Random thoughts.
I don’t understand why some people (if they know you already have a job) would automatically assume you are financially stable or like “damo na kwarta” , and to some, they have this initial thought of expecting you will lend them money if they requested you (due to the fact they need it atm). If you refuse, you will be the one to be seen as the wrong person. With the thought of them saying people who had jobs and are “waiting” for their salary every month are doing better and stuff like that. But they really don’t know how hard it is to have a job because it requires effort and skill, sweat, and blood to do your tasks. It doesn’t mean that if one has a job, he already has plenty of money to afford somebody else’s needs or is obliged to “give” or “lend” you something. People who are working (regardless of what industry or livelihood) exert mental and physical effort for such opportunity to be long-term, by which the fear of being fired is common.
You don’t know if their income is just enough to pay their monthly bills or if they have something left for themselves, too. Or if they ever feel guilty about buying a large cereal meal just because it is more costly than usual because they think they can buy something else that is more essential than that (i hope you do not ever feel this. go buy that expensive cereal if you want now as long as it s still on your budget!)
So, the next time someone tries to guilt trip you because “at least you have a job & an expectant salary at the end of the day, and your situation is much better than mine; I hope you help me now,” try to step back. No, I am not saying you will not be helping. You can help if the case is too much & if you have an EXTRA, and if it is “helping from your heart without them super persuasive for you to give in.” I hope we will be kinder enough to understand that everyone is trying their best (esp. those who are tirelessly working).
If given a chance, I wouldn’t want to work if money grows from trees or if I am acquiring generational wealth because working is tiring, BUT since I don’t, and most of us aren’t coming from this favourable situation, I hope we will all understand that all of us are trying to thrive, too. I hope we will be more kinder & understanding. Let us continue what we can to earn something that is honestly earned & that we do not step in someone else’s shoes just to pursue selfish desires. I am talking to both sides here. If someone declines to let you borrow money or isn’t responding for a reason, understand that they, too, have enough worries on their plates, maybe they could not help you for a while, and if they, too, someday, then you are lucky enough to have someone who trusted you with that.
To those who are currently working full-time, I pray you will work passionately. May you still have the luxury of time to read your favourite books, watch your favourite movies, and decorate your homes for the upcoming Christmas — I mean, may you have a work-life balance. I pray you won’t lose yourself trying to “get there.”
I hope better days are coming to you.
Sincerely,
Kryz