2 Years On Basic Income: A Personal Story of Transformation

Two years ago, I was just like most people: working multiple part-time jobs, barely making ends meet, and constantly worried about whether I'd have enough to cover my rent, bills, and groceries. I had dreams, sure, but they felt far out of reach, buried under the weight of survival. Then, something extraordinary happened: I became part of a pilot program for a Universal Basic Income (UBI). And looking back, I can't overstate how much that single shift has changed my life.

The Beginning: An Unexpected Gift

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I was accepted into the program, I was told that for the next two years, I would receive a guaranteed monthly payment—no strings attached. No work requirements, no need to "earn" it. Just a sum of money deposited into my bank account every month. It was a shock at first. I had always been taught that money needed to be earned through hard labor, and the idea of receiving something for simply being a participant in society felt like a radical shift.

The first few months were surreal. The payments, while modest, made a massive difference. For the first time in years, I could pay my rent and bills on time without panic. I could buy groceries without constantly calculating how many days I could stretch a loaf of bread. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was stability, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Reclaiming Time and Mental Space

One of the most profound changes wasn’t just financial; it was emotional. Before the UBI, I spent most of my time working just to survive. The stress and anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck left me little room to think about anything else. But now, with the basic income, I found myself with time—time to breathe, time to reflect, time to dream.

I started reading books again, something I hadn’t done in years. I took up a hobby I’d always wanted to pursue—painting. I had the mental space to reconnect with friends and family, to engage in relationships that had suffered because I was always too tired or stressed to maintain them. I even found myself meditating, something that was laughable to me in my old life, but that has had a huge impact on my mental health.

The shift was subtle at first, but soon it became clear: my life was no longer a daily grind. I wasn’t just existing anymore—I was living.

Pursuing New Opportunities

With the basic income, I also found the freedom to invest in myself. I enrolled in an online course to improve my skills, which led to a better job opportunity. The UBI gave me the space to take risks I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford. Without the constant threat of financial instability, I felt empowered to say "yes" to opportunities, knowing I wouldn’t lose everything if one venture didn’t work out.

In fact, the biggest surprise of all has been how much of a catalyst the basic income has been for my own entrepreneurial ambitions. I always dreamed of starting my own business, but the fear of failure, combined with financial constraints, kept me from taking the leap. With the financial cushion of the UBI, I launched a small online store, selling handmade goods I created as a hobby. It’s not profitable yet, but the freedom to experiment without the looming threat of financial ruin has been invaluable.

The Ripple Effect on My Community

What’s been even more heartening is the ripple effect this basic income has had on my community. When people aren’t constantly struggling to survive, they’re freer to give back. I’ve seen my friends pursue passions and start their own projects. I’ve seen local businesses thrive, as people have more disposable income to spend. Volunteers are more active, local charities have more donations, and people seem genuinely happier.

The stability of the basic income has encouraged us all to become more engaged citizens. When survival isn’t a daily concern, it becomes easier to think about the well-being of others and contribute to causes that matter.

The Challenges: Not Everything is Perfect

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The basic income has done wonders for my mental health and allowed me to pursue things I didn’t think were possible, but there are still systemic issues that the program doesn’t address. While the basic income has helped to alleviate financial anxiety, it hasn’t solved the broader issues of wealth inequality or housing affordability. Many people still struggle to find stable, long-term work, and social mobility remains limited for many.

There are also those who still view UBI skeptically, arguing that it discourages people from working or contributing to society. I can only speak from my own experience, but for me, UBI has sparked a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to contribute in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead: A New Future

Now that I’m two years into the program, I can’t imagine going back to my old life. The basic income didn’t just provide financial support—it gave me time, opportunity, and peace of mind. It allowed me to find purpose and focus on the things that matter most: my health, my passions, my relationships, and my community.

I still have big dreams—dreams that might not have been possible without the stability the UBI provides. Maybe I’ll expand my business, or maybe I’ll pursue another creative project. Maybe I’ll go back to school. Whatever the future holds, I know that I have the ability to choose the direction I want to go in, not just follow the path of survival.

As I look ahead, I hope that what I’ve experienced can be more than just a personal story. I hope it’s a glimpse into the potential of a more just, more compassionate society. A society where everyone has the financial freedom to live with dignity, to dream without fear, and to contribute meaningfully to the world.

And with the basic income, I feel like I’m finally getting a taste of that future.