bhaskar saikia

There’s a hard truth tucked inside this line: “Other people’s opinions don’t pay my bills.” It’s blunt, maybe even a little harsh, but it cuts through the noise of everyday life. We live in a world where opinions fly at us from every direction—family, friends, colleagues, strangers online. Everyone has something to say about how we live, how we dress, what work we do, and what choices we make. But when the month ends and it’s time to pay the bills, not a single one of those opinions matters.

What matters is the effort you put into your work, the responsibilities you shoulder, and the goals you are striving toward. Opinions, no matter how loud or persuasive, don’t fill the fridge or keep the lights on. They are free to give—and easy to waste. What they lack is skin in the game.

This quote is not about dismissing feedback or shutting out advice. Feedback from people who care about you and understand your journey is valuable. What it does remind us of, though, is the need for perspective. Someone can judge your choices from a distance, but only you know the weight you carry, the struggles you fight, and the reasons behind your decisions.

It’s tempting to get caught up in proving others wrong, or worse, shaping our lives around their expectations. But that’s a trap. The truth is, no one else is living your life. No one else will put in your hours, make your sacrifices, or walk in your shoes. And so, their opinions—however strong—are just background noise.

The old saying goes, “Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.” If their opinion doesn’t contribute to your growth, your well-being, or your progress, why give it power? Focus instead on the work that matters, the bills you need to pay, and the dreams you want to build.

At the end of the day, opinions don’t pay rent. Opinions don’t buy groceries. Opinions don’t invest in your future. Your actions do. Your persistence does. Your courage does. And that is what you should always keep at the center of your life.

So the next time someone’s opinion weighs heavy on your mind, remember: it’s not their voice that will keep your world running—it’s your own effort.