Redefining Success: Inside The Mind Of 31-Year-Old Retiree Ashish Kumar | Who We Are EP7

Embark on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the life and philosophy of Ashish Kumar, a former top PSLE scorer turned 31-year-old retiree. In this captivating episode, we navigate through a series of insightful topics, each unveiling a different facet of Ashish's unconventional perspectives.
From his formative years and the influence of studying overseas to his experiences as a civil servant in Singapore, we explore the factors that shaped Ashish's unique perspective on life and work. Along the way, we confront pressing questions about employment, early retirement, and the pursuit of personal freedom in a society bound by expectations.
Join me as we dissect the essence of Ashish Kumar, examining the values and principles that define his existence beyond the confines of traditional success. With each chapter, we peel back the layers of conventional wisdom, challenging misconceptions and igniting introspection. As we navigate through Ashish's story, we are reminded of the importance of living authentically and aligning our actions with our deepest values.
Prepare to be inspired, provoked, and enlightened as we embark on this journey of exploration with Ashish Kumar.
Follow Rachel here: / ms_rach
Follow Ashish Kumar here: / @ashishxiangyikumar
---
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Getting to know Ashish Kumar
03:04 The impact of his upbringing
05:39 The influence of studying overseas
09:28 Ashish's Experience as a Singaporean Bureaucrat
14:26 Addressing the challenges & limitations of employment
16:00 Early retirement: A privilege, a choice, or both?
19:11 Navigating the divide between work and personal Life
22:13 What defines Ashish Kumar: Unpacking identity and values
24:50 Pursuing freedom & challenging societal expectations
30:47 Systemic changes towards a flexible work culture
33:31 The dilemma of commitment in pursuit of freedom
34:49 Misconceptions of early retirement
37:03 Reflections on a meaningful life
40:33 The Deathbed Exercise
41:33 Surprising insights after early retirement
45:58 Final thoughts

[@RB35-sgp]

i caught this earlier this morning and thought this was a great view with better/deeper insights than the rice media article. worthy of a watch. Coming from a similar background of pulling the "early retirement" trigger early (but at 33 instead of 31), Ashih's views on finding meaning, being more or less immune to external views on his choices in life and discussion on values was particularly noteworthy and resonated with me. I also enjoyed the spiel on work being not just work but an overhang on your mental capacity with it being difficult to disengage. Normally not a fan of the interviewer, but kudos to her for letting him free flow and articulate his views without interruption or many cliched questions.

[@sarahk4830]

He is smart and he is empathetic 🙂. Rare combination

[@150Maweek]

So much wisdom in this interview. Appreciate it Ashish👍🏼

[@AXB124]

Very enlightened 👍

[@HoneyMoneySG]

Excellent interview! Thank you Ashish for sharing his perspective.

[@benaiahlim3322]

Thank you, Ashish, for doing this interview. May I ask - what sort of books do you enjoy reading and who are your favourite authors?

[@AshishXiangyiKumar]

I read fiction almost exclusively -- favourite authors are probably Raymond Carver and Alice Munro! Also recently finished Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes and was really impressed by it.

[@bluehaert]

​@@AshishXiangyiKumarI'm halfway through the interview and the part about experiencing and creating beauty aligns with how I think about life. What drives you to share your story out in the public?

[@thegoonist]

@@AshishXiangyiKumarI’m slightly older than you and in a similar place job-wise (albeit involuntarily lol, ie I’m still actively looking with no luck so far). And similarly, I’m sustaining myself through coaching (badminton). I also studied law in London many years back and decided against pursuing it. Since you mentioned you play as well, let me know if you’re open to playing sometime (which badminton groups are u in? The sg scene isn’t too big per my understanding) or even getting coffee. I think we’d have some interesting conversations given various similarities (and differences) in how we view things. Would be interested to have a deeper “debate”…or at least a more in depth one than the lady had with you here. If not, no worries and all the best with ur retirement :)

[@marimo66666]

@@AshishXiangyiKumar i think you awakened your consciousness 🙂 beyond the point of trying to be a good human being, i want to be a decent being

[@poorpotato7623]

Sounds like a young version of bilahari kausikan. Smart but too much of a rebel to be in the civil service.

[@zebulonspruijt1645]

Agree with most of it. However, where is God in the story of a guy who was brought up by missionary parents? Not playing any role anymore?

[@MasterLeong888]

his england damn power sia!

[@jefri4176]

Debate team,powerful knowledge of words 🤣🤣

[@TTS888]

Matrix, self realisation.

[@fruitsandosss]

15:27 - 15:56 chef’s kiss 😎

[@samaritan29]

unbelievably based

[@gjcheong]

He's easily my favorite person in Singapore right now.

[@todustyoushallr3turn]

With this double down, you better not be seen for the rest of your life in any form of job interview, advertisement or employment, else this is just misleading, attention-seeking, self-promoting BS.

[@youfay]

Like he mentioned in the video if there is a financial need he can do debate coaching and he has a KZbin channel.

[@todustyoushallr3turn]

@@youfay then he is not a “31-year-old retiree” - it’s a 31-year old changing jobs/taking a sabbatical, which is very common. No need to over sensationalise it.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

He said nothing wrong, stop being so sensitive and jealous

[@jefri4176]

Nothing wrong with working part-time not for money but to fill time. I am in his position right now retiring since covid 2020 at age 35. My passive income is more than enough for my expenses. But now I am doing grabcar part-time just for fun and to fill time,not for the money.