Balancing the pursuit of FIRE with meaning

I recently spoke with someone deeply immersed in the FIRE movement—tracking options, chasing returns, and dreaming of early retirement.

In pursuit of this goal, he had sacrificed much: restful sleep, hobbies, even his energy. He looked visibly older than his age.

It struck me how much of his life was deferred. Joy was postponed for some distant future, and his mind was constantly fixated on market movements and milestones.

Many of us fall into the same trap—seeing financial freedom as a prerequisite for happiness, especially when we feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs or routines.

Yet, it is a false trade-off.

We can be financially responsible and build wealth while living meaningfully today.

This is because one truth remains: youth never comes back.

In the late Charlie Munger’s last interview, CNBC’s Becky Quick posed a thought-provoking question: “Is there anything left on your bucket list, Charlie?”

He responded

That stuck with me—because some things, like youth and vitality, are not assets we can earn back later.

Rather than delay gratification, how about making life meaningful today?

As I reflect on my own life, three experiences so far have given me a lot of meaning and fulfilment.

1. Volunteering

In my early 20s, I started to question if I wanted to stay in Singapore and if I still loved this place as much. The country I grew up in had become drastically different over the years.

I was upset to see local employees being discriminated against in our own country in some sectors. I was worried about the future of our generation when I saw housing prices soaring much higher than the growth of our starting salaries. I was frustrated by how lower income elderly were left behind.

I guess our relationship with our country is similar to that we have for our religion and significant other. There will be moments of doubts.

Eventually, I made a choice: Instead of feeling upset, why not take action to make things better?

What gave me hope was volunteering with a credible opposition.

Many of the leaders I got to learn from were the true embodiment of what I felt high quality men and women were: cared for others beyond themselves; humble; well-groomed; great communication skills; assertive but not aggressive; rational and responsible.

I was fortunate to learn from a young age that leadership is not about superiority; achievement or glory. Good leaders make sacrifices for greater good.

My team mates used their free time after work to knock on doors; their weekends to distribute food; put themselves at risk; took a pay cut and opened themselves to intense public scrutiny.

Volunteering also taught me to think beyond myself.

I had the opportunity to engage; learn from and communicate with residents from all walks of life during grassroots.

Seeing how other lower-income Singaporeans live makes me grateful for what I have.

2. Being a content creator

Another formative experience I have is being a creator. There are many ways I have benefited.

This year, I had many opportunities to speak at E27 Echelon Summit; Channel News Asia; Endowus Wealthtech Conference and more. I got to meet many interesting people who I might not have met if I was not a creator.

Starting out was not easy at all. The conventional person who speaks about finance; work and public policy is a man in their 30s and 40s.

Looking young and having a more bubbly disposition were a disadvantage then. I was dismissed or underestimated for my appearance and tone.

There are a few things i have done to cope.

Firstly, I need to remember my why: I do this because I care about the challenges and aspirations of our generation. Content creation is a service to others. This is really about putting our generation at the heart and centre.

Also, I can turn this to an advantage by holding myself to a higher standard.

3. Working in SaaS

I am deeply grateful to work in SaaS.

The first benefit I feel is being exposed to Southeast Asia. I am really bullish about this market and have spoken many times about my excitement for this region. This is why I invested in a Southeast Asia fund and also choose regional roles.

The industry is fast-changing and filled with uncertainties. This trains me to never be complacent; to be resilient and ride the waves.

Like any industry, tech has a range of people. I found that the most driven and inspiring talent often clusters in high-growth companies.

These three areas—volunteering, content creation, and work—have grounded me, shaped my character, and brought meaning to my life.

While building a secure future is important, we should not forget to build a meaningful present too.

The pursuit of FIRE can be empowering but it should not come at the cost of meaning, health, or connection.

We do not need to delay joy or service until some distant milestone. We can build wealth and still choose to live fully today.