Do I just work and live?

Many times it's your choice.

You choose to work, then you are working.

He is selling pancakes. He is the boss.

No, your own destiny is in your own hands. Still have to grasp it yourself. You have to act, don't fantasize, you can only succeed if you keep working hard. Seek truth from facts and don't take too many risks. Although there are cases of desperate success, the reality is cruel. You should be prepared to advance and retreat, and you can't leave your fate entirely to others. You will find that the more you fail, the less help you get, so you can eat a few bowls of rice, control yourself and start from small things.