Saying Goodbye to My OnePlus 7: A Budget Warrior’s Eulogy

 

I’m finally saying goodbye to my OnePlus 7, after a long and faithful run from 2019 until today. It had replaced my trusty OP3T, which met its end after being drenched in the rain and refusing to power back on. I panicked, of course—scrambling online for a replacement that fit within my limited budget. Thankfully, I found one for around USD 450 at the time (based on the current exchange rate).

What drew me to the OnePlus series was simple: a stock-like Android experience and top-notch hardware at nearly a third of the price compared to other flagship Android phones. You couldn’t even find a decent iPhone at that price. A quick ChatGPT prompt today validated my memory—it was truly a great value.

But all things must come to an end.

Now, I’ve settled for another OnePlus, this time from the budget lineup—the Nord CE 2 Lite. It cost me around USD 185. I didn’t want to make the switch (truth be told, I don’t have the budget for it), but the battery degradation left me no choice. Even at 100%, it would plummet to 1% in under an hour with moderate to heavy use. Not ideal.

These days, smartphones are a necessity. From staying connected through WhatsApp and calls to navigating busy cities with map apps and making quick payments via banking apps—modern life demands a reliable phone.

What irks me, though, is the state of the smartphone market today. Premium models are priced like luxury items, while affordable mid-range options are bogged down with mediocre specs and bloated software. There’s a gaping hole in the market for those of us who just want a clean, fast experience without breaking the bank.

The OnePlus 7 bridged that gap once. I’m not sure its successors can say the same.

The Cost of Chasing Passion: Is It Worth It?

 

I’m not really current with what’s bleeding red all over the global markets, but here’s something closer to home.

My passion is gaming—on PC, specifically. Once, I even took a full week of leave just to play an MMORPG. I had hopes of getting better, climbing ranks… but let’s just say, it didn’t pan out the way I imagined.

I poured money into an expensive watercooling setup. Not just for cooling, but for the aesthetic. Then came the endless accessory upgrades. A basic rig would’ve been enough, but no—I had to get the matching waterblock for my GPU. Which then led to needing a specific GPU. I ended up trading down from a perfectly good current-gen card to an older one, just for compatibility. See the pattern?

Am I doing it again?

Absolutely.

But this time, there’s a shift. I’ve been leveraging that same passion—gaming—into creating YouTube content. It’s not monetized yet, but it’s encouraging. After all, gaming content has a massive audience, and millions of creators are finding ways to make it work. Be it gaming or assembling the machine. Or the latest trends in RGB (yuck). 

Passion isn’t always a money pit

We often view hobbies as financial drains, but passion can also be a gateway to income. The trick is: you’ll need to wear a few different hats. Video editing, SEO, scriptwriting, thumbnail design—skills that don’t come overnight, but are widely teachable.

And the best part? You guessed it—YouTube is full of tutorials to help you along the way. Even the worst advice is some form of advice, to heed or to avoid. 

Final thoughts

You don’t have to lose money doing what you love. Sometimes, all it takes is a little pivot in perspective. Repurpose your interest. Rebuild your approach. And who knows—you might actually recoup the cost of your passion. Or build a new career. 

Just don’t give up too easily. The long game is still a game worth playing.

A Daunting Start: Haunted by Student Loan Debt

 

College shields you from the outside world—at least, it did for me.

When the 2001 dot-com bust happened, I barely noticed. I was in college back then. Sweet memories. Regulated food price. Subsidized housing. No worries for transportation. 

But what college didn’t prepare me for was the reality of student loan debt.

The Burden of Student Loans

With or without a degree, the debt remains, and the collectors will come for it.

I struggled to make payments, so I did what many do—I paid only the minimum. But that barely made a dent. Over time, interest kept piling up, and my debt only grew.

For years, I continued this cycle. Then came the reckoning.

The loan governing body tracked down every single one of us and threatened legal action. By that time, my payments were still below the required amount. I had become complacent.

But instead of forcing full repayments, they offered an alternative: pay 60% of the actual monthly amount, or face consequences.

The Reality for Students Today

That was years ago. Now, student loan repayment terms have changed. Many graduates must begin paying after a set number of years, regardless of their financial situation.

Imagine this:

➡️ You just landed your first job, trying to build your career.

➡️ Thousands of dollars in student debt await.

➡️ On top of that, you need to pay for housing, transportation, and basic necessities.

