Rat Race

Rat Race is defined as the constant struggle or competition for wealth and/or power that ends up being a pointless pursuit. This is something very commonly seen and known in the western world. I can go into depth into how it has spread into even countries across the world when it comes to power, which in their eyes unfortunately equates to weapons. However, I want to discuss society and the hold it has on individuals and families when it comes to careers and happiness. Whenever I meet someone new one of their first questions to me is "What do you do?" Now this may be a genuinely logical question to ask, but it shows how much of an achievement based culture we are. We teach our kids that they need to get a great education to get a great job to get a great salary in order to achieve great status and buy great things. Now this could work for many or it may seem like it does. We don't know cause we don't know what they're thinking, but I do know there are many people who have committed suicide due to financial issues. This in itself is a very sad thought, but again reality for several families who have experienced this. For the majority of the population becoming rich seems like an impossible never ending loop. There is such a strong push toward this lifestyle because it is the "dream". We all exert ourselves to achieve these material things to show off that sometimes in the process we don't have any free time for ourselves or our loved ones. We think happiness is the same thing as being rich or wealthy. I searched the definition of wealth and it was amazing how often valuables or physical possessions came up when in reality wealth can mean many other things. To me it can also mean spiritually, physically and emotionally. I once saw a video of Bob Marley in an interview and he was asked "Are you a rich man, do you have a lot of possessions?" He then replied "Possessions make you rich? I don't have that type of richness, my richness is life." I try to remember that but it is tough when all you see is people getting their MBA or doctorate and feeling like you aren't achieving enough in life. This can be a very draining and detrimental thought to have.

I am currently a Vet Tech in Florida and I love it, but I don't make enough money especially in these inflation times with gas almost at $5. I live by myself and have a cat and just make enough to pay rent, my car, internet, groceries, eating out sometimes, gas and dance expenses. Did I mention I am a dancer also? In my free time I am usually taking classes with the team I am on at the studio. This is another expense but I wouldn't have it any other way. Anyways, I have been contemplating on getting a second job on the weekend which may sound like a good idea but then I would have no free time to just relax, which is necessary. I know this because when I am starting to get sleep deprived and have been on the go non stop my immune system goes down and I become sick. I am at the moment coming to an end with the flu. It has cost me 3 days of work and I am now stressed about that. I shouldn't because I need to rest but wondering if I will have enough next paycheck to cover my rent or if I'll have to take more out of savings is a stressful thought. I wish it wasn't that way, but that is the world we live in. It is a domino effect, you make one decision it impacts another part of your life. All I can say is prioritize your health, because without it you have nothing. Be grateful, take a deep breath and follow your heart. If you agree with all that I have written, congratulations, you are among the few that realize there is something wrong with the pressures society as a whole makes and know you deserve better. Most will just accept it and push themselves to live the way they think they should with a 9-5 job and barely any vacation time. Of course if you enjoy what you are doing and it is a "typical" job that's great! Most doing this might be happy they might not, but I don't want to be told if my vacation time was accepted or not, or have to wonder if I can afford groceries or gas. I want to live life on my terms, after all happiness comes from within. Never forget that. So in this hustle world that is so full of distractions, stick to your beliefs, there is always someone out there who is on the same page.