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Why People Seek Stable Incomes While Running a Business: A Glimpse from Malé, Maldives

 

I live in Malé City, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, nestled on a small islet in the Maldives. As the capital, it attracts people from across the islands who come here in search of better opportunities. I work as a corporate trainer, and one of my techniques to build rapport with participants is to engage in conversations about their personal lives. These conversations are more than icebreakers—they offer a window into the hopes, struggles, and silent sacrifices people make each day.

Over the years, I have met many brilliant individuals—talented minds with entrepreneurial energy and potential far beyond the confines of a 9-to-5 job. Yet, many of them hold down full-time employment despite running their own businesses. When asked why, the answers are often similar: “We need a stable income.” Business can be unpredictable, especially in a fragile economy, and the cost of living in Malé is relentlessly high. A stable salary provides a sense of security—a way to meet daily needs honestly and consistently.

The Psychology Behind the Decision

From a psychological perspective, the desire for a steady income is rooted in the human need for safety and stability. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, once basic physiological needs (food, water, shelter) are met, the next essential layer is safety, both physical and financial. In an environment where rent is high, expenses are constant, and savings are uncertain, a fixed income offers predictability, which calms the nervous system and reduces chronic stress.

Moreover, the mind constantly weighs the risks and rewards. When people run businesses, they often endure emotional highs and lows. Financial instability can create anxiety, affect sleep, and lead to burnout. A regular job, even if less fulfilling, offers a mental safety net. It helps regulate the body’s stress responses by providing structure and routine, important factors in maintaining mental wellness.

The Island-to-City Dilemma

One conversation stays with me. A civil servant said, “Life in Malé is hard, but we have no choice. If we want better education and healthcare for our children, we have to come here. There are no opportunities on our island.”

This is the reality for many. Schools in the islands may lack basic facilities, and some do not offer science streams. Hospitals may exist in name, but are often understaffed or lack qualified professionals. Essential services are centralized in Malé, leaving people in outer islands dependent on relocation if they want to access decent healthcare or give their children a chance at upward mobility. It’s not just about moving to the city—it’s about making generational sacrifices.

The body follows the mind in this struggle. Living under constant stress in an overcrowded city, with noise, traffic, and overstimulation, takes a toll on one’s physical and emotional well-being. Many individuals report symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders, and even depression, not due to weakness, but due to the weight of carrying dreams and duties on their shoulders.

Hope Beyond Structures

One participant told me, “Yes, there are hospitals and schools now, but they lack professional people. Politicians build structures for show. Every term they promise, and every term we wait. It's all a show.” Another added, “We are Muslims, but some of us are not just corrupt in money, but in soul too.”

These are not statements of hopelessness, but of frustration and awareness. People are awakening to systemic gaps. They want a future built on substance, not spectacle. They are not asking for luxury, but authentic development that touches lives. The hope is not just for more buildings, but for qualified doctors, trained teachers, and real policies that support human well-being.

A Collective Dream for the Future

Despite everything, there is still faith. Many hold onto the hope that one day they will return to their islands, not just for retirement, but to live fully. They hope their children—armed with better education, critical thinking, and Islamic values—will lead the change.

This is not just a story of economics. It is a story of the mind-body connection, of emotional endurance, spiritual longing, and communal sacrifice. In every classroom and office in Malé, there are quiet heroes—doing double shifts, suppressing their own dreams—for the sake of a better tomorrow.

They are not chasing wealth. They are building a legacy.

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