Sad I’m not a millionaire

[DoleWhipFloat]

I’m genuinely sad lately. I have a good job and up until now have been able to do so much for my son.

But, the cost of living is starting to eat up the disposable income I used to have and where I never really worried about money before, it’s on my mind often.

I started feeling sad when we shut off the heating way before it was really warm enough to do so. I bought DS a fluffy blanket and dressing gown to keep his warm. That made me feel crap.

DS’s prom is coming up and whereas before I’d have just gone and bought his suit, this time I’m worried about spending that money and am selling off things of mine to try to pay for it.

I know that compared to many, we are still really fortunate and I can pay my bills and put food on the table, but I’m so sad that our lifestyle has taken this ‘nosedive’.

I have some savings which we never used to dip into, but we dip into often now. They won’t last long.

I have also recently been demoted due to money saving restructuring and my pay packet will reduce by £300 a month next March.

So, I feel sad. I wish I could just win the lottery or something and not have these feelings of failure and fear. For years life was starting to get easier and easier…damn.

I can’t imagine how some people must feel. No point to this thread, other than to just get it off my chest.

It all feels a bit surreal doesn’t it? It reminds me of the start of covid, when I’d have moments thinking “well this can’t be reality” but it is. The future looks scary.

But on a practical note you have to separate out your self worth from your circumstances - it’s not your fault. Feeling bad for things you can’t control will make you ill. (I’m sorry if that sounds flippant but it’s important not to internalise the blame)

Yes - putting the central heating on has now assumed the status of a 'treat'. I am absolutely dreading next winter.

Instead of feeling sorry for yourself why don’t you look for a job that pays more? Or at least pays you what you have already been earning prior to the loss of the 300 pounds. That’s an easier aspiration than winning the lottery and will ease the pressures.

I dont speak from financial privilege by the way but I can see how easy it is for some people to get mentally stuck in a poverty trap with all the doom and gloom news regarding the COL crisis.