19-year-old Threads user @a.zreennn is currently in his third semester pursuing a diploma at UiTM, but he’s had to shoulder the immense weight of independent living too.
Taking to Threads, after facing family troubles that forced him to leave home, he moved in with his grandparents for a while before carving out a life entirely on his own. To stay afloat, he has taken on the grueling grind of working as a Grab delivery rider just to pay his college tuition fees and cover his daily meals.
Balancing long hours on the road and studies
Juggling heavy academic commitments with a demanding part-time gig is a reality born out of sheer necessity. A photo from his viral post showed a notification from his delivery app warning him that he had been driving for over ten hours.
“Studying while doing part-time isn’t as easy as it looks, but what can you do when everything is on yourself now.” Azreen shared with WORLD OF BUZZ, noting that he has no choice but to keep pushing forward.
In another Threads post, he opened up about how asking his family for financial support during his studies often felt like begging, leaving him feeling like a stranger in his own home.
Today, his primary motivation is simple: proving himself to the grandparents who took him in during his darkest moments.
A plea to stop judging gig workers
Reflecting on the struggles faced by youths in similar situations, Azreen urged the public to withhold judgment against gig workers. Many individuals working grueling hours on the road are fighting silent battles and carrying burdens most people cannot see.
“For those who always judge gig workers, please don’t. People may have a different story, not everyone gets the advantages that we have.
“For youth and adolescents, if you have problems with family, finances, don’t easily give up. The key is don’t give up easily, keep your head up and never look back,” he said while reminding everyone that people working demanding jobs often do so because they simply have no other choice at the moment.
Netizens’ reactions
“Proud of you, kid!! We are proud because you look for honest work and put in the effort! Make sure to study well“
“My child has an OKU card, they have dyslexia & ADHD. Their permanent job is as a barista at Aeon. Part-time as a Grab Rider. They help pay the Maxis bill, give pocket money to their younger sibling who is studying at UMK. Alhamdulillah, they are hardworking, God willing, God will ease matters.”
