January 5, 2025

A lot of young people dream about becoming successful & rich.

 

A lot of young people dream about becoming successful & rich. Fast! But most do not understand what it takes to get there. They want freedom of time to do their own thing and expect others to support them. They want to make a lot of money and they want work life balance. I laugh at that every single time. If you are seriously wanting to have work life balance you must first balance your bank account. If you cannot do that then forget about having a balance. That’s just not how the world works. No bosses will pay you to find yourself. No bosses will pay you to work on your passion. So if you do not know how to become succesful & rich, follow and learn from the bosses that will give you the platform and opportunities to do a whole lot to learn and gain from these experiences. All you need to do is work hard every day and get better everyday. Have the patience for good things to happen for you. In time. 😉


In the PIC: All are PORTMAN Graduates & Working in PORTMAN Education Group.

42 comments:

Jane Raj said...


This is a well-articulated and motivating perspective. Your emphasis on patience, hard work, and learning from those who've walked the path of success resonates strongly. It's a reality check that many young people need to hear in a world often focused on instant gratification. Balancing financial stability before striving for work-life balance is a practical and thought-provoking insight.

Your advice to learn from mentors, embrace opportunities, and improve daily is spot on, success is truly a journey, not a sprint. This post encourages resilience and a grounded mindset while reminding people that growth and achievement come with time and consistent effort. A great message for anyone striving to turn their dreams into reality!

I would definitely be sharing this to my students as it is a fine way of describing rich does not come easy without blood, sweat and tears!

Daarshini said...

Great advice, Mr. Ernie! Success requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience. The road to financial stability and work-life balance starts with making sacrifices. It's about putting in effort, learning from the right people, and continuously improving. Great! Thank you😊

Anonymous said...

Such an inspiring perspective, Mr. Ernie. This hits close to home because I’ve learned so much about the value of hard work and patience since joining this company. Thank you for giving me the chance to grow and develop. I’m excited to keep learning and pushing myself to new heights!

Teacher Rahm, PORTMAN@Akasa

David Yew said...



Great insights, Mr. Ernie! Success doesn’t come overnight—it takes hard work, patience, and the right mindset. Being part of PORTMAN has shown me firsthand how valuable it is to learn, grow, and seize opportunities. Grateful to be in an environment that pushes us to be better every day! 💪🔥

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the advice!'work-life balance' sounds great, but when you're chasing something meaningful, it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I’ll continue learning and improving to become more successful. Thank you for your guidance!

-akma-

Anonymous said...

I completely agree! Success isn’t about wishing for it. It takes hard work, learning from others, and patience. It won’t happen overnight, but if we stay committed and keep growing, good things will come.
- Aishah (PIS Akasa)

Anonymous said...

Hi sir,
This is a powerful reminder that success requires hard work and patience. It's about balancing effort and ambition before expecting rewards, and learning from those who can guide us toward goals.

Thank you for your guidance 😊 2025 year of success 🙏

Hamsavathi Ramalingam said...

Absolutely spot on, Mr. Ernie! Success requires grit, patience, and relentless effort. Many dream big but forget that the road to freedom and balance is paved with hard work and financial discipline. Following the right mentors and staying committed to self-improvement is key to achieving those dreams. Great reminder that success is earned, not handed out! Thank you for always inspiring us to aim higher and work harder!

Anonymous said...

Well said Mr Ernie! Success takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn from those who have paved the way. Balancing your finances and gaining experience are key steps toward achieving your goals. It’s a great reminder to focus on growth, patience, and consistent hard work rather than chasing shortcuts. (FIKRI)

Teacher Rani said...

Thank you, Mr. Ernie, for sharing and giving one of the best “reality check” statement which is “If you are seriously wanting to have work life balance you must first balance your bank account.”. That is absolutely brilliant. In life we learn, grow and with hard work and correct vision we can thrive.

Anonymous said...


It’s truly a privilege to learn from someone as insightful and driven as you. Your perspective on success, hard work, and patience serves as a powerful reminder of what it takes to achieve greatness. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of PORTMAN Education Group and to learn under your guidance.

Eric Chen said...


It’s truly a privilege to learn from someone as insightful and driven as you. Your perspective on success, hard work, and patience serves as a powerful reminder of what it takes to achieve greatness. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of PORTMAN Education Group and to learn under your guidance.

Anonymous said...

Well said, Mr. Ernie! I agree that success takes hard work and patience. Learning from those who are more experienced and making the most of the opportunities we get is so important. Thanks for sharing this 🙏🏻

- Asyraf

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this, Mr. Ernie. Your words truly resonate with me. It's easy to dream about success, but understanding the dedication, hard work, and learning that go into achieving it is another level. I appreciate the reminder that balancing a bank account comes before balancing life, and I’ll definitely take your advice on following the right mentors and staying patient for the long-term rewards. I’m grateful for the guidance and opportunities provided by you and PORTMAN Education Group

Teacher Mirah said...

