The "Hungry" Debate

May 30, 2026

Recent news about how a recruiter declared, ‘We don’t see that hunger anymore’ sparked intense discussions on social media platforms. Personally, I find the word "hunger" quite emotive; it carries a tinge of desperation. Words like "motivated" or "drive", on the other hand, sound far more uplifting and positive, which are likely what the recruiter, Lee Shulin, actually meant.

There are undoubtedly many reasons for the apparent lack of hunger Shulin observes in Singapore. After all, we are a wealthier nation GDP-wise compared to our neighbours. Our standard of living is higher (and costlier), meaning that for the same budget, companies can often hire two to three times the headcount in neighbouring countries. While the quality of work there might not always match Singapore's baseline, sometimes quantity beats quality, especially now, when the right use of generative AI can bridge that quality gap. Honestly, when I was a hiring manager, these were my exact considerations. But does that mean Singaporeans are less hungry? I don't think so. I have personally crossed paths with incredibly hardworking and driven individuals here.

This whole discussion prompted me to reflect on my own journey. As a young professional with barely a year of experience under my belt, I was fiercely willing to go the extra mile. I worked weekends at events and once even flew to China on a last-minute business trip while still recovering from a severe bout of stomach flu. Back then, I was young, energetic, and single (soon became married without children). 

However, once I had a baby (and later another), my priorities naturally shifted. Managing a career while caring for a baby felt like working two full-time jobs. I had to become laser-focused on what needed to be done during office hours so that, after work, I could give my full attention to my children. Did that mean I was less hungry? Again, I don’t think so. It just meant I was working smarter and becoming far more judicious about where and how I spent my time. Suddenly, phrases like "moving the needle" and "keeping an eye on the future" weren't just corporate buzzwords — they became my frequent reminders.

So, perhaps it’s time to retire the outdated expectation of "hunger" as a metric for professional worth. True career longevity isn't about running yourself ragged or surviving on desperation; it’s about sustainable ambition. As your life evolves, your drive doesn't disappear, it matures.

Are you trying to redefine what success looks like in your current season of life? Let’s connect and figure out how to move your needle without losing your balance.