Life is tough as always
Recently, I came across a film called Upstream, available on Netflix
Recently, I came across a film called Upstream, available on Netflix. At first, I wasn’t too interested because I generally prefer American films, as I find that they tend to have better scripts and more well-thought-out storylines.
I was just curious, so I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, the more I watched, the more I enjoyed it. The movie really “hit home” for me. It resonated deeply with experiences I’ve been through. Life is like that — just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, it finds a way to knock you down even further. You never really know where the bottom is.
Back to the movie — the main character is a 40-something IT guy who gets laid off by his company. The reason is simple: the company wants younger, more energetic employees who aren’t burdened by family responsibilities. They need people who can work tirelessly, day and night if necessary. Older IT guys just don’t have the stamina to keep up with that.
The sad part is that this IT guy thought that the longer he worked at the company, the more secure his job would be. He believed that no one would fire a long-term employee like him. So when it happened, he was completely unprepared. To make matters worse, a series of other problems hit him at the same time, making the situation even more devastating.
I won’t spoil the rest — if you’re interested, go watch it on Netflix.
What I really appreciate about this film is how it highlights a very realistic and relevant theme:
1. Employees (not just in IT) often bury themselves in work for their company.
2. They don’t have a backup plan in case they get laid off.
3. They lack personal financial management skills.
4. And, most importantly, once you’re over 35, your career path tends to diverge — either you’ve already climbed into a management position, or you’ve pivoted into a different role.
Watching this film made me reflect on my own life. I feel fortunate because I’ve always made sure to have a backup plan and, more importantly, I know how to manage my personal finances well.
For anyone reading this and still under 35, take a moment to seriously reflect on whether you have a backup plan and whether you’ve learned to manage your personal finances. It’s worth it!