Should You Be Worried If Your Manager Says This Before You Even Join?

A recent r/askSingapore post by a jobseeker raised eyebrows when they shared a worrying conversation with their soon-to-be boss. What was supposed to be an introduction call turned into a warning list of expectations, making the OP (Original Poster) question if they were about to walk into a trap.

The Manager’s "Expectations"

The OP had already accepted the job offer but hopped on a call with the manager for a casual chat. Instead of a warm welcome, they got lines like:

• "Yes, it’s hybrid, but sometimes there needs to be someone in the team daily. And it may be you."
• "You are the youngest, you may need to help others with their work. You cannot be calculative."
• "You need to learn how to work hard."
• "I am sure your potential is there, and I can stretch you."

What started as an optimistic job opportunity quickly felt like a red flag parade. Was this just setting expectations, or was the manager subtly preparing OP to be the office sai kang warrior?

Singaporeans React: Red Flag or Just Reality?

Unsurprisingly, Redditors had strong opinions, and most agreed—this sounds bad.

🚩 "You Cannot Be Calculative" = You Will Do Extra Work for Free

One of the biggest red flags? The manager saying OP "cannot be calculative."

"Lowkey a red flag. He used the word calculative lol, meaning he’s gonna throw sai kang at you or other people’s shit and expect you to do it without complaints." – raiseyuorhandt

"Playing the age card is a glaring example of those who think they are just there to shake legs and collect pay while throwing the work to newbies." – Whole_Mechanic_8143

🚩 "Hybrid… But You Might Have to Come In Every Day"

Hybrid work? More like bait-and-switch. OP was told the role was hybrid, but now it sounds like they could be the one stuck in office every day.

"Lol that first line is a huge red flag liao. Sounds like something that happened to me before. Boss promised that it's a hybrid role but after I joined, told me I had to be in the office every day, before everyone else, because I was the newest staff." – etchxetch

🚩 "Youngest in the Team" = Free Labour?

Some also pointed out how the "youngest in the team" label was being used to justify extra work.

"This kind of thing is not play age one, this kind of thing be like arrow by experience one bru." – everywhereinbetween

"Reeks of 'We’re all family' vibes." – TheOne0003

Many also compared this treatment to NS culture, where juniors are expected to do all the tough jobs.

"When I used to work for SMEs, I thought it was normal for junior staff to work the hardest and longest hours while being paid the lowest. This was the Singaporean way, similar to how we were treated in NS." – Weenemone

🚩 Should OP Take the Job or Run?

While most people advised OP to think twice, some took a more practical stance.

"If you have an existing job, I think you can pass on this tbh. If you don’t, take it while continuing your search." – temporary_name1

"I'm in my mid-30s. Someone my age or older telling you this is a legitimate red flag. But it's a bad job market, so if I were you, I'd consider taking it up and evaluate the team within the first month. Cannot make it? Tender during probation." – Adventurous-Hope3945

Takeaway: Is This a Toxic Workplace or Just How It Is?

This post highlights a common issue in Singapore’s work culture—juniors being overworked, underpaid, and expected to just accept it.

Some companies still hold onto outdated mindsets, where:
✅ Junior staff = Extra workload dumping ground
✅ Hybrid = Boss decides when you WFH
✅ Working late = Working hard

The reality is, not all companies operate like this, and more Singaporeans are pushing back against toxic work practices. But when managers start dropping hints before you even start, it’s a good idea to pay attention.

Final Thought: Should You Accept the Job?

If you’re desperate for a job, it might be worth taking it for now while continuing to look for better opportunities. But if you have options, why settle for a workplace that’s already trying to arrow you before you even step in?