The First Day I Left My Parents’ House, I Cried’: Local Actor Reflects on Challenges of Living Alone in Singapore

Living independently for the first time can seem exciting, with the allure of newfound freedom. However, local actor and content creator Leon Lee recently opened up about the realities and challenges of moving out of his parents’ house and living on his own.

In a heartfelt video, Leon shared his experiences from the past year of living with his girlfriend, offering insights and advice for those considering taking the leap into independent living.

One of his key tips was to “find a good agent.” Leon recounted how searching for a place by himself was exhausting, but he eventually found the right property with the help of a recommended agent.

The cost of independence
Leon was upfront about the financial burden of living on your own, warning that it can be very expensive. With 3-room HDB flats renting for around $4,100 a month, managing personal utilities like electricity and daily essentials can add up quickly.

Beyond the financial aspects, Leon emphasized the emotional challenges, particularly loneliness. “There’s nobody around you to make sure that you get things done, or for you to talk to as well,” he said, explaining that the lack of support forces you to develop personal discipline and self-reliance. From filing taxes to cooking regularly, living alone teaches essential adulting skills.

“I remember the first day I left my parents’ house, I cried,” Leon admitted, realizing how sheltered he had been and how much he would have to navigate on his own.

Mixed reactions
Leon’s candid sharing resonated with many netizens, who appreciated his honesty and asked for more insights on managing finances while living independently. However, others were more skeptical, with some suggesting that it might be better to stay with parents, given the downsides. One commenter quipped, “Moral of the story, stay with your parents.”

Solo struggles of others
Leon isn’t the only local personality to reflect on living alone. Earlier this year, content creator Clara Chua, known as Explodingbelly, shared her own struggles with solo living. For her, dealing with bugs and the awkwardness of small talk with neighbors while taking out the trash topped the list of inconveniences.

Though living independently can be daunting, both Leon and Clara’s experiences highlight the balance between freedom and responsibility that comes with adulthood.