Every member is a breadwinner

March 24, 2022

It is no secret that many of us here are struggling to make ends meet. Though we work two jobs in a day and manage side hustles in between, still we complain about how we lack resources. Our culture tells us to cover the needs of the family especially if we are already working. When we were sent to college, immediately after that, we are expected to take over as the breadwinner of the family.

There are a lot of cases wherein first born are getting depressed because of the unexpected responsibilities that are given to them. They are already pressured on how they are going to provide for them family and sometimes, they deprive themselves from enjoying the little things that makes them happy.

I am not against supporting and providing for the family but all the family members should bear in mind that the responsibility should not be placed in one shoulder alone. As a family, everyone should take part in meeting the needs of the family. I'm not saying that a new- born baby should work already at the office, all I'm pinpointing is that eventhough some are still students, we can find ways to earn money. There are plenty of inspiring stories wherein working students made through life. One can venture online-selling, join in online earning platforms. Some also earns commission by editing reports and researches. There are various ways of earning, we just have to be resourceful.

In another story, if you can't really earn and provide for yourself and for your family, at least do the breadwinner the favor of being frugal in consuming the stuff at home and be smart and wise in spending the allowance that the breadwinner gave you. Everytime you feel like spending for the unnecessary, think of the sweat and blood that the breadwinner invested just for you to have the allowance that you need.

Some Filipino scenario today has only one breadwinner, all the other members of the family are not doing anything to alleviate the family's financial status. The worst is that some members are spending but not earning. Already contented with lying on the bed all day, getting up only to eat and watch television. Yet, still complains about having a not-so comfortable life.

This is one of the pressing issues today that we fail to address. We even refuse to accept and pinpoint that this is one toxic culture. A breadwinner should not spend all his life working to meet the needs of the family. He has a life too which means he has also sets of goals that he badly wants to achieve.

While it is fulfilling to be able to provide for the family, it is liberating to be able to fend for your personal goals too. Isn't it wonderful to have all the family members working hand in hand just to achieve financial independence. It just gives everyone the fulfillment that shared responsibility brings. As Helen Keller said,'alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.' Surely, if all of the members of the family would do their part, if everyone is mindful with how they spend their money, if everyone is frugal in consuming stuff like toothpaste, shampoo, water and electricity- then no one in the family would feel burdened. No one would have a heavy heart while supporting for the family. No one would cry at night asking the heavens why he is the first born.

Let us help our dad, our mom, and the first borns, we can help them in our own little ways.

*Lead Image is from Unsplash.com

Thank you so much! Until the next read!