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: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Ashish Kumar here: https://youtube.com/@ashishxiangyikumar?si=uW9XwGaMnwr0q_lN 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