I get the same sentiment from some local friends, but what I don't think they realise is finding the skill sets necessary for my role was really difficult to find locally according to the hiring team. Hence the negotiations went heavily in my favour as I had a lot more to lose.

i thought SDD is the career ceiling for most deg non scholars.

Well is it's any consolation i'm 28 and make $140k + $10k 'benefits' per annum. So you're definitely up there. I don't get to save much though since I rent close to the office and it takes a big chunk out of my salary. Hit $100k a few years back, so i haven't seen much growth and i guess its just my industry...

bach from nus 3rd class. earn 4.2k/month 32 yr old.

While you were partying, i was in the library studying...
While you were out enjoying your weekends, i was working in office...
While you were having a goodnight's sleep, i was responding to client/boss 2am email...
Life is fair...