Stuck in the Rat Race: Where Is the American Dream? | Escape the 9-5 Grind

Feeling stuck in the daily grind, chasing a dream that feels out of reach? 🌟 In this video, we dive deep into the realities of the modern 'rat race' and question whether the American Dream is still alive. From the 9-5 hustle to financial pressures and work-life balance, parenting challenges in America, Africans raising American kids in the Us, how do we juggle it all? How do we live life on our own terms?#RatRace #AmericanDream #9to5Grind #FinancialFreedom

[leogets]

I feel your pain, my sister. Just be strong. Your kid will grow to understand. Just take care of yourself . I worked 30 years in this country, and im yet to see that dream, so i will create my dream by moving to kenya, buying me a home, and living my best life.

[kongoqueen]

I’m Congolese I never wanted the American dream I just want my African dream and I’m working on it to move back home to Africa

[WGS]

The so called American dream is a scammer and a nightmare. People only exist, but not living their full potential. America is not a bad country, but the way the system is setup, you have to continue working hard and paying all those bills and debts. I remembered within one year, my husband and I paid off all of our debts, the next year we were bound in debts again… if you have children here, most of the time, those children are raising themselves because Dad and Mom has to continue working hard to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table

[nsouck]

I can't believe how an entire generation has been deceived to believe that buying a home that you will never own even if it's paid off after 30 years, driving a car that you cannot afford with your pay check, paying too much on health care insurance that won't cover all your expenses for certain terminal diseases is a dream.

[Melchi]

I’m in the USA for 24 years now and learned that there’s no such a thing as the "American dream " we just live and manage this high stressful life with ups and downs. Parenting here sucks, many kids are entitled and also ungrateful they don’t see the sacrifices that parents make to protect and provide a better life for them. Small bible study and prayer group with family and friends have helped me to cope with life. Hope this helps!

[joyceknursecanada]

Its the same here in Canada, no life at all, people working 24/7!
My journey to go back home started 3 years ago and friends thought i was crazy....
I am almost there and i can say its so fulfilling to be able to let go abroad!
Home is sweet with lovely people.

[matthewdavids]

As an immigrant from South Africa, I identify with all your talking points. I am grateful for many things in the US, but it is so much harder than people think. The parenting aspect is one of our hardest to navigate because of what the kids here are exposed to.

[tinotenda]

I started to feel exactly this way around age 40 so I started to plan to go back home. So i bought land, now im building. As soon as that is done im going home. I promise you...once you start working towards your transition, your whole perspective changes. Because mentally your goal has changed, you can go through whatever knowing being in this place is not your overall goal. Its just a means to an end. That paradigm shift made a world of difference for me

[adesuaodihirin]

Please my Sister you are not alone
I am Nigeria and I have been working hard for over 20plus years
I still have not found the "American Dream"
The System is not designed to keep families together
I am beginning to look back to what brought me here from Nigeria
My solution is to come up with an Exit Plan
Please downsize to reduce your Monthly expenses
Start building your "Dream African" life with Planning
As an Adult I understood the discipline that my Parents instilled in me
Now I am so grateful for that Home Training
Please take some time off to go Home to Africa
Be careful how much you share with the "Health Counselors"
Because it could impact your Job
God Almighty bless you
It's not you, the design of the System is making families fail
And Children to turn against their Parents
We're all struggling...

[outdoorman]

I am a black american male who is near retirement. I am not the 1% but I grew up with a (american) mother who was from an era when blacks in this country had values more similar to those of blacks in Africa today...more of how you describe you were raised. I agree with how I hear you and other Africans I meet tell me they were raised and want to raise their children. In fact, I admire you and your values. I wish your children would hear you and realize that the values your teach them are like 'pure gold'. I believe if today's black american children had the upbringing you offer they would be much better off. Do not give up you beautiful African queen.

[cynthiatownsend]

I saw your video, and I just wanted you to know I'm in African American living in America, and it's a struggle for everyone here is not just you. It may seem like it's only you, but I believe a lot of Americans, black Americans. African Americans are feeling the same frustration. I feel you. I want nothing but the best for you, and I will continue to try to encourage you as you encourage me. The struggle is real.

[romeooscar]

FINALLY, someone being real about the US depressing life. First, about kids… do you feel obligated to raise your kids in the US and give them the US lifestyle and its demands? They want Jordan shoes, swimming, ballet, gymnastics lessons etc. Latest gadgets or toys. I’ve seen we immigrants struggling to live up to the US standards of living. It’s hard and thanks for opening up about it.

[AnnWairimu-qb]

If you are looking for money, work in American but if you make some good money, Africa is the place.

[nyan]

Was in the USA, Minnesota state for 5 years for my undergraduate. 2007 - 2012. I moved back to Kenya one way in Dec 2012 after graduation and the risk paid off career wise, life & family. Best decision ever. I would never have got to the level i am had i stayed in the USA. Life would just been bills & working doubles. Hang in there but start planning on making that tough decision at some point.

[Akaa]

Being 50 yrs old retired in Kenya...I applied for green card unsuccessfully 10 times..I told someone in the states I wanted to move there when he heard I had a business in Kenya he gave me facts I’m glad I never moved there...in Africa if you are doing well don’t dare go abroad

[MsDavali]

I’m living my coastal dream in Malindi after having lived in America for 30 years and retiring at 52. I visit America twice a year specifically to visit family, check on my house and a few mefical appointments. I travel and live life on my terms 🎉

[Wazabanga]

Ugandan in Maryland here and a truck driver.You have valid points.The American dream is a hoax.I have never been depressed in my life like this.Iam tired, Iam tired, Iam tired😢.As a person who has not hugged my children in almost 8 years and living alone here, I feel like it is the end of the road but then another voice keeps telling me that all wil be ok.It will be ok sister, let's keep strong.

[KARIMALH]

I am African American RN born and raised in US. I feel the same mental emotional stress of the non stop hustle to keep the ball rolling. Ball of keeping house and home, raise children, be an engaged mom and maintain my sanity. I made an executive decision to just stop and take a break. I am taking respite abroad this year to rest. Me and my child will replenish our spirits in Senegal. These videos resonate. Praying for us all to find peace of mind in this lifetime.

[ademzh]

I am a Somali who was raised in the west and now have children who are aged in their late teens to elementary aged. I feel the same frustrations as you and understand your efforts and hopes for your family. The dream and realities are quite different in the US and it’s gotten much more complicated over the years. May god be with you and the rest of us too.

[gwa]

Thanks for being so transparent, not many people tell the truth about how hard it is. It's tough! Little support, family, culture, balance, money... It's overwhelming just staying afloat. Loneliness and depression are real. Maybe that's why they call it a dream. What helped me was listing everything I need to do then taking some off. I also spend more time with family and friends. Praying and surrender to God's will. Less money but more peace and rest