So Singaporean

One might say that Singapore's identity is best encapsulated by three things: scrumptious local food, the tissue 'chope-ing' (reserving) system, and tongue twisting abbreviations (we even have a Wikipedia glossary dedicated to them). Whether it's the country's low crime rate or clean and green landscape, there is no denying the charm of Singapore - even superstars Gong Li and Jet Li have become citizens here.

We're Hard Workers…and Unhappy Even so, Singaporeans aren't the happiest lot. According to a 2012 Gallup poll, - the same one that labelled Singapore "the most emotionless society" - Singaporeans are least likely worldwide to report feeling positive emotions. The findings suggested that people here were less "upbeat" than those living in war-torn places like Armenia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and these findings were also backed up by the the JobsCentral 2012 Work Happiness Report . Not surprising, considering the stream of complaints that flood Facebook walls and Twitter feeds every day. From transport systems and the weather to restaurant service and work, Singaporeans have no qualms about airing their grievances publicly. But as Gerald Goh, the Editor at JobsCentral, succinctly puts it, Singaporeans "can be very NATO - No Action, Talk Only". After all, if they were truly motivated to do something about their plight, they might consider visiting the JobsCentral Career and Education Fair 2013 to look for a more suitable career, or to upgrade themselves to help them land that dream job. When it comes to work however, locals seem to be highly dedicated to their jobs, no matter how they might feel about it. "There is a tendency for us to show that we're always willing to work, even during the weekend or holidays. Unfortunately, that's often counter-productive as you can't complete tasks effectively while on leave, and if you did, you'd probably feel resentful. It also eats into your 'me' time, which is important if you want to recharge and return to work a more productive person," says Gerald. Ratna Mas Ayu, a 21-year-old Copywriter, couldn't agree more, adding that our overzealousness is only a result of the rising benchmarks and standards in the workforce. "Perhaps this has something to do with the competitive culture in Singapore, what more with the rapidly growing workforce and influx of foreign talent," she says, "There are more and more requirements for the average Singaporean to meet." In 2013, Singapore retained her position as the most competitive city in Asia and third most competitive city globally, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Diverse Workforce Ratna adds that another highlight about working in Singapore is the multi-racial environment, which adds vibrancy to the workplace. She enthuses, "Work is always interesting as I get to interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It forms a communal setting, which is especially seen during festive seasons when companies would hold parties for their employees, be it during Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, or Christmas." An Appreciative Bunch For 21-year-old Diyanah Syafiqah, a Retail Assistant, working in Singapore means being a part of a close-knit and supportive network. Diyanah says, "In my workplace, it is custom to show appreciation towards one another. We even give small greeting cards to thank our fellow colleagues for helping out in tasks. This makes working a really pleasant experience!" Apart from warm gestures, employees in Singapore are also given incentives to motivate them at work. "In the retail line for example, staff are rewarded with a certain amount of money if they practise punctuality at work or do not take excessive amount of sick leaves. Part-timers and full-timers can receive up to $50 and $100 respectively," she says. One Singapore Singapore has come a long way since gaining independence in 1965. As we celebrate our homeland's 48th birthday on 9 August, we should also take the time to remember what makes us Singaporean. With the diverse composition of our citizens and languages, and the country's rich heritage, Singapore is a place where both the young and old can prosper comfortably. It is also a reminder that despite our different backgrounds, we are One Singapore. What makes working in Singapore so unique? Share with us in the comment box below! The JobsCentral Group, a CareerBuilder company, is the owner of JobsCentral.com.sg, one of Singapore's largest job and learning portals. Get a free career personality test and more career- and education-related articles at JobsCentral and JobsCentral Community. Alternatively, Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter for more career-centric content!