Oh and to not waste my degree ahahha.

But yea, if money wasn't a concern for me, I think it's largely fulfillment and some extent of status.

• create values and solutions for the world

• generate meaning and impact others

• achieving greater heights and challenge myself continuously

• ensure survival

• get to know people, whether like minded or diverse, that can impart valuable lessons

In addition to attaining financial security, I work for personal joy and satisfaction. I see work as a win win platform to also maximise my potential (whether financially, intellectually or artistically) and experience fun/excitement in the process.

Changemaking.

Inspiring and helping others to be great and do better?

Financial stability is also probably a definite goal.

On the purpose/fulfilment side, I work to feel like I'm doing something meaningful with my life/time?

And then achievements lor. Work is also a way to achieve/reach bigger goals in life like having a certain lifestyle etc

And to be paid fairly based on what work is expected from you?

Is this ikigai?

• Grants access to opportunities

• Improves efficiency in problem solving

• Maximises safety

• Better enjoy my downtime with more money

As I've mentioned earlier, those who can afford to tell you to disregard money completely are often at a position of privilege themselves.

While I agree that money is an incentive - not just for me but it also allows me to purchase things for family and friends - I would also say that having the money but no time/one to spend it on is meaningless so balance?

Experience - can be gained from work, separates you from other candidates, has value at work

Growth - navigate promotional structures, solving different challenges, overcoming setbacks and conflicts, constructive feedback

Fulfilment - achieving results, positive impact, testimonial, conducting tasks smoothly

Growth is what builds up on that experience to better yourself and to strengthen the knowledge and skills you already hold

Fulfillment is the final outcome that what your efforts have pulled for and it encourages more if the final product is successful.

In terms of experience, it comes with time (for my own career) and I prefer also to learn and work with colleagues (or at least be willing to learn) who have experience in something rather than those who don't?

Ok, so I think we are here to leave an impact on this world - no matter how miniscule that impact is. Reflecting on Aaron answer on how each industry is ultimately a service industry, human connections (imo) are important and ultimately drives what and why we do things - it gives our lives meaning.

Eventhough we only live once as who we are, the uncertainties of our existence bestow us with endless possibilities. As the ups and downs of life unfold, we have the power to add sketches and colours to our blank canvas - the artwork on each individual's blank canvas is different, yet these artworks have similarities that can unite us in unique ways. Everyone has their unique challenges to face, but more so their unique sets of strengths and value to offer; still we can't navigate life solitarily regardless of how capable or intelligent we are, because there are inevitably limits brought by our access to resources, our biology and our time. To make a difference, we are here to explore the various opportunities that we come across, support and be supported by others, most importantly learn from the people and experiences we encounter.

Life can be perceived as a tool; for us to explore who we are and what we can achieve/contribute.

For me, I aim to see life as an opportunity to maximise my potential.

Humans are complex. Each relationship is different; relationships in a one to one vs group setting are also different, the nature of our relationships is also dynamic with time. Yet we have the power to 1) identify what is valuable in each relationship and 2) communicate to others what is valuable to us. Such reciprocity is how the relationship between the individual and the others are maintained.

To me, I prioritise both quality and quantity in terms my relationships. Society is complex so we cannot just rely on authentic relationships to ensure our survival. As we have our assumptions and blind spots, we cannot underestimate the ability of other people in realising our potential. I am a generous and forgiving person so I tend to extend my all (whilst considering the limits of each relationship) when it comes to navigating my relationships.

To me, I prefer not to start a new family because of my life experiences and priorities in life. But I strive to care for and love my current family as how it is.

Country - Beyond family, our country helps shape our identity and sense of belonging. Our country plays a part in shaping our way of living - ranging from our careers, community and the types of entertainment. The concept of country is helpful in cultivating loyalty.

To me, I perceive country as my root and as a decision-making tool whose unique problems and regulations help set direction on how I want to proceed with my life.

Rest of the world - The ability to connect with and learn about the rest of the world in this modern era presents an opportunity for growth. The existence of different cultures, nationalities and types of resources help to build a variety of positive qualities. These range from tolerance and appreciation of differences, curiosity to innovation. In the context of tourism, the existence of different countries provide us with novelty and a sense of excitement much needed for our emotional wellbeing.

To me, being able to expose myself to the people and places beyond my own country is important in cultivating humility - wherein I get to remind myself that there's still so much more that I don't know or I'll never get to know about, that I still have many assumptions that have yet to be challenged, and that there is so much diversity of opinions that have yet to be synthesised.

Good and evil exists in a spectrum and are interdependent. They also are highly contextual; occasionally an action can stem from both good and evil at the same time. It is important for me to be a good person, to live a principled life and act with integrity, though it can be extremely difficult for with maturity (hence greater responsibility) comes the need to act against our principles sometimes.

Such encourages me to be curious, patient and grateful. Also it cultivates my trait of being highly reverent of Mother nature.

