In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses the profound emotional and financial struggles faced by individuals in difficult circumstances, drawing from a poignant email he received from a 25-year-old facing significant debt and career uncertainty. Warikoo frames his response not as a solution provider, but as a fellow traveler who has navigated similar feelings of shame and helplessness.
The post opens by sharing the core of the young man’s distress:
“I am 25 and I feel terrible that I’m stuck like this.” […] “I have an education loan of around 40 lakhs. My current salary is 56k. I somehow manage to put 25k towards my EMI and my dad gives me 20k every month to help. I am trying hard to switch jobs, but my mental health has taken a big hit. I feel ashamed and helpless, and I genuinely don’t know what to do next.”
Warikoo emphasizes a relatable struggle with answering how he personally overcame similar hardships. He candidly admits that his own past resilience wasn’t born from strategic planning or external support, but from sheer necessity.
The Absence of a Safety Net
Ankur Warikoo highlights the critical role of external support systems, or the lack thereof, in navigating crises. He reflects on his own journey, stating that he had no safety net to fall back on.
“The honest truth is – I didn’t have a choice. There was no backup, no generational wealth, no emergency fund, no savior. So I just kept moving my hands and legs, gasping for breath and hoping I wouldn’t drown.”
This assertion underscores Warikoo’s perspective that sometimes, survival and progress are not outcomes of careful planning but of an unyielding will to persevere when all other options are exhausted. He suggests this raw, unchosen determination is a powerful, albeit difficult, form of courage.
Action as the Only Path Forward
Drawing from his own experiences and the email’s narrative, Warikoo proposes a strategy rooted in relentless action rather than passive dwelling on the problem. He advises the young man to actively seek solutions through any available means.
“Do everything in your capacity (odd jobs, internships, multiple jobs) to get over this bump,” Warikoo suggests. He further elaborates on the importance of immediate engagement:
“Don’t give yourself time to dwell over the situation. Give yourself no choice but to work through your difficulty. Act more than you think.”
According to Warikoo, this proactive and almost desperate approach is not about finding the perfect solution, but about creating forward momentum. He frames this intensive effort as a necessary adaptation when conventional paths are blocked.
Embracing Necessity as a Catalyst
Warikoo concludes by reframing the concept of courage. He posits that true courage often emerges not from a desire to be brave, but from being in a situation where bravery is the only viable option for survival. In his view, the individual facing insurmountable challenges is often more courageous than they realize.
“You don’t realize how courageous you are until being courageous is the only option you have,” Warikoo writes. This sentiment suggests that the most profound acts of bravery stem from necessity, pushing individuals to discover inner strength they never knew they possessed. Warikoo’s post serves as a candid reflection on resilience, the harsh realities of financial struggle, and the often-unseen courage required to overcome them when there is no alternative.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ankur Warikoo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 26, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →