Question: do you want to live cheaply?
If so, why?
Money may be there to be spent, but if you have it, what better to spend it on and save towards than not having to earn any more? Isn't that the point of the whole exercise? Unless of course you crave occupation, like people who read to keep their eyes busy. In which case I would recommend God(TM) - splendid time-filler on the train.
However, I have some confidence that there are plenty of people who would prefer to engage themselves in something non-profitable for amusement. But ya gotta pay the rent.
How to get out of the loop? One trick is to live cheaply. Disconnect yourself from consumer lust and a need to lie in the sun for two weeks to make up the agony of the other 50. You do not need an iPod.
You do not need an iPod.
If you must drive, drive a shitheap.
And so it continues. Pleasure yourself in better ways, you are more discerning to be taken in by shiny surfaces. Save up for the only thing worth having: freedom.