Take some life cues from Squid Game, the number 1 series on Netflix here in the Philippines!
What can you read in this article?
- What the show is all about
- Life lessons from the hit series Squid Game
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably have heard of the Squid Game, the new Korean series on Netflix. The show is a huge hit in the Philippines, as it ranks number one on the streaming platform. And quick trivia, it’s also the first Korean series to rank first in the Netflix US chart.
Well, if you’re wondering why it’s got viewers of all ages raving about it, the show is super exciting to watch. It’s like Survivor meets The Hunger Games packed in 9 episodes. You’ll be hanging at the edge of your seat in each episode, rooting for your favorite character and screaming at the bad guys.
To give you a brief background, Squid Games is a story about people who are at the brink of financial ruin joining an underground game. The stakes of participating in the game are high, but the prize will help them escape their problems in the real world. So unless you’re part of the 0.33 percent of the world’s wealthiest, you will surely relate with one or more characters in the story.
The plot might sound simple, but the show teaches us a lot of lessons about money, survival, deceit, and life in general. Some scenes are just so heartbreaking that they would just make you reflect on how you’re living your life.
So regardless if you’re in debt or just wishing life would be easier, here are some takeaways from the most-watched series on Netflix right now:
Life lessons from the Netflix series Squid Game
Image from Squid Game on Netflix
(Warning: spoilers ahead!)
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Appearances can be deceiving.
In the story, Gi-Hun, a kind but broke man, was surprised to see his childhood friend, Cho Sang-woo, also joining the game. Turns out that this successful businessman made some wrong investments and got tangled up in huge debt.
More often than not, we envy our friends or other people who always look good on social media. We sometimes wish we had their life. But remember that what you see on social media is most likely their good days. You never know if they might be swimming in debt because of their designer bag, or they haven’t paid for their latest gadget yet.
At the same time, don’t be so quick to write off someone because of their bad actions. Some characters in the story got themselves in a difficult situation not because of greed, but because they cared for their families and needed to find ways so they can live.
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Do not underestimate women.
Some of the smartest, most cunning characters in the story are women. They might seem meek and quiet, but the hardships they experience toughened them up and got them far in the vicious game.
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Always be kind to people.
As the saying goes, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting their own battle.”
We all think that to win, you have to be the smart one, the cunning one. But as the show proves, you can be the kind one and still win in life. Several instances in the series show that it pays to be kind. Pay it forward, and at the time you need it the most, you will reap what you sow.
Have you ignored the messages of a friend offering you insurance? We’ve all been there. At one point, we may have prioritized spending our money on something we want over insurance.
One of the most heartbreaking scenes in Squid Game is when Gi-Hun’s mom is ill but cannot afford treatment. As it turned out, her son canceled all their medical insurance and spent the money on gambling.
While it may seem like a boring subject, having insurance is actually very important and can save you or your loved one’s life in the future. So if you have the means, go talk to an insurance agent to know your options.
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Gambling is not a shortcut to a stable life.
“‘Pag nanalo ako sa lotto …” We’ve all uttered this line at least once in our lives. Well, as they say, “Libre naman mangarap.”
But as this series and so many real-life stories prove, gambling is not the answer to a better life. Lives are ruined, and families are broken because of gambling. It is a very dangerous addiction that not only affects the gambler, but also the people around him.
If you want to succeed in life, the surefire way to do it is, be honest and work hard. So if you are a gambler or know someone who is, encourage him to watch Squid Game on Netflix.
Image from Squid Game on Netflix
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If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Do you ever get those text messages where you will just text your name and contact details and you will win a large amount of money? Well, we all know how ends, right? If you entertain that, you will be scammed.
We’re not trying to be pessimists here, but the truth is, there is no shortcut, no quick fix to success. And if you acquire success or fame the easy way, chances are you’ll lose it as fast as you got it or you’ll pay a much steeper price for it in the long run.
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Our choices today determine our future.
Were you ever haunted by regrets like, “If I studied more in college, I would have a better job right now,” or “If I hadn’t lost my patience, my husband wouldn’t have left me.”
While it’s no good living in the past, we need to understand that everything we do has a consequence in the future. It may not affect us directly, but worse, it can affect the lives of the people we love, including our children.
So in every decision we make, let us always consider how it will impact our lives and the lives of our family.
In one of the episodes, one of the main characters uttered this line:
“Do you know what someone who doesn’t have any money has in common with someone with too much money to know what to do with? Living is no fun for either of them.”
When we are on the brink of desperation, we think that having a lot of money will solve our biggest problems and that it will make us happy. But why do famous people, millionaires at that take their own lives? It’s because the truth is that having too much money will leave you having different problems in the long run.
Don’t get us wrong. Money is important. But there are far more important things in life like health, peace, and having fruitful relationships.
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Nurture your relationships.
As this series taught us, what good is having a lot of money for if you don’t have anyone to share it with? Wise people always say, “Money is easy. You can always earn it. But when time is lost, you cannot have it back.”
So spend time with your family. Visit your elderly parents and relatives. Play with your child. Stay in touch with your friends. Don’t be too engrossed in making a living that you forget to have a life.
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The first two games in the nine-part thriller taught us this important lesson. Being slow doesn’t mean you’re the weakest link. Sometimes you need to take your time to think about your strategy. And to make sure you don’t make any rash decisions that will make you lose in the game of life.
Some people graduated from school early, but up to now are still unsure of what to do with their lives. Meanwhile, there are some late bloomers who are now successful in their respective fields.
Getting married after 30 is still exciting. Being a mom at 40 is still possible. And moving into your own home at 50 is still a boss move!
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Be grateful for what you have.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a better life, for you and your family. But have you stopped to say thank you for everything that you already have?
As the saying goes, “If you have food on your fridge, clothes on your back, and a roof above your head, you’re richer than 75 percent of the people in the world.”
So if you’re reading this article in peace, safe from the natural elements, surrounded by people who love you, you already have enough to be thankful for.
Image from Squid Game Series on Netflix
So work hard, be honest and kind, stay away from vices and be thankful for your blessings.
