She Strengthens

Chasing Dreams on a Shoestring Budget

The Humbling Experience of Financial Rejection

I still remember the desperation and humiliation I felt last summer when my husband Brandon and I were denied apartment after apartment due to our low income. We had made a bold decision to leave Ohio and move to North Carolina to pursue our dream careers in acting and filmmaking. With nearly a decade of training under my belt, I was determined to bring characters to life, while Brandon wanted to tell stories through film.

A Risky Move

We took a leap of faith, giving up our comfortable lives in Ohio to chase our artistic passions. A vacation to New York sparked our decision, where we attended workshops and learned new skills. We house-sat for a few months, hoping to find an affordable apartment, but the high cost of living in North Carolina made it a bigger struggle than we anticipated.

The Emotional Toll of Financial Rejection

Week after week, we applied to apartments, only to be rejected again and again. Even low-income housing was out of our reach, despite our solid financial history. The constant rejection took an emotional toll, making me question my decision to move and whether it was selfish to chase my dreams.

A Turning Point

In a state of panic, I scoured Craigslist one last time and found our current apartment. We met with the landlord and were approved based on our good credit score. The landlord didn’t care how we made a living, as long as we paid our bills on time.

Making Ends Meet

Today, I work full-time in media management and graphic design, earning around $1,200 a month. Brandon freelances in videography and design, and recently took a job at Olive Garden to help us through the slow season. Most of our income goes towards student loans and furthering our education. We prioritize what’s important to us and make sacrifices to compensate.

Simplifying Our Lives

We’ve learned to live simply, cutting costs wherever possible. We share a car, which saves us almost $1,000 a month. We also rent out our spare room to a roommate, which helps us stretch our finances. We prioritize our physical and mental health, eating wholesome meals and exercising regularly.

The Power of Support

The most humbling part of this experience has been accepting support from loved ones. Our friends and family have been a lifeline, offering us a place to stay, emotional support, and encouragement. We’re grateful for their help and look forward to returning the favor when we’re more financially stable.

Gratitude and Humility

Looking back, we’re grateful for the sacrifices we’ve made to chase our dreams. We’re the happiest we’ve ever been, despite the financial struggles. I’ve learned to accept our lifestyle, humbled by the realization that it’s what makes our goals possible. We’re actively searching for ways to increase our income and live more comfortably, but for now, we’re making it work.