From Wealth to Health

 

Again, we have come to the end of 2025.

This year, there had been a lot of focus placed on making money, Whether it’s via investment or other businesses. I had invested a lot on knowledge; financial knowledge to increase my passive income and the ability to retire early and be financially free.

There was a great desire in me to be financially free. There were many moments that motivates me to retire early because I wasn’t very happy in my job. So I took up courses from knowledgeable investment gurus like Sean Seah and Adam Khoo. I even picked up crypto courses and attempted to set up a newsletter business. I set aside a sum to set up my newsletter business. A newletter business earns from advertisements clicks. I also took a lot of time writing newsletters. Because of the AI boom, with ChatGPT, as well as other AI image-creation tools, I thought creating images, writing newsletters would be a breeze. Indeed, I could not have written a piece of newsletter on my own and publish it to the public, if not for AI. It was really easy to create a beautifully-written piece as well as interesting images for my newletters. However, it was tremendously time-consuming. On top of the weekly sessions on investments, I had to churn out two newletters a week at least for the first half of the year. It took so much time away from me and when my newsletter business started to grow from two digits to 3 digits, the advertisements platform banned my account, for no rhyme, or reason. I began searching for alternatives and I shifted to another platform, but the click-through rates were miserable. I lost my motivation. I stopped attending any of the classes, and I stopped writing my newletters altogether.

Other than trying to source for income through the newsletters and my investments. I also picked up a caregiver course through Homage and I’m currently serving clients that live within walking distance from my house. I chose to take on this route because I believe the caregiving skills are really important and will be useful to me one day, this additional freelance job allows me to work, only when I’m free.

Right now, I am mainly focusing on myself, building up strength through Pilates. I find Pilates workout very sustainable for me. It has sustained my interest for a year now and I intend to continue with Pilates in 2026. Without the hustle of making money through my newsletters or attending weekly lessons, I find myself able to focus on my mental well-being and able to spend time with my loved ones. I must say that I have picked up some investment knowledge sufficiently enough to make some earnings though not enough to replace my day job.

Let me move on to my day job. I’m not sure if I have mentioned before, I manage to get a contract extension of two years and I was in the top 10% of the entire group to be selected for this extension. Needless to say, when you are working with people who are very outstanding, bosses who are very demanding, life is not a bed of roses. In addition, the job scope is pretty different as we are exposed to the actual civil service work instead of operational work that I was used to. We are expected to do proper staff work, know how to staff our bosses and understand the bureaucracy within the ministry. The learning curve was steep, but since one year has passed, I’m getting the hang of it. Of course, I also struggle with getting recognition from my bosses as my work may not require me to be in a limelight most of the time. I might have come to terms with it for now, but I hope that in 2026, I would not need to experience disparity in treatment again.

The highlight of my work was actually securing an MOU with a partner organisation. Although this was a high-profile project, the bosses don’t see this as an operational requirement. In 2026, I am planning to secure more of such contracts.

Next, let me talk about my family. Baby A has grown up big. He has started to beef up, outgrowing all his clothes. He has learnt to watch social media, and has picked an American slang. From a puny boy who was timid, to a stout, confident boy. He talks a lot more now, of course, it comes with talking back at us too. But I rather he be comfortable and confident than being scared of others. He doesn't like to study so it takes quite a bit of effort to guide him and reduce his screentime. But I’m relieved that he has no health issues and that’s all that matters.

Last but not least, my love, my partner L, we are still very much in love. L was out of job for 4 months. I was feeling uncertain and insecure. However, I had clear voices in my head that I cannot act like my ex who was very unsupportive when I was jobless. I was glad the tough times did not last long. We have lived with each other for 2 years now and life has never been easier. 

Travelling this year was mainly short trips to JB, a trip to BKK with L and a 30th anniversary trip with DAHMN. I ticked my bucket list this year, finally travelled on SQ Biz class. The trip was planned a year ahead and I was able to relax since I did not have to take care of the big and small boys. The trip rejuvenated me and I am charged up to plan longer trips in 2026.

 

I’m confident that 2026 will be a better year and I want to do more activities with my parents and bond with the family. 

P/S: I wrote most of this entry using the transcription tool and it is definitely more efficient.