With store-bought goods nowadays costing an arm and a leg; there’s no better way to beat that reality than to work even harder.

That’s the belief of Patolo Sauao Elia, from the village of Sapulu, Faleasiu.

Aged 56, Patolo spends much of his days at his roadside stall, relaxing in the shade and waiting for customers. He says he enjoys what he does.

“I sit here and sell these things because the money I make here goes towards taking care of my family,” he told the Village Voice.

“It’s a nice and relaxing way to make a living. It helps deal with the high cost of living because I can’t deny that things are getting a bit expensive.

“I look back to the times when everything was a lot cheaper; those days were very easy. Now we have everything costing an arm and a leg and it makes life just a bit tougher.

“Things we use to make food and many other household types of equipment are going up in price and the people don’t earn enough to cover it.”

The hardworking farmer racks in a hefty profit from sales.

“With my small market, I am able to make quite a bit,” Patolo said.

“I can make up to $500 or $600 a week. All that money is used to take care of all the needs in my family. It’s a good business to get into and I enjoy what I do.”

Taking the focus away from the high cost of living, Patolo says the other issue people need to deal with in Samoa is the disobedient youth.

“Other than the high cost of living, this is another problem we face,” he said.

“The young are becoming more and more disobedient these days. They just don’t like to listen to their parents when they are told what to do.

“That’s the cause of many problems involving the youth. I guess the blame can also be shared by the parents for being too lenient with their children.

“Your first lessons in life are at home and when the children aren’t taught right from wrong then they will grow up as troublemakers.”

Patolo concluded with a little word of advice for the youth of Samoa. “My advice to the youth is if they want a good life, then serve and be obedient to your parents,” he said.

“It’s very important to understand how useful serving others can be, and not to mention all the morals and lessons you get from it. “I have noticed that a lot of youth have stopped going to church and have sought comfort in alcohol and narcotics. 

“That’s not the way life should be lived.”