We’re told what success looks like:
- Own a standalone house with a backyard
- Raise a family in a safe suburb
- Work full-time until 65
- Enjoy a mortgage-free retirement with a bach and boat
- Take overseas holidays and upgrade the car every few years
It’s aspirational. It’s also increasingly unattainable—and maybe not even what you actually want.
The Math Doesn’t Add Up Anymore
Here’s what’s changed:
Homeownership is slipping out of reach
- In 1991, over 74% of Kiwi households owned their home
- By 2023, that dropped to 66%—and lower for younger generations
- Median house price: over $900,000 nationally, $1.1 million+ in Auckland and Wellington
- Even with two doctor incomes, saving a 20% deposit can take 5-10 years
Wages aren’t keeping pace
- While inflation has moderated since 2022-23, the cost of living remains significantly higher
- Food, rent, petrol—all still elevated
- Median weekly earnings have risen, but not enough to offset the damage
- Even doctors with six-figure salaries are feeling the squeeze
Retirement isn’t what it used to be
- Rising life expectancy means funding 25-30+ years without work
- NZ Super is only $500-600/week for individuals—not enough for a comfortable retirement
- You’ll need significant personal savings to bridge the gap
The Real Question
Whose dream are you actually chasing?
I’m not here to tell you what to want. Maybe you do want the big house and the bach—that’s completely valid.
But here’s what I see happening to too many doctors:
You work relentlessly toward a version of success that someone else defined. You push through training, take every locum, climb every rung—because that’s what you’re “supposed” to do.
And then one day you look up and realize:
- You’re earning great money but still feel broke
- You’re missing your kids’ childhoods
- You’re exhausted and there’s no end in sight
- You’re not even sure this is what you wanted in the first place
You’ve been working on autopilot, chasing what society says a “successful” person should want.
Design Your Own Version
The most powerful thing you can do with your money isn’t to get rich.
It’s to get clear on what you actually want—and then design a financial plan that makes it possible.
Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:
- What does success actually look like for me? (Not your parents, not your colleagues—you)
- What kind of work-life balance feels right? (Full-time forever? Part-time? Seasons of each?)
- What does an ideal weekday look like? (Be specific: When do you wake up? What fills your time?)
- How much is enough? (For security, joy, peace of mind—not just more)
- Am I investing in the relationships that truly matter to me? (Or just fitting them in around work?)
Your Money Should Serve Your Vision
Once you know what you actually want, the financial piece becomes clearer.
Maybe your version of success is:
- Working 0.6 FTE so you can be home more
- Taking a full year of parental leave without financial stress
- Building a portfolio that lets you retire at 55 instead of 65
- Living simply so you can travel extensively
- Staying in a modest home so you’re not house-poor
Whatever it is—make sure it’s yours.
Because there’s nothing sadder than spending decades chasing someone else’s dream, only to realize you never wanted it in the first place.
Ready to design your own path?
Financial clarity is the first step. When you understand your numbers, you can start making intentional choices instead of default ones.
👉 Download my free Financial Resuscitation toolkit to get started.
This post is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice.