Anyone ever felt like this...not trying to whine just venting...?

Question

I don't want to appear to be whining or unhappy but I was just wondering if anyone else ever felt this way. It seems like I have finally gotten to that point in my life where all my hard work and good deeds have gotten me all the things I want most...problem is I don't even have the time to enjoy them. I make just enough to pay the bills, pay the car note, pay for gas, and maybe at the end of the week take my girl to a movie and then I'm waiting for the next paycheck to do the same. Right now I need a small piece for my car that only costs $22.00 and I can't even buy it until payday. Last week I missed one payment on my car and got a million phone calls daily until I paid it. I know thats life but what's the meaning of it all. I have the nice place, nice girl, nice car, nice job and still can't relax. Not really looking for sympathy just wanting to know if anyone else ever feels that way.

Answer 1

I feel you.

Do I pay the bills or do I eat?

I hate being stressed out over money that I lose sleep.

That's what I've been doing alot of lately...

Answer 2

Living paycheck to paycheck is what the majority of Americans do. Like you said that's life for some of us. Work, work, work then pay, pay, pay. It seems like we only work to live and never have enough money to do anything fun. That is the definition of recession if you ask me.

Answer 3

It is hard to live these days in America (assumption...sorry if I'm wrong.)  No matter what your income, there's always more to get, and many people live paycheck to paycheck as you are doing.  Please avoid credit card debt, and if you're already there, get the financial help to get those bills paid off.

My family is doing well, but find ourselves in the same boat sometimes.  So peace be with you...unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder for each generation to do better than their parents did because of the rising costs of everything.  Not fun to think this way...but if you're happy and healthy, try to remember you "blessings," as some say, and it can ease the frustration a bit.

Answer 4

I've definitely felt that way.  I think we all get to a stage in our lives when we stop to reevaluate what's REALLY important to us, especially if life doesn't seem to offer much more than working to make ends meet.  Particularly when we're experiencing lots of financial stress and living paycheck to paycheck, with little joy or sense of overall well being, one starts to think, "what's the point?"  

Most of us don't begin to tap into the wealth of meaningful, rich opportunities in life.  I guess the most recent research demonstrates that there is a connection between income and happiness, contrary to what, since economic research in the mid 1970s, was believed to be true. But, I think that those who are most happy find ways to use their income to bring greater meaning and joy into their lives, focusing less on getting all of the material trappings that are "supposed" to reflect a sense of satisfaction.

I learned (unfortunately the hard way), 1) that I didn't have a clue about effective personal financial management that I have control over my financial situation, and 2) I have a lot more control that I think over my financial circumstances and over my stress levels and sense of well being.  I just couldn't see it until I became open to learning and willing to try a different way of approaching money and lifestyle.  

Believe it or not, proactively "budget" our money so that 1) the lifestyle we can actually afford becomes clearer and more realistic, and 2) lets us consistently incorporate into our expense budgets, money for all of the typical expenses like car repairs, etc, as well as for incorporating into our lives that which brings us joy.   Rather than creating a lifestyle and then trying to finance it, we identify what we can afford and create a lifestyle within those parameters, in a way that creates far less stress.  If you're creative and resourceful, it's pretty amazing how much fun can be incorporated into life based on a far less materially rich lifestyle.  

Certainly in the U.S., these days it's hard to escape hearing that our economy is in bad shape which translates into financial hard times for us on individual levels.  Therefore there are lots of efforts to help people budget in a way that allows us to create a financial safety net for those unexpected tough times.  Sounds like maybe "the universe" is calling you to deal with this issue.  Thanks for the question.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you can't relax because you are financially overextended.  A $22.00 car part should not put anyone in a corner of having to wait until the next paycheck.  Regroup, take a serious look at your finances and realign your priorities.  You didn't mention having six months worth of living expenses in a savings account.  If you had that, you could rest better.  And, yes, I understand how you feel.  I was there about 4 years ago because of my divorce.  It sucks to feel that way.   Things will look up if you take control of your situation.