“What Would You Do with Life After 35? Singaporeans Share Dreams of Early Retirement “

SINGAPORE: The idea of retiring by 35 may seem like a fantasy, but that didn’t stop one online user from sparking a conversation among Singaporeans about how they would spend their lives if early retirement was an option. “If you had the choice to retire by 35, how would you spend your time for the rest of your life?” the user asked in a forum on Friday (March 15).

In response, Singaporeans shared a variety of ambitions, from pursuing passion projects to simply focusing on health and well-being. “Starting my own animal shelter is number one,” one user wrote, adding plans to “write a children’s book, travel with my parents, and finally start that small business I’ve always been too afraid to try.”

Another commenter envisioned a life of balanced health and giving back: “I’d focus on eating well and exercising, volunteer at shelters, learn new skills, and maybe do a little freelancing to stay busy.” Others echoed this sentiment, noting they would still take on some work. “I’d keep working just to stay sharp,” one person wrote, explaining that freelancing or remote work would allow for both income and flexibility for long breaks and travel.

Interestingly, some users reflected on the challenges of too much free time. “I had a colleague who won the lottery,” one user shared, describing how the colleague initially left his job to travel but returned to work after realizing he missed having purpose.

One commenter expressed that the idea of early retirement kept them motivated: “There are so many things I’d love to do if I weren’t tired from work all the time. Just thinking about early retirement is what keeps me going in the real world.”

These reflections highlight a common sentiment among Singaporeans—early retirement remains a dream that reveals aspirations beyond the traditional work-life cycle. For some, the thought of early retirement fuels hopes of fulfillment outside of work, especially in contrast to stories like that of an elderly cleaner who inspired many earlier this year with her determination to “support herself for life.”