Survival Strategy: The Reality of Living in LA: Why I’m Hustling 7 Days a Week as a Creative Introvert
Living in Los Angeles for over 25 years
has taught me many things, but the most pressing lesson lately is the sheer necessity of the "hustle." Today, I didn’t have my usual day job, so I spent the entire day—and most of last night—immersed in my T-shirt design business. For an introvert like me, this is heaven.
Now that my child has headed off to school, the apartment is finally quiet—it is my time. In a perfect world, I might sit back and enjoy a movie to relax. But the reality of living in Los Angeles without a safety net is that even "leisure" has a price. When I try to watch a film, my mind inevitably drifts toward my bank balance and the mounting bills of 2026. The anxiety is so thick that the plot of the movie doesn't even register in my head. I find myself staring at the screen, but thinking about the cost of gas and groceries.
This is why I choose to spend these precious hours immersed in my T-shirt designs instead. For me, creation is the only true form of relaxation. While some might see this as "working too much," I find that focusing on my Katakana designs and steak illustrations actually calms my nervous system far more than any Hollywood blockbuster could. Designing is a proactive response to my financial fears; it makes me feel like I am fighting back against the inflation that threatens to swallow us whole. When I am tweaking a font or adjusting a color, I am in control. In those moments, the "survival mission" of LA life feels winnable. Solitude isn't about being alone; it's about having the space to turn my anxiety into something tangible, something beautiful, and something that might just pay for that next grocery run.
The Beauty of Solitude
People often think LA is all about red carpets and socializing, but for me, the real joy is found in the quiet corners of my apartment. I love working alone. Design work allows me to create without the exhaustion of social interaction. No small talk, no pleasing others—just me, my computer, and my imagination. In a world that demands constant extroversion, this side hustle is my sanctuary.
This time of complete immersion—what some call the "Flow State"—is irreplaceable. In the middle of a chaotic life in Los Angeles, protecting this time is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for human dignity. For those who are constantly busy and overwhelmed, I believe that finding something to get lost in is the ultimate form of self-care.
I’ve seen many articles online discussing the psychological benefits of immersion, and based on my own 25 years of life experience, I can tell you: it is absolutely true. When I’m deep into a design, the world outside stops existing. According to research, this level of concentration reduces stress through several key mechanisms:
Mental Rest and Reset: By focusing intensely on one creative task, you give the "worrying" part of your brain a much-needed break. It’s like hitting a reset button on your mental exhaustion.
Reduction of Stress Hormones: When you are in a state of flow, your body’s production of cortisol—the stress hormone—drops significantly. You move from a state of "fight or flight" into a state of "creation and calm."
Emotional Regulation: Immersion allows you to distance yourself from immediate emotional triggers. It gives you a sense of control and mastery that is often stripped away by the high costs and pressures of living in LA.
For me, these hours of solitude are not "lonely" hours. They are the hours where I heal. If you are struggling with the weight of the world, I urge you to find your own sanctuary—whether it’s gardening, cooking, or designing. That moment where you forget to check your phone or look at the clock is exactly where your stress begins to dissolve.
The Brutal Reality of Inflation
However, the motivation isn't just passion; it's survival. With the current state of inflation in Los Angeles, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Groceries, rent, utilities—everything is at an all-time high. If you don't have the mindset to work seven days a week, staying afloat here is nearly impossible. Since my day job is physically demanding, I knew my second income stream had to be something I could do from home. If I did manual labor seven days a week, my body would simply break down.To be honest, grocery prices fluctuate constantly here. While the price of eggs has finally come down compared to the recent crisis, the overall cost of living in 2026 remains a heavy burden. Gas prices still hover around $5.50 to $6.00 per gallon, and a simple lunch out easily costs $25 with tax and tip. Even if some items at the supermarket get cheaper, the total pressure on our wallets never seems to ease. This is why I chose to work a digital side hustle—to keep up with the hidden costs of living in this beautiful but expensive city.
When I say I work seven days a week, it doesn't mean I’m clocked into a corporate office for ten hours every single day. The reality is much more unpredictable. Some days, my primary job ends after only three hours, leaving me with a terrifying gap in my income. On those days, I have no choice but to pivot immediately to my side hustles just to keep my head above water. In 2026, earning a mere $100 a day in Los Angeles is simply not enough to survive. Once you factor in the staggering taxes and the rising cost of basic utilities, I know I need at least $200 a day to feel even remotely secure. However, the harsh truth is that my physical and mental limit usually caps out around $100 to $150.
When the gap between my earnings and my bills becomes too wide, I’ve even had to resort to collecting recyclable bottles for extra cash. It’s a humbling, exhausting reality that many people don't see behind the "glamorous" LA facade. Without that extra push, the financial pressure becomes suffocating.
Living in a constant state of "survival mode" is dangerous because it can impoverish your soul. We all crave the simple joy of a pre-made meal or a single $7 slice of cake once in a while. If you live every second with your wallet clenched tight, your heart begins to wither. I truly believe that having small moments of "Wow, this is fun!" or "I’m so happy I bought this!" is essential for mental health and social stability. When a person has zero joy and zero rewards, despair sets in—and that is where the seeds of frustration and even crime are sown. A life with no rewards is no different from labor in a prison cell.
This is why I push myself to work those extra hours. I’m not just working for the rent; I’m working for those tiny, precious rewards that keep me human. Whether it's a special treat or a quiet moment of creative success, those small wins are the fuel that allows me to save, to sacrifice, and to wake up and do it all again tomorrow. In Los Angeles, frugality is a tool, but a little bit of joy is the ultimate prize.
The Long Game of Side Hustling
Right now, the income from my eBay and Printify shop isn't a "salary" yet. It might take months, maybe years, to see significant profit. Sometimes I wonder if I started too late. But the truth is, the best time to start was years ago, and the second-best time is right now. I’ve stopped worrying about the "late start" and started focusing on the "current progress."
Conclusion
My day off isn't really a day off. It’s filled with cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and hours of designing. But as I see my designs come to life, I know this is the path to my future freedom.
Thank you for reading my story. If you'd like to support my journey here in LA, please take a look at my eBay shop! I’m sure you’ll find a design that speaks to you.
Shop my T-shirts on eBay here!: https://www.ebay.com/usr/losangelesseller85
About me : https://www.3to100rebuild.com/p/about-me.html
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