Feeling unhappy in life

[quiettimes]

Aibu to feel my life is a mess? I’m 27, on £28k and privately rent. Most my money goes on bills. I’m struggling to get a job on promotion. I have things to look forward to like a friend’s wedding, but feel like there’s nothing to look forward to in my own life. There’s been zero progression since the last 2 years. It’s all a bit “meh”

I haven’t voted on your AIBU because I feel that voting YANBU is too harsh and voting YABU would invalidate your feelings. I think your thought is a classic 2am thought as I call it.

The cost of living crisis is brutal so feeling like you’re being consumed by bills is a valid way to feel; YANBU there. You say you also want a promotion but can’t get one and this will be compounding your money issues. I wonder if you could do a sideways move to another company with more progression opportunities? That way you could either go straight up or you can stay at the same level but you will know you can move up soon.

Your genuine happiness for your friend suggests that you are a lovely person with solid friendships. Imagine if you didn’t have that? I think you’ve got something there. I appreciate you want more in your own life though so do you think you could reignite enthusiasm for your own life by taking up a hobby? It might not sound like a helpful suggestion but I believe having a passion that you make time for can make life far more worthwhile.

I don’t really know the details of your wider life but I do think it’s hard for people of your age to feel like they are ‘launching’ due to all the financial obstacles in today’s world. All I can suggest is to find a way to earn a bit more and/or budget a little more tightly and also do an activity to get some sparkle back in your world. I hope you’re ok.

I'm your age and not on masses more. But the only way I got a raise/ higher wage was by moving jobs. Unfortunately, employers seem to be refusing to pay employees more right now and it's such slow going to get any progression.

I'd suggest having a look for what's out there.

I actually have a job interview today for a promotion but I’m not in the right headspace at all. Can’t even sleep! Luckily the interview is at 3pm

Personally at your age I would have thought that amount of money was decent! As someone said with col though it’s hard. No help but I do think you’re being too hard on yourself

okay - thank you

it’s a decent income if you live with parents as col isn’t as bad. I can’t afford to do much after necessities. Losing life’s sparkle is a great explanation!

I just need a kick up the bum to impress at this interview today as it would improve my situation. The role pays £34.5k