I knew about the ''rat race'' term back in 2011 when I was reading the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
In my own words I would like to define it as "an endless journey of trying to achieve something that is worthless"
Nowadays, I see that many of the so called 'successful' people, people with university degree, career, steady paycheck every month was not that successful at all. They have cars, money, expensive clothing and many more, yet they live a stressful and boring life. All of them share similar traits : work from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, then waste your money on weekends. This famous quote by Nigel Marsh perfectly summarized my opinion:
"Most people work long, hard hours at jobs they hate, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't like"
The reason I am writing about the rat race is because I was a rat trapped in this race (and still a rat). Starting at age of 6, I was told to study hard, get straight A's in every exam. At 12 years old, I was sent to a science boarding school. After high school it was foundation college then university.
Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to study in Australia. Studying abroad had really open up my mind. I noticed that where ever you go, there are 2 types of people that went to university:
- People who really love what they are studying
- People who only wants the degree so they can find a high paying job.
I found myself as type no.2. Money is the goal. To be honest, I don't remember a single thing what I had study in university and I don't care. It was all about getting the piece of paper saying that you have successfully earn a Bachelor's Degree. I bought into the rat race completely. I used to think, if I can just work hard, everything will be great, light will shine down from the heavens and I will be successful. The truth is it requires passion not hard work. This is what intrigue me about people type no.1. They eat, live and breath what they are studying every second of their life. They chose it because they are passionate about it, while I chose it because everyone chose it.
We are not rats. Humans are given brain to think and to create. Follow your passion. If you think that chasing money will leave you feeling contented for the rest of your life, think again. ”Money Isn't Everything”.
I hope I have what it takes to get out of the race.
p/s: to the rats out there, please don't feel offended. I am a rat as well.
