Working for as Long as She Can

Mdm Tjai is 65 this year. She has spent years working as a cleaner, taking pride in doing her job well and earning her own keep. “I like to work,” she says. “As long as I can still move, I want to earn my own money.”

Divorced and living alone, she has learnt to rely on herself through most of her life. She is not in regular contact with her siblings and has very limited family support. Until recently, she was earning about $1,900 a month and managing independently — covering rent, utilities, groceries, and her medical appointments without relying on social assistance.

Even with chronic back pain, diabetes, and high cholesterol, she continued working. Staying active matters to her. So does being financially independent.

When Work Suddenly Stopped

Earlier this year, her employer sought to redeploy her to a worksite in the eastern region of Singapore. The longer commute would have meant significantly higher transport costs and many more hours spent travelling each day.

“With my back pain, I already feel tired after work,” she shared. “If I travel so far every day, my body cannot take it.”

Unable to accept the redeployment, her contract was not renewed. Her $1,900 monthly income stopped almost immediately.

She has recently begun receiving the Silver Support Scheme, but the quarterly payout is not enough to cover her daily living expenses during this period of unemployment. Rent, food, utilities, transport, and medical costs continue each month. Without steady income, the strain has been growing as she searches for work.

Still Trying, Still Showing Up

Despite these setbacks, Mdm Tjai continues trying to regain stability through her own efforts. She remains motivated to seek employment, hoping to find work that is less physically demanding and better suited to her health condition.

“I don’t want to depend on people if I can still work,” she says. “If there is something suitable, I will do.”

What keeps her going is the encouragement from neighbours and members of the Marsiling community. Some have checked in on her regularly. Others gently encouraged her to seek temporary support so she would not exhaust her limited savings. Their concern has reminded her that she does not have to carry everything alone.

She remains grateful for those who have journeyed alongside her during this difficult season while she works toward regaining stability.

What We’re Raising Funds For

For now, Mdm Tjai needs short-term support while she continues searching for suitable work.

We are raising $1,343.76* ($440 x 3 months) to cover three months of her basic living expenses. This will help pay for rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and her ongoing medical needs while she secures employment without falling into deeper financial difficulty.

What This Support Will Mean

For Mdm Tjai, this support is about time.

With three months of living expenses covered, she can continue attending medical appointments and focus on finding work that fits her health needs, without the constant worry of unpaid bills.

“I just need some time,” she says.

This support will give her that time and the space to stand on her own again.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.