blog
Out of context: Reply #76745
- Started
- Last post
- 76,746 Responses
- shellie22
Just eight years ago, I was over $100,000 in the hole after caring for two terminally ill family members. After they died, my finances were left in ruins my career stunted. I thought I would never recover from that. At times, I was so desperate, I really didn’t think I could actually make it another day physically and mentally. Hopelessness started to get louder in the background, I’ve nearly given up too many times to count.
After those two back-back tragedies and an even more chaotic breakup, I emerged into complete chaos. COVID, union strikes in the industry I work in, and tech that has completely turned Production on its head. I don’t know how but I found new love through all of that, and had a little more hope in the tank.
Nonetheless, my stomach‘s been in knots for years now, waiting for the hammer to drop with layoffs or restructuring. In the latest round, I’ve survived again, which I’m truly grateful for. But the year is upon years of unease and unstable job market has pushed me to the point of extreme saving. I was just desperate to climb out of that hole just in case I lost my job and couldn’t find another fast enough.
I didn't want to go down without a fight. I knew all the little things would stack up if I just took on one challenge at a time. I was on a mission, focused — I do my own hair, nails, stopped spending so much on alcohol, eating less food in general and definitely eating out less, I drive a super old car (almost embarrassing) no frills, no treats, it was extremely restrictive living for maybe a little too long.
Today reached a new benchmark today with Only $1900 of credit debt that I'll put to need next week. I don’t have a mortgage or a car loan and no student debt. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can breathe.
Now I need to learn how to relax, maybe go on a vacation, and allow myself to enjoy life because it's been about surviving instead of actually living.
It sounds cliché, but things do get better.
- Keep that lifestyle up. There’s nothing quite so calming as having a good financial cushion.monNom
- Cushion. That's the next goal. But digging my way out of debt was a great first step.shellie
- You ever see typos on here and think, I never should have typed that on my phone? That's basically me every time on this site now.shellie
- Keep your spirits up. I've been in that mood for over two decades. Sometimes it's really tiring, but you must never give up!OBBTKN
- Amazing. Definitely take some time off for yourself!Squiddy
- Fuck yeah! This awesome Shellie!thumb_screws
- respect.renderedred
- Fantastic on all accounts; (fiscal) health is wealth!!!ideaist
- DAYUM that's crazy, sorry to hear!
When you hit zero, treat yourself to something nice, then blow past zero to have a cushionProjectile - And by coincidence, yesterday was a Scorpio full moon announcing the change. On to the next chapter!uan