Clearly, the real problem isn’t work itself – many people find meaning, identity, and purpose through their work. Rather, it is the lack of control over what, how, when, and why we work that has us dissatisfied.
Financial freedom can still mean not working at all, but it’s important for us to understand that this isn’t the only version of true freedom.
Maybe it’ll mean a smaller pay cheque, but while it may look to others like you’re settling for less, you’re in fact gaining more in time, autonomy, and peace of mind.
Ironically, when we do work that we’re passionate about – work that energises us instead of draining us – we are much more likely to stay the course.
WE DON’T HAVE TO WAIT
Even so, I get why FIRE remains so popular not just in Singapore but around the world.
Trying to achieve financial security is getting trickier and trickier, especially in a world where inflation only seems to keep climbing and job stability is quickly vanishing in the face of repeated layoffs and the proliferation of artificial intelligence.
That’s why the FIRE movement appeals to millions of people around the world, because it seems to offer a solution. A way to regain control.
But the core tenet of financial independence was never about never working again – it about never needing to work out of fear or survival.
So instead of running towards an arbitrary finish line, consider the path you’re on instead. Is there a way to redesign the way work fits into your life now?
We don’t have to wait until we retire, whether it’s early or not.
Dawn Cher, also known as SG Budget Babe, has been running a popular blog on personal finance for the last 10 years.
