Already 5 years into the workforce. What have I built?

It was a sudden awakening - I've already worked for more than 5 years.

But what have I achieved?

I stepped into the rat race as a noob (nobody uses this word now, I admit I'm old), being tekan by unhelpful "seniors" who thankfully left after 1+ year of torture and earning lesser than my peers, to slowly building up my confidence, emerging stronger and being more courageous to say "No", proving myself along the way and getting rewarded with better bonuses and increments.

I know I'm working just for the money (and the medical benefits that comes with it).

If I look at the money, so far, I should be doing it right in my career. I've decent bonuses and decent increments. I'm in a general profession, but I'm doing pretty ok.

So what has my 5 years of work got me?

Money. 

Through employment, coupled with my thrifty habits, I managed to hit $100k savings at 25 years old. And it took me another 2-3 years to get another  $100k at 28.

But, along with it, came stress. There were many instances where I wanted an exit, an escape.

After experiencing a burnt out last year, I questioned whether that extra low 4 digit figure bonuses was worth it. Should I learn to cruise along in my new job? Should I take a step back when there are high profile works to prove my worth?

All I want is just a decent income, and time to spend on life, time to date my hubby, time to travel.

But the more you work, the more things get piled onto you. After all, we are trading our time for money - we are paid employees. If you don't do it, someone else can take your job and your salary.

So, 5 years down, other than hitting my $200k cash saving goal, and building a relatively good net worth as an average 8-5 office employee, I still am not ready to retire.

For one, a bulk of my money sits in my CPF which will only say Hi to me when I'm 55 (that's a good 20+ years, whattt!).

Two, I don't have enough passive income to get back. My portfolio only net me $3k dividends at max, a year. Comparing to a blogger who have $1-2k a month in dividends.....I can only say, I really envy their foresight and courage!

Three, I don't have a good plan when I should retire. Is it at 35, 45, 50 or 55? Would I dare to retire? Honestly, seeing that monthly income rolling into the bank feels good. And, if I don't work full-time, what am I going to do?
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to be continued...