My fellow Bolehlanders that didn’t come from wealth, how are you coping so far?

In school we’re taught that our you get what you plant (it’s a type C proverb meaning your rewards = your efforts). As an adult we realize that’s not the case. Rich gets richer via better education, connections, exposure, marriage etc. while the poor has no socioeconomic mobility (watch Parasite or Squid Game exploring these topics). You only jump the ladder when you win the genetic lottery of being attractive/talented in sports or by plain luck sometimes. Then there’s the “rest of us”. You know how it works, I’ll not elaborate on this.

Now I’m not here to compare with anyone. I’ve been working hard for years while people from better background always question why I don’t “live life” a little. I gave up on many riskier dreams to settle on the path with immediate financial sense cause there’s no “cushion” if I ever fail. Over the years, I went from eating bread daily to finally living a normal life that many have by default and I’m extremely happy and grateful for that. Now I’m not a doomer, but things just seem impossible these days with inflation and the future always seems bleak for a lot of people without a supportive background.

I’m just wondering those from less fortunate background, how do you keep yourself going after reaching a certain level? When immediate hunger is no longer there to motivate you, what keeps you going? Do you sacrifice more time for more NEW money? What keeps you having hope and joy while running the rat race you know you can’t run away from?