Navigating Financial Anxiety: The Struggle of Young Adults
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Understanding the Weight of Financial Pressure
The reality of financial instability weighs heavily on many, including myself. At just 20 years old, I find myself stressed and overwhelmed by financial concerns. In a world where inflation seems relentless, it's easy to feel consumed by the need for money.
I’ve come to realize that my relationship with money is fraught with negativity. The anxiety it brings me is exhausting, and I despise how it drains my energy as I constantly chase after it.
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In our current environment, the thought of earning money is pervasive. After all, money is the driving force behind our daily lives. There isn't a moment where I'm not preoccupied with my bank account balance—often disheartening, as it may hover around just a couple of dollars.
Daily Struggles of Side Hustles
Every day, I contemplate which side hustles I can take on to scrape by. Currently, I have a flexible position at Amazon, which I find draining but necessary for my schedule. My experiences there could fill pages on their own. Additionally, I sell makeup on platforms like Mercari and Poshmark, though sales fluctuate. I've recently started offering services on Fiverr and am considering apps like TaskRabbit or Rover, all while managing a full course load at school.
The challenge is compounded by many service apps requiring a hefty application fee—ranging from $25 to $35—without any guarantee of success. This uncertainty makes me hesitant to invest in opportunities like TaskRabbit or Rover. I've even contemplated selling glass art or starting delivery services, especially since I just got my driver's license.
Balancing these various endeavors feels overwhelming, and I often question the purpose behind it all. Am I working just to cover my phone bill or basic needs? Is the sacrifice of my mental and physical health worth it?
It's disheartening to put in effort daily without knowing if I’ll make enough to meet my monthly expenses. The stress of constantly needing money is daunting, and I often dread the thought of having nothing to fall back on.
The Burden of Expectations
Society seems to expect young adults to be busy and financially savvy, but the truth is that every day feels like a race to achieve financial stability. The stigma surrounding young adults being "young, dumb, and broke" is outdated; in this economy, being uninformed or broke is not an option.
Many portray money-making as simple, promoting side hustles and easy cash flows. While some may benefit from these strategies, most of us struggle to make ends meet. As a young adult, I lack the resources to invest in ventures like drop shipping or other trending money-making schemes, leaving me with the grunt work until I finish my studies. I hold on to the hope that a stable job will eventually ease my financial worries, though that feels like a distant dream.
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Feeling Consumed by Finances
Despite the myriad of stressors in life, money remains a predominant concern. I often avoid social outings, even when friends offer to pay, due to my tight finances. Simple pleasures become inaccessible when I prioritize being financially responsible over enjoying life.
Monthly bills feel like a recurring challenge, as I stress about affording them again in the future. This cycle of financial worry raises the question: do I truly hate money, or is it the dependence on it that I detest?
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Exploring Perspectives on Financial Worth
The first video, "Does the phrase 'Earn a Living' mean you don't deserve to live?" explores the broader implications of financial pressures on our self-worth and existence.
In the second video, "What Kids Think They Need To Earn To Live A Good Life," we delve into the perceptions of financial success among the younger generation and their aspirations.
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Social Life vs. Financial Stability
At 20, the desire to enjoy life is strong, but financial constraints loom large. Questions like, "Can I afford to go out with friends this weekend?" often yield a disappointing "no." I find myself pushing through each week, hoping for enough profit to treat myself occasionally, creating a never-ending cycle of hard work and disappointment.
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