The Poor Squidward vs Rich Spongebob meme template stems from the contrast between Spongebob’s eternal optimism and Squidward’s lowest moments, specifically the 'Can you spare some change?' scene from the episode 'Can You Spare a Dime?'. This format became a staple on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to illustrate drastic wealth gaps, career successes versus failures, or the feeling of being broke while others are thriving. It perfectly captures the relatable struggle of adulthood compared to the idealized dream of financial success, often using fan-made edits to heighten the contrast between Spongebob's luxury and Squidward's destitution.