Overconsumption is Keeping You in the Rat Race.

Overconsumption raises our standard of living, which ties us to our corporate jobs. In this video, I'll touch deeper on strategies brands use to drive us to buy, and how we can step away from that to live more intentionally.
Connect with me on Instagram! / karllyfeng
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Thank you!
0:00 - Intro
00:41 - Feeling Compelled to Buy THINGS
01:17 - Trends push us to Buy THINGS.
02:15 - Why I don’t buy so many THINGS
03:27 - Living with Intention
04: 29 - Trading Our Time for THINGS
06:15 - Burnout
07:23 - Fear of Missing Out
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[@Fitness.with.Max.0802]

"If you're creating you're probably not consuming." Puts the countless filmed gym workouts in better perspective.

[@qratedfilms]

Cannot be overstated!

[@Asthepersianssay]

*laughs in artist*

[@thekinginthenorth3222]

Overconsumption ultimately results in me having to declutter down the line. It’s a vicious cycle

[@danieli.9252]

I’m going through that right now - I just moved, and I’m confronting the amount of stuff I have. It’s…a lot.

[@krm5693]

Owning so much stuff made me anxious. Worrying about something happening to my new expensive car. Getting designer shoes damaged, insuring everything from jewelry, and other expensive things due to fear of it getting stolen or damaged is so tiresome. Letting it go, and only buying a few high quality things that get better with use was such a weight lifted off my shoulders. I cannot wait to escape the rat race, entirely.

[@CHK12319]

Minimalism saved my finances. I was fortunate enough to embrace minimalism before starting my career post-college. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I saved $1,000 a month over the past few years instead of spending it on random things. Most of my girlfriends are self-described "shopaholics" with six-figure incomes who live paycheck to paycheck. My income is significantly lower, yet I've managed to save over $70,000. I've also invested some of that, enabling me to earn a decent passive income. My savings allowed me to quit my job in January, take a break, and plan my next career move with mindfulness and intention. *Financial freedom > random stuff*

[@vanillasweetcream]

this is my goal! that’s incredible

[@pamelapeterson2987]

Absolutely! Was just able to retire early from my job and pursue some other creative and sport-related interests and saving, investing, earning passive income and adopting a minimalist mindset was responsible.

[@victoriacooper6892]

Investment can go south

[@CHK12319]

@@victoriacooper6892 they can also go really well lol

[@user-rr9bu3pw9o]

I quit my shitty, toxic, corporate job about a month ago with no backup plan and minimal savings. I drastically cut my budget so there is no excess spending, and I don't miss buying "stuff" right now. It's a breath of fresh air to focus on what matters and really take care of myself.

[@karllyfeng]

Glad you’re out of that situation! It must be so liberating. 💕

[@kristaw206]

I'm constantly laid off from toxic shitty corporate jobs and I'm sick of it. I'm having a hard time finding new jobs again but my lack of consumption helps a ton while my husband and I build our dream home.

[@cynthiamata379]

Me and you same whatsap group😅😅

[@clairemickey]

The best thing for my creativity and piece of mind has been to stop watching mindless content- less impulse purchases and less of a scarcity mindset. This video is a great reminder ❤

[@karllyfeng]

100%. When I’m not pushed to buy things, I don’t think about the items I don’t have.

[@adriboyindex]

Finally people is valuing their time instead of being a slave to things, this gives me hope for humanity and I feel that I belong to a group and it’s normal to have this mindset. Thank you Karlly.

[@karllyfeng]

Maybe you can slowly start to change their minds. 🙂

[@zerocarbdoc]

Went minimalist 2 years ago and am so much happier. Getting rid of things freed my life. Slave to our possessions. Much happier now.

[@karllyfeng]

Living simply definitely feels much lighter! I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist per se, but definitely having fewer possessions than my younger self had makes me appreciate a simpler life.

[@Webkinzlover064]

I am working on this now. I tend to be a “collector” i am going to go through everything this long weekend and really decide what I use and it’s important to me and what is not

[@GenevieveWearsDior]

I have found, as someone who has always been drawn to anything creative, that as time went on I gradually started creating less and less and transferred all my creativity into shopping, to over simplify it. Finding creative careers and outlets felt like a source of stress and competition, and searching for things to buy gave me dopamine and allowed me to technically feel creative while I was doing it. Now I’m almost 30, and other than a lot of styling knowledge (I don’t want to be a stylist) I have nothing to show for all this time, not to mention I’ve decluttered maybe 80% of all the clothes and beauty I’ve accumulated over my 20’s. I am truly having to start over, and figure out how the hell to reprogram my brain and restructure my every day life. My big picture goal for moving forward is basically to treat my free time like I’m a kid again… schedule specific time for work and play, all without my phone

[@52Yuma]

well said，I can totally relate！ I often Wonder: what have I done with all these years and money😂… Now that I’ve picked up reading as a hobby, I realize knowledge is something worth acquiring, the result of reading would last much longer than the superficial “good taste”.

