Ashley Tan, 29, who quit her job at JP Morgan Singapore to travel.

[Franjipani]

I took a job at JP Morgan for the prestige. Quitting to travel changed the way I view success.​

Tess Martinelli
Tue, 19 November 2024 at 6:02 pm SGT4-min read

Ashley Tan

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ashley Tan, 29, who quit her job at JP Morgan Singapore to travel. It's been edited for length and clarity.

• Ashley Tan got a job at JP Morgan in Singapore after graduating from university.
• Tan felt her role was unfulfilling and a waste of her life, so she quit to travel.
• Traveling has shifted Tan's mindset, inspiring her to prioritize happiness over a traditional job.

I've always been a rule follower. After graduating from university, I went straight to work and took a role at JP Morgan for the company name. I was so used to following the rules and societal standards that I truly believed climbing the corporate ladder equated to success. However, I was unfulfilled.

In March, I quit my job to travel. I've been exposed to so many new perspectives that I never really got coming from an Asian society. It has given me a huge mindset shift.

I joined JP Morgan because of it's prestige​

I was hired by JP Morgan in December 2022 as an events and marketing analyst. It wasn't really a job I wanted, but because my parents and I think Singapore puts finance companies on a pedestal, I took it.

It wasn't all bad, though. I liked that I was doing something completely different than my previous jobs, most of which were writing-focused. This was front-facing, helping with client events and conferences, which was great for me as a people person.

However, I didn't feel like the company had much tolerance for my out-of-the-box ideas. My team and I were always pitching new ways to make events more exciting for clients, but we were shut down by higher-ups who ruled in favor of tradition and simplicity.

I get it because it's a bank, but I found it frustrating to have to stick to the old ways of doing things and I didn't feel fulfilled because I knew I didn't want to pursue marketing long-term. I felt like I was wasting my life.

I quit to travel because I felt like it was now or never​

I'd been wanting to take time off work to travel for several years, but I was scared because Singapore is a competitive society. Taking a career break is generally looked down upon or seen as a waste of time. Even so, I'd been putting aside a small portion of my income at JP Morgan for travel in case I could make it happen.

About a year into my time at JP Morgan, I reached out to my cousin, who had previously taken a year off of work to travel. Hearing her experience made me feel like I could do it. I knew I'd rather be out exploring and meeting new people than stuck at a job I didn't like for the sake of the company name.

I felt like it was now or never because I was approaching my 30s and knew I'd only gain more responsibilities as I aged. It was scary, but I officially quit JP Morgan in March because I knew I'd regret it if I didn't take the risk. I've been traveling for several months now, using my savings to fund it.

My parents are quite traditional and conservative, so they were shocked when I told them I was unemployed and planning to travel.

Leaving Singapore has given me a huge mindset shift​

Life has been great since I quit. I went to Bali for two weeks to dive and surf, then spent a month traveling through Europe, visiting friends and family, and meeting new people along the way.

However, after meeting travelers who are paving their own ways and prioritizing happiness, I realize it's up to me to make the life I want a reality. It's been an enlightening change.

I'm planning to try DJing, which I've wanted to do for the longest time, but I strayed away from it because it's not seen as a sustainable job in my family's eyes. If I fail, at least I tried; if I succeed, it'll be a wonderful surprise.

I'm still deciding what's next for me​

I've been applying to jobs while abroad, but I'm being very selective. I used to think any job was good as long as I was getting paid. You go in, do your work, and go home. Now I know I need to work for a company with bosses who are willing to listen, consider feedback, and grow.

If I don't manage to find something in Singapore, I'm thinking of moving to Australia to do a working holiday visa or even starting my own business. I'll find some time for DJing as well.

Concerned comments from friends and family have made me question my decision, and I don't know what's next for me, but I know I'm in the right place. Luckily, my experiences traveling outweigh being at an unfulfilling job.

If you've quit a high-paying job to take a career break and would like to tell your story, please email Tess Martinelli at [email protected].

 

[A Singaporean]

Cannot cut it say so. Typical Sinkie. Cannot swim say swimming costume too big.

 

[eatshitndie]

those who join jp morgan or morgan stanley in sillycon valley are run of the mill grads and can’t get a decent job in the hottest tech firms. no prestige at all.

 

[bobby]

No problem for her…go overseas and find AMDK and let them fuck for money

 

[steffychun]

Travel cost money. Sell your body earns money.

 

[Sustanon]

Oh.... I thought the narrative will be saying Ashley Tan, 29, quit her BS job at JP Morgan and became a hawker (hold a plate of food and smile for camera winks* winks*)

Garhmen pushing all the young people to become hawkers mah isn't it? Anyway Ashley Tan is highly likely a fictious character made up by the ministry of truth.... treat it as a form of entertainment can liao.....

 

[winners]

Travel cost money. Sell your body earns money.

FUCK YOU, YOU LAN CHIAO KIA, PU BOR KIA BASTARD.
YOU ARE A TYPICAL SICKO, PROBABLY BEING ABANDONED BY YOUR USELESS PARENTS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER AND THAT’S WHY YOU NOW HAVE THE SELF-INFERIOR PERSONALITY. YOU ARE SUCH A FAILURE IN SOCIETY.

 

[steffychun]

FUCK YOU, YOU LAN CHIAO KIA, PU BOR KIA BASTARD.
YOU ARE A TYPICAL SICKO, PROBABLY BEING ABANDONED BY YOUR USELESS PARENTS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER AND THAT’S WHY YOU NOW HAVE THE SELF-INFERIOR PERSONALITY. YOU ARE SUCH A FAILURE IN SOCIETY.

