Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing survival and practicality over maintaining one's pride and face, especially during difficult times. It illustrates this through various personal stories of individuals who have faced significant setbacks and chose to adapt rather than cling to their former status [6][23][25]. Group 1: Case Studies of Individuals - Zhou Chengjian, the founder of Metersbonwe, faced a decline in his company's performance and returned to the public eye through live streaming to generate income, demonstrating a willingness to set aside pride for survival [6][8][23]. - Feng Yang, once a wealthy company owner, lost everything due to poor decisions and had to start selling ice powder on the street, showcasing the drastic changes individuals may face in their financial situations [9][23]. - Actor Yu Qingbin transitioned to delivering food due to financial struggles, highlighting that taking on jobs perceived as lowly is sometimes necessary for survival [13][23]. Group 2: The Concept of Face and Survival - The article argues that maintaining face can hinder individuals from making practical decisions that ensure their survival, as seen in the stories of various individuals who chose to prioritize income over pride [11][23][25]. - It suggests that true maturity involves letting go of superficial concerns about appearance and focusing on real-life responsibilities, as illustrated by the experiences of those who have faced financial hardships [14][18][23]. - The narrative concludes that every effort made to earn money, even in less dignified roles, contributes to one's dignity and future respect, reinforcing the idea that survival should come first [28][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of letting go of pride and social status in order to survive and thrive in challenging economic conditions, highlighting real-life examples of individuals who have adapted to their circumstances by taking on jobs that may not align with their previous status but provide necessary income [20][68]. Group 1 - The story of actor Shi Yuanting, who turned to a side job as a mountain climbing companion to support himself, earning 699 yuan during the day and 799 yuan at night, illustrates the necessity of adapting to new roles for financial stability [12][10]. - The case of Dean, a PhD who became a fitness coach after struggling to find a job, reflects the mental resilience required to accept less prestigious work when faced with financial pressure, earning less than 3000 yuan in his first month [18][16]. - The narrative of a friend of writer Li Yueliang, who refused to close his unprofitable advertising company due to pride, ultimately leading to personal and marital strife, underscores the dangers of clinging to social status over financial reality [31][30]. Group 2 - The account of Wei Peng, a former regional manager who lost his job and took on various low-paying roles, including working at a flower shop and delivering goods, demonstrates the shift in mindset necessary to prioritize survival over pride [58][54]. - The story of a professional organizer, who confidently stated that she would prioritize income over her image while working for a client, highlights the potential for success when one embraces humility in the pursuit of financial gain [66][63]. - The example of a character from a TV show who knelt to polish a client's shoes to secure a business deal illustrates the lengths to which individuals may go to prioritize income over pride, reinforcing the article's message about the importance of financial survival [73][72].