Chances are, most of you reading this have worked hard, landed a job, started earning a salary—and now you’re dreaming about what that salary can get you. If that doesn’t describe you and you’re under 25, read this carefully. If you’re older, whatever you’re doing—keep going.
As someone born in the 90s, I can say that many of us grew up with the fairytale of “study hard and you’ll become somebody.” In Turkey, a large portion of the population migrated from rural areas to cities after the founding of the Republic. Many saw education as the only way out. Some didn’t study but made money by taking advantage of gaps in the system. Others went abroad as workers and came back wealthy.
Here’s the bad news: those eras are over.
Then came the tech boom—startups, innovation, investment. People raised money just for their ideas. Some hit the jackpot; others missed entirely.
Bad news again: that era is over too. These days, ideas alone don’t make money.
The good news? Thanks to technology, there are still plenty of opportunities for additional income.
For the generation that moved from farming to professional life, the goal was stability—get a job, secure your future. And they were right to think that way. They lived through world wars, coups, cold wars, economic crises—you name it. Working for the government meant minimal risk. Civil servants could buy homes and cars, raise families, and enjoy retirement. Those who couldn’t access that security either made clever real estate moves or went abroad and earned through sheer grit. Education guaranteed a higher standard of living and a certain level of prestige.
But today? Owning a home or car is becoming a distant dream. In developed countries, it’s still possible in suburban areas, but city centers are out of reach. In unstable economies like Turkey, buying property is a paradox: it’s a dream, an opportunity, a possibility—and sometimes totally impossible.
As children of a generation shaped by crisis and risk aversion, we were taught some things that haven’t aged well:
- You can achieve anything you want. (But we never asked our parents why they didn’t want more.)
- You deserve the best.
- Finish school and you’ll find your path.
- Just get a job—everything else will follow.
- Once you’ve got a family and a home, you’re set.
- Invest wisely—if you find a good property, don’t miss it.
Except for the last one, most of these were well-intentioned but misleading. And ironically, even the last one isn’t always a great investment anymore.
So, what should we do?
First, stop resisting technology and start using it to your advantage. I’ll be honest—I was late to this myself. But we now have access to incredible opportunities from our own homes. Or maybe that’s just another illusion. Still, it’s worth trying.
Second, stop measuring success in money. Turning a hobby or passion into income is easier when you’re not chasing money for its own sake. It’s a paradox—but real. The untold side of all those success stories online is the effort behind them. The time, the dedication, the consistency. And that level of effort is only sustainable when you’re doing something aligned with who you are.
Third, diversify your income. One income stream simply isn’t enough. A second source can be anything—from renting out a property to freelancing—but ideally, it should be low-cost and flexible.
Fourth, ask yourself honest questions—and start somewhere.
Self-Reflection: Your Relationship with Money
Have you ever ignored your financial reality and acted recklessly? What happened as a result?
This is one of my favorite questions. Even when we know better, we often fall into this trap. Maybe we say, “You only live once.” Or we fear missing an opportunity. Or we think, “As long as the money keeps coming, it’s fine.” Or maybe we’re just tired.
The real question is: Can you learn from that moment? Can you recall the pain and use it to stop yourself next time?
What are your short-term financial goals?
Funny question. I don’t have any. And that made me ask—why not? The answer lies in growing up without wealth, in living with only one income stream. It shrinks your dreams.
How do you make money?
Be honest with yourself. 😊
Which of these income streams is stable? Why do you think it is?
While I’ve been critical of stable, salaried jobs, they do serve one powerful purpose: they allow you to take calculated risks. They provide a foundation for both short- and long-term financial planning. Without that, we end up taking Turkish-style risks—which aren’t really risks, but gambles. Real risk is somewhat predictable, even if not measurable. With a rational approach, you stand to lose less and gain more—because you’ll know where to draw the line. This brings us back to a recurring theme: financial literacy.
Which of your income sources is least stable? Why do you keep it?
It’s important to understand and classify your inconsistent income. Maybe it’s from freelance work, or a passion project, or occasional consulting. Sure, you might say “at least it brings in something”—but not everything is about money. Think about the effort you put in, the time you lose, and what you give up. One of the biggest mistakes we make is failing to account for opportunity cost—and overvaluing our efforts just because they’re ours. But maybe, if you channeled that energy elsewhere, you’d earn more and sacrifice less of your life.
Which source brings in more money monthly? Which one has better long-term potential?
This matters. Sometimes saving steadily pays off in the long run. Other times, a mortgage gets you nowhere. Sure, the monthly payments are high—but the home’s future value might make it worth it. Or maybe a few stocks you slowly invest in outperform four rental properties. Sometimes, the money you spend on yourself—your skills, your growth—opens far more doors than anything else.
When thinking about income, look at the bigger picture. What are you giving up? What are you gaining? How are you increasing your chances at future opportunities?
bahadirhancicek 
Leave a comment