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Writer's pictureXiner Gwen Yeo

Should I Travel or Spend The Money on Studies? A 2023 Perspective on Priorities.

In today's rapidly changing world, upgrading oneself is crucial to remain competitive and relevant in the job market. With Singapore being a hub of innovation and commerce, it is important for professionals working here to upgrade their skills and stay ahead of the curve.


However as the world goes into the gradual reopening of borders and the easing of travel restrictions, many people in Singapore are eager to travel again.


Traveling is definitely a popular pastime that many people enjoy. It provides an escape from the monotony of daily life, allows people to experience new cultures, and creates lasting memories.


With two choices and only so much monies in your bank for just one of them, which one should you be choosing? There is no easy answer so let us break things up and consider both options. Let us first look at the compelling reasons for needed to upgrade yourself:


  • The importance of upgrading in a competitive job market Singapore has a highly competitive job market, with many skilled professionals vying for a limited number of positions. Companies are constantly seeking employees with the latest skills and knowledge, making it crucial for individuals to upgrade themselves in order to stay competitive. By investing in your own skills and knowledge, you can increase your chances of being hired or promoted, and have a better chance of securing a well-paying job.

  • Benefits of upgrading for personal and professional growth. Upgrading oneself can bring about personal and professional growth. It allows individuals to learn new skills, develop their expertise, and increase their knowledge base. This can lead to increased self-confidence and a greater sense of fulfillment, which can positively impact all areas of life. It can also open up new career opportunities, allowing individuals to pursue new and exciting paths in their careers.

  • Staying relevant in a rapidly changing economy The economy in Singapore is rapidly changing, with new technologies and industries emerging all the time. By upgrading oneself, individuals can stay relevant and keep pace with the changes in their field. This helps them to remain competitive and in demand by employers. It also allows individuals to remain at the forefront of their industry, staying abreast of new developments and staying ahead of the curve.

  • The role of the government in promoting upgrading The government in Singapore recognizes the importance of upgrading and has implemented various programs and initiatives to encourage individuals to do so. These include the SkillsFuture initiative, which provides funding and support for individuals to pursue education and training in a range of fields. The government also offers subsidies and tax incentives for companies to invest in employee training, making it easier and more affordable for employees to upgrade themselves.

  • The benefits of upgrading for the economy as a whole Upgrading oneself not only benefits the individual but also has a positive impact on the economy as a whole. When individuals upgrade their skills and knowledge, they become more productive and efficient in their jobs. This leads to increased output and greater competitiveness for businesses. A highly skilled workforce also attracts foreign investment and helps to spur economic growth, making upgrading an important factor in the overall success of the Singaporean economy.


Traveling now

Singaporeans are eager to travel again after the borders have reopened due to pent-up demand for leisure and adventure after being cooped up for so long during the pandemic. The reopening of borders presents an opportunity to escape the monotony of everyday life and explore new destinations.

Some are also eager to reunite with loved ones who live abroad and experience different cultures. The easing of travel restrictions has reignited a sense of normalcy and freedom, and many are taking advantage of this by booking trips and making travel plans. Let's take a look at some of the important factors to consider a few factors before rushing to book your next trip.


  • Health and Safety Concerns The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and the situation is constantly evolving. Traveling to another country increases the risk of exposure to the virus, and it's important to weigh the potential health risks before making any travel plans. Making sure you have adequate insurance coverage too if you are bent on traveling.

  • Uncertainty of Travel Restrictions Travel restrictions and quarantine measures can change quickly, and it's possible that your plans may be disrupted. Before booking a trip, it's important to research the current travel restrictions of the country you are traveling to and plan accordingly.

  • Financial Considerations Travel can be expensive, and with the current economic uncertainty where big techs like Google and Microsoft are executing retrenchment never seen before, it's wise to consider your financial situation before making any big one-time purchases.

  • Focus on Self-Improvement With the extra time that travel restrictions have provided, many people have had the opportunity to focus on self-improvement. Instead of rushing to travel, consider using this time to invest in your own skills and knowledge, which can have a longer-lasting impact on your personal and professional life.


What we think

There is a compelling argument to be made for why one should save money on traveling and invest it in upgrading their skills and knowledge through taking a course instead. In our opinion, making the choice to study is a smart decision, both from a personal and professional perspective.


