What is with the work ethic?

[Lisk]

Yeah, work culture in US/Oz much better than SG, anytime.

there is a saying that the local SG blokes 'live to work' and the local bosses still adopt the patriarchal attitude - top down, 'don't argue, just do' kind of attitude.  this is still a quasi-communist country and most of the local SMEs exist to service the MNCs.  risk taking is hardly a common trait. Mavericks who are innovative and creative would be like the lone bird at the top of the hill, only to be shot down. there is no legislation that protects workers rights, especially women in maternity.

The best local workers are found in the top MNCs, without a doubt. As for the rest, you got to ask why they are slogging away in lesser locally run businesses.

[titan]

oh wow..I totally feel this guy

I just lost my job due to 2 customer complaints, complaints that I feel were minor when compared to my excellent attendance record, honesty (I notified them that they over paid me once and offered to return it) fact that I never take MC but everyone who is local Singaporean has on the staff.  When I would get criticized, I would try to calmly defend myself or explain why I DID something the way I did and they would accuse me of being argumentive.