The Rat-Race Sucks; Be Wealthy Now
My friend just turned 21 and had an emotional breakdown.
She was suffering from fear of the rat-race, of already being behind because she decided to do a double major and a co-op. OMG!!! I-am-not-done-university-yet! I-will-be-a-failure-forever-and-I-chose-anthropology-so-I-will-never-have-job-security!!!
One thing I firmly believe in is that this rat-race is something you fabricate for your own life. Basically, you are the master of it. We are told our whole lives, hurry up, finish school, get a job, buy a house, because everyone your age is already getting married and doing that, you are behind and you will always be behind if you let yourself be behind now.
I have been told before “It’s too late for me. But it’s not too late for you.” This was, of course by someone older and wiser. The last part is a good reminder that you can always change your mentality, that you can always alter the course you’re on. I like to think that it’s never too late for anyone.
I told my friend to do what she’s passionate about, and the opportunities will come. Or, more so, you’ll find them. When you’re following your passion, you’ll have more drive, more dedication, more willingness to stretch yourself than if you’re doing something for superficial reasons. The good thing is that she is very passionate about her education, her co-op program, doing research for fun, and to satisfy her own interests. She doesn’t care if she ever makes a lot of money, so long as she’s in the thick of opportunities to expand that knowledge.
I’ve been told to go into plumbing, because it’s stable and trades pay well. As cute as my butt is, it’s better inside my pants. You are likely to work more than full-time hours by choice, because you like what we do. I just think that, whatever you do, you should be interested in it.
Today, I was reading a post over at Millionaire Mommy Next Door and it captured the way I feel.
My transformational journey started when I discovered an important truth: Our lives are the stories we narrate for ourselves. If you don’t like the story your life has become, tell yourself a better one. Change starts with a thought, not an action. Think about all of the things you can do instead of the things you can’t. Start a different internal conversation and you’ll become wealthy in more ways than one
You can check it out, too; it’s called How to Create a Treasure Map to a Rich Life.
How do you feel about the rat-race?
And what makes you feel rich instantly?
October 29th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Well you gave me a real out loud chuckle today! You are very uplifting and inspirational. Reading your blog makes me realize that I have always had the right idea, but just never followed through. I always have let obstacles overwhelm me and I unfortunately tend to deal with stress by becoming what I call “hysterically catatonic”. But one thing I always have had is (especially according to my boyfriend of 10 years) is my ability to be happy in the moment with simple pleasures. So, for now, this is my wealth I already posess and my strength that I can build upon. Now to work on my treasure map and follow through. You have reinforced what I have always known and felt about life, but it’s good to hear it from others to keep us on track. And you’re funny to boot! Thanks!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Thanks so much Susan, your comment did the same for me
I think that feeling of confidence, of feeling like you possess a wealth at your fingertips whether you have one cent or a million dollars IS hard to maintain. I have to constantly remind myself, to stay on top of it, almost like laundry, or dishes. It’s tougher to handle when I let it pile up.
Thanks for reading!