We're over halfway through with this challenge, and still going strong!
Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it
I think I have a great life and I've been able to experience all kinds of things. I'm lucky to have a great family, a great guy in my life, a cute and adorable pup, to have a job and actually enjoy what I'm doing, BUT....
I work for a school system. I have my Master's Degree. And yet, I make a pittance of a salary. We all hear that teachers are underpaid, but I'm here to tell you, it's true. I'm not even a classroom teacher--and let me tell you, those teachers work their BUTTS off. We all do.
I love what I do--I love working with kids, I love helping kids be able to speak better, improve their confidence/self-esteem....those are some of my most favorite days. When a parent cries, because their kid has made such progress--I live for that.
But, let's be honest. In order to live in the DC area, the only way that I would be able to afford to buy a house is with the help of someone else. I'm 30 and I can't even buy my own place. It's frustrating to feel like I've got all of this education, I work hard at what I do, and yet, in my personal life, what do I have to show for it? What will I EVER have to show for it? I'm not really sure....
How do I work to overcome this?
I'm careful with my spending (you know, minus some online shopping here and there all over the place), MG and I live together luckily (that's not the reason we live together, but it definitely helps), and I remind myself that in today's times, I'm lucky that I have a job at all, that allows me to pay the bills. And I'm even luckier that I like what I do. Most days :)
Don't forget to check out my other post today: Cajun Shrimp and Rice w/ Veggies recipe!
Don't forget to check out my other post today: Cajun Shrimp and Rice w/ Veggies recipe!
I have a Master's degree and don't make crap for money. On top of that I have a large amount of student loans. I live with my boyfriend, but he pays the ENTIRE mortgage because my student loan payment is entirely too high for me to help. It's frustrating. :(
ReplyDeletePrices in DC/NOVA are ridiculous. JUST ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteBut as you said to me, if money is the only 'gripe' we have, we are super blessed
Ah man, I feel your frustration on being so qualified and earning such a ridiculous salary. I have friends who have a highschool certificate and earn double what I do. They have houses and cars and boats and go on weekend tripes all the time.
ReplyDeleteBut you are right, there is so much to be thankful for!
Girl, we talked about the same thing in a way. I'm tired of being over eductaed and under employed. But I guess it could always be worse.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! People do not understand how under-paid teachers are! I can pay my bills, but that's about it, and I work just as many hours, if not more, than a person with a 8-5 job!
ReplyDeleteI definitely know what you mean. Working on Capitol hill you start out essentially below the poverty line. While I've been here three years and worked my way up a bit, it's still not much better. I feel like going back to school is really my only option at this point to come back into the job market at a higher level. It's super frustrating. But we'll get there I'm sure :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post! You have a lovely blog. I'm so glad I stumbled upon it :)
ReplyDelete-Jen
I'm in the same boat as you. I have my Masters in Counseling and don't make as much as I thought I would at 31. I like my job a lot, just wish I made more.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain:( We are moving to Mexico so we can MAYBE buy a house here someday. We have a huge student loan debt, too, so that doesn't help! Oh, and no, I'm not working in the schools right now, but if I was, every single penny I would earn would go to day care for my two kids. I do feel lucky, though, that we can work and see kids privately! I will say that I'm loving it.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to get ahead these days! It's totally do-able, though! We have saved up enough to buy a house after a few years of budgeting, so keep it up!
ReplyDelete