I’ve noticed a curious pattern of my life: years ending in 6, 7, and 8 have
consistently brought me joy, growth, and unforgettable milestones. Call it
coincidence, fate, or some cosmic rhythm, but these years have been my
golden periods.
Meanwhile, years ending in 2, 3, and 4? They’ve been my toughest, testing my
resilience. And those pivotal years ending in 5? They’ve always marked major
turning points in my career and life. With 2025 already shaping up to be
another transformative year, I’m filled with hope for what 2026-2028 might
hold.
The Magic of 6, 7, 8
1996-1998: The Dawn of Connection
Back in the mid-90s, I stumbled into a group of vibrant online friends who bonded over our obsessive love for boybands—yes, the heartthrob era of synchronized dance moves and dreamy lyrics.
This unexpected connection flung open a door to a world of bold
possibilities, inspiring me to break free from the cookie-cutter path
my classmates followed (good grades, JC, steady job,
marriage).
It was during this electrifying time that I unearthed the sheer joy
of traveling, venturing beyond Singapore’s shores to uncover exotic
wonders. Those friendships weren’t just a passing fad—they sculpted my future,
infusing me with a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
Even now, decades later, we still swap tales of our highs and lows, a
living testament to the unbreakable bonds forged in those formative,
music-filled years.
2006-2008: Escaping the Grind
Fast forward to 2006-2008, and I was finally breaking free from a nightmare job at a small ad agency. For 2.5 years, I endured late nights, weekend work, bosses with abusive language, and paychecks that were never on time. It was soul-crushing.
2006-2008: Escaping the Grind
Fast forward to 2006-2008, and I was finally breaking free from a nightmare job at a small ad agency. For 2.5 years, I endured late nights, weekend work, bosses with abusive language, and paychecks that were never on time. It was soul-crushing.
But then, in 2006, I landed my dream job at a media company—a role that
felt like a reward for my perseverance. Those years were a breath of
fresh air, filled with creative fulfillment and a newfound sense of
stability. It was as if the universe said, “You’ve earned this.”
2016-2018: A Life in Bloom
The 2016-2018 period was nothing short of life-changing. I bought my first HDB flat—a huge milestone in Singapore’s fast-paced world.
2016-2018: A Life in Bloom
The 2016-2018 period was nothing short of life-changing. I bought my first HDB flat—a huge milestone in Singapore’s fast-paced world.
I was thriving in a job I loved, where my hard work was recognised and
appreciated. And oh, the travels! I explored exotic destinations, from
the wild savannahs of South Africa to the icy wonders of Iceland and the
vast, mysterious landscapes of Siberia, each trip adding a vibrant hue
to my life.
These years felt like a celebration of everything I’d worked toward, a
reminder that good things come in waves.
The Struggles of 2, 3, 4
2002-2004: A Dark Period
Not every cycle was rosy. The years 2002-2004 were brutal. Global events like 9/11 and SARS tanked the job market, leaving me, a fresh graduate, scrambling.
I took odd jobs to make ends meet, even borrowing money from a relative to fund further studies. My dad’s business was struggling, and I vividly remember the humiliation of asking a friend with a stable government job for help with daily expenses.
Desperation led me to that toxic ad agency job, but I held on, hoping for better days.
2012-2014: Heartbreak and Loss
The 2012-2014 stretch hit me hard. Losing two close family members in 2013 and 2014, back-to-back, was my first real encounter with grief.
It was sudden, raw, and overwhelming. I couldn’t deal with the politic and pettiness at work and ended up quitting without a backup plan. Those years taught me about resilience, but they also left scars that took time to heal.
2022-2024: Letting Go and Rising
More recently, 2022-2024 brought another challenge: uncoupling from a long-term relationship. It was a tough but necessary decision.
Dragging out a toxic relationship that drained both of us wasn’t an option. On hindsight, it was liberating. These years also marked significant steps toward financial freedom, with each choice bringing me closer to independence. The pain of letting go paved the way for growth and clarity.
Not every cycle was rosy. The years 2002-2004 were brutal. Global events like 9/11 and SARS tanked the job market, leaving me, a fresh graduate, scrambling.
I took odd jobs to make ends meet, even borrowing money from a relative to fund further studies. My dad’s business was struggling, and I vividly remember the humiliation of asking a friend with a stable government job for help with daily expenses.
Desperation led me to that toxic ad agency job, but I held on, hoping for better days.
2012-2014: Heartbreak and Loss
The 2012-2014 stretch hit me hard. Losing two close family members in 2013 and 2014, back-to-back, was my first real encounter with grief.