[@52Yuma]

And by being low maintenance, I have freed up chunks of time to do more important things

[@wiccanloverkris]

Tbh everything's keeping us in the rat race. Food, mortgage, rent, insurances, medications, car maintenance, petrol etc etc. I rarely enjoy luxuries anymore. My earnings this month barley covered my bills and that working full time.

[@ClaudiaM-om4em]

stay away from debt, live within your means, increase your income sharing something with the world.

[@ninaairicarusso5639]

At the moment I don’t pay for all of what you just mentioned. I’m a digital nomad, I work online and travel Italy this summer by using a platform called “Workaway”. There are endless possibilities to creat a spectacular life outside the rat race. If I can do it, everyone is capable ❤️

[@dearinlove]

i agree

[@ninaairicarusso5639]

What is the reason of deleting my comment? 😳

[@pamelapeterson2987]

"If you are creating, you probably are not consuming" I love that. There are so many other healthy and positive replacement behaviors for consuming...creating, spending time out in nature, getting together with friends and family, etc. Anything that gets us away from our screens.

[@missguccicoochie9869]

Amazing video. We’re in a culture where retail therapy is the most common form of therapy and overconsumption is encouraged. As someone who worked in a miserable 9-5 job where I was using retail therapy to make me feel better at the end of the day it’s so true that in the end you realize the stuff you are encouraged to buy later becomes worthless to you. It’s HUMILIATING the amount of new clothes and items I eventually gave away.

[@bigchief2331]

I've never had a real job. I just scrape by doing self employment odd jobs and earning a subsistence income. Buy only what I need. Save up for better quality rather than buying the cheapest things. Most days I spend less than $10, sometimes nothing. Life is too short to spend 40+ hours a week working a job, losing all that precious time and freedom. Best things in life are free.

[@TamieVlogs]

I want that 2. Just doing odd jobs and not be stuck in a job. I like editing so maybe I want to edit for someone a vew hours a week or design a product that I can just easly sell locally.

[@amandak.4246]

but what do you do for health insurance, living like that...

[@bigchief2331]

@@amandak.4246 I live in Australia not USA

[@TamieVlogs]

I have a question. How do you do it? Do you own a house? Things liek water/gas/electrisity? What do you have for your meals?

[@bigchief2331]

@@TamieVlogs I live with family. I do the yard work, buy food, cook meals etc. We all get along. Works for us.

[@user-ec7cm6ro5o]

It took me a long time and wasted money to learn this concept. Well done beautiful lady. I earn and invest because I don’t want to be controlled by others. Keep up the great work.

[@karllyfeng]

Here's to financial freedom 👍🏼

[@Kijaceramics]

Thank you for this. The analogy about spending time and money really made me realize that we are spending our time at work just to buy a silly purchase… where as influencers who are selling us these products don’t have a regular day job where they’re spending their time… their job is in fact, to sell the item to us.

[@PriskaJordan]

You hit the bullseye with this title! And you explain the pitfalls & solutions very well. Thanks for the encouragement! ❤

[@Buaastroctyes]

I just feel like no matter how much money I make I’m never going to live comfortable not because I’m a big spender but because I’m born in wrong generation. 😅 anyhow I rarely follow any influencers or KZbin’s that always showing hauls lol. I love clothes and fashion and makeup but I will wear whatever that isn’t in style as long it makes me happy. I don’t even care to be liked by others anymore 😅

[@karllyfeng]

Thisss 👆👆I feel like a huge part of building wealth is being lucky enough to be born in the right circumstances/era. The book Psychology of Money talks about this a bit.

[@Gorditavont33se]

This is one of the most eye-opening videos I have ever seen and it's exactly what I needed to see, too.

[@user-xc4nc5gv3f]

Thanks for making this video to remind us we don’t need to buy more. I stopped buying things altogether because brands keep telling me I lack smth when I don’t. I don’t need 10 lip products when I only use 1-2 in rotation daily. Nowadays I just count my work hours when I do budgeting for food and household necessities

[@nicolebtch]

this is a great take! thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@internet.user15]

Love the point you made on trends. I saw some advice somewhere I thought was helpful that said to wait a few weeks/months before making a purchase like that, to give yourself time to figure out if you actually like the product for what it is or just cause it's "in" right now. Great content as always!

