Midlife Crisis At 23. "Hustle Culture" Ruined Me. Now I Just Enjoy Nature.

[@official_awei]

1) If you've enjoyed the video and scrolled down to the comments... please like, subscribe, and leave a comment if possible! It only takes a few seconds, genuinely helps me out a lot, and starts some interesting conversations. 2) Feel free to join me on Patreon if you'd like to: support the channel, have your name in the credits of every video, and get in touch with me one-on-one for any reason. patreon.com/AlexWei 3) I started a second channel to share my travel and outdoors experiences! New video coming soon... youtube.com/@LessInternetMoreAdventures

[@carlolapadula3953]

Don't know if it helps any, but you've got things going for you that I never had, and I still ended up getting married and having two kids (6 and and about to turn 4 in a month). For instance, as basic as that sounds, I struggle with articulation, you can hear that in my videos (which are trainwrecks, but if you want to hear an example, take the one I did on TuIsi Gabbard's endorsement of Joe Biden, or the one I did on the Bernie Sanders campaign pretty much throwing Matt Orfalea under the bus). You on the other hand, have clear pronounciation. Again, it may not sound like much, but when you hate your own voice and have hardly any confidence that you'll even get your words out right, that makes it that much harder to interact with people. So that's one thing I hope will help. Another is, I gave up the idea of ever even dating someone, let alone marry and start a family with someone before I even finished school. Interestingly enough, at that time I took on this perspective of just being happy for the people around who *did* find someone special in their lives. I started organizing picknicks and other activities and people would actually show up every time. It was more fun in a way, when I wasn't actively trying to make it about getting together with anyone, even when a person that I had a crush on was among the people that I invited over. Maybe this could work for you, too: Do keep an open mind, and heart, around people. Give them a chance, accept it when they reject you without taking it as a personal devaluation (as saying "No" to others simply means saying "Yes" to yourself), and be consciously aware of how lucky you are to have met a person to actually say accept your offer. Even if it's just a simple thing like playing volley ball together or having a cookout. Show your interest without being pushy or clingy. I don't know if any of this helps, or I'm coming across as berating or humble-bragging.

[@official_awei]

@@carlolapadula3953 Definitely helps, thanks for the insight! And I think I remember you from very early on when I just started out this channel. Appreciate the continued support.

[@bbowjazz]

Seeking external validation has been the single greatest weakness in my life of 64 years. I spent 40 years in software engineering and honestly a lot of that was seeking an identity as someone “important in tech“ because I came from a rural culture and didn’t have the ideal education for what I wound up doing as a career. Just keeping it real and appreciate the fact that you are Alex!

[@official_awei]

Yup, a lot of us run into trouble from trying live up to an artificial identity we've built inside our heads. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm glad that you seem like you're in a good place.

[@schwaartz]

Great title, great video. I'm in a very similar situation (third year of university). I used to work and study as much as I could because I assumed being the top student would somehow lead to a better life. Things kept getting harder and harder, and I didn't know why I was doing any of it. There was never really an 'end goal,' so I stopped hoping that anything would change. After being mad and depressed for a while, I figured out that I actually really enjoy learning. School was never really the problem, it was just my attitude towards it. I always expected to get something in return for my efforts, but the efforts were actually the reward in the first place, if that makes sense. Learning for the sake of learning is pretty nice.

[@Marchey_]

I am in 12th grade. I took a step back from taking multiple AP classes and honors classes this last semester, and I have literally never been happier in my entire life. I took more time to ride my bike, I slept more, and I stopped having that feeling of perpetual sickness like you mentioned. I got admitted to the college of engineering at my university, and I am worried that taking up engineering is only going to bring that back. Sigh.

[@official_awei]

Glad you were able to find happiness, and hope you can find some kind of school-life balance in college. Health is the most important!

