Sticking together is the best way to weather economic and political uncertainty.
I’m tired of just getting by. The rising cost of living is more than an inconvenience; it’s a constant weight on my shoulders. As a Gen Z adult, I used to imagine the 2000s as a time of opportunity, innovation, and upward mobility. Instead, my generation faces incredible economic uncertainty. It feels like we’re living in a world that demands survival instead of allowing us to thrive.
There were days when I had to decide between paying rent or keeping enough gas in my tank to get to work and school, and I’ve learned to stretch groceries like a rubber band between paychecks. Everyone knows living in Los Angeles isn’t cheap, and sometimes it feels like basic needs—food and safe housing—are luxuries.
In some parts of LA, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can top $1,600. Minimum wage in California is barely $17—nowhere near enough to meet the rising cost (and the demands) of living here.
It seems having a roommate is something a lot of people just need to accept if they want to live somewhere that isn’t rundown or in a sketchy part of town. Having your own place has become a privilege, and it’s disheartening to watch full-time workers struggle to afford everyday necessities.
The job market doesn’t look too promising for new college graduates either, with surveys suggesting the class of 2026 will have even fewer opportunities. How can anyone expect to build a future when their present is already draining their bank account?
Speaking of bank accounts, even before the government shutdown put a pause on federal food benefits, people nationwide were wondering how to afford groceries. While volunteering at food banks here in LA, I’ve met families who never imagined they’d need help putting food on their tables. Shelves that used to support dozens now serve hundreds. Volunteers are stretched thin, too, and community pantries are seeing some of their highest numbers.
What struck me most wasn’t just the need for food, but the emotional exhaustion people carried with them. People are not only hungry, but worried and overwhelmed.
Federal immigration policy has also put pressure on families, especially those living in LA. People I know are worried about relatives being detained, removed from their homes, or forced to navigate complicated legal systems without the resources to do so. The heartbreak is real, and the fear is constant. Families deserve peace and stability, not the anxiety of wondering whether a loved one will be taken away.
All these pressures don’t just affect the bills, they affect the mind and body. These difficult times have made it harder for me to maintain a clear, steady mindset. Balancing school, work, and life during what seem like multiple socioeconomic crises is exhausting. Some days feel like survival mode. And while I try to stay strong, I’ve learned that pretending everything is fine only makes the weight heavier.
This is why self-care has become non-negotiable for me. I’ve been intentional about maintaining healthier habits: exercising, eating better when I can, focusing on my mental health, and grounding myself spiritually. These small acts are my way of fighting back against the heaviness of the world. I can’t control the economy or the government, but I can control how I take care of myself and who I lean on for support.
My family and friends have been my safety net. They keep me grounded and help me remember who I am when the world tries to wear me down. Without them, I don’t know how I’d balance my classes and work schedule. It’s a reminder that community is our best defense against the forces seeking to divide us.
Seeing friends and neighbors helping and checking in on each other is what gives me hope that, eventually, things will get better. Community care allows us to breathe again when everything else feels suffocating.
This is why it’s important that communities continue to stand up, show up, and speak up. Silence keeps us isolated, but conversation brings us together.
Adversity introduces people to themselves, and tough times test our ability to adapt and remain compassionate. In recent weeks, I’ve seen people share food, offer rides, and provide emotional support to make sure the people in their circles are taken care of. That selflessness and self-awareness are vital for us to cut through the noise, violence, and anger we see everyday on our streets and our screens.
Basic needs shouldn’t be luxuries or privileges, but until that day when our leaders put the public’s needs and interests ahead of their own, our sense of community will help us overcome challenges.
Nothing in this world is easy, but I remain optimistic about the future. As long as we stand together and support each other, there’s always hope for tomorrow.