[@victoriaveeart]

Yes same and just having a wish list that instead of purchasing you use that to store it in tiktok bookmarks. You’ll likely forget it so you actually didn’t need it

[@MrRikkiRocket]

The only thing I over consume is KZbin videos. But I use the free YT version so it doesn’t cost me anything. Hopefully it’s helping you, so that you can buy all the sh!t you need/want - or experiences, even those cost $$ 😊 . With ❤ Rikki

[@karllyfeng]

Thank you for your attention 😊😂

[@autobotdiva9268]

im down to 6 pairs of work pants!! rather have experiences, travel and hygiene

[@victoriaveeart]

I have parents that hoards things so naturally I developed that habit when I was a teen but being older now I don’t like to have too many things . I like for my room to be as empty as possible for a clear mind😭 and I keep myself busy with my hobbies which prevents me from over consuming but I def can see how it’s so easy to fall into it especially with tiktok shop and them showing you ads based on things you put in your cart!!! You literally have to have a lot of self control !! Def see why “tiktok made me buy it” is so popular that and fomo really guilts you into buying things 😅 you can easily fall into a never ending cycle without you realizing it unless you’re very self aware and have clear goals you’re actively pursuing. In this case your modeling and not having to move so much furniture and stuff helps you be more conscious of your spending habits

[@karllyfeng]

I grew up in an immigrant household where many items were held on to, so I totally get the feeling. 😅 It wasn't until I had my first apartment did I realized I was free to keep my space as I wanted it. More recently I've been trying to create/build things with my hands as a way to limit my social media usage--which it seems like you do a lot of!

[@lipezklipezk9705]

OMG I NEED your hair routine!! HOW ARE THEY SO SHINY?!! love it

[@puppylove1865]

I totally agree with you, I gradually realize that consuming keep me in the rat race and in debt, I start investing more , and more attention to workout, my mental health issue after I consume less , which makes my life happier and less stressful.

[@maryscott1830]

I love this so much. Yess. We are trading our time for sure.

[@karllyfeng]

This realization changed my brain chemistry 😮

[@vanillasweetcream]

@@karllyfengyou changed mine with this too. thank you so much for this video!

[@DaniOchannel]

I do really enjoy luxury shopping, but I know it’s not good for my bank account or my future. I really enjoyed this video. New subscriber here.❤

[@frogemiah]

College student working full time here: This video really put some things into perspective. Time to cut down on spending even more!

[@karllyfeng]

It's important to strike a good balance for yourself! 😊

[@FionaHuang-xh7nw]

Following your channel!

[@qfason5836]

Ummm wanting shelter is what keeps me in the rat race lol.

[@kristaw206]

Its because the powers that be know they need to commodify basic needs in order to keep the oppression going...

[@anuradhamohan92]

As someone who stopped buying unnecessary amount of things this year , my bank likes it 😂 I only invest in handloom Indian wear or good quality items

[@karllyfeng]

My bank also likes it 😂 I love investing in high quality pieces!

[@BreezyBanter]

Ah, I love this video and the reminder that if you're creating, you're probably not consuming. I decided to create a KZbin channel so I could express myself without having to spend money (at least to start - I already have a phone and camera!)! Love it.

[@karllyfeng]

A phone and camera is perfect for getting started!

[@EricaBerman-yf3xg]

I love the comment you made about creating. As a mom of 3 and corporate employee, I get very little time to create anything for myself or my home. This lack of creative space and time is probably one of the driving forces behind my frivolous spending! Thank you for the insight! I’m not sure how I will find time to create but if I start to be more intentional about it, I can at least get on the path. And dang…I’m so tempted to ask where your black turtle neck is from- it looks gorgeous on camera and frames you so well!

[@karllyfeng]

Props to you for juggling it all! It's not easy. (black turtleneck is from Amazon but I wouldn't recommend, because it's kind of itchy 😭)

[@Neli1994]

New subscriber here!! You are so inspiring! Love your videos!!❤

[@karllyfeng]

@Neli1994 thank you!!

[@flori2611]

LOVED IT 🥰

[@maiiamiii]

"If you're creating you're probably not consuming": The only reasons I can't quit my job is that I wouldn't be able to afford the heap of art supplies I'd need because I'd spend most of my time sewing, knitting or painting 😅

[@leslyj1326]

I was going to comment you should be a model then heard your intro lol you’re gorgeous!!! 💝 ty for your video

[@karllyfeng]

🤍🤍

[@kensiblonde4203]

By far my biggest expense is 3 cats. It’s absolutely insane how expensive pet ownership is now.