[@Bennett-gb5dr]

I totally agree with what you said I’ve gotten into streaming a lot more often and it’s made me realized how much joy I get from interacting with others and helping others with advice rather then work

[@official_awei]

Glad you found something where you not only enjoy it but also get to help other people

[@ryanguy6789]

100% relate. I studied engineering initially in college not because I had any interest but because society respects engineering as a degree with higher pay. Big mistake. Brutal courses and it sent me into a spiral of depression until I left and went back for a different degree. Our culture is one that pushes people relentlessly to just be another cog in the wheel next to the other people who did the same thing. It is not worth it. Not everyone is meant to do this - yet society will push you and also brainwash your thinking to do it anyways. Glad that you found a way out of it because that is a very miserable road to be on. Great video and extremely useful lesson. There's many out there like you.

[@official_awei]

Yeah, I think a lot of people like ourselves, especially in Gen Z, are starting to realize these kinds of things. All that work for what, really? When inflation and house prices are skyrocketing, dating is becoming near impossible for the average guy, community and third spaces are being dissolved, etc. Might as well enjoy life and appreciate the things that you have instead of working towards the things you've been told to chase by a society that doesn't care about you in the first place!

[@ryanguy6789]

@@official_awei I agree completely and I will say I am happy to come across people like you who get it now. I was exiting college 10 years ago and these perspectives were not really out there for anyone to stumble on but now you see more and more people are out there talking about it. There is more to your life than how you get your income and I think the real question is if you somewhat enjoy the day to day. That's the key - nothing to do with what society pressures us to do - it's about doing what works for you and leaving the rest of it alone.

[@saturns33]

that hamster wheel feeling is so real

[@official_awei]

Just feels like an endless cycle

[@RunningMouse7]

fr

[@anonanon7822]

For Americans, the worst part about this is getting into debt. You study in college, and you acquire ridiculous amounts of debt that push you into the “job/career” hamster wheel because it would be so hard to pay off that debt from freelance/contract work/small gigs. I am european(so no debt at all), so it was quite easy for me to get out of that(and no sunken cost fallacy as i payed exactly 0 usd for my education), but i actually said “screw it” to education when i was 19, and started working as a junior dev(2017, so it was easy back then), i barely finished my bachelors degree with horrible marks but i didn’t care. In the end, i’m now 27 and have much more freedom/chill life than my peers(partially because they only start their career because they started after finishing degree, and i’m senior dev with lots of experience already, so much more financially independent), although i had to move to Japan because of situation in my country(i’m ukrainian)

[@official_awei]

Yeah, some people think the debt is deliberately designed as part of "the system" or whatever you want to call it, as a way to keep people on the job/career hamster wheel for the long-term

[@Coolbeanzz24]

As a young Asian male similar to you I can empathize. But keep your chin up, most of us are not passionate about our jobs, in the end it’s about putting food on the table. Just enjoy the simple things in life like nature, reading, and take care of your health

[@aidanw6725]

Good job, thank you for posting this video

[@danieljangthanong]

You're smart way to smart. That's your problem. You see the BS.

[@abdurazizsautos7178]

Hustle culture makes us appreciate less of the small things and focuses on the big picture ( the big. picture is important for goal achievements that have a meaningful significance, unless it's a fruitless pursuit). I guess hustle culture is a catalyst for motivation up to an extent. Beyond that, it takes a toll on the mental well-being.

[@official_awei]

Couldn't have said it better myself. The bigger picture is truly important... when the goals are genuinely your own, and when the pursuit doesn't take a toll on mental/physical health. Also I featured one of your comments in the video if you caught that part!

[@abdurazizsautos7178]

@@official_awei Thank you so much! It seems the part was about hustle culture.

[@luisramrod9121]

I am just happy that all that pressured did not make you do something evil and hurt innocent people. 😢

[@stevepoper8073]

I think I really like the mindset you have of just trying to enjoy nature rather than compare yourself to others. I think what I also like about your philosophy is you don't consider yourself better or worse than others because of your decisions. Many people I know, when they make non-standard decisions, they make it sound like they're better than the rat race. I feel like you have a whole lot less ego than those influencers..

[@official_awei]

That's exactly the point I'm trying to get across with this channel. Have the courage to go your own way, and have the humility to allow others to do the same, without judgment.

