the rat race

The famous "rat race"... or the routine of "commute-work-sleep"…

A young person in a video highlighted the issue of being stuck in this lifestyle. We have dreams and ambitions when we're young, then we study—sometimes without passion or direction—and end up in a job that can last years, even decades, without much enjoyment.

Even if we change jobs, it's often to find something "less bad" than before. This cycle can continue for years, sometimes a lifetime, until retirement at 60 or 65, when we're no longer in our prime and try (finally) to fully enjoy life.

I've thought about this a lot and discussed it with friends who mostly said, "But bro, not many people love their jobs, but that's how it is, you have no choice..." in a fatalistic tone. It always breaks my heart to realize that indeed, few people love their work, and most choose a job or career that's "not too bad," that pays the bills, while trying to convince themselves it's not so bad and that there are worse things.

Sure, it's better than being unemployed or constantly begging for money. This reminds me of another video where someone complained, "Why do we do this, we're tired of chasing bills, waking up every morning for a job we don't like." I even responded in a video (on TikTok) saying that quitting everything is not the solution and will only increase problems, starting with a lack of money. Because we have to "live," at least pay our bills, rent, food, heating, internet, phone, etc.

I return to the first video (which I reposted on my TikTok account) where the young person filmed the highway in the morning, which was completely congested, saying that if you don't quickly find a vocation that you like, you'll end up like this, waking up every weekday, working in a job you only half enjoy, and struggling to find the time, motivation, and energy to change your life.

So that's the solution: work harder, give yourself the means, time, and motivation to do what you really want, whatever it is; singer, doctor, painter, actor, writer, pilot, you name it... As long as you have the physical ability, of course.

And here's where the main challenge lies: finding the time and motivation, on top of the job that already takes up a significant amount of time. Not to mention those who have children to take care of (like me).

Personally, as I approach my forties, my biggest life goal is to succeed in doing one (or more) activity that can pay me enough to live comfortably and that I enjoy to the point where I don't even see it as "work" in the Latin sense of the word (tripalium: an instrument of torture 😬). Hence this website, which is a first step toward my goal. It doesn't bring me any income yet, clearly, although it does bring me satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment regarding what I want to achieve and contribute to the world.

I've already experimented with a Twitch channel with fairly regular streams, but it took up a lot of time for too little pay. I hope to one day be able to stream again after some projects and businesses are successful enough to give me the time. And that's where I am as of summer 2024. After finding a job with a good company as a delivery driver to secure most of my finances, I'm working to devote a significant part of my free time to realizing my projects, which I hope will bring in enough income to get me out of this rat race. They are called "Move Guys," "Fun Educator," "Bouginz & Bougzer," "Bear & Bull Wear," "DJ Vavre records," and "Vavrezine AVC." Projects I am passionate about seeing through to the end, with the possibility that some of them might hit the million mark, as they say. And between you and me, after the struggles and years of hardship I've been through, it won't be to waste my money on anything. I'll know what to do with it, that's for sure. Starting with buying my parents' family home, which they may sell in a few years, where I (and all my siblings) have so many childhood memories... And being able to give back to all those who have helped me, near and far. At that point, I would say that I have fully succeeded in life.

For some, it may be sad to say or read, but it's my reality. I'm not seeking financial independence to show off, but to free myself from all the stress and anxiety I've experienced due to a lack of money. To buy new clothes for my child, to be able to visit family once or twice a year when living abroad, to afford a lawyer when needed, to pay for dental care when needed, to pay bills on time... Money doesn't guarantee happiness, but it allows you to do many things. As for the lack of money, it can sometimes lead to the worst.

So here's some advice for the younger ones, and even the not-so-young ones, from the bottom of my heart: Don't underestimate what money can provide and the distress that a lack of money can bring. Secure one or more sources of income as best as possible, and make sure to do everything possible to engage in an activity that you enjoy so much that you don't see it as work, with enough pay to live on. And who knows, maybe you'll break through some glass ceilings 😌🤲

Sending strength to you who are reading this, as the Quebecers say, "on lâche pas!"

Péo

PS: Little Supplement: Ikigai

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that literally means "reason for being" or "reason for living." It's a life philosophy that encourages finding a balance between different aspects of your life to achieve deep and lasting satisfaction.

The concept of ikigai lies at the intersection of four essential elements:

• What you love (your passion): The activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.

• What you're good at (your vocation): The talents or skills in which you excel.

• What you can be paid for (your profession): The activities or skills that can generate income.

• What the world needs (your mission): The contributions you can make to society or your community.

Ikigai is found at the intersection of these four circles. When you align what you love, what you're good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs, you reach a state of personal and professional fulfillment.

The idea of ikigai is to live a life full of meaning and contentment, where each day is filled with intrinsic motivation that drives you to get up in the morning and accomplish your tasks with enthusiasm and determination. For many people, discovering their ikigai can lead to a more harmonious, happy, and fulfilling life.