Exploring the Validity of a Low-Key Lifestyle in a High-Ambition World
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Here we go again. Cue the anxiety.
Whether you’re in a job interview or just hanging out with friends and family, this question always seems to pop up.
If it’s not about a five-year plan, it’s something equally probing—“What’s next for you? What’s the next big thing?” We’ve been given a cheat sheet of what those “big things” should be: NFTs, cryptocurrencies, investments, side hustles, marriage, promotions, homeownership, children… the list is endless.
If you’re around a group of late twenty- to thirty-somethings, these topics will undoubtedly come up. And I’ll be honest: I’ve always struggled to answer these questions. For me, the biggest ambition is simply getting through the day.
The Disillusionment of Dreams
For years, hustle culture taught us that hard work guarantees a good life. I’ve seen this philosophy reflected in my parents’ relentless grind as essential workers in the service industry.
As children, we were told the world was our oyster. Yet even at five years old, I’d pick some lofty career—like doctor or scientist—just to satisfy the adults around me.
Not much has changed in adulthood. Job titles continue to serve as benchmarks for success, and they’re how we introduce ourselves. We craft meticulously curated LinkedIn profiles showcasing our achievements while bright-eyed graduates scramble to market themselves in a competitive job landscape.
Unless you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth, securing a job is a necessity. And nowadays, even having a job isn’t enough. You need to aim higher! Revamp that resume! Get that promotion! One income stream? You must be out of your mind!
The reality is that while everyone seems to dream big and progress at breakneck speed, I find myself here with zero ambition. Just existing and doing my best—that’s all the energy I can muster. Evidently, in 2022, that’s simply not enough.
Work Won’t Love You Back
With increasingly stressful work conditions, it’s no wonder that sentiments like “I don’t dream of labor” emerged in early 2020, just before the peak of COVID-19. The original tweet from @thechrisfrench resonated with many, garnering over 80,000 retweets and 300,000 likes.
But make no mistake: this trend isn’t about rejecting work altogether. It’s not anti-work. Not everyone can afford to simply quit their job and do whatever they please; that’s not a viable option for most.
Instead, the trend advocates for a shift in mindset regarding our relationship with work. A deadline shouldn’t overshadow personal events, but at what cost?
This trend has sparked conversations globally, continuing to gain traction on platforms like YouTube. Singaporean content creator @anattynook also weighed in with her perspective.
Nat’s video, which serendipitously appeared in my feed, offered a refreshing viewpoint. The comments section revealed that many viewers shared similar sentiments. Curious, I reached out to Nat for further insight. At 25, she’s still figuring out what works for her professionally. Graduating in 2020 made her a “pandemic graduate.” After working in a corporate job, she has explored various roles, including part-time barista and teacher.
“My office job taught me more about work than the work itself. I found myself just going through the motions, thinking there must be more to life,” she recalled.
“When I worked as a barista, people often told me I was wasting my ‘talents,’ as if that job wasn’t respectable or difficult,” she added.
By stripping away the glorification of relentless busyness, we can identify discomfort—especially in Singapore, where hustle culture is worn like a badge of honor. Defining ambition solely through one’s career is a narrow lens, yet it’s the standard that many adopt.
“Everyone talks about wanting to progress and climb the ranks, but no one discusses how they want to improve in other areas,” Nat explained.
“After reflecting, I’ve realized that I don’t lack ambition; I simply don’t subscribe to the conventional definition of success.”
Inspired by a casual conversation with a friend, Nat created her video. “I was shocked by how many people felt the same way. We just don’t discuss it enough.”
“In an ideal world, there’s no need to romanticize or glamorize a job. Career success doesn’t equate to life success; work is simply a means to earn money. It’s just one facet of our lives.”
“Neither should it determine someone else’s worth.”
To Not Dream is a Form of Ambition
When wrapped up in the hustle, we often forget that many find fulfillment outside the knowledge economy.
Dina, 28, was raised by her single mother—a cheerful person who has juggled multiple odd jobs over the years. The two lived in a rented room for nearly 20 years and only recently moved into their own flat after saving diligently.
“My mom never made much, but it was enough for our basic needs. We were always happy. Unlike many others, I wasn’t pressured to study hard for specific careers.”
“That’s where I derived my life and work philosophy from.”
After graduating from ITE, Dina began working as service staff in the F&B sector. Every job has its ups and downs—long cashiering hours mixed with the joy of baking. She later took on a receptionist position in a small clinic, which offered average pay with little room for growth. Yet, she remains content.
In pursuit of better pay, many of her classmates pursued further education at private institutes. Dina, however, knew that route wasn’t for her.
“Books were never my thing. My mom understood that too. People urged me to continue my studies, but I knew it’d be a waste of money without genuine interest.”
Ambitions, promotions, and “dream jobs”? Those thoughts never crossed her mind. “I view work as a way to earn and save, nothing more,” she emphasized.
Sadly, people often compare others based on their assumptions of what’s best. They’ve made comments suggesting she should be more ambitious. Interestingly, while they’re uncomfortable, she remains unfazed.
“I’ve learned to tune out those judgments. Just because I’m not ‘ambitious’ doesn’t mean I’m lazy or falling behind. I don’t need a big house or constant travel.
“If I earn enough and am happy, that’s my choice. Nobody can make that decision for me.”
Evolving Definitions of Ambition
The meaning of ambition is continuously shifting. Drive can be beneficial—it spurs innovation and evolution. It’s ambition that led to groundbreaking inventions like airplanes.
The issue arises when we feel pressured to pursue something for the sake of it. We’re conditioned to aim for more: move fast, dream big, or risk falling behind. Yet, sometimes, less is more. Ultimately, everyone should live according to their own terms, and that’s not a negative outlook.
Pseudonym used to protect the individual’s privacy.