[@Monicamojito]

Waiting to see what it is that you choose to promote on your channel/which sponsorships you take

[@acidtrip141596]

Great video! Also can I mention how healthy and shiny your hair looks? ❤Could you drop a hair routine video with the products you use?

[@karllyfeng]

Hi! I currently use the OGX coconut milk shampoo and an apple cider vinegar rinse as my conditioner 🥰

[@theloudmouthful]

I LOVE THIS SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH

[@karllyfeng]

Thanks @theloudmouthful!

[@samanthab5006]

Lol I was worn out by the lack of novelty then I had our first baby at 35. Process has started over. My son plays with a one dollar can piggy bank my husband bought for loose change in his 20s that we emptied into my son's piggy bank and were ready to pitch until my son became obsessed with it. Meanwhile I'm looking at grapat loose part toys and stained wooden block sets made in Europe. Need to get it under control before my son knows better (he will be 1 in a few days)

[@ginasotolongo5867]

I agree 100%. Hyper Capitalism incentivizes spending. We've definitely been sold a fallacy that buying material goods will improve our happiness. Something to add is student debt is a serious obstacle. It accrues interest from the moment (unsubsidized) you are granted it.

[@karllyfeng]

When I realized my items don't bring me (that much) joy, I saved so much money, time, and space.

[@nubiacabrera919]

Great video! New subscriber here. 🎉

[@karllyfeng]

Welcome to the party 🤗

[@MingzhouShen]

It's true. I used to work 10 hours one day. Buying stuff I don't need or just for fun is the only way to relieve my stress. Then the credit card bills forced me to work even harder. Sounds crazy but I know many other young people act the same way as I did. So I quit my job and kept the things I really needed.

[@karllyfeng]

It’s interesting because in the moment, buying things does make me feel better. It’s only later when the appeal has worn off that I realize I didn’t even really need it/don’t want it anymore.

[@King_of_Sofa]

My main goal is to become one of the most frugal people in the world! Except for my Warhammer miniature figurine collection. That stuff is expensive!

[@xmochix604]

I tried minimalism only to find out that I needed a lot of the things I gave away. So I’m in the middle. I’m not a minimalist but I’m not impulsive. I buy but I use the stuff I buy. If not, I donate or give them away. I also don’t do clutter. I find being in the middle works best for me. I like to cook, i like beauty but I don’t buy tons of stuff, I use what I have, and I like decorating my house.

[@karllyfeng]

Minimalism is different for different people! I also wouldn't consider myself a minimalist either. I simply try to be aware of what I am adding to my home, and make sure I use it well.

[@cheesewithxbread]

Not for me. It's high cost of housing. Can't afford medical or dental insurance. Have to save for early retirement and a house and a future family. Wished overconsumption was my problem bc that's easy to fix.

[@Realrabbit]

if you're consuming a lot, why not try creating. ❤

[@Chris-hp2gg]

Keeping up with the Jones's.😂

[@luca_dierks]

@Karlly Feng, genuine question: Isn't living in NYC the definition of 'living in the rat race'? This has been pretty much my personal realisation after my last visit.

[@karllyfeng]

Hmm interesting take. To me, living in the rat race is to be stuck in a negative lifestyle that is difficult to exit. I personally am in NYC to pursue my personal goals and to experience the city, so I don’t consider it living in the rat race. But I can imagine given the culture, how easy it would be to be sucked into the “rat race.”

[@divyv20]

Hey Karlly , very good video . I can do better editing in your videos which can help you to get more engagement in your videos . Pls lmk what do you think ?

[@flyfreewithme]

Relearning how to live after being sucked up by the machine #endstagecapitalism

[@yardboy3955]

Less is better.

[@Designswithshree]

Hey friend! Do you want an intro, outro, banner, thumbnail?

[@estherchuang7691]

Kind of random but you look like Kevjumba 😂

[@karllyfeng]

😂😂

[@Malekfahad420]

Hey Karlly, really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with Best Quality Editing in your videos better than your Editor with good pricing and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail which will help your videos to reach to a wider audience ? Pls let me know what do you think ?

[@samlab2935]

🫨🤯

[@margaretmouka5552]

hey some criticism, not everyone watching u is from the usa. in my country we get 800 euros per month....someone making 100 dollars in an hour or some more, is an insane privilege and btw our rents and expenses are the same price as the usa and we are also victims of overconsumption. next time be more mindful about the numbers u share and be more aware of your privilege

[@SamIsHere444]

If it doesn’t concern you then it’s not for you

[@KiaSebastian]

She’s sharing her perspective of things. If she wanted to make an analyses of the numbers from different countries, that would be a completely separate video. I’m also pretty sure she is aware of her privilege, hence why she’s sharing her personal story of what she used to do. 😊