8 Life Lessons We Can Learn from Squid Game (That Go Beyond Survival)

Introduction:

Let’s be honest—Squid Game wasn’t just another thriller on Netflix. It shook us. It challenged us. It made us question our choices, our ethics, and even how we view people in desperate situations. But behind the chilling games and iconic pink suits, there was something surprisingly relatable about the whole thing.

Whether you binged it on Netflix, streamed it on 123 Movies, or watched it just to see what all the hype was about, Squid Game had more to offer than just plot twists. As someone who’s worked in IT for years, I couldn’t help but notice how many of the show’s themes hit close to home—not just in life, but in our careers too.

So, while we eagerly wait for Squid Game Season 3 (yes, it’s happening!), here are 8 life lessons Squid Game teaches us—and how they apply to both personal growth and professional success.

1. Desperation Can Drive Smart People to Risky Choices

From the moment we meet Gi-hun, it's clear: he's not dumb—just desperate. And that’s true for most of the Squid Game cast. They’re normal people in extreme situations, forced to make gut-wrenching decisions.

In tech, especially when you're just starting out, you might feel the urge to say “yes” to every project, even if it burns you out. Just like in Squid Game, it's essential to step back and ask: Is this worth the risk?

2. Teamwork Isn’t Always About Skill—It’s About Trust

Remember the tug-of-war game in Squid Game Season 1? On paper, their team should’ve lost. But strategy, communication, and mutual trust pulled them through.

In IT, your degree or skill set matters—but collaboration is what makes or breaks a project. Even if you’re not the most experienced person in the room, being a good teammate can lead to big wins. Take it from Hwang In-ho, the mysterious Front Man, who relied on loyalty more than muscle.

3. Not Everyone Plays Fair—So Stay Alert

Il-nam, the sweet old man, turned out to be the biggest plot twist of them all. People you trust may not always have your best interests at heart.

In work and life, this one stings. Office politics, toxic clients, fake mentors—it happens. Staying observant and protecting your boundaries isn’t cynicism; it’s survival.

4. Success Can Come from the Most Unexpected Places

Kang No-eul, though not a main character, represented the overlooked—the quiet ones. Yet her short screen time left an impact, showing us that value doesn't always come from the loudest in the room.

In tech teams, it’s often the silent coder, the behind-the-scenes tester, or the intern who spots the bug no one else could. Respect everyone’s contribution—you never know who holds the key to your success.

5. You Can Start Over—But It Comes at a Price

Midway through Season 1, the players vote to leave the game. They had a choice to escape. But most of them returned, realizing that life outside was just another kind of struggle.

Switching careers, moving countries, or leaving a stable job to freelance? All these sound exciting (and they can be!), but they come with real challenges. If you’re planning a reboot, be ready to fight for it—because growth always costs something.

6. Adaptability Is a Superpower

Each game in Squid Game demanded different strengths—physical, mental, emotional. Gi-hun survived not because he was the strongest, but because he adapted.

The IT world moves fast. Today’s JavaScript framework might be obsolete next year. Learning to learn quickly is your most powerful tool. Those who resist change get left behind—just like in the Glass Bridge game.

7. Emotions Are Not Weaknesses

Ali’s loyalty. Sae-byeok’s love for her brother. Even Gi-hun’s empathy. These were seen as weaknesses by others—but they made us root for them.

In the workplace, showing compassion or vulnerability isn’t a flaw. Building human connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and genuine innovation. Be kind—it might just save your professional life one day.

8. The Game Never Really Ends

Even after Gi-hun wins, he doesn't board that flight. Why? Because the trauma, the questions, the injustice—it lingers. Just like in real life.

Squid Game Season 3 might give us more answers, especially as the mystery around the game season 3 deepens. But the biggest truth? Life is a series of games—some you win, some you learn from. The key is to keep playing with integrity.

Conclusion:

Squid Game was brutal, yes—but it was also brilliant. Beneath the layers of drama and bloodshed, it held up a mirror to society, ambition, and the human spirit.

Whether you're navigating a new job in IT, considering a shift in your career, or just trying to make smarter life choices, remember these lessons. Life, like Squid Game, is unpredictable—but if you stay self-aware, adapt often, and lead with empathy, you've already won half the battle.