Is it okay to not be so focused on career? Feeling like i'm under achieving because I'm contented having an avg income so long as we can pay for necessities.

Hello! Yes of course that is okay. As long as you feel contented I think that is the most important. It is definitely a lot easier said than done given how easy it is to give in to comparison with our peers. But if this arrangement works for you and your husband, I think where you are is a great place to be :)

In my opinion, it's OK as career is just a fraction of life - there are many other things in life that we can focus on (I.e. spend our time and attention) such as managing the family/kids, volunteering/ serving the community, self care etc. Like what others have commented below, the 'under achieving' mentioned could be due to comparison to others. As long as u and husband are in agreement and happy, it doesn't seem like a concern. Be happy!

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To maintain a certain lifestyle in Singapore, dual-income household is a norm. If your husband is okay with the current lifestyle and wants you to focus more on the family rather than your career, you don't need to be overly concerned about your mediocre pay then. However, think you should be "fair" to your colleagues too and don't be a roadblock at work.

Interesting question.

• My take is whatever you are doing, do it well. i.e. be focused. Be it working for an income, caring for the family, managing relationships. To me this is being responsible.
• If you feel you are under achieving - it could probably mean that your potential has not been fully unlocked - it's your will/desire to unlock it. If I were you, if it bothers me, I will seek a solution, if it doesn't and doesn't come back to haunt me, I explore how to make my life/lives of loved ones better.
• Comparison - everyone is precious and have their talents. You might be good in something else your husband is not good in.
• Avg income - as long as you can live simply or rather within your means then it's ok.
• Your question also seemed like "is it necessary to strive so hard?" - in the Singapore kiasu and kiasu and kia-everything - it feels like so... but we all know we need to balance our limited me time, faith time (meditation time), work and family time, u can also relax and take stock of your life.

Take care!