Chale, I’m broke! Nobody wants me because I’m broke! Ahh… I’ve failed my family.”
That’s the kind of thought that creeps in when your account balance is low and pressure is high. When money is tight, it’s easy to feel useless, embarrassed, or like life has passed you by.
Society has a way of convincing us that if you’re not making money, you’re not making sense.
But here’s the truth: being broke is not a reflection of your worth. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy, cursed, or a disappointment.
For many young people, being broke is just a phase—a season of figuring things out, learning hard lessons, and building foundations that don’t show yet.
Sometimes, it’s even life’s way of redirecting you towards something better. It is a season, here is why:
1. Society’s Pressure Doesn’t Define You
From social media to family expectations, constant reminders about wealth can make anyone feel “behind.” But money is only one aspect of life.
Skills, integrity, creativity, and resilience are far more meaningful measures of who you are. Recognising this distinction is the first step toward freeing yourself from unnecessary shame.
2. Being Broke Often Reflects Circumstances, Not Character
Job loss, delayed opportunities, unexpected expenses, or economic downturns can leave anyone financially strained. Many successful people were once broke. Struggle is often a season, not a sentence—it doesn’t define your intelligence, work ethic, or potential.
3. Learning and Growth in Lean Seasons
Financial limitations teach invaluable lessons. Budgeting, planning, resourcefulness, and patience are skills often honed during periods of scarcity.
These lessons are lifelong tools that can prepare you for more stability and even financial success later on. Being broke can be a training ground for smarter financial habits.
4. Separating Worth from Wealth
Your value is not tied to your bank balance. Character, integrity, relationships, and skills are far more enduring measures of personal worth.
Society may pressure us to equate wealth with success, but real lifestyle satisfaction comes from alignment with purpose, not income.
5. Practising Gratitude and Self-Care
Even in lean seasons, maintaining dignity, self-respect, and mental wellness is key. Gratitude for what you do have, celebrating small wins, and caring for yourself emotionally and physically can help you weather financial struggles with confidence and optimism.
Conclusion
Being broke is a season, not a personal failure. By separating worth from wealth and focusing on growth, you can navigate financial challenges without shame and emerge stronger on the other side.