I Couldn’t Escape Minimum Wage (Always Hungry, Always Tired )

As I constantly strive to earn financial independence, I am willing to do my due diligence to save money as I could. Having a minimum wage, I take pride in myself to save, even for just a little, I look forward in the future with high hopes that I can gain financial independence - somehow.

But I didn't know why, with my determination, years later, I am still job hopping and placed back on entry level position & still dreaming of financial independence. Yes, I become a minimum wage earner several times. It appears that I never attained something substantial after many years of working and I am wondering why?

Am I just not lucky with the job I picked? Am I not just cut out for those entry level work? I somehow can't accept that because I am a pretty good with studying back in high school & college. I have quite the confidence to write it in this blog 🙃🤡.

Well, maybe I am lazy, maybe I depend to much on my 9-5 job that I needed to venture out on a side hustle, maybe I need to study more or maybe my job sucks that is why I need to switch. I try to think of the possibility why I do not advance financially.

As I age, this is devastating for me since I really love money. There are 2 things I could think of why I am stuck. One, as a believer of Christ, He constantly wanted me to break out of this love for money. I feel like I am being redirected many times as to not be a money grabbing person. Yes, money is important in life but it should not destroy your values. Two, is discovering that I have underlying health condition, had it gone undetected, things in my life could have gotten significantly worse.

What I wanted to highlight is the second point. I realized I was making decisions with a tired body.

I am easy to snap. (worst, I snap at my colleagues at work 🥺)

I forget easily (this manifest a lot in my work, I cannot perform well at all)

I stutter         

I am always tired. 

I lack sleep- & its hard for me to get a good sleep actually. ( I always wake up at 3am)

Headache

Always hungry 😋🍽️🍖🥩🥓

 

Fortunately, as I am always hungry, this drives me to experiment on the food I eat & finally felt better when I discovered the simplicity of Carnivore diet. I am not strict carnivore now, but I am overwhelmed by how red meat (beef) could make me feel satiated and full. No more thinking what my next meal is, as I always do in the past.

My energy came back ⚡. My mind cleared 🧠. My mood stabilized. Tasks that used to feel like mountains became manageable. I even started enjoying work again.

I did not know how easy it is, with just a snap of fingers, when I changed my diet, all my body ache, low energy, sleepless nights and unexplainable mood flips will instantly go away.

 

💡 Final Thoughts

When everything doesn't seem to work, maybe pause for a while. Rethink. Rest if needed.

In my case, my health is one of the factor why I do not see progress in my finances. 

It is really important that you are in your top health to normally function for your everyday life.

At present, 2025, I wouldn't say that I reach financial freedom. I am still relatively on an entry level position but guess what, I was over the moon when I receive a promotion last year. For sure, I wouldn't be able to get this promotion without a clear mind. I finally enjoy my work, & I am able to learn/grasp faster compared  before 🤗. I get along with my colleagues. I sleep better, I have less headaches & I generally feel healthy. 

Well, I hope I am able to get my point across. That is it for now. Thanks for reading all the way.

if you can't Start: What is stopping you to achieve your goals & dreams

 I always wondered why this motivational quote somehow doesn’t pierce through me:

“Just start.”

Like, yes, I have ambition. I have goals. I want to be financially stable, get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, maybe even own a little piece of something someday. I’ve heard it all before:

“Start where you are.”
“Start with what you have.”
“Start messy.”

It’s good advice. Logical even. But when the time comes to actually start… something just drags me down. My mind gets foggy, my body feels heavy, and suddenly I’m back on the couch with a bag of chips scrolling through videos of people doing the things I wish I had the energy for.

And of course, I blamed it on laziness. Because that’s what the world tells us, right?

😞 “You’re broke because you’re lazy.”
😴 “You’re not successful because you’re unmotivated.”
📉 “You can’t get ahead because you don’t hustle hard enough.”

But here’s what nobody told me:

Sometimes, “lazy” is a symptom—not a character flaw.

Looking back now, I realize I’ve been dealing with chronic inflammation.

With my constant hunger CUES and awful physical state - I switch from one diet to another and then finally stumbled on carnivore diet. I wasn't strict carnivore now, but—I just noticed that when I kept things simple and mostly ate beef, I felt amazing..

And let me tell you, once I started eating that way consistently, I stopped feeling like I was dragging my body around all day. I had mental clarity, steady energy, and a kind of emotional stability I didn’t even know I was missing.

It was like I finally had the internal battery life to start things.

⚡ Energy Is Wealth

People really underestimate how expensive poor health is—especially when you're broke. As a minimum wage earner, I’ve had years where I was working, yes, but not really progressing. I wasn’t gaining new skills, wasn’t moving up, and always found myself back at entry-level jobs.

