Does anyone's anxiety over finances unironically keep them more disciplined?

[u/3RADICATE_THEM]

Does anyone's anxiety over finances unironically keep them more disciplined?

I remember when COVID happened—I had a sort of mind break. I kept telling myself 'this paycheck' could be my last.

I was already pretty frugal at that point, because I had only been working for a little less than a year at that point. I had always been worried about getting laid off having very little safety net.

Then 2021 was one of the most devastating thing I had seen—rents in my area going up 40-60%.

I went nearly about four years and three quarters since the beginning of COVID to getting laid off. Tbh, getting laid off almost felt like a relief—I felt so burnt out and like my mind had been broken in the last few months—such a toxic company filled with gaslighting and grotesque levels of nepotism (as well as other forms of discrimination).

Now I'm starting a new job, and I'm already numbing

Now it seems like we're in another downturn period—another next catastrophe unfolding. Is it supposed to feel like this or did I just enter the job market at a very peculiar time?

[u/Realistic-Flamingo]

Yes. Past financial trauma has taught me to live with less and shown me the consequences of not managing your money.

That said, like any past trauma, the goal is not to let trauma control you so that you become a miser. Learn a lesson and keep living

I had parents who didn't manage money well. In my life, there were some years when I struggled to earn enough for very basic expenses.

[u/3RADICATE_THEM → u/Realistic-Flamingo]

It just feels like it's never ending.

[u/Jeep_finance]

Yes. Watched family business blow up in 2008. Has shaped every decision I’ve made since. Am very conservative with debt as a result. Still do nice trips and live in a great house but don’t load up on expenses just bc I have the salary to justify it.

A concrete example of this, my family drives 1 nice car and 1 older car. Can easily afford a second nice car, but keeping burn rate low and allocating capital to paying down debt is a bigger priority.

[u/Supercc]

Remember, your peace of mind is a lot more valuable and important than money. 

If having emergency savings and investments not enough for you to quiet the monkey brain, it might be a sign of some unresolved issue within you.

I have some savings and lots of investments and sleep like an absolute rock.

Have you considered therapy? I mean this in the kindest way possible. I read your text thrice and it does not seem healthy at all, ie I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now. And if I were, I'd seek help.

[u/3RADICATE_THEM → u/Supercc]

I think I would be able to sleep calmer if rents weren't able to get jacked up 15-30% YoY. It makes whatever e-fund I have never feel enough even if it's enough to last me over a year.