By Levi Benjamin · June 9, 2025
Why the Economy Feels So Broken Right Now
We live in a cold, brutal economic moment. People who play by the rules — work hard, stay disciplined, take the “smart” route — aren’t being rewarded like they used to. This is true even for entrepreneurs. You can grind day and night and still end up with something that barely gets off the ground.
Jobs are scarce. Rent is outrageous. Starting a business feels like dragging a boulder uphill. Sure, global living standards are improving somewhere. But for many young people right now, life feels like a dead-end maze. It’s hard to earn a living. It’s hard to build relationships. It’s hard to believe in the future.
So, what do people do?
They start following their dreams.
Dream-Chasing Feels Like the Only Thing Left
Here’s the reality: many of us won’t be able to retire in the traditional sense. Not in this economy. The average person in the U.S. and beyond is slowly drowning in debt, facing higher costs for everything from housing to groceries.
That’s why some of us — the ones who still have an ounce of energy or creativity left — are turning inward. We’re betting on ourselves, not the system.
If the future looks grim either way, we might as well make art, build things, or express ourselves. It won’t fix everything, but it feeds the soul. And if you’re persistent, it might even pay the bills.
Following Your Dreams Can Actually Pay — A Little
When you follow your passion seriously, it can turn into small income streams. It might not be enough to buy a house, but it could be enough for groceries, transportation, or staying off your parents’ couch (for now).
The truth is, most people’s dreams already have a financial component. Whether it’s writing, designing, coding, making videos, or selling a product — these passions can be monetized with time and focus. But only if you treat them like serious work.
Living with Family Is a Hidden Advantage
For those lucky enough to have supportive parents or relatives, living at home has become a powerful tool for survival. It’s not just about saving money — it’s about having a cushion that lets you take creative risks.
A lot of us are in this position because our parents were part of a more stable economic cycle. They had a chance to buy homes or build wealth before things got out of hand. If you have a roof over your head and food on the table — you’re better off than many.
Just don’t take it for granted. And definitely don’t piss your family off.
Location Independence Is a New Kind of Freedom
One of the most desirable outcomes of following your dreams is location independence. Being able to live anywhere while earning online is rare — but it’s real.
You’ve seen it. The small percentage of people who figured out how to make their own money and move through the world with freedom. Whether they’re copywriters, coders, designers, or creators, they unlocked something powerful: freedom from place.
If you want to experience the richness of life outside your bubble, this is the path.
People Are Done Working Terrible Jobs
It’s not laziness. It’s self-respect. More and more people — especially young ones — are rejecting jobs that offer no future, no dignity, and no ownership. They’d rather be broke building something meaningful than stuck in a toxic loop.
For many, having children isn’t even a concern anymore. First, they want to survive. Then maybe thrive. Following your dreams is a way to do both — or at least a better gamble than surrendering your soul to corporate burnout.
You Can Follow Your Dreams — But Only If You Take Them Seriously
This is where most people mess up.
Want to be a writer? Write. Every day. Want to be a designer? Build a portfolio. Want to be an actor? Audition constantly. No shortcuts.
Dreams don’t manifest themselves. They’re built like houses — brick by brick, day by day. If you don’t put in real hours, the universe doesn’t owe you anything. You have to earn your dream through repetition and resilience.
Innovation Is What Will Save the Economy
There’s a larger picture here.
The only way out of this downward spiral is through creation. The economy improves when people produce more with less — when they innovate instead of consume. If everyone stays passive, inflation eats us all alive.
We need a generation that understands creativity, economics, and self-reliance. The system isn’t coming to rescue you. But your own effort might.
So start today. You don’t need anyone’s permission. You just need a routine.