Thank you for the valuable advice, Mr. Ernie. I understand that success requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn from experienced leaders like yourself. I’ll focus on improving myself daily and gaining as much as I can from the opportunities provided. Your guidance is a great reminder to be patient and trust the process. I truly appreciate your insights and will strive to apply them moving forward.

Aqilla said...

So true. Success takes time, effort, patience, and education.

Anonymous said...

You are absolutely right sir. Too many people focus on the dream but forget the grind it takes to get there. Success comes from patience, hard work, and learning from those ahead of you. No one owes you freedom or support until you’ve earned it. Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Ernie.

fadelah said...

Satu peringatan penting kepada kami di dalam entri ini.

Utamakan untuk menimba pengalaman, bekerja keras, dan sentiasa memperbaiki diri setiap hari dan setiap masa. Kejayaan dan keseimbangan akan datang dengan masa, yang mungkin tanpa kita sedar.

-Fadelah-

Alex Joo said...

I agree with Mr. Ernie—becoming successful and rich is not easy. It requires a lot of effort and learning from the right boss who provides great opportunities for growth. We need to do more and achieve higher; only then can we be successful by overcoming every single challenge. Without challenges, we would never achieve the success we desire in life.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely, the sacrifices we made now will pay off in a way that allows us to enjoy life later, which the journey ideally be sustainable, fulfilling, and rewarding in both the short and long term.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you Mr. Ernie. Thank you for this valuable advise. If we want to success in life means we need to learn to sacrifice first. All the sacrifice will be worth it if you follow the right path to succeed. I will follow your advices in my life for definitely Mr. Ernie.
- Kirthiga -

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mr. Ernie. This statement highlights the harsh reality of achieving success and financial stability—it requires hard work, patience, and dedication. The idea of balancing work and life before securing financial independence is a misconception for many young people, and the reminder to focus on learning from experienced mentors is both practical and inspiring. Success doesn’t come from entitlement but from consistently showing up, improving, and seizing opportunities provided by those who can guide and challenge you. It’s a valuable lesson that progress takes time and effort, not shortcuts.

Saras said...

Straight to the point! Hard work and patience are the real keys to lasting success.

Anonymous said...

As I walk through my career journey to gain valuable experience as an academician, PORTMAN College has provided me with the opportunity and platform to grow. Yet, it is my responsibility to pursue my passion and chase my dreams. Thank you for the sharing Mr. Ernie.

Nurul Ain Fatehah said...

I agree with this perspective. Success requires hard work and patience. I also appreciate the advice to learn from experienced leaders, as it shows the value of gaining knowledge before following personal passion.

Nurul Ain Fatehah (PORTMAN College Lecturer)

Anonymous said...

Balancing work and life while striving for success is perhaps one of the greatest challenges of modern living. These two aspects often feel like they’re in competition with each other, but they don’t have to be. Success and balance can coexist when approached thoughtfully. The key lies in understanding that life is about seasons. There may be times when work demands more of your energy, but there should also be seasons of rest and reflection. Recognizing this ebb and flow allows you to push hard when needed while ensuring you don’t lose sight of the other areas of your life that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Nurul Asyikin said...

Thank you for the sharing Mr. Ernie. It’s true that the young generation has ambitious goals but may not fully understand the effort, dedication, and patience required to achieve them. Your emphasis on hard work, continuous improvement, and learning from experienced leaders is a powerful reminder that success is a journey, not an instant result.

- Nurul Asyikin (PORTMAN College)

Emily Tan said...

Agree with this perspective. It highlights the importance of aligning big dreams with realistic expectations and sustained effort. Success isn’t about shortcuts but about developing resilience, focus, and discipline over time. The point about freedom and work-life balance coming after financial stability is important, too many prioritize these prematurely without laying the groundwork. Additionally, the emphasis on leveraging traditional workplaces for learning and growth is a valuable reminder. Success indeed requires humility, consistent effort, and the patience to build something meaningful. This is a grounded and motivating outlook for anyone pursuing their goals.

Ryan How said...

Yes, Mr. Ernie, I totally agree with you. Success doesn’t come easy; it requires a lot of effort and serves as just the foundation.

Consistency is key—doing what others are unwilling to do, going above and beyond to achieve what needs to be done.

