To be angry about my dreary suburban life

[Peachypear10]

After getting a good degree, building a desirable, professional career, living/working abroad, I've somehow ended up living the life I wanted to avoid - living in a shoebox in British suburbia, watching TV every night, a Saturday curry or Nando's being the hightlight of my week. I can't believe I'm nearing my 40s and can't even afford to rent a place by myself. I'm furious.

Some of this is pandemic induced but mostly it's that I can't afford to do anything or move anywhere else. Is this just most peoples' destinies and I should accept it?

@MasterGland totally agree!

Could you borrow a bit off your parents and pay it back, and buy a one bed somewhere cheaper than where you are now? Or look into shared ownership ?if you’re on your own, you’re in a position to live somewhere where you don’t have to worry about schools and things like that.

I know what you mean. My situation is different, but it’s something I very much didn’t want. I’m in it for my kid.

I’m in the same boat. I feel truly stuck. Two children both with complex special needs, work is the only job that I could find that would fit round them and we can’t move as they’re both in specialist schools and we have a teen due to start their GCSE year.

I would make a list of things you could and want to change and go from there. Could you move, change job, take up a different and more interesting hobby?

that is something that keeps house prices high in the UK - unearned wealth meaning some buyers have a hugely disproportionate leg up the property ladder compared to others.

Sadly it is this lack of inherited wealth which has many hard working, educated millennials living on the breadline or with very poor long term prospects and financial security.

Alongside this, I have several other key factors working against me. Still, I count my blessings.

One of the best things I did when I split with me ex

I didn't buy a TV

I made myself busy with other things, volunteered, visited friends & family, joined some new clubs

The only person who can make your life more interesting is you !

Could I recommend a book? It's called how to do everything and be happy by Peter Jones. It was recommended on MN and now I recommend it to everyone.

@StrictlyAFemaleFemale

Could I recommend a book? It's called how to do everything and be happy by Peter Jones. It was recommended on MN and now I recommend it to everyone.

I've recommended that book many times on MN! It's amazing.

OP you used to live abroad, can you do so again? I left the UK 15 years ago and my life improved immeasurably. I have zero regrets.

We do all pay tax, however poor we are. We pay 20% VAT on almost everything we buy, and we contribute NI too.

YABU
Nobody is forcing you to watch TV. Find something more interesting and useful to do.
Get a hobby, learn something, start an online business, etc.