Things We Choose

In today's fast-paced world, the relentless pursuit of material gain often keeps us trapped in a never-ending cycle, preventing us from pursuing our true desires and passions. We often find ourselves caught up in the hustle, with the excuse of not having enough time. However, it's essential to remember that time is within our control, while money should not dictate our lives.

Personal Experience:
As a driver, I can personally attest to the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of financial incentives. Many times, we have to forgo personal moments, like sharing a simple meal with our families. We prioritize driving to earn money, thinking it's the only way to provide for our loved ones. While this may put a few extra dollars on the table, we fail to realize that the cherished moments spent together cannot be replaced.

Furthermore, in our relentless pursuit of incentives, we become our harshest bosses. We deny ourselves adequate breaks, good meals, and proper rest. It's a constant grind, and we often lose sight of the purpose behind it all.

Comparing to Office Work:
I've shared my perspective with friends who work in offices, and not everyone agrees with me. They argue that the money we drivers make surpasses what they earn at a desk job. Office workers typically enjoy weekends off and can take sick days while still receiving their paychecks. However, for us drivers, it's a different story. Most of us rent our vehicles, which means that not driving doesn't just result in a lack of income; it leads to additional expenses, including rental fees. This places a significant burden on us, particularly in Singapore, one of the world's most expensive places to live.

Taking Responsibility:
Ultimately, nobody owes us anything. The system encourages us to "be our own boss," but it's designed to keep us working tirelessly. It's up to us to define what "enough" means in our lives and when to strike a balance between work and personal fulfillment.

The pursuit of material gain often blinds us to the value of time, relationships, and personal well-being. While financial stability is essential, it's equally crucial to set boundaries and prioritize what truly matters in life. Striking a balance between work and personal life is a personal choice, and understanding the costs and benefits of our actions is the first step towards achieving that balance. Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness should not be sacrificed at the altar of financial gain.

Balancing work and life in pursuit of material gain – the hidden costs and the importance of defining "enough."

Keywords: material gain, work-life balance, personal fulfillment, financial stability, hustle culture, sacrifices, time management, priorities, financial incentives, Singapore drivers, office work, life choices, well-being, work-life integration, workaholism, income generation, rental expenses, financial responsibility, time value, relationships, happiness pursuit.

Usually for the material gain, we are stuck in that treadmill that keeps us cling to it and not able to think what we want to do, let alone “do the things we want to do.” Usually, it gives you that simple excuse “I have got no time.” (Time is in your hands, you decide, not the money that tells you!)

For 1 example myself, as a driver, because of the incentives we have to forgo a lot of our personal stuff, including a simple meal with the family. We will drive first, collect the money and go home for dinner, but that was never truth, yes, you indeed have a few dollar more to put on the table, but did you really know that simple meal together cannot be brought back. On the other hand, it defeats the purpose if you don’t drive to hit the incentive. And you are the most scrooge boss, you never allow yourself to a good break, you never eat well, you rest little, you have no breaks….

Like I was sharing with a few friends who never agree with me, the money we make is a few times better than you sit in the office. In the office, if you are on 5 days week, you get 2 days off. If you are not feeling well you can see a doctor and rest, while you still get paid. But not for us drivers. Majority of us rent the vehicle, when we don’t drive doesn’t mean no income, but negative, meaning we still have to pay for the rental, so we born in Singapore very hardworking nation…. As we have bills to pay regardless, we are one of the world most expensive place.

Nobody owes you.

The system sounds good, “be your own boss.” It’s design to make you work. Maybe you have to define your “enough”.