Met Stephenie for dinner at Raffles City...Suddenly, it seems like the whole world is grown up. Darrelle, Stephenie...it's just the way they talk...the way they act...giving the impression that they are no longer the kids they used to be.

Anyway, Steph and I were on the subject of earning money...and we came to the shocking revelation that a person who earns 3k a month is actually taking home much less than what we had expected. In Singapore, the middle class is badly squeezed...The rich are smart enough to generate multiple streams of income and augment their wealth through shrewd investments. The poor enjoy rebates on utilities, greatly subsidised housing and bursaries for their children's education. The poor also have less commitments ( eg. no need to pay for car, masters degree, maid etc...). Our middle class does not qualify for many of these subsidies. Neither do they possess enough capital to make good investments. Many aspire to a high-class life but lack the means.It's a sad situation...I am an offspring of the middle class and everyday I witness the hardship my parents endure just to keep our necks above the water. When I get my degrees, I MUST work hard to give them a better life.

Sometimes, I think that we should strive to lead a quality life regardless of financial status. So many people I know get by ok with just 2k or less a month. They look for joy in simple pleasures...like flying kites, fishing or playing basketball. Not everybody needs a Fendi wallet or white truffles to feel happy. On the other hand, I know people who earn 5-figure salaries and who are only able to find happiness through splurging. Even then, this happiness is transient and ephemereal...These people work very hard for their money and believe that having alot in their hands is the key to happiness...this attitude causes them to feel empty and lonely because they place too little value on the important things in life. Things like family, love, freedom...What's the point of driving a vintage Merc if it can't give you warmth or love? Can a Ferragamo bag heal your soul when you have been wounded by the man you love?

Strangely, I've noticed people anthromorphosizing their cars and household appliances...perhaps they are trying to satisfy their innate need to connect with humanity through talking to these inanimate objects and giving them names...My aunt calls her coffee maker Alicia.

My working friends are all struggling in their office-minion appointments...the white collar is a noose and the tie a leash. Back stabbing collegues, diabolical bosses...selling your soul to the establishment...Was this what we dreamt of doing when we signed the pact? I don't think so. What scares me is that these people gradually ease themselves into workplace culture and cease to feel. They forget their dreams and aspirations, neglect their past...lose their humanity...

Wow...a few thousand dollars buys you an automaton...one that can help you take your minutes and make your coffee, while handling full sets of accounts and meeting sales quotas! Not a bad deal right?

What did God create man for? I think if he looked down from Heaven he would laugh at how myopic and foolish his creation is. At the same time, he might be angry at the way his children(us) worship money, fame and TV...Our generation needs a religion-somewhere to place our faith and trust. I don't like the idea of thinking that the admin manager is the highest power in the universe.

Gosh...talking to Steph really set me thinking....wondering if I am suitable for the corporate life. I guess it's good to have at least one meaningful conversation per day.