Breaking Free from Financial Anxiety
As a high-achiever, I’ve always been driven to succeed. But during my senior year of college, my anxiety reached a boiling point. The pressure to excel in difficult classes, navigate job woes, and juggle relationship drama took a toll on my mental health. I was petrified about starting grad school, and the thought of taking on more student loans was suffocating.
The Job Hunt Nightmare
I quit my part-time job to focus on my studies, relying on my savings to get by. But finding a new job proved to be a daunting task. I was naive about the competitive job market and ill-prepared for office interviews. My first few attempts were disastrous, and I began to doubt my abilities. The fear of running out of money triggered crippling anxiety, which soon seeped into my daily life. Panic attacks became a regular occurrence, and I felt like I was losing control.
Finding Solace in Financial Control
After months of struggle, I landed an HR Assistant job, albeit at a lower salary than I’d hoped. While having a job alleviated some pressure, my anxiety persisted. It wasn’t until I took charge of my finances that I began to find peace. Here’s how I coped:
Tackling Debt
I graduated with a staggering $75,000 in student loan debt. Initially, nearly half of my income went towards debt repayment. But I refused to let debt define me. I devoured personal finance books, created a budget, and implemented the debt snowball approach. By increasing my income through overtime, raises, and freelance work, and slashing expenses, I’ve paid off $60,000 so far. The weight of debt is slowly lifting off my shoulders.
Building a Safety Net
Once I’m debt-free, I’ll focus on building an emergency fund. Having a cushion will give me peace of mind, knowing I can cover unexpected expenses without going into debt. I’ll also start investing and planning for retirement, ensuring I can retire comfortably at 65.
Accepting the Unknown
While I can control my financial decisions, there are factors beyond my control. I’ve learned to accept that uncertainty is a part of life. Instead of worrying about potential disasters, I’ve chosen to focus on what I can control – making smart financial choices.
By taking charge of my finances, I’ve reduced my anxiety about money. I’ve learned to accept that there’s only so much I can control, and that’s okay. By making conscious financial decisions, I’ve found a sense of peace and freedom from financial anxiety.
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