[@OGmaximilian]

Have you everdone the MBTI/16 personalities-Test? You are giving me big ISFP Vibes. And yeah, I'm a student of Chemistry in Germany and even though I love science and all the stuff, I won't be destroying my life just to get a slightly better job. I'm studying as good as I can, but not beyond my natural limits

[@official_awei]

Yeah I've taken it over the years, it always changes though. I think INFJ or something

[@KevinN-f9j]

How do you get food and drink in arizona? Do you hunt/scavenge, buy food, or ask people?

[@official_awei]

I live in an apartment lmao. It's not like I'm completely off the grid

[@Sir4am]

God bless you🎉

[@official_awei]

You as well. Merry Christmas!

[@crimson7377]

goat posted again

[@official_awei]

Goat commented again ^

[@trashjunglr786]

I’ve felt a lot of the things you’re saying. But why do you feel as though if you use your degree you will be stuck on a hamster wheel for 40 years? You seem like a very intelligent person with a prestigious degree and with smart investing and planning you could achieve financial freedom early in your 30s. Then be free to pursue your passions full heartedly. Depending on where you get employed you can still enjoy outdoor hobbies outside of your job as well. I’m 30 working as a head software engineer and I’m an avid biker and hiker. My coworkers buy expensive cars and pay massive rents but I’m set up where I’ll be out of the office for good on my 32nd birthday. Believe me the temptation to “Keep up with the Joneses” is strong but you’ll definitely never leave if that’s what you do. Not to say what you’re doing is wrong, just letting you know the typical “work until 65 then retire” isn’t your only option. Also, personal anecdote - I struggled greatly with motivation to excel at my job before I met girlfriend of 8 years. Us men are hardwired to be providers. On my own I would be content to sleep on the floor with nothing but a TV and a fridge. Find someone that makes you happy and the universe will make a lot more sense. And don’t be afraid to strike out a lot, you’ll thank yourself later. You echoed back my early 20s thoughts almost exactly. I was jaded, thought I was working for nothing, depressed. But then I found the beauty in the outdoors much like you, started living for the weekends and my PTO. Met my girlfriend, enjoyed long hikes and camping with her. Life brightened to the point where I even started enjoying work again. My point is don’t neglect the possibilities your hard work has afforded you. And don’t feel as though that path makes your goals of enjoying the outdoors impossible. Make an informed decision.

[@official_awei]

Appreciate your questions and insight! Since I have the ability to do remote freelance work, I decided I'd rather choose my own hours than work a normal schedule and have all my free time on the weekends. It was just a personal preference that I thought aligned best with my physical and mental health.

[@RunningMouse7]

When you moved to Arizona to start a simple, alone life, did anybody you know try to contact you?

[@official_awei]

Yeah of course, it's not like I completely cut off everyone lmao

[@RunningMouse7]

@@official_awei Specifically anyone(e g. friends, family, etc.)?

[@official_awei]

@RunningMouse7 Yea I'm still in touch with my close friends from college

[@RunningMouse7]

@@official_awei nice

[@VarinderSingh-kx1oh]

It kinda sounds like you picked the wrong major but you still succeeded that’s enough for me 🎉

[@Sprachitektur]

Are you a protestant or roman catholic?

[@skullywise]

u can switch up the content by telling storytime vid from ur childhood , dont say the same shit again and again those thumbnails be weird as fuk all in all , not hating just critizing

[@official_awei]

You sound very upset and triggered. I hope you feel better and find some peace!

[@phillipholland6967]

You've settled in Arizona?...Do you get a chance to interact with native amricans there in your outdoor life? (Im australian do i maybe have romantic notions of that neck of the woods)

[@official_awei]

Interesting question... There are a lot of Native American reservations, but you need some kind of official approval to visit their designated lands.

[@Zuumville]

Your outlook may not be that unusual for Gen Z. In fact, it may not be that rare for anyone in their early 20s at any time in the last 60 years. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpeTdaBjhMaHhM0

[@kolyxix]

Omg, you are a freaking Kid. Chill out