Why work so hard for properties?

I read the following comment in a property forum today.  The thread started with a question on whether one should sell or keep the HDB flat while buying a condo unit.  The argument gradually boiled down to whether the person can afford it and how much loan he should borrow.

“You know Maslow’s hierachy of needs? Once you have enough to meet your basic needs, you look for self-actualisation.  It’s no longer about leveraging more and more and buying more property because your 3rd property is no longer going to bring you as much joy as your first property.  

That is when you start paying off substantially your debt, and learn to live debt-free and enjoy life or start your own business. It’s not about accumulating more and more money and making more returns anymore.

Some people reach there earlier.  Some people still want more and more properties. … If you’re young, healthy and carefree and below 40s, why tie up all your cash in property and take on more debt when you should be traveling around the world and exploring what life has to offer? 

Once you’re in your forties, it’s like downhill and goodness knows if some stupid disease might strike.  That is when you realise shit! I spend my life saving and taking on loan to buy property 1 to 10 and I forgot to ask myself what I really wanna do in my life.  Surely it’s ok to take some profit for enjoyment? 

Or worse, got married and become ‘stuck’ in a rut because your own life takes a back seat and everyday is about taking children from enrichment class A to Z.  Even if you have 100 properties, so what?”

I worked hard to build up my property portfolio a few years ago with a simple goal — to prove that I am right (in making the investment decisions).

When it almost doubled in total value, I realized I suddenly reached my mid-30 financial goal earlier than expected.  But I was actually at a loss!  I wonder whether I should do something different with my life.

Now I am more relaxed with my career.  Spend more time with my family and in other hobbies.

I lead a simply life and I don’t need a lot of money.  But you know the true value of money lies in helping people in need and in time.  

That’s why I will continue to expand my property portfolio and accumulate wealth through properties … until I can give back enough to support different causes.