Looking back, it wasn’t because I didn’t care or wasn’t trying hard enough. It’s because I just wasn’t mentally there. As I shared earlier, I constantly battled brain fog. I was forgetful, distracted, and honestly just trying to get through the day.

How could I climb the corporate ladder when I was struggling just to stay mentally present?

So no, maybe it wasn’t just laziness. Maybe the reason I couldn’t start budgeting, saving, or side hustling wasn’t because I lacked ambition—but because I lacked fuel.

And guess what? No number of motivational quotes will help if your brain is inflamed and your body’s out of sync.

---

🍖 Food First, Finances Next

Now I’m taking small steps:
🥩 Sticking to simple meals (mostly beef)
💧 Drinking more water
😴 Sleeping deeper
🚶‍♀️ Moving more naturally
🧠 Thinking clearer

And for the first time, I feel like starting doesn’t require a superhuman effort.

---

So if you’ve been stuck like I was, unable to “just start,” maybe it’s not your mindset. Maybe it’s your meals. 🥲

Your food choices could be either your anchor—or your launchpad.

Brain vs Mental Clarity

How Changing My Diet Helped Clear My Mind 🥩🧠

There is no way I could have figured out on my own that my current way of eating - 'tipid version' is jeopardizing my overall health, especially my mental clarity.

Good thing, my hunger CUES never stopped. I am always hungry -which lead me to try out different food, different diet.

Until I finally stumbled upon the carnivore diet. I started eating more beef & that started to make a difference.

At first, I just noticed I felt a bit better — more energy, less of that heavy, foggy feeling. Then my sleep improved. I started waking up without feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. And my mood? Way more stable. I wasn’t snapping at people or getting stuck in my head as much. It was subtle at first, but it kept building.

And I realized… wait. I feel clearer. Calmer. More myself.

Looking back now, I can see it more clearly. The way I used to eat — lots of processed stuff, sugary snacks, less rice, low fat, low protein — was doing more damage than I realized. It wasn’t just making me tired or bloated. It was affecting my mind. My focus. My ability to cope with stress. My joy, honestly.

Back in 2018, I used to stutter a lot. I was always tired, anxious and I thought that was just me. I didn’t know that food could affect how I think, not just how I look or feel physically.

But it does. And for me, shifting to mostly beef and other whole foods gave my brain what it needed to heal- (not a carnivore but I was hooked on eating a lot of Beef & the benefits it gives your body 🍠🍖🥩🥓).

It’s funny, because I never thought eating better would impact my relationships, my work, even my finances — but when your mind is clearer, everything else just feels more manageable. You show up better. You handle stress differently. You make decisions with more confidence. 💡

That is it for now. Thanks for reading all the way

Saving every Penny but constantly hungry

When Hunger Follows You Everywhere 🍽️🧠

I can still remember how annoying I was to always be thinking about my next meal.
If I was eating lunch, I’d already be wondering what I’d eat for dinner.
And when dinner came, I’d be mentally planning breakfast.
It felt like I was constantly hungry. 😩

But the truth is, it wasn’t just physical hunger I was feeling.
It was something deeper—something I didn’t have the words for at the time.

I told myself I was just trying to save money. 💰
That if I kept my meals cheap and simple, I could finally get ahead in life.
Someday, all this sacrifice would pay off. Right?

Except... it didn’t.

Every job I took, I ended up leaving.
I couldn’t get along with coworkers.
I felt foggy, disconnected, unmotivated.

I am always forgetful.

No matter how much I budgeted, meal prepped, or cut back—my career wasn’t thriving.
I was surviving, but I wasn’t living.

And for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why.

Until one quiet moment, I asked myself a question I hadn’t dared to before:

👉 Could my food choices be impacting my mind more than I realized?

It hit me like a slow, steady truth:
I wasn’t just feeding myself less—I was fueling myself less.
Less energy.
Less clarity.
Less confidence.

And without those things, how could I possibly show up fully in my work, in my relationships, in my life?

This isn’t about eating expensive, aesthetic meals every day.
This is about honoring your needs.
Because sometimes, a 2 pieces eggs & rice saves the day. 🍜
And sometimes, your body is asking for something more nourishing—so your brain can think clearly, your mood can stabilize, and your heart can focus on what really matters.

I used to see food as just a cost.
Now, I see it as part of my foundation. 🧱
The more stable my meals became, the more stable my thinking became. (not a carnivore but I was hooked on eating a lot of Beef & the benefits it gives your body 🍖🔥🥩🥓)

Slowly, things started to shift.

✨ I communicated better.
✨ I made decisions more clearly.
✨ I stopped spiraling after small setbacks.

So if you’re where I was—saving every peso, eating the bare minimum, and wondering why life still feels so heavy—:

🧡 It’s not just about the food. But the food matters more than we admit.

