Thinking of stopping work for 3 yrs
mid 30s female. Monthly salary 9.5k. Annual package 175k on average (varies spending on bonus).
I’m thinking of taking a 3 year break from work & following my partner who will be working overseas soon. His company will provide $3k monthly allowance for me (spouse), cover our rental costs there & all healthcare expenses.
Is it wise for me to do so, or should I continue working? I do want to retire at 50 so I am thinking this decision might set me back a few years. But I also want to take a break cos it’s a lifetime chance for me to rest, and also i do not want LDR.
My financial situation now (does not include my partner):
$108,000 invested in US stocks.
$80k invested in SGX stocks
Approx $550k in cash, which I currently put in money market funds.
CPF
$22k in OA ($222k is in my property now)
$114k in SA, $79k in MA.
Housing
I have a property owned under my name, with a $1m mortgage. Bought at $1.4m which I intend to sell at some point and downgrade to HDB. I can rent out for around $4-$4.1k rental income if I do follow my partner to overseas, and sell before I return. Monthly mortgage is around $3.6k currently.
No car.
My company is ok to wait for me to return so I can still go back to my job after 3 years.
No children and no intention of having any.
Appreciate advice.
Posted Apr 5, 2026, 3:00 AM UTC