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Out of context: Reply #76745
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- shellie41
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
- Love. It takes a certain type of person to endure what you’ve endured and keep going, keep hustling. But that’s who you are, look no farther than QBN and how yo_niko
- ...you’ve put up with all of us fucking idiots over the years ;)_niko
- Ty everyone and thanks niko. I love it here and find a lot of inspiration from you all. The skills, the real life bumps in the road, and all the stupid jokes.shellie
- When I felt like I couldn't tell anyone what was going on with me, I could always come here and feel like a community and take off the mask.yall give me energy.shellie
- super proud of you Shellie! we may be a weird bunch here, but after 25+years, it's home :)exador1
- very good!neverscared
- I had no idea Shellie! So glad to hear that you’ve pulled yourself up out of that horrendous hole you fell into. You are resilient and incredible. :)monospaced
- Fight the fight!stoplying
- Thanks for sharing; Shit's been constant lately, but mostly it's always inspiring to see someone rising above an especially ominous tide.evilpeacock
- Sorry to hear about the years of distress, but glad things are looking up for you. Keep fighting the good fight, Shellie! : )dbloc
- One of the OG (and possibly only) females on QBN. It's mostly a bunch of smelly dudes.dbloc
- That's amazing Shellie! Well done to youpseud
- Great to hear Shellie, and respect for turning it around from such dire circumstancesNutter
- Wow. If I were wearing a hat, I’d take my hat off to you. Respect, you really earned it.Longcopylover
- You deserve to be in debt after telling that woman on here who lost her design job to a DEI hire that it was “for the better” and to just accept it.hotroddy