Don’t Be Broke. It’s Embarrassing

Being broke is embarrassing. Maybe that sounds harsh, but there’s no hiding the feeling of not having enough to take care of yourself, or even doing something nice for someone else.

You think you’re doing fine until life throws you into some scenario that exposes the cracks—maybe a friend’s birthday rolls around, and everyone’s chipping in for a gift. And there you are, just kind of lingering. Or worse, you’re out with friends, and the idea of getting home without transport money is one of those quiet anxieties. You’re trying not to show face, but you know people can sense it.

It’s not just the shame of being seen as unreliable or unprepared. It’s that you can feel people’s pity. They look at you, and there’s this feeling of “oh, poor guy.” And it’s infuriating because you know you’re capable. But perception is a powerful thing, and once you’re tagged as someone who “doesn’t have it together,” it can be hard to shake that image.

These days, everyone is looking for any side hustle or shortcut they can find. Money-making schemes pop up everywhere—scams, questionable online gigs, the usual flash-and-go promises of easy cash. The appeal? Well, the traditional nine-to-five grind isn’t cutting it for a lot of people. Why would you wait for the “long term” when things feel shaky right now?

I’ll be honest, I get it. I’m trying to make art, put my work out there, and build something meaningful. But the returns are slim if they come at all. It’s like Plan A is this ever-distant mirage, and the pressure to jump ship and find a Plan B—or even a sketchy Plan C—feels heavier daily.

Starting this blog was part of the plan, too. At first, it was supposed to be a space where I could put my thoughts on the industries I care about—hospitality, travel, and art—a place to share ideas and, hopefully, to connect with people who get it.

Everyone talks about the power of having an online platform, right? Maybe there’d be some passive income in it eventually, a little breathing room. But the reality is it’s been slow, painfully so. A month in, and I’m realizing that patience is an ugly virtue when you’re trying to make ends meet.

So, yeah. Being broke isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a blow to your pride. And for all the motivational talk about “staying hungry” and “trusting the process,” I’m beginning to see that sometimes you just need enough to make it through the day without wondering how thin the ice is under you.