That is it for now, thanks for reading all the way.

The Biggest Saving Mistake I Made on Minimum Wage (And What I’d Do Differently Now) 💭

When I was earning minimum wage, every cent mattered. Like many others, I was doing mental gymnastics to stretch my income — choosing ordinary bus instead of the airconditioned one & making sacrifices in the name of saving. But the biggest mistake I made?

🥴 I cheaped out on food.

At the time, it made sense. Why spend ₱150 on a healthy meal when I could fill my stomach with eggs or rice and canned goods for less than half that?

But I didn’t realize I was starving more than just my stomach — I was starving my potential.

---

What Really Happened 🍽️➡️😞

My performance at work started slipping.
I felt constantly tired. My brain was foggy. I forgot things easily.
Feedback from my manager — which used to motivate me — suddenly felt like criticism. I was snappy, overly emotional, and withdrawn. My relationships with coworkers became tense.

I didn’t connect the dots at first. I thought I was just stressed or maybe not cut out for the job. But the truth was simple and sobering:

🔋 I was running on empty.

The lack of proper nutrition had eroded my mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical stamina. And these weren't just “health” issues — they were money issues, too.

---

Food Is Not a Luxury. It's Your Leverage 💡

When I started prioritizing real, nutritious meals — even if they cost a bit more — everything changed:

✅ I was less forgetful
✅ I learned faster
✅ I felt more calm and focused
✅ I handled feedback better
✅ I got along with my colleagues

And guess what?
I started performing better at work. I was more engaged, more reliable, and more capable — all of which positioned me for growth. That’s when I realized:

💡 A nourished body fuels a thriving career.

---

If You Really Want to Save, Eat Well First 🍠🍖🥩🥓

When we think of “saving,” we often imagine cutting back. But real saving is about building a life that sustains you long term.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.
You cannot outperform a malnourished mind.
You cannot grow if you’re constantly just trying to survive.

So if you're working with a tight budget, don't let food be the first thing you compromise. Let it be your foundation. Even small upgrades — adding beef or whole grains or eliminating ultra processed food — can make a difference.

---

True Wealth Is Peace, Not Just Pesos 🧘‍♀️💰

Real wealth isn’t just a full bank account — it’s a full life. One where you have the energy, purpose, and clarity to grow into your best self.

So if you’re in that place right now — counting coins and cutting corners — I see you. I’ve been there. Just remember: your body is not an expense. It’s your first investment.

Eat well. Take care. And grow from there. 🌱

Minimum wage mistake on Saving Money - Food Choice

Barely scraping by? 

🐓

& basic expenses is almost the same as the daily wage? 

🥹

    pamasahe

    food

    once in a while fast-food treat

    I'd be the luckiest & the happiest person if I get to save a thousand pesos a month

My biggest mistake when I am earning minimum wage is to cheap out on food.

Mind you, this is when 400 pesos a day pa lang ang minimum wage.

Well, not to blame everything on not having money, but I am ignorant as well what is means to be healthy.

My health deteriorated and especially my mental sharpness. 😵‍💫🤕🩼

I had no idea that quality food will bring out your best self and keep you mentally sharp. Imagine if you leverage that at work, be good in your craft and eventually get paid better in time?

Wouldn't that be awesome.

I don't know why, I believe I already know the importance of saving money that time.

Or the thought of study more so you can earn more.

But I had no idea about food & how it affects you physically and mentally.

I easily follow the low fat diet or eating less rice diet that keeps me ravenous 🦊 all the time.

I can still remember how annoying I was for thinking what would I eat the next meal. 

If I am eating lunch, I am thinking, what would I eat for dinner.

If I eat dinner, what would I eat tomorrow for breakfast.

I am constantly hungry. 

My performance at work suffers.

My social life suffers

Its hard to stay professional at work as I become too sensitive for feedback.

Remembering it today, it feels like it is the worst time of my life.

What was my diet like back then?

I thought that two pieces of egg and rice is already a complete meal 🥺🥀❤️‍🩹.

A simple chicken meal at fast-food. Well to be honest, I do not have more money to spend to add more to that meal.

 Lucky if our ulam is Caldereta, that is already a treat for us. 

 

But if I only knew the Carnivore Diet back then and give importance to what I eat. Focus on beef since I am so picky. I should have feel better on my 20's and imagine what could I have accomplish.

My diet now. 

If I am earning a minimum wage I will try to eat roughly like this. 

