Take a reader article from AK: Scolded by wife for thinking about financial freedom
I can really feel the reader's struggles from his letter - it's something that is just not widely accepted in a society like Singapore.
It's similar to "expectations" to get married (despite it being a VERY BAD DECISION if you do it for the sake of doing so), expectations to "get a job", expectations to "climb the ladder". If you have no ambitions to chase these things, you're considered a "good for nothing" or "lazy bum".
I shall walk my own path - 不在乎世俗的眼光
“Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement. In a culture that relentlessly promotes avarice and excess as the good life, a person happy doing his own work is usually considered an eccentric, if not a subversive. Ambition is only understood if it’s to rise to the top of some imaginary ladder of success. Someone who takes an undemanding job because it affords him the time to pursue other interests and activities is considered a flake. A person who abandons a career in order to stay home and raise children is considered not to be living up to his potential — as if a job title and salary are the sole measure of human worth.
You’ll be told in a hundred ways, some subtle and some not, to keep climbing, and never be satisfied with where you are, who you are, and what you’re doing. There are a million ways to sell yourself out, and I guarantee you’ll hear about them.
To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble.”
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On the positive side of thing, an interesting comment from the article by BigCatBlue:
"As an investor, I need people to believe in working and spending. Do it as much as possible. In put it crudely, greed is good.
Imagine if the companies that I have invested in found out that most people, if not all people are financially secured. They don't need to slave over a mortgage, put good food on the table, upgrade their car and condo, and enjoy all the trappings life can offer. Employees will revolt! Who then will work for me while I collect dividend and enjoy a slower pace in life?
Masses of people thinking of financial independence -- that I am afraid. Please labour on for our sake."
