We are all but little fish in a big Ocean called the internet
Getting noticed as a new freelancer on the internet is a coin flip these days. You will read so many tips on how to become the best freelancer. Or tips on how you will get more noticed. Get rich quicker. But that’s all it is. Tips, advice and usually clickbait. The actual work is a whole different story.
The little fish
With the age of the internet and social media. The content we create and share is not only instant and immediate, it comes and goes in such a high volume that many new young workers stepping in the game, are driven to the max to reach the same height of those big whales sharing their success stories. The trouble with that is, those whales started out as little fish a very long time ago. Or, just got lucky with their circumstances. And from all those quick success stories, they are a dime in a dozen. Those companies don’t include their previous failures, which most of them had. So the unrealistic view social media, reality shows and the news give us, is therefore very misleading. We simply cannot expect every fish to become a whale. Cause if they did, then there would not be enough fish to sell their product or service to. Not to mention, the illusion that success and wealth (being a big whale) can bring you happiness is also very damaging.
Becoming a whale
“Big whales become big by feeding itself on millions of little ocean lives… including the little fish that don’t sustain them. “
It amuses me, to the point of borderline depression, how we do not see the larger picture of the world we live in. The mill we have inserted ourselves without even realizing. However, the system works to some extant and we get to live our lives based on those principles. Changing the system we were born in however, can be very challenging. For instant, a family who has been poor for 3 generations, cannot afford proper education, nor could they be properly taught by their parents on how to handle their fortunes. Now if the youngest son shows great potential in his studies, to receive the correct education would take them a fortune. Luckily in most countries for poor families like that, there is the opportunity to receive either a scholarship or other governmental help. And of course there is the option to work extra burn-out jobs in order to pay for school. When born into a more wealthy family, no matter if the children were showing potential or not, there wouldn’t be as much of an obstacle of receiving a higher education. They will have the pick of the mills. Having a parent who went to the same school also helps too. Yes. Some are just born into a whale family, but even then you start out as a little fish.
No matter the goal or ambition, the opportunities are always there. But change is never handed to you. It has to be worked on, and a lot can go wrong in the process. The school metaphor also works, because for certain prestige schools, there are only so many entries allowed each year. And all the little fish who want to attend the big whale school won’t all be necessarily accepted in. No matter who much potential you have. Swimming up stream is difficult, swimming against the current is hard, but swimming against other little fish and trying to cross the finish line first. It may not be impossible to achieve, but the way to get there can be very damaging.
The ocean known as the internet
Being a little fish has become very more apparent. Thanks to the internet the big pond has expanded greatly and this has been a great addition to our lives. It made us all more connected, more informed, more aware from what else is out there. The different cultures, traditions and values shared all over the world thanks to the connections made online has brought everyone more together. But it has also exposed us to more pressure and weight on our own lives and situations. By showing us a shiny hook of vast possibilities, we become unhappy with our current situation. Even when this situation is comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, if you have passions and ambitions, then by all means go for it. Or when your situation is dire, stressful or you are just very unhappy, then yes, by all means. Change. Reach for that happiness illustrated on the screen. But those with pleasant situations who are manipulated into wanting more, even though you already had more than enough, is very disconcerting. Yes, the ocean is beautiful. Yes, it’s possibilities seem endless. But just because the water is more bluer and warmer on the other side, does not mean it is better for you. Not everyone is made to be a whale after all. Some are more happier as a fish.
Staying in the ocean
Not everyone has the luxury to roam the ocean. And not because they are too poor or have no opportunities. No, I am talking about the little fish who got scooped out of the ocean and put in a water tank. Those whose freedom are forcefully taken from them and no longer have any hear-say on the matters of their own lives. Now this can be either forced labor, humans trafficking or slavery. But this can also be implied to victims of abusive controlling partners or parents. Of bullying social circles. Freedom to life is a right of free will. Take away that free will for happiness, then you do harm to not only those who are ostracized by you actions. By doing harm you also forfeit your own freedom for happiness.
If you recognize the signs of anybody whose freedom has been taken. Speak up. Let it be known that it is happening. The loss of freedom can happen to anyone. And no, not everyone can help each other. It might not be in your power to help someone else out. You might just be a small fish. But with enough fish being aware of wrongdoings by other fish or even whales. Then even a school of fish can envelope a large whale and take away it’s power. We all belong to the ocean. So let’s all swim in it together freely.
There is nothing wrong with being a little fish
My vague philosophical and metaphorical view must have resonated with most of you by now. And some of you might feel like drowning in this symbolism. But the fact that who understand the meaning behind it, shows it resonates more with you than you want to give credit for. There is a significant pressure placed on us and the new generation to make something of their lives. First everyone was introduced to the made image of ‘a better life’ through news tabloids, then the television and now social media. An ideal lifestyle which provided the promise of utter bliss and happiness. And pursuing any other lifestyle is considered ignorant or foolish. We are being convinced that being a little fish in a big pond is a bad thing. But it’s not. Being a fish in a ocean, means you are part of that beautiful, ruthless and unpredictable ocean. It can not thrive without you. And you can not live without it. No matter how tough the current, no matter how small your rife feels, you make it work. You survive and make the best of it. Cause whatever type of fish you are. Always remember, there is nothing wrong with being a little fish. Like a little blue fish in a Pixar movie told me when I was 13 years old “Just keep swimming.” Honestly not bad words to live by.
Even a little fish in a larger ocean can be very beautiful and unique.
