ST Headstart: What’s stopping young S’poreans from moving out?

Is co-living the answer for your own personal space?

Welcome to the latest edition of ST Headstart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times’ career, personal finance and lifestyle coverage every Tuesday noon. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.


For a growing number of young Singaporeans, moving out isn’t tied to marriage or a BTO. 

More are choosing to live on their own in rented spaces to gain independence, privacy and room to grow, even if owning a home remains the long-term goal. My colleague Christine Tan explores whether a new co-living initiative could help make that possible. 

Adulthood isn’t just about finding your own space, but also about figuring out how much of yourself to bring to work. Carmen Sin examines why coloured hair still carries a reputation for being unprofessional today, and how first impressions, workplace culture and long-standing stereotypes continue to shape perceptions. 

Read on for more stories on the cost of loving a pet in Singapore, and how to keep money talks with your friends from becoming an awkward affair. 

Fun fact: M&M’s stands for Mars and Murrie, the surnames of the company’s founders.

Stay curious and well-fed. 

More rental housing options being studied as demand from young S’poreans grows

These could include co-living, long-stay serviced apartments and Build-To-Rent models.

READ MORE HERE


askST Jobs: I’ve been told to sign an NDA before I can get my retrenchment payout. What should I do?

Experts say employees should not rush to sign NDAs before seeking advice and reviewing the terms.

READ MORE HERE


‘Are you sure you can afford it?’ — the hardest money question to ask your friends

Talking to friends about money can be sensitive. We explore the balancing act in this podcast.

READ MORE HERE


S’pore travellers say first holiday together more exciting than first kiss: Survey

Destinations like Tokyo and Bangkok were among the top choices for couples to spend their first trip together.

READ MORE HERE


The cost of loving a pet in S’pore

Owners face difficult choices when treatment outpaces affordability.

READ MORE HERE


From living on $1 bread to running his own mocktail business

His income from personal training dwindled to zero during Covid-19. 

READ MORE HERE

If you received this newsletter from someone, sign up here to get it right into your inbox!

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.