He Quit The Corporate Grind To Be A Busker: "Help Make Singapore A Fun Place" | Dear Singapore

Key Concepts

• Juggler H (Wunhi): A 63-year-old professional juggler and performer in Singapore.
• Busking: Performing in public places for voluntary donations.
• Corporate World Disillusionment: Dissatisfaction with traditional corporate jobs due to meetings, deadlines, and pressure.
• Discipline and Determination: Core principles for mastering a skill, particularly juggling.
• Stage Fright: Performance anxiety, which the speaker actively overcame.
• Instability of Freelance Work: The inherent financial risks associated with self-employment, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Financial Responsibility: The importance of managing housing loans and ensuring family well-being.
• Talent Showcase: The belief in showcasing individual and national talent.
• Life as an Adventure: A philosophy of continuous learning, skill development, and pursuing dreams.

The Journey of Juggler H: From Corporate to Center Stage

Wunhi, professionally known as Juggler H, is a 63-year-old performer, turning 64 next month, who has been juggling for 27 years, having started in 1998. He made a pivotal decision at age 39 to leave the corporate world, feeling he was "not one who is cut for the corporate world" due to his dislike for meetings, deadlines, and pressure. He saw "a lot of potential in busking" and courageously pursued it, stating, "I can't sing so I do juggling."

Embracing Busking: A Path of Unique Performance

Juggler H describes his performance as multifaceted, not only as a magician and juggler but also humorously as a "cheat." His acts involve intricate juggling routines, often starting with one or two balls and progressively adding more, engaging the audience with playful banter like, "Do you want to see? Yes, of course. Huh? Okay, come back tomorrow. Oh, no, no, no. I was just joking. Ball number three and four." He also incorporates dangerous elements, such as standing on "not just on one level but also on a second level," which he expects the audience to react to with enthusiasm.

Mastering the Craft: Discipline, Determination, and Overcoming Challenges

Juggler H emphasizes that skill development is "all about discipline and determination." He dedicates himself to "work very hard in my practice every day," viewing "refining my art" as an "ongoing process." This includes perfecting his physical acts and enhancing his comedic delivery to put his lines across "in an even more humorous manner." A significant personal challenge he overcame was "stage fright." To conquer this, he deliberately sought out a job that "compel me to speak in front of people," demonstrating a proactive approach to personal growth.

Resilience in Adversity: The COVID-19 Experience

The inherent instability of busking, acknowledged as "definitely a very unstable job," was severely tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period was "a very very difficult period" where he experienced "no income" for a "good two years." His family's savings dwindled, and to "keep my family afloat," he resorted to washing cars. He recounted an emotional moment while "soaping the wheels of the cars," on his knees with water flowing down, feeling disbelief that "this kind of day would come to my life." This experience led him to vow to "work very very hard" once the pandemic ended. He expressed gratitude for the encouragement from fellow Singaporeans who understood the suffering of freelancers.

Driving Motivations: Family, Finances, and Fulfillment

Juggler H's motivations are deeply rooted in both financial responsibility and personal fulfillment. He openly discusses his ongoing "housing loans to take care of" and his hope to "clear my loans ASAP." His children are a primary driver, as he states, "My children is my future. So when they are successful, it means that my dream comes true." Beyond financial security, the joy he brings to his audience—"the fun, the laughter... the smile I put on people's face"—forms "a very big part of what keeps me going."

A Vision for Singapore: Talent and Adventure

Juggler H concludes with a powerful message for Singapore, expressing his dream "that the world would see us as a talented country." He encourages individuals to "front it, attribute it, and help make Singapore a fun place, or rather an even more fun place to be in," if they possess talent. He encapsulates his life philosophy with the statement, "Life is an adventure, and I'm not done yet. So whatever you dream of being, horn your skills and go for it." This reflects his enduring spirit of continuous pursuit and dedication.

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Juggler H

Juggler H's narrative is a testament to courage, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. From leaving a conventional corporate career to mastering the art of busking, he exemplifies how discipline and determination can lead to a fulfilling life, even amidst significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. His journey highlights the importance of financial prudence, family as a motivator, and the profound satisfaction derived from bringing joy to others. Ultimately, he advocates for a culture where talent is celebrated and life is embraced as an ongoing adventure.