You don't need alcohol to do well in your career

The tech industry is known for its fast pace and high-performance culture, which often comes with a fair share of stress.

In this environment, alcohol tends to take center stage—whether it’s at networking events, team bonding sessions, or just unwinding after a long day.

When I was younger, I’d find myself drinking 2-3 times per week as I go for these events after work.

These days, I still join these activities. However, you would usually find me sipping sparkling water with a slice of lemon instead.

As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve made a conscious choice to significantly cut back on alcohol.

Despite being in a customer facing role, I do not drink.

Here is why:

1. Alcohol is Harmful in Any Amount 

The narrative that “moderation is key” often masks the truth: Alcohol is harmful even in small amounts.

Research consistently shows that any amount of alcohol is unsafe. Alcohol is a carcinogen, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and disrupts the body’s natural processes, including sleep and recovery.

By not drinking, I avoid short-term effects like sluggish mornings, poor sleep or reduced productivity.

In a demanding career like tech sales, where sustained performance and energy are critical, I cannot afford to compromise my well-being.

By not drinking, I have created a foundation for greater emotional stability and mental clarity.

While career is important to me, I do not have to pay for career with my health.

2. We do not need alcohol to bond and be socially confident

There’s a common belief that alcohol is the social glue that brings people together.

In tech, it often takes center stage at team dinners, client outings, and celebratory happy hours.

For those of us who are naturally shy, a drink or two can feel like a quick way to ease into conversations and feel more confident in social settings. In my earlier years, I bought into this idea—I thought alcohol was the key to breaking the ice and fostering camaraderie.

Over time, I realized something important: if my social skills were truly strong, I did not need alcohol to connect with others.

Genuine relationships aren’t built on what’s in your glass—they’re built on authenticity and empathy.

3. Stress Relief Without Dependence 

Alcohol can initially lower inhibitions and produce a sense of calm by affecting the central nervous system. This can create a perception of stress relief.

It temporarily boosts dopamine, a "feel-good" neurotransmitter, making individuals feel relaxed or euphoric.

I firmly believe that leaning on alcohol as a crutch for stress relief is neither sustainable nor empowering.

Instead, I’ve turned to other means for healthier stress-management strategies.

Strength training, running, mindfulness practices, and time spent in nature help me decompress without any negative side effects. These activities not only reduce stress but also leave me feeling energized.

Another tool I use is time alone and reflection to process stress in a constructive way. Journaling, reading, or simply sitting with my thoughts has proven to be far more effective than turning to a drink.

This approach aligns with my values of self-awareness and self-reliance.

Part of growing up is realizing that you do not have to conform to social norms that do not align with your values—you can choose to live intentionally.

Doing well in this industry is not about how many rounds you can handle, it is about the results you deliver and the genuine relationships you build.

This decision hasn’t distanced me from opportunities. If anything, it’s strengthened my sense of purpose and ability to thrive in a demanding industry.

Minimizing alcohol has been a powerful step toward greater health, resilience, and authenticity—and I know it’s a choice that will continue to empower me as I grow as a professional and person.

Getting international exposure at work

I have been speaking to the Economic Development Board quite a bit because of work. They shared this exciting scheme with me which I felt was really awesome.

One of the common gripes by senior management is that they find it hard to promote locals because they lack regional or global experience.

To encourage more Singaporeans to venture overseas for their career development, Workforce Singapore recently launched the Overseas Market Immersion Programme.

If a company sends a Singaporean or PR abroad for a minimum of 6 months, the government will provide funding of up to 70% of workers’ salary and monthly allowance of $3,000 over 9 months.

Here is a snippet from their infographic which outlines the criteria

The benefits are two fold

1. Support companies in their expansion plans. Sending workers overseas also enables our companies to internationalise or expand their overseas operations.

2. Equip workers with experience in overseas markets, knowledge of the local operating environment and the ability to work across multi-geographical teams.

Learn more here

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