  • Taking a course or acquiring new skills has the potential to provide long-term benefits. When you travel, you may experience temporary joy and excitement, but the memories and experiences soon fade away. In contrast, when you invest in yourself by acquiring new skills, you can reap the benefits for years to come. Improved skills can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security, allowing you to enjoy a better standard of living in the long run.

  • Traveling can be expensive. Between the cost of transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, a trip can quickly add up, especially if you’re traveling to a popular tourist destination. By saving money on travel, you can instead use it to invest in a course or education that can provide you with tangible benefits. This investment can pay off in the long run, as you will have the skills and knowledge to advance in your career, allowing you to earn a higher salary and have greater financial security.

  • Taking a course or upgrading your skills can increase your self-esteem and confidence. When you acquire new knowledge and skills, you feel more competent and capable. This, in turn, can boost your self-esteem and confidence, which can have a positive impact on other areas of your life. Improved self-esteem and confidence can also make you more attractive to potential employers, as they are looking for employees who are confident, knowledgeable, and skilled.

  • Taking a course can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Traveling can be fun, but it can also leave you feeling unfulfilled, especially if you are seeking personal growth and development. In contrast, taking a course or upgrading your skills can provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as you work towards achieving a specific goal. This sense of purpose and fulfillment can be especially important for those who are feeling unfulfilled in their careers or who are seeking a change.

  • Upgrading yourself can be a more sustainable form of personal growth and development. Traveling, while enjoyable, can have a negative impact on the environment. Flying, for example, produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. As someone working in a B-Corp organization, taking a course or upgrading your skills is definitely a more sustainable form of personal growth and development for us, as it does not have a negative impact on the environment.



Skills you can consider

With the rapid pace of change in the world of work, it's more important than ever for individuals to invest in their own skills and knowledge. If you are clueless about what skills you need and are currently working in Singapore and here are some in-demand skills in the city-state.


  1. UI/UX Design UI/UX design is the process of designing and improving the user experience of digital products and services. In this digital economy, businesses of all sizes need to have a strong online presence in order to succeed. As a result, there is a high demand for professionals with UI/UX design skills. To effectively compete in the online space, businesses need to offer a smooth and user-friendly experience for their customers. UI/UX designers play a crucial role in making this happen, by creating digital products that are easy to use and visually appealing. As the importance of online presence continues to grow, the demand for UI/UX designers is only going to increase.

  2. Digital Marketing Digital marketing involves promoting products or services using digital channels such as social media, email, and search engines. With the boom of e-commerce, digital marketing is a crucial component of any successful marketing strategy. The rise of digital channels has also changed the way businesses reach and engage with customers. Digital marketing now allows businesses to reach a wider audience, target specific demographics, and measure the success of their marketing efforts. In order to remain competitive in today's rapidly changing world, professionals need to have a solid understanding of digital marketing and how to use it to their advantage.

  3. Professional Photography Photography is the art of capturing images and creating visual stories. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to improve your personal photography skills, upgrading your photography skills can be a great way to set yourself apart. Photography plays an important role in many industries, including advertising, media, and marketing. By having strong photography skills, individuals can use images to tell stories and communicate ideas, making them a valuable asset to any organization. Additionally, with the rise of social media, individuals can use their photography skills to build a personal brand and establish a presence online.

  4. Data Analytics Data analytics involves the collection and analysis of large sets of data in order to make informed decisions. In today's data-driven world, businesses need to be able to make sense of the vast amounts of information at their disposal in order to remain competitive. By having strong data analytics skills, professionals can help their organizations make informed decisions, understand customer behavior, and improve business operations. Additionally, as the amount of data being generated continues to grow, the demand for professionals with data analytics skills is only going to increase.

  5. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity involves protecting digital assets and information from unauthorized access or theft. With the increasing amount of sensitive information being stored online, the importance of cybersecurity has never been higher. To protect their digital assets and sensitive information, businesses need to have strong cybersecurity measures in place. Having a solid understanding of cybersecurity, professionals can help their organizations stay safe from cyber attacks and prevent data breaches. Adding in the growing threat of cybercrime, the demand for professionals with cybersecurity skills is only going to increase.


Whether you're just starting your career or are a well-established individual, investing in your own skills and knowledge is no doubt a great way to remain competitive and stay ahead of the curve.



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