In some industries, wages barely keep up with living costs. And in certain careers—civil service, for example—salaries are nearly uniform across regions, even if the cost of living isn’t.

Should Student Loans Be Abolished?

I’m not saying student loans should disappear. But there has to be a better way.

Maybe the problem isn’t the loan itself, but the cost of living.

✅ Lower transportation costs

✅ Affordable housing

✅ Higher minimum wages (though that comes with its own challenges)

Would any of these solutions ease the burden for students today? Maybe. Maybe not.

Still Paying the Price

As for me? I’m still paying off my student loan and will likely continue doing so well into my 50s.

The regret is real.

Looking Back #2: A Timeless Advice for an IT Career

 

Years ago, on one of my bus rides back to my hometown—or maybe back to college (the memory is foggy)—I was reading a Tom Clancy novel. The ride was bumpy, so I didn’t get much reading done, but I had already gone through the book a few times. I was reading just for the sake of reading.

I was seated beside a gentleman who either worked or lived across the causeway. Seeing me with my book, he struck up a conversation.

"You like reading?" he asked.

I glanced at him and nodded.

Then, out of the blue, he said, "You should do Cisco’s CCNA."

I didn’t ask why, but he continued. "It’s a great starting point for a career in IT." He assumed that since I liked reading, learning networking concepts and IT fundamentals would be easy for me.

At the time, I had no idea what CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) was. But later, I looked into it. It would have been a game-changer—a great pivot into IT.

I just wished certifications weren’t so expensive back then. (They still are.)

The IT Industry, Then and Now

That conversation happened 20+ years ago.

Today, the country across the causeway—already an economic powerhouse back then—has only grown stronger in terms of technology, finance, and infrastructure. The exchange rate, which was 1.5 times my local currency back then, is now more than 3 times that.

Had I pursued CCNA certification at that time, it could have opened doors to a solid IT career.

Why CCNA is Still Relevant Today

Even after two decades, CCNA remains one of the best entry points into IT. The industry has evolved, but networking remains a fundamental pillar of data centers, cloud computing, and enterprise infrastructure.

In fact, data center growth in the region has exploded. Governments and corporations are acquiring more land to build new data centers, and the demand for IT professionals—especially in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing—is at an all-time high.

A CCNA certification, alongside a relevant IT degree or hands-on experience, still provides a strong foundation in the field.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I sometimes wonder how different things would have been if I had acted on that advice sooner. But for those considering an IT career today, the opportunity is still there.

If you’re looking for a solid entry point into networking, cloud computing, or data centers, CCNA is still worth it.

So, would you take the advice that I didn’t?

Looking Back #1: The Importance of Networking

I once joined a gym when I had a bit of extra money. Not because I was particularly motivated, but because it seemed like a productive way to spend my time. The workouts were great, but the gym—located inside a hotel—was always crowded in the evenings. It had everything: a jacuzzi, a spa, and decent equipment. But space was limited.

So, I adjusted my routine. I started going at 4 AM. The only problem? The caretaker would often fall asleep, and I had to wake him up. I really didn’t want to—but I had no choice.

A Missed Connection

One rare weekend morning, an elderly gentleman introduced himself to me. I was surprised—people don’t usually approach me like that. We had a great conversation, and I later found out he was prominent in the business world. Looking back, I regret not pursuing that connection. I never saw him again.

Another Opportunity Lost

I also had the chance to attend a property investment workshop back in the day. It was just an introductory session, meant to sell a larger, paid program. But the real value? The people. The room was filled with eager, like-minded individuals. It was a goldmine for networking—an opportunity to gain insight into a field I knew nothing about. They were welcoming, they were open. But once again, I let the opportunity slip.

The Lesson: Networking is King

As I got deeper into government contract work, I realized one thing: Networking is everything.

If you want to stay ahead—whether in business or employment—you need to be connected. Contracts, partnerships, new opportunities—they all come first to those who know the right people. You need connections to:

• Get valuable information on current contracts.
• Understand the work culture and processes.
• Build relationships with original equipment manufacturers and third-party integrators. 

No one is going to entertain a complete stranger knocking on their door, looking for an introduction and a favor. Networking is about building relationships before you need them.

Final Thoughts

If I could go back, I’d do things differently. I’d take networking seriously.

I’d nurture those relationships.

I’d make the most of every introduction.

If you’re just starting out—learn from my mistakes.

