I’m simply earning an honest living.”
Her earnings mainly cover her S$800 monthly school fees at Millennia Institute as a permanent resident, with leftovers as pocket money for her and her 13-year-old sister. Sarah, who prefers anonymity to shield her family situation from friends, supports her single mother, also in the food-and-beverage sector. Despite her mother’s pleas to focus on studies, Sarah insists, “Without my help, she has no one else.” She finds fulfillment in contributing, though it means lagging in homework and missing friend time.
A Rising Phenomenon Among Young Students
While not widespread, cases like Sarah’s are increasing. Official data indicates that 0.2 percent of the resident workforce aged 15 to 17—around 4,900 out of 2.46 million—hold jobs. About three-quarters of these youths work while attending school, including internships or holiday gigs. Some seek skill-building or career exploration, while others supplement family income amid economic pressures.
Youth support organizations report a surge in teens taking part-time roles due to escalating living costs. At one agency, applications for youth education aid rose 30 percent from 2024 to 2025. Another group notes that balancing work and studies has shifted from rare to routine, especially in lower-income homes where it’s a necessity, not an option.
Social workers highlight that official stats may undercount, as some underage teens take informal jobs, like using others’ accounts for deliveries, to evade rules.
Personal Journeys of Support and Strain
Family dynamics often drive these choices. Four out of five young people interviewed come from single-parent households, motivated to ease parental loads. Nur Aqeelah Haslin, 21, started part-time work in upper secondary, handling roles at a student care center, wedding events, and clinics. Her income covers school basics, occasional outings, and contributions to her mother and grandparents.
In 2024, during her first diploma year, overcommitting to gigs led to illness during exams. “I focused too much on money and neglected studies, impacting my grades,” she reflected. She graduated with an international business diploma from a private institution after 1.5 years and now seeks full-time work. Yet, she misses family dinners and conversations, sometimes breaking down from stress.
Teo Zhi Xian, 25, has juggled food-and-beverage jobs since secondary school in a single-parent home. He swaps financial aid with a close friend during tight times. School was manageable then, but tougher at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) with extended hours up to 6 p.m. plus group projects. Now pursuing a technical diploma in culinary arts at ITE College West, he cuts back on shifts due to higher demands. “The stress level is much greater now,” he said.
Muhammad Hanafi Hassim, 26, faced sudden upheaval in May 2023 when his mother passed away, his sister was incarcerated—leaving her children with him—and his father stopped working. As sole provider, he added night delivery shifts to his work-study program income. He graduated but missed advancing to a higher course. “It nearly derailed my turnaround; I felt defeated,” he admitted. Mentorship helped him resume studies; he now works at a youth charity while awaiting a new program.
Academic and Future Impacts
Work often leads to fatigue, reduced study time, and missed opportunities. Sarah notes peers can’t afford tuition—one session equals a day’s pay—limiting catch-up options. Free schemes exist but may not align with schedules or subjects.
Experts warn that prioritizing quick earnings can harm long-term prospects, fostering socioeconomic cycles. Desperation may push some toward risky paths like scams for fast cash. Necessity-driven jobs prioritize flexibility over resume value, skipping internships, clubs, or networks that boost employability. This slows academic paths and limits exposure.
Silver Linings and Needed Support
Despite drawbacks, many gain valuable skills. “It’s not wasted; I built responsibility, communication, and adaptability differently,” Nur Aqeelah said. Teo views his experience positively, aligning with his culinary goals.
Resilience emerges, but at a cost: unchecked stress risks anxiety, depression, and excessive duty into adulthood, per youth coaching experts. “They may struggle to rest or prioritize self-care without guilt,” one noted.
Financial aid offers relief. Teo benefits from a program providing long-term bursaries to disadvantaged youth, disbursing over S$972,000 to 170 students since starting. “It lets me focus on school without constant money worries,” he said. Aid should be flexible, avoiding heavy paperwork or performance ties that deter applicants.
For ongoing workers, empathetic employers and schools—with adjustable schedules or lighter loads—can prevent dropouts. Educators often guide students to resources proactively.
Long-term, holistic support is key: preserving education, skills, and networks for mobility. Programs exposing youths to careers, mentors, and mixing can spark curiosity beyond survival. As one expert put it, “Show them broader futures to break the immediate-income mindset.” Through such initiatives, Sarah secured a holiday HR internship at a law firm, igniting interest in the field.