Sorrow - teaches me how to be more empathetic and compassionate with myself and others, also to appreciate the impermanence of things

Justice - reminds me of the possibility of hope, of my power to respond with fairness, births virtues/law and order to give a sense of direction

Injustice - cultivates problem solving, creates diversity, unites/divides people (ie. builds social identity)

Love - bolsters wellbeing, provides support needed to maximise potential, fosters generosity

Peace - maximises productivity, enables prosperity, clearheadedness births reflection and logical thinking

Strife - a cause for change (can be for the better or worse) , promotes growth, improves self and social awareness + tolerance to uncertainty, story starter

In short all of these emotions co-exist with one another and are reliant on each other. It is not possible to just eliminate one of these emotions as they are all crucial to what it means by living as human beings.

Unless one day I manage my wealth well enough/generate enough passive income in life, then probably I can say it doesn't do much. But until then, I will look for work that pays well

growth - smtg I value a lot, last thing I want is to feel stagnant, like Mun Yee. Growth helps adapt in our ever changing landscape of work. Eg for education field now moving away from traditional teacher-student relationship to mentor-mentee relationship.

fulfilment - smtg that helps us keep going despite all the potential setbacks at work. Gives purpose and meaning to work

In our mission to achieve that purpose, we influence the world in many ways - those close to us may adopt our way of thinking, those under us may develop because of the things we do etc. And I think that's the big reason we are all here today - to bring and mix our unique colors to the palette we call Earth.

for now, I think my meaning of life is to drive impactful change through the growth of the self's potentials, and to balance this with my health. For me, it's a "on my deathbed, what would I need to have done" kind of thing.

I see other people as unique individuals each with their own set of purpose, setbacks, skillsets, and potentials, just like I do.

Imagining life as a game, I view the relationship between humans as essential to win the game (achieve purpose). Alone, the individual can maximize their skillset and navigate setbacks, but it would be near impossible to develop potential (how do you develop potential you can't see?) and seek purpose. Others have the puzzle pieces to advance to a higher level - a higher level of awareness of the self, a higher level of rationality and logic, a purpose more free from vengeance/negativity (not fueled by it but smtg u rly wanna achieve deep down).

I think the core of our "meaning"/"purpose" will always stay the same, but with each level we advance to in life, the intricate details of it will change. So I see relationships as a means to advance the self and eventually reach the goal we hope to achieve.

family - why we are the way we are today usually is how our childhood was (which for most ppl is closely related to our family). I think family is there to shape our character and core when it is in its most vulnerable state.

Its future role in my life - I think family (my future family, the one I choose xD) should be a source of comfort and a safe space for me to be vulnerable)

country - I think country outlines our social norms/what we deem as normal/what we initially thought of the world.

future role in my life - resources, opportunities, and lifestyle. If able to, I would choose to live in a country that gives me what I want in these aspects.

rest of the world - I think it represents growth and challenge. As we grow, we start to find out that the rest of the world is different from how our families/country is. We see differences. We see new things. We learn and grow. Our worldview gets challenged, and we grow from it

future role - sama bah

Harmful acts (maybe extreme tiger mums?) can be due to upbringing (grew up in such a household, doesn't know better), and due to clear intent (they know what they are doing will cause harm, they actively do it). I don't perceive the first as an evil act, more so as a bad act that needs correcting.

But this is debatable lah, coz when the example becomes smtg srs like abuse ah, racism ah all that, then the lines of morality is blurred

Do I believe in self-transcendence? Hell yea! My views on it align with Viktor Frankl's. Am I striving towards it? I'm not sure, probably not there yet. But do I believe and respect people who demonstrate it? Yes.

It probably made me super full of hope and happiness for life and the world. It made me realize the power to my future is in my own hands, and made me dare to dream. I also really really really really love animals and nature (more to water bodies, flowers, and skies, not a fan of trees).

sorrow - helps me understand myself better, helps me grow empathy and learn how to better help others. I think sorrow is a beautiful emotion, it shows me that I care.

justice - rules that protects the rights of people that may not have their own voice/may not be capable enough to voice out.

injustice - realization/awareness that I am privileged enough to be able to fight for myself. Appreciation for my life. Awareness/realization that life has a lot of problems, and motivation to solve those problems.

love - facilitates development of good character (values and principles that align with good intention for the world). Quickens the process of flourishing in life

peace - me being by myself, with myself. Without other people, without any tangible problems/tasks (no thinking abt work, goals, tasks). Just me, with my sense of self, with my values and principles, and maybe nature/animals

strife - helps me learn how to express myself better. helps me understand more abt myself. I think it is necessary to "ascend the self" (from the if life was a game thingy) in life.

Personally, I am a simple person. So my purpose in life is to do the best that I can for myself and others. And how do I define my best? Well, first by making sure that I am taking care of myself physically (eating healthy, staying active) emotionally (mental health) and spiritually - finding healthy ways to cope with sadness before I take care of others. Having a sense of achievement followed by progression at work and of course with the appropriate payband for my family to live comfortably. And of course, to treat others with kindness and empathy without being a pushover.

