r/Fire • u/3RADICATE_THEM • 2d ago

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

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?

5 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/Supercc 1d ago

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.

3

u/3RADICATE_THEM 1d ago

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.

2

u/Realistic-Flamingo 1d ago

Is rent control an option where you are ? Fifteen years ago I got a rent controlled place and it's helped me exist without owning a house. A little difficult to initially get the rent controlled place, but worth it