It was sudden, raw, and overwhelming. I couldn’t deal with the politic and pettiness at work and ended up quitting without a backup plan. Those years taught me about resilience, but they also left scars that took time to heal.
2022-2024: Letting Go and Rising
More recently, 2022-2024 brought another challenge: uncoupling from a long-term relationship. It was a tough but necessary decision.
Dragging out a toxic relationship that drained both of us wasn’t an option. On hindsight, it was liberating. These years also marked significant steps toward financial freedom, with each choice bringing me closer to independence. The pain of letting go paved the way for growth and clarity.
The Turning Points of 5
2005: A Leap of Faith
Years ending in 5 have always been pivotal. In 2005, I made the bold decision to leave the toxic ad agency. That leap landed me my dream job in media, a turning point that set the stage for the golden years of 2006-2008.
It was also the year I met him, sparking a chapter that would shape my personal life. Was it coincidence or a subconscious push to change my path? I’ll never know, but it worked.
Years ending in 5 have always been pivotal. In 2005, I made the bold decision to leave the toxic ad agency. That leap landed me my dream job in media, a turning point that set the stage for the golden years of 2006-2008.
It was also the year I met him, sparking a chapter that would shape my personal life. Was it coincidence or a subconscious push to change my path? I’ll never know, but it worked.
2015: Rebuilding After Loss
In 2015, after the devastating losses of 2013 and 2014, I left my job, unsure of what was next. A few months later, I landed a role I never expected to love for a decade. It was a career-defining moment, proof that even after darkness, new doors open. That year was about rebuilding and finding purpose again.
2025: A New Chapter
This year, 2025, feels like another turning point. I’ve a laser focus on achieving financial freedom. It’s a bold move, but it aligns with my pattern of 5s being years of transformation. I’m betting on myself, and it feels right.
A Pattern or Just Life?
Is it coincidence, or do I subconsciously steer my life toward these cycles? The years ending in 5 seem to be when I make bold, instinctive decisions—leaving jobs, starting new chapters, or chasing dreams.
Maybe it’s less about fate and more about my readiness to seize opportunities after tough times. Either way, the rhythm of my life gives me hope. The challenges of 2, 3, 4 build my strength, the turning points of 5 set the stage, and the magic of 6, 7, 8 lets me soar.
If my life’s pattern holds, 2026-2028 should be another golden period. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but I believe the universe has a way of balancing things out.
The struggles of 2022-2024, like uncoupling and rebuilding, have set me up for growth. My decision to study in 2025, inspired by my pursuit of financial independence, feels like the perfect foundation for what’s to come.
I imagine 2026-2028 bringing new opportunities—perhaps a career leap, deeper financial stability, or even unexpected adventures.
Maybe I’ll reconnect with those old friends from 1996-1998 over new shared dreams, or travel to more exotic places like I did in 2016-2018.
Whatever happens, no regrets.
In 2015, after the devastating losses of 2013 and 2014, I left my job, unsure of what was next. A few months later, I landed a role I never expected to love for a decade. It was a career-defining moment, proof that even after darkness, new doors open. That year was about rebuilding and finding purpose again.
2025: A New Chapter
This year, 2025, feels like another turning point. I’ve a laser focus on achieving financial freedom. It’s a bold move, but it aligns with my pattern of 5s being years of transformation. I’m betting on myself, and it feels right.
A Pattern or Just Life?
Is it coincidence, or do I subconsciously steer my life toward these cycles? The years ending in 5 seem to be when I make bold, instinctive decisions—leaving jobs, starting new chapters, or chasing dreams.
Maybe it’s less about fate and more about my readiness to seize opportunities after tough times. Either way, the rhythm of my life gives me hope. The challenges of 2, 3, 4 build my strength, the turning points of 5 set the stage, and the magic of 6, 7, 8 lets me soar.
If my life’s pattern holds, 2026-2028 should be another golden period. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but I believe the universe has a way of balancing things out.
The struggles of 2022-2024, like uncoupling and rebuilding, have set me up for growth. My decision to study in 2025, inspired by my pursuit of financial independence, feels like the perfect foundation for what’s to come.
I imagine 2026-2028 bringing new opportunities—perhaps a career leap, deeper financial stability, or even unexpected adventures.
Maybe I’ll reconnect with those old friends from 1996-1998 over new shared dreams, or travel to more exotic places like I did in 2016-2018.
Whatever happens, no regrets.