Network now. You’ll thank yourself later.

The Personal Pitfall: How Easy Loans Became a Long-Term Burden

Looking back, the most damaging financial mistake I made was taking out multiple personal loans. Not just one, but several. And none of them contributed meaningfully to my personal growth or financial stability.

Why Did I Do It?

Because it was easy and accessible. The rates were favorable. The extra money was tempting—very tempting. The initial application took less than a week. The next ones? Even faster. And before I knew it, I was stuck in a cycle.

At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of long-term debt. It was just a matter of filling out some paperwork, getting a quick approval, and having money deposited into my account. No hassle, no immediate consequences.

I don’t blame the people who persuaded me. I should have had the discipline to say no. Even early on, I knew the risks of quick and easy loans, yet I took them anyway. I envy those who never fell into this trap.

The Regret

I spent the money on temporary things—nothing that truly added value to my future. Not even travel, which I now regret. Instead, the money went to things that seemed important at the time but had no lasting impact. And the worst part? I’ll still be repaying these loans well into my early 50s.

Beyond the financial burden, these loans affected my mental well-being. Debt lingers in the back of your mind, influencing every financial decision. It limits your ability to save, invest, or take risks. It keeps you tied to obligations that could have been avoided.

The Long-Term Impact of Debt

Being in debt isn’t just about the monthly payments—it’s about the opportunities lost. Every dollar I put toward repaying my loans could have been invested, saved, or used to build something meaningful. Instead, I’m playing financial catch-up.

Debt also affects life choices. Want to switch careers? Start a business? Move to a new city? Financial obligations can hold you back. What seemed like a harmless decision years ago can become a long-term anchor.

A Smarter Alternative to Personal Loans

If I could go back, I would have focused on building an emergency fund and exploring other ways to increase my income instead of relying on loans. Here are some alternatives:

1. Cut Expenses – Instead of borrowing money, re-evaluate your spending habits. Small lifestyle changes can free up extra cash.
2. Increase Income – Side hustles, freelancing, or learning new skills can generate additional income without the burden of debt.
3. Use a Credit Card Wisely – If you need short-term financial flexibility, a credit card with a manageable limit and responsible repayment plan is a safer option than high-interest personal loans.
4. Save Before Spending – Instead of financing purchases through loans, set financial goals and save for them over time.

Advice for Those Already in Debt

If you’re already in debt, you’re not alone. But getting out of it requires a strategy. Here’s what has helped me:

• Prioritize paying off high-interest loans first. The faster you eliminate them, the less you pay in the long run.
• Negotiate better repayment terms. Some lenders offer restructuring options if you’re struggling with payments.
• Avoid taking on new unnecessary debt. It’s easy to think another loan will solve the problem, but it often makes it worse.
• Find ways to generate additional income. Even a small side gig can help accelerate debt repayment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a personal loan, ask yourself: “Is this money going to build my future, or is it just a temporary fix?” Easy money today can turn into years of financial regret. The best way to avoid the pitfall? Stay disciplined, live within your means, and focus on long-term financial growth.

Debt isn’t just numbers on a statement—it’s time, opportunity, and freedom. Make sure you’re not trading your future for momentary convenience.

"Is It Time for a GPU Upgrade? The Price Says Otherwise"

I used to game a lot. But my gaming PC is mediocre at best, and I haven't upgraded in a while. Right now, I’m running a Zotac RTX 3070—a card that’s nearly five years old. I don’t usually rush to upgrade as soon as a new GPU drops, but it’s been a while.

So when AMD recently announced their new GPUs, I thought, maybe it’s time for a change. I've always used Nvidia, but I considered switching to the red team for once.

Then I saw the price.

The MSRP starts at $599, which converts to almost 3,000 in local currency. But in the local market? Prices are way above that—almost at scalper levels. AMD cards aren't widely available here, with only a few select retailers carrying them. For better selection, I’d have to cross the channel.

After checking Reddit, I realized this isn’t just a local issue. Europe is seeing massive price hikes over MSRP, while the U.S. seems unaffected, with plenty of stock. In my area, a quick Facebook search revealed that one retailer is bundling any AMD GPU purchase with a PSU.

Final Thoughts

I’d love to upgrade, but the reality is simple: I need to make more money to afford a brand-new GPU. The way the market is going, getting a high-end graphics card isn’t just about preference anymore—it’s about financial strategy. Well, time to game on the RTX 3070 then.