The Death of the Canadian Dream? Why People Turned to Dogecoin in 2021
In 2021, Canadians weren’t just Googling recipes or hockey scores. According to Google Trends, two of the country’s most-searched phrases were:
How to buy Dogecoin
How to make money from home
On the surface, these might seem like passing internet fads. But to me, they reveal something much deeper: a growing financial unease, a shifting mindset, and the realization that the traditional Canadian Dream may no longer be within reach.
The Canadian Dream: Out of Reach for Many
For generations, the Canadian Dream was simple: buy a home, raise a family, work a stable job, and retire comfortably. But over time, that dream has started to slip away.
Housing prices have soared beyond affordability. Wages have failed to keep up with inflation. Even people with full-time jobs have seen their purchasing power shrink.
Younger generations, especially, have felt this disillusionment. They followed the advice, get the degree, work the job, play by the rules, but instead of stability, they were met with debt, frustration, and closed doors. That’s why the phrase “The Canadian Dream is Dead" began to resonate so strongly.
A Nation in Panic Mode
The unique conditions of 2021 created what I call an “internal panic.” People had more time at home, more time to reflect, and more time to worry about the future.
That’s when the big question surfaced: If the traditional path doesn’t work anymore, what’s next?
And that’s why Canadians weren’t just searching for remote jobs or side hustles. They were chasing entirely new ways to rewrite their financial story. That’s where Dogecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the entire world of crypto stepped into the spotlight.
Why Crypto Became a Symbol of Freedom
Let’s be honest, most Canadians weren’t buying Dogecoin as a smart, long-term diversification strategy. They were chasing something bigger: the possibility of freedom.
Crypto, despite its volatility and risk, symbolized a chance to break free from a system that felt broken. Owning Bitcoin or Dogecoin wasn’t just about money, it was about reclaiming control. It was about betting on yourself when the traditional system seemed rigged against you.
Of course, chasing moonshot investments comes with danger. But the psychological appeal was undeniable. In 2021, crypto wasn’t just financial, it was emotional. It gave people hope when the old dream had lost its shine.
What This Tells Us About Canadians Today
The top Google searches of 2021 weren’t random trends, they were signals. They revealed:
Mistrust in traditional finance: People were searching for alternatives to jobs, pensions, and slow-growth investments.
The erosion of the Canadian Dream: Homeownership, retirement, and stability felt unattainable.
The rise of autonomy: Crypto and side hustles became symbols of freedom and control in uncertain times.
The Bigger Picture
This surge of interest in crypto wasn’t just about coins or blockchain. It was about trust, or the lack of it.
Trust in wages keeping up.
Trust in housing being affordable again.
Trust that doing everything right would eventually pay off.
When that trust collapsed, Canadians didn’t just disengage, they started seeking new paths. Some burned bridges with traditional jobs. Others dove headfirst into risky financial bets. All of it reflected a hunger for autonomy and self-determination in a world that felt increasingly unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, 2021 wasn’t just the year of Dogecoin memes. It was the year Canadians collectively questioned whether the Canadian Dream was still alive.
And here’s the truth: when people feel like they’ve been left behind, they don’t just sit quietly. They look for alternatives. They disrupt. They innovate. And sometimes, yes, they gamble.
Whether or not crypto fulfills its promises is still up in the air. But one thing is certain, the dream that defined generations of Canadians is being rewritten in real time. And maybe, just maybe, this isn’t the end of the dream, but the beginning of a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What does financial freedom really mean?
Financial freedom means having enough money, assets, or income streams to live comfortably without depending on one job. It’s about choice, choosing how to spend your time, where to work, and when to rest, without being controlled by financial stress or monthly paychecks.
2 - Why do people look for side hustles today?
People turn to side hustles because one income often isn’t enough to cover rising costs like rent, groceries, and bills. Side hustles offer extra money, flexibility, and sometimes even passion - driven work. They give people a safety net and more control over their financial future.
3 - Why are so many young people drawn to cryptocurrency?
Young people are drawn to cryptocurrency because it feels like a fresh chance to build wealth outside traditional banks. While risky, it offers fast access, global opportunities, and the idea of financial independence. For many, it represents hope and control in an uncertain economy.
4 - How has technology changed how people make money?
Technology has opened endless opportunities, from freelancing and online businesses to investing in digital assets. Today, you can work globally, build passive income, and explore new industries without leaving home. It has shifted the mindset from relying on one job to creating multiple income streams.
5 - What are some safe investment options for beginners?
Beginners often start with options like index funds, mutual funds, bonds, or high-interest savings accounts. These are less risky compared to trading stocks or crypto. The goal at first is steady growth, learning the basics, and avoiding emotional, short-term decisions.
6 - What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving is putting money aside in a safe place, like a bank account, for short-term needs or emergencies. Investing is using money to grow wealth over time through stocks, funds, or businesses. Saving keeps money safe; investing makes it work harder for you.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.