If you grew up in Singapore, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice from your parents:
“Study hard, or else you’ll end up sweeping the floor.”
“Do well in school, so you don’t have to drive a taxi.”
“Get a degree, so you don’t have to work under the hot sun.”
And these words come from love. Our parents want us to have a better life than they had. But embedded in those warnings is a subtle insult — that certain jobs are somehow “lesser,” “dirty,” or even shameful.
The construction worker. The plumber. The cleaner. The garbage collector. The migrant worker who bends steel and sweats under the sky so that our shiny skyscrapers can exist.
Without them, Singapore wouldn’t function. And yet, we discourage our children from aspiring to be like them.
Why the Stigma Exists
The stigma around “dirty” jobs isn’t unique to Singapore. Across many societies, there’s this idea that manual labour is something you do only if you have no other choice. If you’re educated, you should “rise above” it.
In Singapore, this mindset is amplified by our obsession with academic achievement. From PSLE to O-Levels to A-Levels to University, the message is clear: the higher your qualifications, the “better” your future. But “better” here almost always means cleaner, whiter-collar, preferably air-conditioned.
And so, “dirty” jobs become something to avoid, not admire.
The Economic Reality
But here’s the contradiction: our entire economy depends on these so-called “dirty” jobs.
Take construction. Who builds the MRT lines that we complain about? Who paves the roads, fixes the pipes, repairs the lifts, and clears the rubbish?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when migrant workers were confined in dormitories, Singapore had a rude awakening. Suddenly, we realised how fragile our infrastructure was without them. Projects stalled, repairs were delayed, and the nation had to admit — these workers weren’t invisible. They were essential.
And yet, we still don’t talk about these jobs with the same respect we give bankers, lawyers, or tech professionals.
In Other Countries, It’s Different
Here’s the irony. In other countries, some of these “dirty” jobs are not only respected but also high-paying.
Take plumbing, for example. In Singapore, being a plumber isn’t an aspiration most parents would encourage their child to have. But in countries like Australia, Canada, and Germany, plumbers are in high demand and command impressive salaries.
In Australia, the average plumber earns around AUD 85,000 a year. Skilled ones can earn over AUD 100,000 — more than many university graduates. In Canada, a master plumber can make upwards of CAD 70,000 annually, and in Germany, plumbing is a highly regarded Handwerk (craft), with apprenticeships that combine technical skill with professional respect.
Why? Because people understand that these jobs require expertise, training, and responsibility. A plumber isn’t “just” fixing leaks. They’re ensuring clean water systems, sanitation, and the health of entire communities.
In those societies, a plumber is not someone you look down on. They’re someone you call in panic when your toilet overflows. And you pay them good money to save you from drowning in your own bathroom.
Changing the Narrative
So why are we still telling our kids to avoid these jobs?
Part of it comes down to perception. If society calls a job “low-class,” people believe it, regardless of how important or skilled it is. But perceptions can change. After all, nurses were once seen as “assistants” to doctors, with little prestige. Today, nursing is widely recognised as an honourable, professional, and vital career.
We need to do the same with so-called “dirty” jobs. Because there’s nothing inherently “dirty” about them. What’s dirty is our attitude towards them.
Imagine if we taught children that fixing a leak is as valuable as writing a legal contract. That clearing rubbish is as vital as balancing financial statements. That building homes is as noble as selling them.
Because the truth is, Singapore can survive without another lawyer. But without plumbers, cleaners, and construction workers, the city collapses. Literally.
A Shift We Need
To get there, we need more than lip service. We need systemic change.
- Education systems should highlight skilled trades as dignified and necessary, not as a “last resort.”
- Media portrayals should celebrate these workers, not just in National Day montages, but in everyday stories.
- Policies should ensure fair pay, proper recognition, and opportunities for Singaporeans who wish to pursue these jobs.
Because here’s the reality: these jobs aren’t going away. In fact, as Singapore develops, demand for skilled trades will only grow. And if we don’t start valuing them, we’ll always be stuck relying on others while looking down on them at the same time. That’s hypocrisy.
A Reflection
So on this Labour's Day, let us all reflect. At the end of the day, the worth of a job isn’t determined by whether it makes your hands dirty. It’s determined by the skill, the effort, and the necessity of that job in keeping society running.
There’s a Malay peribahasa that says: hanya Jauhari mengenal manikam — only a jeweller knows a gemstone. In other words, only someone with true understanding can recognise true value.
It’s time we become that jeweller. Time we see the gem in every worker who builds our homes, clears our rubbish, fixes our leaks, and keeps our city alive. Because without them, Singapore is just a polished shell with nothing inside.
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