Ex-Meta engineer quits high-paying tech job to sell Hokkien Mee in Singapore, video leaves internet stunned

Alvin Tan’s decision to leave his profession and pursue hawker life gained attention after he was interviewed by financial content creator Louisa Tay.

In the video, Tan explained that he quit his job at Meta to follow a different path in the food business. He said he chose hawker life because he found his previous role as a software engineer “boring”.

Tan added that while he once earned two to three times more in his tech job, the reality of corporate work did not align with his expectations, despite the prestige of working at a leading global tech company.

The interview, shared by Tay on Instagram, carried a reflective caption asking whether, in a society that prioritises practicality over passion, it still makes sense to follow one’s passion—or whether true practicality lies in pursuing what one genuinely believes in.

The video sparked mixed reactions online. Some users noted that while artificial intelligence may eventually replace certain software engineering roles, traditional hawker work remains largely irreplaceable.

“AI can replace software engineer jobs, but cannot replace Hokkien Mee hawker,” one user commented.

Others praised Tan’s humility and approach. “I think you are doing well because you are one of the most sincere and honest hawkers in Singapore. It probably translates into your dishes. Keep it up and be kind to your girlfriend as well,” another wrote.

Another user added: “So humble and down to earth. With that mindset, you’ll succeed.”