As an investment professional, I know how easy it is to get caught between two extremes: chasing financial independence to retire early or staying in the industry far longer than we should — trading time for titles, bonuses, and perceived security. I’ve seen both paths lead to regret. That’s why I believe the real goal isn’t early retirement or late retirement — it’s meaningful retirement. There’s a magic window when we still have health, time, and financial freedom. The key is knowing when to step into it — and making sure you’ve built more than just wealth along the way.
Work is often stressful, especially in banking and finance. So it’s no surprise that some professionals dream of leaving behind the daily grind as soon as they can. Lying on a beach and never having to reply to another work email seem enticing, especially when you have toxic colleagues and unreasonable bosses to deal with. However, after retiring, when the stress disappears, the golf course starts to feel repetitive, and spa days lose their magic. You begin to wonder: Is this it?
Even though I have achieved my financial freedom, I’ve never quite subscribed to the FIRE movement because I know having money alone is not enough for a fulfilling retirement. If you spend much of your prime years solely focused on wealth accumulation, and neglect your relationships, interests, and your identity outside of work, you may find yourself having no purpose and no network post-retirement.
Retiring at Retirement Age
At the other end of the spectrum are those who wait too long to retire — setting ever-higher goals, afraid to leave the security or status of their careers. A LinkedIn poll I conducted showed that more than one-third of 2030 respondents believe they need at least $10 million to retire. Do we really need this much to retire?
In banking and finance where the salary is good, it’s easy to stay in a job that you are no longer passionate about, just to keep clipping the coupon. In doing so, you may be missing out on the magical stage of your life.
The Three Stages of Life
Life can be divided in three stages:
Stage 1: Youth
You have time and health, but not much money (unless you have a trust fund).
Stage 2: Mid-Life
You have money and health, but very little time — career and family consume most of it.
Stage 3: Old Age
You have time and money (hopefully), but health begins to deteriorate.
But there’s a magical stage between Stage 2 and 3 where you have all three: time, health and money. Some people extend Stage 2 for too long, chasing promotions, accumulating wealth, and missing this precious window to live fully and intentionally.
I left banking in 2017 to get into this magical stage where I have freedom to do what I like, and with whom I like. To make the most of this magical phase, and to ensure your retirement is meaningful, not just comfortable, you first need to build three forms of capital: financial capital, human capital, and social capital.
Financial Capital
This is the most obvious form of retirement readiness. You need enough money to support your lifestyle, healthcare, and travel plans.
During my banking years, I lived below my means. I didn’t buy the Ferrari. I didn’t dine often at Michelin-starred restaurants. I wore a Timex instead of a Rolex.
When I left UBS and returned from Hong Kong to Singapore, I bought the cheapest car I’ve ever owned. At first, I wondered: “Would people look down on me now that I no longer have the MD title or a luxury car?”
I was overthinking. No one cared. What people did care about was how I transitioned — from banker to lecturer and writer with a large following on LinkedIn. Wealth doesn’t need to be displayed. Let your actions and impact speak for themselves.
For my personal investment, I’ve shifted from properties and stocks into bonds and ETFs to reduce risk.
Human Capital
This refers to your skills, knowledge, and interests — the things that give you a sense of identity and purpose beyond your job title.
Throughout my career, I invested in myself. I took courses that sparked my curiosity — not just finance, but graphic design and portrait photography. I incorporated those passions into my work, even offering to be the photographer at client events.
I loved teaching, so I volunteered to conduct internal training for departments like credit, compliance, and legal, even though it wasn’t part of my KPIs. In the evenings, I taught finance as an adjunct associate professor at a top university in Asia. While still in banking, I started writing about career development on LinkedIn.
Today, these skills and interests serve me well. I collaborate with major brands on sponsored content and events and continue to find fulfillment in the work I choose.
Social Capital
This is the trust and goodwill you’ve accumulated over the years by treating others with respect and helping them. You’ll need plenty of it after you quit your day job.
When I published my book Small Actions, former banking colleagues supported me by buying multiple copies for their juniors. Some recommended me for speaking gigs; others regularly engaged with my LinkedIn posts.
What many people don’t realize is a full-time job offers daily networking opportunities: you meet new colleagues and clients. After you retire, your social circle can shrink quickly. You tend to meet the same few friends, and you stop gaining new perspectives.
When I was still a banker, I made a point to expand my network beyond the office. Today, I interact with many young professionals from diverse industries who keep me updated and relevant. While you are at your day job, invest in others: buy lunch and coffee, mentor junior colleagues, and support your friends’ projects.
Don’t Just Accumulate Wealth, Accumulate Life Too
Whether you retire early, late, or somewhere in between, to retire well, you need more than a number. You need financial, human, and social capital. Until you’ve built enough of all three and found a meaningful project to embark on, there’s no need to rush. But don’t wait so long that you miss your magic stage when you have wealth, health, and time.
Retirement is not about slowing down or living a relaxed life. It is your grand finale.