I am deeply grateful for joining PORTMAN as a student; it helped build my foundation. I am equally appreciative of joining PORTMAN as a staff member; it has broadened my perspective and provided me with valuable experiences by surrounding me with the right platform and the right people.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I totally agree with Mr. Ernie. Nothing is easy, especially when it comes to becoming a successful and wealthy person. Most teenagers dream of becoming successful entrepreneurs and rich, but the reality is they are often unwilling to learn the fundamentals of business or put in the hard work while others are enjoying their holidays.Nothing comes easy; we must face challenges as we pursue our goals, learn quickly, and overcome those challenges to succeed.

Crystal said...

Yes, Sir, I completely agree with your statement. Success requires sacrifices, especially time, which should be invested in meaningful actions that contribute to our growth and progress. Hard work, consistency, and patience are the foundations of achieving our goals. Without these, the path to success remains a distant dream. Thank you for sharing this valuable reminder!

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Mr. Ernie, for your unwavering guidance and advice, always encouraging us to keep pursuing success and our dreams while fostering meaningful personal growth for a better future. Indeed, work-life balance is hard to achieve if your bank account isn’t balanced. It’s not easy to achieve success, but it’s also not difficult to fall into hardship.
-Lyana-

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Mr. Ernie, for your unwavering guidance and advice, always encouraging us to keep pursuing success and our dreams while fostering meaningful personal growth for a better future. Indeed, work-life balance is hard to achieve if your bank account isn’t balanced. It’s not easy to achieve success, but it’s also not difficult to fall into hardship.
-Lyana-

Vicky Yew said...

The journey of pursuing our dreams is never an easy path, yet having you with us is truly a blessing.
Work is not just work; it is an opportunity for us to build an exceptional education system together and give back to society.
Let us move forward together and create a brilliant future!

Rangjini said...

This is a valuable reminder for 2025! Success indeed requires commitment, hard work, and learning from those who’ve paved the way. Focusing on consistent growth and trusting the process is key. Patience and effort over time yield the best rewards. 💪

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this valuable perspective. It's true that success and financial stability require dedication, patience, and hard work. Balancing a bank account before striving for work-life balance is a reality check that many need to hear. Learning from experienced leaders and taking advantage of the opportunities provided is a great way to grow and improve daily. This post is a powerful reminder to stay focused, committed, and persistent. Truly inspiring! - Indhu

Sofea said...

Surely, success requires effort, patience, and a willingness to learn. Your message delivers a strong perspective, and as a wake-up call to align expectations with reality.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Ernie, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done, given, and taught me. 12 years ago, if you hadn’t taken me under your college and care, I wouldn’t even be 5% of who I am today.

I know there are still many areas where I fall short of your expectations, but I will continue to do everything I can to improve myself. This journey has been nothing short of amazing for me, and it always will be.

No matter where I go or what I do, I will never forget the lessons you’ve taught me and the words you’ve shared. I will always honor the PORTMAN brand and ensure that I never tarnish its name.

JL

Atiq Afira said...

I agree, Mr. Ernie. Success requires time, patience, and effort. There are no shortcuts to greatness, but the journey of growth and learning makes it rewarding. This is a powerful reminder that consistent hard work is essential before we can enjoy the rewards we aspire to. Although the journey may be challenging, it is also one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile paths to pursue.

Cobeinkk said...

Success is not built in a day. It takes blood sweat and tears. Everyone has to make sacrifices to achieve what they want in life. Strive for excellence instead of a work life balance. The fulfilment will come in time.

Ivy Loh said...

If you are seriously wanting to have work-life balance, you must first balance your bank account."
This is such a powerful statement—not just for young people, but for everyone. Success doesn’t happen overnight, yet many people take it lightly, believing that success will simply come their way. My journey at PORTMAN has taught me countless lessons. Sometimes, it’s not about what you think; rather, it’s about what you can deliver. In reality, no one cares about your thoughts if you’re unable to produce results on time. Achieving success requires relentless effort, working day and night, collaborating with different people, facing various challenges, and continuously improving as you progress.

The bigger the goal, the tougher the challenges that come along with it. However, not everyone understands this. And even among those who do, not everyone is willing to persevere, break through barriers, and continue moving forward. Many give up when faced with obstacles.

I am truly grateful for everything I’ve learned through my experiences at PORTMAN. I want to sincerely thank Mr. Ernie, the shareholders, stakeholders, clients, parents, and my team members for their support and guidance. Mr. Ernie, your crystal-clear direction, courage to take risks, and willingness to give me a chance to contribute to the PORTMAN journey have been invaluable.
As we welcome 2025, I am excited for the opportunities and game-changing moments ahead.

Happy New Year to Mr. Ernie and everyone. Let’s make this a great year filled with possibilities and growth!

Khirthanna Murugesu said...

Agree Mr Ernie. Success doesn’t come overnight, and patience, hard work, and learning from the right people are key. Thanks for sharing this insight!