I think one of my biggest fears when I was younger was going to hell.
As an adult however my perspective has changed and if you ask me what my biggest fear is now, it’s probably me sitting in traffic one day in the future, crying and realising that I wasn’t at the level I wanted to be at. Somebody say God forbid!
I am the kind of person that dreams and allows myself to go far into the future, even in my mind. These dreams of mine really create an unrest in me and make me strive to achieve my goals.
So sometimes while I am struggling now, I know that it is for a while. To be honest, some days, it feels like life is just a loop of alarms, bills, commutes, taxi or bus ride, emails, more bills, and a tired dinner of indomie, bread or whatever you can microwave in 3 minutes.
If you’ve ever said, “Let me just get through this week” every week since 2022, this is for you because you might just be in survival mode.
And the truth is that there’s no shame in that. Life is expensive. Responsibilities don’t pause, surely your bills will not take a break for you to gather your life together.
Survival mode is what helps us cope. It’s the human version of low battery mode. Your screen dims, background apps close, and you’re just trying to last the day. So, yes, survival mode is not meant to be permanent.
But when you’re stuck in “just get through the day” mode, you stop thinking about the future. Not because you don’t care but because the present is loud, overwhelming and extremely demanding. The mistake a lot of people make in this state is that they delay upskilling and postpone their growth.
And the longer you stay in survival mode, the more it becomes a lifestyle instead of a phase. You get used to it. You start normalizing struggle. You joke about it online. “Adulting is a scam.” Yes, we’ve all said it.
So… How Do You Start Living Again?
First, let’s be clear o. Living doesn’t mean quitting your job and moving to Dubai unless you can afford it; in which case, wow, please teach us. Living means building a life that goes beyond the bare minimum. It means planting seeds now for the future you want even while you’re still working two jobs and grumbling on your way to work.
Here’s how to break out of survival mode gradually and realistically:
1. Think long term even in the short term.
Yes, your salary is small. Yes, adulting is expensive. Still, ask: What skills can I learn today that will pay off tomorrow?
We mean skills like data analysis, writing, coding, digital marketing, sales. What matters in the future is value, not degrees or certificates.
2. Invest in yourself before going after bitcoin. Laughs in Swahili…
It’s tempting to put every spare dollar into trendy investments. But the best ROI is still you. Read books. Take online courses. Learn to negotiate. Understand how money works. When you upgrade your mindset, your bank account eventually follows.
3. Reject the ‘Hustle Forever’ Mentality
Working hard is good. But working with strategy is better. Instead of 4 side hustles that drain your energy, focus on one that builds long-term potential. The goal is to build leverage, not just activity. A lot of people are so money oriented and not goal focused. You are making money for now while jeopardizing the future, think about it.
4. Build financial habits even with small money.
You don’t need to earn millions to start budgeting, saving, or investing. Start where you are. The discipline matters more than the digits.
5. Ask yourself questions and carry out periodic checks.
This one’s big. Survival mode kills vision. But dreaming is free — and powerful. Start asking: What kind of life do I want?
What would financial freedom look like for me?
What small steps can I take this year to get closer to that?.
You deserve more than bills and burning out. While survival mode might be your starting point, it shouldn’t be your final destination. Every day is a chance to choose your direction even if your progress is slow.
If, like me, you don’t want to cry in the middle of traffic in the future, you know what to do. May your hustle pay!