So, long story short, my purpose in life may change over time but it will always have this one defining characteristic, never stop learning ☺️

I think they both align in the sense where the process is similar. I want to do something I enjoy. I want something that gives me fulfilment and meaning and purpose. I want something with impact. The process, or the "act" or working or living aligns in that sense

Both highlighted the importance of meaning, ambition and community. I stressed making a (positive) difference in both the work I want to do and in elaborating why are we here. It is important that I do work that offers internal and external fulfillment, and ideally attain internal and external fulfillment in life - internal in the sense of self actualisation and learning, external via empowering others in a community.

Furthermore, the values-driven nature of my responses under work and life view was apparent.

To start, there is a mention of decent payment and need for ensuring survival in my work view, while materialism wasn't mentioned in my lifeview.

My lifeview also covers other important aspects which were overlooked when I was writing up my work view. The point about seeking novelty and excitement from different countries when I elaborated about the role of the rest of the world in life is worth noting. My lifeview considers the importance of my (biological) family not mentioned in work view, also touches on reverence of mother nature - maybe need to find work that supports environmental protection?

They are different in the sense of the "outcome". I view work as a way to achieve the lifestyle i want, whereas how I live is the outcome in itself. Does this make sense? Work is the highway, life is my destination.

As for how they clash. I view life as a "anything is ok as long as I can make impactful change! A meaningful life. I will live a good life, life is purposeful as long as I get that impact". But in my work view, while I have similar sentiments of "yes! Passion! Impact", but there is also a very strong sense of wanting achievements, status to some extent, lifestyle, flexibility and freedom, as well as financial capability.

I don't necessarily feel like there is a big and concerning clash, but there is a difference here

My life view determines how excited I am for my destination. How motivated I am to get there, and how big my smile would be when I eventually achieve it.

My work view determines how smooth the roads are, what vehicle I use to get there, whether the process gives me more excitement, motivation, and passion.

Does one drive the other? kind of? I think they move in tandem. My work view determines my choice of work, the things I do, and that in turn translates into my ability to achieve/live life aligned with my life view (?). As I make life choices (or career choices), I am also governed by my work view. It definitely helps that they are somewhat aligned with one another

I feel empowered that this exercise allowed me to perceive how my approach to work can be a prototype to how I approach life (ie. work is part of, and a driver of life). I believe the mindset and values employed at work can bolster self awareness in how I would like to apply these in the broader areas of life. After all life is a stage of multiple acts and concurrent plays, and we all embody different personas in these plays and acts. Therefore some clarity in knowing what works well for me is essential in harbouring sound judgement in how I want to portray these personas, more importantly the awareness of how these personas overlap and are disparate.

Relating to Shu En's point about how the outcome of her work view is crucial to achieving her life view, I second that the financial independence that can be achieved from work is crucial in accelerating freedom and agency in how the other areas in life pan out. So work does complement life in paving stability (eg. health and survival needs) needed to fuel my further exploration into the other elements comprising life - after all we live in a capitalist state where inequality (mainly in the form of disparity in income amidst other things like gender, class, race) is inevitable, a 'gravity problem' indeed; and money does help with putting us up and out there.

To say that good and evil boils down to intentions lets people off the hook. Everyone is a hero of their own story. Their actions, no matter how heinous are justifiable - after all, they have good intentions and they envision better futures through their actions. Take a look into history, how many conflicts or wars started as a result of someone good intentions?

Now having said all of this, I am also aware that if you do a deep dive into this topic on Google, you will be plunged into an endless wormhole of philosophy, psychology and religions exploring this idea. All of which are well worth a read and as of current, I do not have the luxury (of time and mental capacity) to sit through all of them for an through analysis - and this article is one that I find promising although I couldn't read the full article because I don't have a medium account so if anyone do, share your account with me please!!

https://raphael-paul.medium.com/your-good-intentions-are-your-most-dangerous-quality-1d203f0e5a4a

Part 2

So, I may have ranted on earlier without answering the question on a more personal plane ..... so I will have another go.

Yes, to a certain extent, intentions matter. And I think maybe self-awareness as well. Understanding and being able to see ahead. For instance, taking accountability when a good intention has gone wrong and knowing when to stop, when to remedy the situation.

Do I believe in God? Yes, yes, I do. 

Why do I say that?

Much like Chloe, I am well aware of the limits of what I as a mortal am capable off - I acknowledge the fact that sometimes despite my best efforts - no matter how much I am constantly scheming ahead - I know and acknowledge that there are circumstances that are just out of my hands. 

In my darkest moments, strange as it sounds, I still hope for the best. 

And I think for hope to be able to exist in the darkest moments, where circumstances and people are unreliable, is itself undeniable proof that a higher power exists - and that's beautiful. 

*My response is very brief and I acknowledge that it doesn't necc. do the question justice because there are many other avenues that can be discussed/argued about - on religious grounds, on social and humanitarian grounds etc - or the answer can be expanded further with more questions - ie. What does hope look like to me? Is hope not just an emotion? All of which I can answer if you like to talk about it further but for now, to keep things simple, I think this response would suffice ;)