In Singapore, we’re all familiar with the 5Cs – Credit Card, Condo, Country Club, Cash and Car – which defined the Singaporean dream for young working adults in the 80s, like my parents. Well, I think the Singapore dream has since evolved but it's still a concept so deeply ingrained in our culture that it feels almost impossible to escape.

The Singapore Dream of kids born in the 90s

We were taught from a young age to aspire towards certain milestones: a degree from a prestigious university, a high-paying job, a Build-to-Order flat, a car, and the eventual goal of a comfortable retirement. It's a dream that popular culture, the media and society at large have “marketed” to us as the pinnacle of success – a checklist that seems to define our worth in society. At least, this is what it feels like to me as someone who was born in the 90s.

But what if that dream isn't mine? What if, instead of chasing after material aspirations that everyone else seems to be running after, I crave something different? It feels wrong to even think about veering off the beaten path, sometimes. The societal pressure is immense, and it often feels like wanting something different somehow makes me "less than" my peers.

The NEW Singapore Dream

In his 2024 National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke about how we should look at the refreshed Singapore dream that’s “not defined by material success alone, but also offering  meaning and purpose in our careers and lives”.

Some of us want to live a life that's rich in experiences, not possessions. Some of us value freedom, creativity and personal fulfilment over financial gain. Yet, the force of the original Singapore Dream is so powerful that we’re often left doubting our own desires – if we don't want what everyone else wants, we're somehow failing. Shouldn’t success be a personal journey, not a standardised checklist?

Redefining the Singapore Dream on my terms

For me, success isn't defined by wealth or crossing certain career milestones; it's about living a life that feels true to who I am. It's about following passions, nurturing meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on those around me. I find joy in the little things and strive to live without the weight of societal expectations.

As former US first lady Michelle Obama beautifully put it in her memoir Becoming: “Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.”

This quote resonates with me because it captures the essence of life as an ongoing journey, not a fixed destination.

I may not know exactly where I'll be in 20 years, but I believe in embracing the unknown and prioritising what truly matters to me. Right now, I often tell people I dream of being a farmer in retirement, yet I also cherish the idea of having a cosy home in Singapore. But, one thing I do know for sure is that I am leading the life I want.

I always remind myself that choosing a path that's different from the norm isn't just acceptable – it's courageous. It takes strength to say, "This isn't what I want," especially when the world is pulling you towards the status quo. And it’ll always be a challenge to stay on this different path you’ve chosen when we live in such a competitive society. I also reassure myself that wanting something different doesn’t diminish my worth; it simply reflects who I am.

Finding the courage and support to forge my own path

While having different life goals and living a life that strays from the norm might seem like a YOLO (You Only Live Once) move, this doesn’t mean being complacent about your dreams. It's important to ensure you have a strong foundation before pursuing those aspirations. Having good health, financial security and insurance allows you to chase your dreams with peace of mind. After all, you can dream of being a farmer in retirement, but without a safety net, an unexpected illness or financial burden could make it difficult to sustain that dream.

I have engaged my own financial adviser representative to guide me and help customise my protection plans to match my needs based on my version of the Singapore dream. This is to ensure that I’ll always have a safety net to fall back on in times of emergency.

At Singlife, we support every financial freedom dream because we understand that everyone's journey is unique and the need for security is universal. Your dream is in your hands, and we’re here to listen and tailor our services to support you at every stage of life, ensuring that no matter what path you choose, you're protected and prepared for whatever comes your way. With Singlife, you can focus on chasing your dreams by finding a better way to financial freedom.