Escaping the Rat Race: My Search for True Freedom

The Life We’re Told to Live

From the very beginning, we’re handed a script: marry a certain kind of person, get a stable job, and work for 40–50 years. That’s supposed to be the formula for happiness.

But somewhere along the way, I started questioning it.

I found myself in an almost never-ending loop—going to work just to pay bills, and paying bills for things I was told I needed. It felt like a trap. My so-called “freedom” was reduced to a few hours of escape through TV, books, or anything that distracted me from reality. But no matter what, I’d end up right back in the same cycle.

Realizing I’m Not Alone

Recently, I saw a TikTok that made me realize I’m not the only one feeling this way. Many of us—regardless of politics or religion—are searching for something more. Something with meaning. Something that makes us feel alive.

For me, that “something” is freedom.

The Illusion of Freedom

Growing up, I was sold the dream of freedom. It was painted as the ultimate goal. But now, as an adult, I’ve come to see that much of what we call freedom is just an illusion.

Yes, I have all the things I was told would make me happy. But I’m still tied to the rat race, still living in a system that feels outdated. I’m grateful for the younger generation who sees through it earlier than I did.

Maybe the life we were told to live was never for our benefit at all—maybe it was for the benefit of the system, or someone else’s ideology.

Big Questions About Life’s Purpose

From that perspective, I can’t help but wonder:

• Are we just pawns in someone’s game?
• Are we all living in a real-life Truman Show?
• Why does it feel like we’re drifting closer to chaos and further from unity?
• Is the widening gap between rich and poor intentional?

Or maybe… this is just a stage of life. A prelude to a so-called midlife crisis.

Letting Go of Fear and Finding Joy

Whatever the case, I’ve realized that life isn’t about hustling for money, chasing temporary pleasures, or fearing judgment.

For years, I thought God was scrutinizing my every move. But when I let go of that belief, life became lighter—and more fun.

My New Perspective on Life

Maybe life doesn’t have to be about winning the game, getting the most stuff, or proving your worth. Maybe the meaning is simply this:
Enjoy today.
And if tomorrow comes, face it then.

By: Bria