The LA Survival Guide: From $3.80 AdSense to 6 AM Meal Preps

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The Reality of Inflation

To put it bluntly, rent takes up more than 50% of my income. It’s the ultimate fixed cost that never budges, no matter how much I struggle. As anyone living in LA knows, rent is the biggest monster—and unfortunately, it’s not exactly "negotiable."

On top of that, I recently lost one of my side hustles, and my AdSense balance is still sitting at a whopping $3.80. If this isn't the time to save, I don't know what is.

That leaves only the food budget to cut. Eating out in this city has become a luxury that makes me shiver every time I see the receipt. With two dependents still under my roof, home cooking isn't just a choice; it’s a survival skill.


The Side Hustle Struggle

I tried selling personal items online to bridge the gap, but let’s be real: the secondary market in LA is brutal. If you don’t list your items for dirt cheap—basically giving them away—nobody even blinks. The fashion market is so incredibly oversaturated right now that it feels like a race to the bottom.

What’s even more draining are the lowball offers that pop up in my notifications. I recently listed a pair of quality boots for over $100, and someone had the nerve to message me a $20 offer. It’s honestly insulting. When you factor in the time spent taking photos, writing descriptions, and dealing with people who ghost you, the ROI (Return on Investment) is practically zero. I’ve decided not to pour any more of my limited energy into that. It’s just not worth the mental stress when I could be focusing on building my digital assets.


Chasing the YouTube Dream

Since I have no idea what will actually go viral on YouTube Shorts, my current strategy is to simply document the raw ups and downs of my daily life in Los Angeles. I’m putting it all out there—the fleeting joy of a free dinner, the genuine anger at inflation, and the quiet struggle of a 6 AM meal prep. I’m throwing everything at the wall, hoping something eventually hits the mark and resonates with the algorithm.

It feels like navigating a dark room, but I believe that authenticity is the only currency that matters in the long run. Some might call me a dreamer for chasing a digital breakthrough at this stage of my life, but for now, that’s exactly what I’m doing: dreaming with my eyes wide open. I’m not just waiting for luck; I’m documenting my way to success, one short video at a time. After all, $3.80 is just the starting line, not the finish.


I appreciate you stopping by. LA life isn't always glamorous, but I'm making it work. Stay tuned for the next update."



Location: アメリカ合衆国 カリフォルニア州 ロサンゼルス

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