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Whenever I hear people talk about just "getting by", I never feel bad for those people. When I think "alternative income", I only think of an extra job. No matter how you look at it, money received is the money you earn.
As a first generation Asian-American, I've understood the importance of education. People complain about the cost of education all of the time but without a degree, a license, and a network of peers and teachers, you simply can't make money. PERIOD.
A ticket to more money is by pursuing and investing a large sum of money, effort, and time into formal education.
From an individual perspective, I knew that I wanted to live more than comfortable and not just to "get by." So I decided that I wanted to take up architecture as my major in college and I am now working for a firm. As of right now, I make enough money to build my cars, run a small parts operation, AND I'm able to purchase what I deem necessary without always leaning on my folks for money. And I'm in my early 20's. The "alternative" income comes with the utility of helping others but I do consider it as another job.
Anyway, I'm not replying to brag about myself but the point is you don't become successful through alternative income. For those of you that have degrees, you know that a good part of the scholastic education you pay for is not frequently used in your careers (with the exception of graduate school) and to be blunt, a degree does not always equate to intelligence. But the certification/proof of education is powerful.
With all of that said, I take no pity for or side with those that complain. Individuals decide their futures. As an alternative solution, maybe lowering your standards or reaching for more realistic goals may bring you to happiness instead of settling in a lifestyle that is hard to maintain.
Also, I'm not pointing any single individual out in this thread, I'm speaking about things in a more general fashion. So if you feel/felt offended, it was not my intention.
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