Abstract

The Unspoken Truth: A Lifetime of Work for Survival in an Overpopulated and Depopulating World Introduction From childhood, we are taught that education is the key to success. We spend roughly the first 20 years of our lives in school, preparing for an uncertain future. We are encouraged to dream big, pursue careers, and find our passions. However, what no one explicitly tells us is that these 20 years are merely preparation for 50 or more years of working—primarily to earn money and survive. Even more concerning is that while billions of people are trapped in this cycle, the world is facing two opposing population crises: rapid overpopulation in some regions and depopulation in others. Some countries continue to grow unsustainably, straining resources and increasing poverty, while others are shrinking due to low birth rates, creating economic instability. This imbalance leads to serious consequences for individuals, societies, and global economic systems. Why is this truth hidden, and what impact does it have on both individuals and the planet? More importantly, what can be done to create a more sustainable and balanced future? The Hidden Structure of Life’s Journey From an early age, children are encouraged to study hard, get good grades, and secure stable jobs. The education system is designed to instill discipline and knowledge, but it also conditions individuals to follow a structured path that ultimately leads to employment. Society promotes the idea that education provides limitless opportunities, but in reality, most people end up in a cycle of working just to meet basic needs rather than achieving personal fulfillment. The modern economic system is built around productivity and labor. For societies to function, there must be a workforce that sustains industries, businesses, and governments. While work is necessary for survival, it is often framed as a personal achievement rather than a requirement for economic survival. At the same time, the global population is shifting in extreme ways. Some regions, particularly in Africa and South Asia, are experiencing rapid overpopulation, leading to food shortages, high unemployment, and environmental destruction. Meanwhile, countries in East Asia and Europe are experiencing depopulation, where low birth rates and aging populations threaten economic stability. These opposite trends create an unbalanced world, where some struggle with too many people and not enough resources, while others suffer from too few young workers to sustain their economies. Why No One Talks About It These realities—lifelong work, overpopulation, and depopulation—are rarely discussed because they challenge the way society is structured. If young people understood these crises earlier, they might begin to question the fairness of the system too soon. Additionally, governments and businesses benefit from an ever-growing workforce in some regions and technological advancements to replace missing workers in others. Countries with overpopulation encourage growth to sustain their economies, while depopulating nations struggle to balance immigration and automation to replace their shrinking workforce. The truth remains hidden because acknowledging these problems would require rethinking the economic and social structures that rely on population growth. The Crisis of Depopulation: Examples of Countries in Decline While overpopulation is a major concern, some of the world’s most developed countries are experiencing the opposite problem: a declining population. 1. Japan: A Nation of the Elderly Birth Rate: 1.3 births per woman Projected Population Decline: From 125 million today to below 100 million by 2050 Key Issue: Aging population and shrinking workforce Japan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, leading to a rapidly aging society. The workforce is shrinking, social welfare costs are rising, and economic stagnation is a major concern. Even with immigration and automation, Japan faces economic instability due to a lack of young workers. 2. South Korea: The Lowest Birth Rate in the World Birth Rate: 0.7 births per woman Projected Crisis: Population could be cut in half by 2100 Key Issue: Work culture and high costs of living discourage childbirth South Korea now has the world’s lowest birth rate, mainly due to long working hours, expensive housing, and lack of government support for families. The government has spent billions on policies to encourage childbirth, but the decline continues. With fewer young workers, South Korea could face an economic collapse in the coming decades. 3. Italy: A Dying Population Birth Rate: 1.2 births per woman Projected Population Decline: From 60 million today to 47 million by 2070 Key Issue: Job insecurity and aging workforce Italy has one of Europe’s lowest birth rates. Many young Italians face unstable jobs and financial struggles, making it difficult to start families. Meanwhile, the government faces increasing pressure to support an aging population. 4. Russia: Shrinking Despite Incentives Birth Rate: 1.5 births per woman Projected Population Decline: Losing 500,000 people per year Key Issue: High mortality rates and declining workforce Russia’s population has been declining since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite government incentives like financial rewards for having children, the population decline continues. A shrinking workforce threatens long-term economic growth and stability. 5. China: The Aftermath of the One-Child Policy Birth Rate: 1.2 births per woman Projected Population Decline: Expected to fall from 1.4 billion to 800 million by 2100 Key Issue: Fewer young workers to support economic growth China’s one-child policy created a severe gender imbalance and an aging population. Even after relaxing the policy, birth rates remain low due to high education costs, urbanization, and economic uncertainty. This decline threatens China’s future workforce and global economic position. Potential Solutions: Balancing Population and Economy Addressing both overpopulation and depopulation requires different strategies depending on the region. 1. Sustainable Family Planning in Overpopulated Countries Governments should promote education, access to contraception, and economic support for families to control rapid population growth. Countries like India and Nigeria need policies that focus on quality of life rather than population size. 2. Work-Life Balance and Child Support in Depopulating Countries Nations like South Korea and Italy need better childcare support, affordable housing, and flexible work policies to encourage family growth. Reducing job insecurity and providing long-term financial incentives for parents can help slow population decline. 3. Immigration as a Solution for Shrinking Populations Countries experiencing depopulation could welcome skilled immigrants to replenish their workforce. Nations like Canada and Germany have successfully used immigration to sustain their economies. 4. Advancing Automation and Technology AI and robotics can help replace missing workers in depopulating nations. Countries like Japan are investing in robotic caregiving and automated industries to support an aging society. Conclusion The reality that the first 20 years of life are just preparation for 50 or more years of work is a truth that few openly discuss. Even more concerning is that while some parts of the world are overpopulating without considering sustainability, others are depopulating without a clear plan for the future. These trends create serious economic, environmental, and social challenges. The challenge remains: how can we ensure that life is about more than just working to survive in a world of extreme population shifts? While systemic change is a long-term goal, personal awareness, intentional decision-making, and global cooperation can help create a more balanced and sustainable future.