Fuck your parents yourself.

 

[congo9]

If she real, she must be loaded with ammo from her parents.

 

[syed putra]

If she real, she must be loaded with ammo from her parents.

Definitely. And dare to defy bosses. Definitely from the elites.

 

[mojito]

those who join jp morgan or morgan stanley in sillycon valley are run of the mill grads and can’t get a decent job in the hottest tech firms. no prestige at all.

Better than me. I o lever no chan to join jp mugan.

 

[oliverlee]

chor bo lan AM cock sucker

 

[oliverlee]

No problem for her…go overseas and find AMDK and let them fuck for money

AMDKs are famed for being fucking users. They will never pay sluts like this. FUCK and forget

 

[sbfuncle]

Quit to travel is better than quit to become a chicken.

 

[VanDick]

How come this slut don't dare to show her face? Is she suffering from some guilty conscience?

 

[eatshitndie]

Quit to travel is better than quit to become a chicken.

she will be broke in no time, then have to sell chee bye to say “see ya bye!”

 

[nabeifuckpap]

Typical PAP dog article from the most shitty media in Asia, matland Parliament is way better than this

 

[bigozt]

Looks like another privileged flat chested bitch getting off her chest. Good also, make way for people who will work.

 

[oliverlee]

Quit to travel is better than quit to become a chicken.

and how would you know she’s not giving free fucks on the road

 

[Balls2U]

I took a job at JP Morgan for the prestige. Quitting to travel changed the way I view success.​

Tess Martinelli
Tue, 19 November 2024 at 6:02 pm SGT4-min read

Ashley Tan

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ashley Tan, 29, who quit her job at JP Morgan Singapore to travel. It's been edited for length and clarity.

• Ashley Tan got a job at JP Morgan in Singapore after graduating from university.
• Tan felt her role was unfulfilling and a waste of her life, so she quit to travel.
• Traveling has shifted Tan's mindset, inspiring her to prioritize happiness over a traditional job.

I've always been a rule follower. After graduating from university, I went straight to work and took a role at JP Morgan for the company name. I was so used to following the rules and societal standards that I truly believed climbing the corporate ladder equated to success. However, I was unfulfilled.

In March, I quit my job to travel. I've been exposed to so many new perspectives that I never really got coming from an Asian society. It has given me a huge mindset shift.

I joined JP Morgan because of it's prestige​

I was hired by JP Morgan in December 2022 as an events and marketing analyst. It wasn't really a job I wanted, but because my parents and I think Singapore puts finance companies on a pedestal, I took it.

It wasn't all bad, though. I liked that I was doing something completely different than my previous jobs, most of which were writing-focused. This was front-facing, helping with client events and conferences, which was great for me as a people person.

However, I didn't feel like the company had much tolerance for my out-of-the-box ideas. My team and I were always pitching new ways to make events more exciting for clients, but we were shut down by higher-ups who ruled in favor of tradition and simplicity.

I get it because it's a bank, but I found it frustrating to have to stick to the old ways of doing things and I didn't feel fulfilled because I knew I didn't want to pursue marketing long-term. I felt like I was wasting my life.

I quit to travel because I felt like it was now or never​

I'd been wanting to take time off work to travel for several years, but I was scared because Singapore is a competitive society. Taking a career break is generally looked down upon or seen as a waste of time. Even so, I'd been putting aside a small portion of my income at JP Morgan for travel in case I could make it happen.

About a year into my time at JP Morgan, I reached out to my cousin, who had previously taken a year off of work to travel. Hearing her experience made me feel like I could do it. I knew I'd rather be out exploring and meeting new people than stuck at a job I didn't like for the sake of the company name.

I felt like it was now or never because I was approaching my 30s and knew I'd only gain more responsibilities as I aged. It was scary, but I officially quit JP Morgan in March because I knew I'd regret it if I didn't take the risk. I've been traveling for several months now, using my savings to fund it.

My parents are quite traditional and conservative, so they were shocked when I told them I was unemployed and planning to travel.

Leaving Singapore has given me a huge mindset shift​

Life has been great since I quit. I went to Bali for two weeks to dive and surf, then spent a month traveling through Europe, visiting friends and family, and meeting new people along the way.

However, after meeting travelers who are paving their own ways and prioritizing happiness, I realize it's up to me to make the life I want a reality. It's been an enlightening change.

I'm planning to try DJing, which I've wanted to do for the longest time, but I strayed away from it because it's not seen as a sustainable job in my family's eyes. If I fail, at least I tried; if I succeed, it'll be a wonderful surprise.

I'm still deciding what's next for me​

I've been applying to jobs while abroad, but I'm being very selective. I used to think any job was good as long as I was getting paid. You go in, do your work, and go home. Now I know I need to work for a company with bosses who are willing to listen, consider feedback, and grow.

If I don't manage to find something in Singapore, I'm thinking of moving to Australia to do a working holiday visa or even starting my own business. I'll find some time for DJing as well.

Concerned comments from friends and family have made me question my decision, and I don't know what's next for me, but I know I'm in the right place. Luckily, my experiences traveling outweigh being at an unfulfilling job.

If you've quit a high-paying job to take a career break and would like to tell your story, please email Tess Martinelli at [email protected].

Is that a tattoo above her right butt?