Here is my answer on a question on Quora https://www.quora.com/What-does-it-feel-like-to-be-poor
I was born to a well-to-do family. I am 30 now but for most of my life (till age 28) I had almost everything I wanted. Thankfully my wishes were not crazy. My passion with computers had me acquire 4 laptops, 2 expensive desktops, Used to change my phone atleast twice a year. Somehow I managed to do well in my career towards later part and landed a good job in world’s largest software company. With good salary, I enjoyed privileges like “Only-flight” travels, foreign leisure trip, car of my own, high -end restaurant dinners/lunch atleast 5 days a week. XBox, PS3 games on weekend, online shopping at will and lots more.
So why I am showing off? Well because life turned on its head in last 2 years. While being born in a poor family is difficult but becoming poor after enjoying a prosperous life for sometime, is mentally very painful. I got married, had a baby and unfortunately around that time I could not resist my life long aim to become an entrepreneur. I left my job and started in an sector in which I had no idea whatsoever. I had to force/convince my wife to quit her job as well and work on my startup. So here are two people who are jobless and have to manage a company and a family.
Now over the past years, I have used up all my savings. The bank balance has steadily deteriorated. Its been two years since we have left our place of dwelling. When my parents visit us or my In-laws visit us, its they who takes care of monthly expenses. I sold my car, very soon will be using OLX to sell my home gym and PS3. We have now degraded our internet connection from 16 mbps to 4 mbps, We have now resorted to Rice and 1 curry or Rotis and 1 curry. I haven’t bought any new dress for me or my wife for past two years. We are now not attending any friends or family get together or events like marriages as we cannot afford the cost of travel, gifts etc.
But I am still thankful, that we are getting food 3 times a day that millions other do not get. I am thankful that I am able to write this post with my laptop and internet connection. In coming days we will cost further costs and continue to grow poorer financially , but my passion for my work and start-up makes me feel richer day by day. So when I am not working, the feeling of being poor and getting poorer each day is taking its toll mentally. Thankfully the moment I get back to work, I feel all charged up and enthusiastic to change the world.
–Gourav
www.groupshoppy.com
Image Courtesy: https://www.vipvirtualsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/time-poor-businessman.jpg