Buy 1 kilo of meat and half a kilo of beef bones ( if I will eat alone and not feed my family, this will last me around two weeks (comment if you want recipes 👨🏻‍🍳 I will share  the link where I get the recipe)

Buy around 10 pieces of chicken wing

Buy dried fish (dangit and squid) , corned beef (vert occasional, canned food is still processed, I still prefer fresh food)

Occasionally eat out if I feel disgusted about my own cooking (sad I am not the best cook, but I am a great sous chef)

I save budget for food and it cost me 3000 pesos. 3000 pesos worth of real food is not that bad. & 1000 pesos for eating out.

3000 per cut off

6000 pesos per month.

I prioritize this food budget over everything else. Well I might remove "eating out" if I am really tight on budget. & it also means I am saving less money. 

To give you an overview, there are years in my life where I prioritize saving money and everything else is not important, & yes that included the quality of food I am eating is being neglected. I thought that saving 10,000 pesos a month would get me ahead, but if it means I cant concentrate and loose my job. It is not worth it. The money I will save will be eventually be gone if I loose my job.

Wow, I never thought that this post will be quite long. 

Moving on, I feel like with the clarity I have now. 

I am not anxious

I minimize my "uhmm" "ahh (I am not so forgetful)

I am not emotional

I get along well with my colleagues

I feel prioritizing quality food is worth it. This things sound so simple, but for me, comparing it with my troublesome past, this feels like I am living my best life.

See my attitude is appreciative, and I love it.

Hope I get to convey my point. Quality food, better mental health, better output socially and financially.

That is it for now thanks for reading all the way.

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Stress Part 3: Ignorance is a Bliss

Ignorance is a bliss, maybe add more lines to it and it can be a good poetry  🤩.

This popular phrase might be the key to stop feeling stress all the time. 🥱😩😵‍💫

💸🤑💰The more knowledge you have about inflation and how it would affect your life in 10 years or in your retirement, well that freaks me out.

🧳✈️⛱️ Taking on vacation and spending all the money you earn in one go

👩‍❤️‍👨The thought of being alone at your old age.

💪🏋🥩Eating highly processed food that taste great, with no regard of health and how it would affect your mental sharpness.

 

Imagine if all those worries, is not really lurking in your mind all the time. That might be a blissful feeling. 

Someone who can live to the present FULLY and not to mistake it as being irresponsible its just that, you do not have the "planning ahead mentality".

Anyway, wouldn't it be nice if those heavy thought went away. But sadly, adulthood thought us to be adult.

Be responsible

Know the cause and effect

Weigh the pros and cons

& that is life 😎

Maybe the true anchor of life is not being ignorant but faith (a believer of Jesus here 😎). Where life does not depends on material things or a type of mentality.

That is it for now. Thanks for reading all the way. 

 

 

Minimize Stress Part 2

Understanding that stress can't be avoided, I thought maybe there is a way to distract myself positively and put my focus away from stress.

So here are the list of activities that diverts my mind into a more enjoyable experience.

1. 🎤 Karaoke - there's a new karaoke place in a mall near my area and I love how you can ♫ sing  your heart out without bothering your neighbors 
2. 🚲 Biking - running an errand on a bike adds to my physical activity and somehow it elevates my mood, not sure if this is a psychological thing, but I enjoy biking 😎🚲
3. 🤸Stretches - doing small stretching at home especially that target my neck and shoulder area is the best. It fixes my posture and alleviates pain
4. 🎬C drama- my newest obsession, watching C-drama. I totally sworn I would not watch K drama because I hate reading subtitles but the light funny story line of C-drama is very entertaining in my opinion that I don't mind the subtitles anymore. Let me know in the comment if you like suggestion, I will be happy to share. Guarantee its a light drama that will uplift your spirit 👍.

Hmmm, writing down this list makes me realize I am too idle.

Maybe being idle is one of the reason that causes stress. 

Probably...

Anyway, stay away from stress and enjoy life more. 

Time will pass by and no one can stop it, so why not spend life with a light heart and joy. 

That is it for now, thanks for reading all the way :)

Race Against Time , Minimize Stress

 Nearing 40 years old is nerve wracking!

I noticed that I have a lot of things to worry about.

Weather it be about;

• money
• retirement
• moving out
• earning more
• money for leisure
• health
• piling stress
• declining physical health
• mental health
• love life
• conscious about appearance
• aging

Well, I could go on.

There are so many things to worry or could go wrong with one's life and I feel I am helpless as a human being.

Well, I am not aiming to be a deity, but I mean, I feel the vulnerability.

That is when I've come to a conclusion that I cannot be worrying constantly to, how do I call this, a vanity? Well that might be one way to describe it, vanity.

It's just my inner thoughts again to get ahead of everything since I am accumulating age.

I am really thankful that there is a higher being who is always humbling me when I seem to be destroying myself with constant stress and worry over something worthless to Him. (a believer of Jesus here :))

With the right mindset, my mind is enlightened that all I worry about does not really matter.

This lessens my stress and I feel better :).

That is it for now.