Leon Lim, a computer engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore, left behind his six-figure salary as a cybersecurity specialist to join his wife's family funeral business.

"It was a very difficult decision," Lim told Business Insider, noting that while he took a 20% pay cut, he has found the work far more meaningful and rewarding. He now works as operations development manager at Casket Fairprice, a company founded by his wife's grandfather in 1993.

Lim said he was inspired after watching his wife, Rachael Tay, interact with grieving families and modernize the business. Unlike tech, where rules and systems are clearly defined, funeral work demands empathy, adaptability, and emotional resilience.

"Fulfillment is not just about income. It is also about the difference I make and the professional growth I gain from tackling meaningful challenges."

The transition was challenging, but with Tay and her family's support, he learned how to handle clients and organize wakes. "We have to stay calm and collected and be there for them."

The couple also sees untapped opportunities to integrate technology into the funeral industry. Lim has already introduced AI-powered tools, a chatbot to answer questions about funeral customs and a digital planner to help families arrange services virtually. They are also experimenting with AI memorials that compile tributes, photos, and memories for future generations.

Despite the pay cut and challenges, Lim has no regrets. The funeral industry is traditional and slow to modernize, he said. "It gets me very interested and really makes me wonder, what possibilities are there?"